The modern barcode system we use today first originated in the late 1940s. Its initial market debut came in the summer of 1975 and was used as a way to monitor the inventory control and increase worker productivity.
Nowadays, we see barcodes on almost every product for sale, giving the symbol an automatic association with capitalism, consumerism and work.
As people begin to reject consumer culture and celebrate individuality even more, we see new trends emerging in the realms of fine art, music and tattoos alike. The barcode tattoo is one of these artistic statements, functioning as a way of taking a stand against the status quo of our modern corporate-driven society.
If you’re drawn to the barcode tattoo, read on and explore the possible meanings behind it, best locations, barcode tattoo ideas, and much more.
things to know before getting a barcode tattoo
Before you take the leap into your badass barcode tattoo, be sure to do your research and find an artist who is skilled in precise line work.
Always be sure to review an artist’s portfolio before scheduling an appointment, so you can better understand what they specialize in and whether or not they’d be a good fit with your vision. try to conceptualize in advance what you would like to include in your barcode piece, such as birth date numbers, letters, and the barcode itself.
To help you along your journey, there are several free barcode generators online that allow you to create your own design. When deciding how to add more elements to the barcode, such as images or variations on the design motif, consult your artist and listen to their recommendations.
frequently asked questions about barcode tattoos
what do barcode tattoos mean?
Contemplating the meaning of the barcode tattoo, it becomes apparent that the main themes behind the tattoo generally revolve around individualism, warnings against becoming a product or “slave”, stances against capitalism and consumerism, and protests against corporate greed.
For those who use their barcode tattoo as a symbol of dissent, the pervasive ideology behind it is that most of us are workers who work to survive, but ultimately serve the ultra-elite who control the majority. of resources, goods and opportunities.
Although beliefs and positions on capitalism vary, people who choose the barcode symbol as a form of protest tend to believe that capitalism is a system based on greed and disregard for equal opportunities. opportunities.
Those who don’t have access to a decent education or adequate resources tend not to thrive in systems like this. moreover, those who suffer from physical and mental ailments, as well as the elderly, are also often unable to compete in a capitalist society.
For these reasons, among many others, people believe that capitalism and consumerism help create human suffering and that the rewards obtained from this type of system do so at the expense of the “lower class”.
In this way, we can see the barcode tattoo as an ironic symbol, nodding to the disposable condition of the modern worker and the aspiration for something better to replace the current system.
for some who choose to adorn their body with the bar code tattoo, the statement has less to do with a commentary on the state of society or the industry and more to do with the commemoration of special dates, the marking hidden meanings or celebrating individuality.
Just as a particular barcode is used to identify an individual product, so too can a barcode tattoo function to represent an individual person.
many have chosen to incorporate sentimental dates, names or single words into their unique barcode tattoos.
others have worked on animal elements, city skylines, zip codes, and any custom image or symbol imaginable.
Although the barcode tattoo can be used to signify feeling like a cog in a machine, it can also function to represent a fierce sense of individuality and a rejection of conformity and “sameness”.
Regardless of your personal connection to the barcode symbol as a tattoo, it’s entirely possible to customize the piece to fit your beliefs and intended meaning.
can you scan a barcode tattoo?
many often wonder, will a barcode tattoo be scanned? And the answer is yes!
As long as the artist has been accurate with their line of work, your custom barcode tattoo will be able to be detected by a traditional scanner.
Although as a word of warning, make sure you know what your barcode will be scanning before getting your tattoo. if you don’t want to get scanned like a bag of hot cheetos or feminine hygiene products, be sure to create a custom barcode or pick one you don’t mind using!
can you create your own barcode tattoo?
yes, it is possible to create your own custom barcode tattoo!
When contemplating your particular barcode tattoo design, think about the elements you want to incorporate and how you’d like them placed. There are no rules when creating your permanent artwork, so if you want to create a barcode birthday tattoo, use bold or rainbow colors, or have the barcode melt or transform into something else, then you can’t go wrong! anything is possible!
For best results, it is recommended that you bring any reference materials, such as upc barcodes and additional images, to your artist to allow them to bring your vision to life.
Also read: How to book your first tattoo appointment?
how to generate a barcode for your tattoo
There are several barcode generator websites available that allow you to easily create your own barcode design; incorporating specific numbers, characters, letters, or single words.
Some people select numbers that represent anniversaries, birth dates, or important moments in life. others prefer to use this feature to adorn their skin with the initials or name of their partner or loved one.
Scott Blake, an artist who specializes in barcode tattoos, suggests that your design should contain about 42 vertical lines per inch of space and a mix of black and white bars. the ideal size for a scan-ready barcode tattoo should be approximately 2.26 to 2.5 inches to allow room for the necessary line work.
If you don’t want to use an online generator, you can always collect sample upc barcodes that interest you and give them to your artist as reference material.
what information can a barcode tattoo contain?
Your barcode tattoo can contain a lot of information, some of it personal just to you and some of it that you’ll call and display at your local supermarket or convenience store.
Barcodes are traditionally used to identify specific products and their prices, so depending on which barcode you choose, you can call like oreo cookies or a new pair of shoes, it’s up to you.
By using numbers at the base of your barcode, you can include sequences that have sentimental meaning to you, allowing the tattoo to have an element of hidden or unexplained meaning.
Ideally, many would love to receive barcode tattoos that could be easily scanned to reveal employment history, medical history, or other pertinent individual information. Although there are no tattoos of this type available now, the possibility seems closer than ever.
thomas heeter recently filed a patent to create a barcode tattoo that would allow customers to scan their skin at the register instead of using cards or cash. the barcode tattoo is connected to the person’s bank account, automatically withdrawing the money when the tattoo is scanned.
While some people are excited about this prospect, others fear it could be a biblical warning about the state of society and could be similar to the “mark of the beast” as described in the bible’s book of genesis .
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Also read: blood, sugar and needles: diabetic tattoos meet professional cycling
what are the numbers in a barcode?
Numbers in a barcode work to identify particular aspects of a product.
The first digit is used to identify the numbering system, the next five digits identify the manufacturer, and the next five digits represent the individual item. the twelfth and last digit of the barcode is traditionally used as the “check digit”.
barcode tattoo designs
When designing your unique barcode tattoo, there are many resources for inspiration and aesthetic options. you can keep your design simple and classic, or add unusual components to paint your own picture.
With barcode tattoos now gaining visibility in popular culture, many are interested in finding a design of their own.
Video games have helped popularize this tattoo, particularly the “hitman” series of games, with the protagonist “Agent 47” sporting a barcode tattoo on the back of his neck. Many have asked what the hitman barcode tattoo means, only to discover that the barcode represents the cloning facility in which it was manufactured, hence the name “47”.
Popular barcode references such as this one seem to resonate with the ideology expressed by many who wear the barcode as a tattoo, such as feelings of limited freedom, “equality,” and a disposable work culture.
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Although the barcode tattoo can represent the evils of materialism and corporate greed, it can also be used as a symbol of individuality.
Depending on the design elements you add to your barcode tattoo, you can easily build a meaningful, custom piece together with your trusted artist.
Designs can easily range from cheerful and playful to sentimental in nature. some have chosen to make the barcode the focal point of their design, while others prefer to add the barcode as an addition to a larger piece.
Whatever your preferred style or aesthetic, rest assured you can create a highly symbolic barcode tattoo to represent your intended meaning.
best body locations for barcode tattoos
barcode tattoo on the neck
The barcode tattoo works perfectly on the back or side of the neck.
Many inspired by the hitman video game series have chosen this location to pay homage to the game’s main character, “Agent 47”.
Others enjoy the visibility of a barcode tattoo on the neck, feeling that it is a prime place to display their art. the small barcode size tends to work well in this space and can complement a larger back or shoulder piece.
barcode tattoo on wrist
For those who want to easily scan their art, the barcode wrist tattoo is an accessible and fun placement.
The small size of the barcode works very well in the space provided by the wrist and can be used as the start of a highly personalized case.
barcode tattoo on hand
If you’re looking for a truly unique piece, a barcode tattoo on the hand can be a great placement.
hand allows maximum visibility of your tattoo, while allowing you to easily scan yourself.
There are many variations of barcode hand tattoos, including palm tattoos and a wide range of additional design elements.
barcode tattoo on the back
If you’re looking to create a large-scale piece, a barcode tattoo on the back might be the best placement for you.
With the amount of space on the back, your artist can easily incorporate many additional design motifs and expand the size of the barcode.
While a larger barcode probably won’t scan, if you’re more interested in symbolism and artistry than functionality, the back is a great option.
why bar code tattoos are not always a good idea?
There are several factors that can make barcode tattoos not the best option for you.
For starters, you need to make sure you know what you’re scanning your barcode ahead of time, to ensure you haven’t permanently affixed something that you may later find degrading on your skin.
There have been stories of well-intentioned people ending up with barcodes for all manner of undesirable things, so it’s imperative to do your research first.
If you’re someone who wants their tattoos to age well, barcode tattoos may not be for you.
Due to the close proximity of the intricate lines and the skin’s tendency to sag and shift over time, these tattoos can end up appearing hazy and less legible over time.
If you can’t find a skilled precision line artist, these tattoos can look blurry, dull, or messy. there are plenty of artists with the skill level and ability to create these looks, be sure to check out their existing work before booking an appointment!
Also read: 5 reasons why you shouldn’t get a tattoo
qr code tattoos
qr code tattoos are made up of 2d barcodes that contain what is known as “alphanumeric” information.
When choosing to get a qr code tattoo, make sure the content your code will generate is permanent. if you insert a link to a website in your code, it is possible that years later the site will be down and the code will become somewhat useless.
many suggest choosing something that will remain “static” for your qr code, such as a favorite quote, the name of a loved one, or a personal mantra.
When designing your qr code tattoo, consult an experienced and skilled artist to bring your vision to life!
