34 Best 1999 Tattoo Ideas
Amy Fournier
Table of Contents
About 1999 Tattoos
It’s hard to believe that 1999 was over twenty years ago. A lot of monumental events took place throughout that year: the Euro was first introduced, SpongeBob SquarePants premiered, and the third Harry Potter book was released.
Not to mention, 1999 was the turn of the century! It was an exciting, yet uncertain time to say the least. People were curious about what the 2000s were going to bring and if computers would all of a sudden collapse.
Aside from global events, this year can also have personal significance. For instance, perhaps, it’s the year you or your child was born. Or maybe, 1999 was the year that something life-altering happened and so you feel the need to capture this special moment in time forever.
Thinking about commemorating the year 1999 with permanent ink? Whatever your reason for getting this tattoo, I say go for it! But first, this article will explore the meaning of the 1999 tattoo, 1999 tattoo ideas, designs, and cost.
What Do 1999 Tattoos Mean And Symbolize?
The 1999 tattoo can mean many different things depending on the person who’s wearing it. Since this tattoo is quite vague, there are a multitude of reasons why someone may get inked with this number.
Here are a few common 1999 tattoo meanings and symbols:
- Birth Year: Someone may choose to get a 1999 tattoo because it was the year they were born and they are expressing their gratitude for the life they were given. Possibly, getting inked with their birth year reminds them of their mission in life, and to stay true to it.
- Significant Event: Many people get a 1999 tattoo as a reminder of a major transition period or event that happened during this year. Examples include anniversaries, sobriety, or survival.
- Nostalgia: Another reason why people may be drawn to get a 1999 tattoo is for nostalgic purposes. The year 1999 was a time before smartphones and streaming devices ruled society. It was a time when MTV was popular and Brtiney Spear’s and Slim Shady’s songs were playing on the car radio.
It also was the year (and decade) of CDs, DVDs, and Y2K fashion (hello low-rise jeans and butterfly clips). So, it’s very understandable why someone would want to look back in time to the year 1999—just ask Charli XCX and Troye Sivan.
Ultimately, the reasons for getting a 1999 tattoo are endless and extend beyond this shortlist. I wish I had time to ask everyone who has this tattoo to tell us what urged them to get it. Everyone will have a unique answer which makes this tattoo so alluring.
Also, chances are, you’ll probably get questioned about your 1999 tattoo if you decide to go for it. This can encourage deep conversation and make for an interesting chat nonetheless!
Where To Get A 1999 Tattoo
Where you get a 1999 tattoo can also alter the meaning. There are a lot of different ways you can wear this tattoo, depending on your preference. One thing you may want to consider off the bat is the size of your tattoo. Once you decide the size it will be easier to choose where on your body you’d like to wear it.
If you’re thinking about getting a small tattoo, then a popular option is to wear the 1999 tattoo slightly above your collar bone. This is a delicate way of showing off your fresh ink, while still being able to cover it up if you so desire.
For a small or medium-sized tattoo, you can place it on your calf which is another common and subtle option. And, to mix things up, you could break up the year by getting ‘19’ above one foot and ‘99’ on the other.
Finally, if you’d like to ‘go big or go home,’ you can get a large 1999 tattoo on your upper back. Surround it with florals to make it more interesting and eye-catching. The best part? No one will see it until you take your shirt off! Vacay mode? Check.
Listed below are some other places you can get this tattoo:
- Forearm
- Above the elbow
- Neck
- Bicep
- Thigh
- Chest
Have somewhere else in mind? Essentially, you are the architect of your own body. A 1999 tattoo will look dandy anywhere you see fit. So follow your arrow and do what feels right to you.
How Much Do 1999 Tattoos Cost?
So, you’ve picked out the perfect font, you chose one of the 1999 designs, and you’re ready to hit the tattoo parlor. Before you head out, you may want to consider the cost of a 1999 tattoo.
I wish I could give you a flat fee that you can expect to pay. However, the price will vary depending on several factors—including the size, the artist’s experience level, and how long it takes to draw the tattoo.
Generally, a short word tattoo running from two to four inches will clock in at $50 to $200 depending on how much detail you want. Also, this type of tattoo will only take about an hour or less to finish.
If the tattoo parlor you’re going to charges by the hour (which most do) artists will charge anywhere between $100 and $250 per hour.
For a quality tattoo by an experienced artist, you can expect to pay on the higher end of the spectrum. If the artist is mid-level, then you’ll probably dole out $150/hour as per the industry’s standard.
Looking to save some money? You can hire an apprentice or newbie if you’re feeling bold! Usually, people who are practicing their art will offer to do so for free or at a much lower cost than experts in the field.
In my personal opinion, it’s best to save up an adequate amount of money to get a tattoo you’ll be satisfied with now, and in the future. Don’t forget, tattoos are a permanent mark on your body so it’s best to treat them as an investment rather than a whim purchase.
34 Best 1999 Tattoo Designs
Now to the fun part! If you’re looking for some visual inspiration for your 1999 tattoo, look no further.
Down below, you’ll find a diverse selection of the best 1999 tattoo designs to help you get an idea of what this tattoo looks like and the different ways in which people wear it. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find something that speaks to your personality while you’re scrolling.
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History Of 1999 Tattoos
Humans have been getting tattoos since ancient history. Numerical tattoos, in particular, have a dark past and were often used to identify camp prisoners during World War II.
Birthday tattoos or year tattoos do not carry the same dismal weight as a serial number tattoo. Rather, a year tattoo often signifies gratitude and dignity.
Unfortunately, I was unable to pinpoint the history behind the 1999 tattoo. It’s safe to say that this tattoo probably gained popularity after the year 1999. Unless of course, there were a few forward thinkers who had big goals in mind for the future.
That being said, the 1999 tattoo is fairly new and niche. Perhaps as time goes on, people will find themselves yearning to travel back in time to 1999.
What better way to remember the year than with a permanent mark? Sad to say, the year 1999 will soon be considered vintage which may also contribute to this tattoo’s growth in the future.
Which Celebrities Have A 1999 Tattoo?
Are you eyeing a 1999 tattoo design? Wondering if any famous folks have one too? I searched the web to find out for you.
I thought for sure that the legendary Prince would have gotten a 1999 tattoo to match his song of the same title. However, I was sadly mistaken. Although I would recommend giving the song a listen anyway!
Many ‘90s kids have gotten a birthday tattoo to show off their generational pride. In terms of a 1999 tattoo, I was curious if any celebs had decided to get inked with this number.
Model Anwar Hadid, the brother of Bella and Gigi, has a 1999 tattoo located on his upper back, just below the back of his neck. Anwar’s tattoo is simple and minimalist, paying homage to his birth year while still being modest.
Similarly, but not the same, soccer player David Beckham has a shortened version of the 1999 tattoo. Instead of the full year, he has ‘99’ in small print on his pinky finger. Beckham chose to get this tattoo as a way to commemorate his marriage to Victoria Beckham. How sweet!
Was there anything about the year 1999 that stands out to you? Are you proud to say you are a ‘90s child even though you just slid by with the skin of your teeth? Why not celebrate this unique trait with a tattoo!
A 1999 tattoo is a timeless classic that will allow you to reflect on a time that was very different from today. I hope this article gave you some ideas for different designs, fonts, and placements of this tattoo if it’s something that you’re drawn to.
Looking for more inkspiration? We’ve got you covered:
