Why Do People Get Tattoos on Friday the 13th?

Published by Paul-Anthony Surdi at September 4, 2024

The Story Behind The Friday the 13th Tattoo Trend

Ever wonder why tattoo shops get super busy every Friday the 13th? Once known for bad luck and ominous vibes, this day has done a complete 180 in the tattoo world! It's gone from being a day of superstition to a full-on tattoo holiday. Forget staying home and hiding from black cats—now people are heading out to get inked! But where did this quirky tradition come from, and why is it such a big deal? Let’s explore!

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How Did Friday the 13th Tattoos Become a Thing? Spoiler: It's Not What You Think!

Believe it or not, Friday the 13th wasn’t always a celebration of tattoos. The trend started back in the 1990s when Oliver Peck, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas, decided to flip the script. Tired of the bad rap this day was getting, Peck set out to change its reputation by tattooing the number 13 on 415 people in just 24 hours. Talk about a marathon!

Inspired by sailors who believed the number 13 would bring them good luck, this event turned Friday the 13th into a tattoo tradition almost overnight. Fast forward a few decades, and tattoo shops worldwide are now offering special deals on Friday the 13th-themed tattoos. Think spooky symbols like black cats, skulls, and broken mirrors—perfect for capturing that eerie vibe of the day without breaking the bank!

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Why Do People Get Tattoos on Friday the 13th?

Did you know our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several exciting cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Connecticut.

Why Are Horror Icons So Popular on Friday the 13th?

Suppose you’re a fan of all things creepy and crawly. In that case, you’ve probably noticed a lot of Friday the 13th tattoos feature characters from horror films. Coincidence? Nope! The infamous date also shares its name with a wildly popular horror franchise. You know the one: Friday the 13th, where Jason Voorhees and his signature hockey mask terrorize the campers of Crystal Lake. Since his debut in 1980, Jason has become a tattoo staple, especially on—you guessed it—Friday the 13th!

And it doesn’t stop with Jason. Horror lovers also pay tribute to other creepy characters like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Ghostface. Want to show your love for these iconic figures? There’s no better day to do it than on Friday the 13th!

What Are Some of the Most Popular Friday the 13th Tattoo Designs?

Ready for some tattoo inspo? The beauty of Friday the 13th tattoos is the range of tattoo designs available. From classic symbols of bad luck to quirky takes on good fortune, here are some top choices:

1

Number "13"

It's the OG tattoo design that started it all! Small, simple, and iconic.

2

Black Cats and Broken Mirrors

Turn superstition into art! Black cats are no longer unlucky—they're just cute.

3

Candles, Daggers, and Snakes

Whether you're into the mystical or the edgy, you have a Friday the 13th tattoo.

4

Voodoo Dolls and Bloody Hearts

These are perfect for those who want to embrace the day’s eerie vibe with a darker twist.

5

Witch Hats, Spiderwebs, and Skulls

Keep it spooky with these all-time favorites. They're classic choices that never go out of style.

6

Lucky Charms and Crossed Fingers

Feeling ironic? Get a good luck charm on a supposed day of bad luck.

But it’s not just about the tattoo designs; it’s about the experience! Imagine the camaraderie of getting inked with fellow tattoo enthusiasts, all sharing in the fun and unique vibe of the day. It’s like a secret club, but way cooler!

What’s the Big Deal About Getting Tattooed on Friday the 13th?

So, why do people flock to tattoo shops every Friday the 13th? It’s simple—it’s all about the fun, the tradition, and the killer deals! Many tattoo shops offer special rates, making it an affordable way to start or add to your tattoo collection. Plus, something is thrilling about getting inked on a day with such a spooky reputation.

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Did you Know?

Ink Different, has locations in several exciting cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Connecticut.

Why You Should Consider a Career in Tattooing (Yes, Seriously!)

Think you might be interested in more than just getting a Friday the 13th tattoo? Why not dive deeper and turn your passion into a profession? At Ink Different Tattoo School, we’re here to help you channel your love for ink into a successful career.

What Sets Ink Different Tattoo School Apart?

At Ink Different Tattoo School, we’re all about creating the next generation of Tattoo Artists. Our tattoo apprenticeship program goes beyond just teaching you how to tattoo—it’s about giving you a well-rounded education in everything from tattoo design techniques to client interaction, all while working under the guidance of experienced Tattoo Artists.

Imagine learning in a supportive environment where creativity thrives, and every day is a new opportunity to sharpen your skills. And hey, if you love the thrill of tattooing on special days like Friday the 13th, imagine doing it daily!

Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!

Guaranteed Job Offer

Yep, you read that right. Complete our tattoo apprenticeship program, and we guarantee you a job offer. We’re committed to ensuring our tattoo apprentices have a place to start their careers and continue growing as Tattoo Artists.

Think about it: Why settle for anything less when we’ve got your back from day one?

Diversity and Inclusion

No matter where you’re located, there’s likely an Ink Different Tattoo School near you! We ensure our program is accessible to everyone. And guess what? We have 12 locations and currently opening our lucky 13th one ;) Our locations in Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale are bilingual! So whether you speak English or Spanish, we’re here to support you in every step of your tattoo journey.

So, Time to Turn Your Passion into a Profession?

If the idea of celebrating Friday the 13th with fresh ink gets your heart racing, maybe it's time to think bigger! With Ink Different Tattoo School, you can turn that passion into a lifelong career. Start your journey today and see how exciting the world of tattooing can be! Check out our programs and see what we’re all about.

And remember, Friday the 13th is just around the corner. Whether you’re getting inked for fun or planning to make it a career, there’s never been a better time to dive into tattoos!