24 Barcode Tattoos For An Everlasting Political Statement

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Whether you’re a blank canvas or thinking of adding another permanent political statement onto your body, a barcode tattoo might be right for you. Barcode tattoos have been around for quite a while, but they’re getting more and more popular with the surge of “scannable” tattoos.

What do you need to know about barcode tattoos before getting them permanently etched onto your body? Barcodes can bear more than one meaning, that’s for sure. People who are drawn to barcodes typically like the way they look and agree with what they represent – for the most part.

Barcodes are a commonly known symbol of protest against commercialism and capitalism in today’s world. Portrayed by a series of vertical black lines of varying widths and lengths, barcode tattoos are oftentimes “scannable” which makes them even more interesting and intriguing than they already are.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered some of the most ingenious ideas in this realm to get you inspired.

1. A matching barcode tattoo

Barcode tattoos can carry so many meanings, depending on what you’re going for. A matching barcode tattoo with your SO or your bestie, for example, can signify your individuality and everything that makes you, well, you.

2. A barcode on the forearm

A barcode typically comes with a unique set of numbers or letters under the barcode lines. When designing your own tattoo, don’t shy away from experimenting with those letters and numbers – add a date that means something to you, a word, or a mantra that reminds you of who you are.

3. A barcode on the back

People typically opt for barcode tattoos as some sort of rebellion against the government, society, and the culture of commodities. A barcode on the back can be your way of saying that you don’t want to take part in whatever the rest of the world is doing.

4. A QR code tattoo

Another version of a barcode tattoo would be a QR code tattoo. QR codes and barcodes serve the same primary purpose but they have different applications. Whether you opt for a barcode tattoo or a QR code tattoo, you can still send the same message to the rest of the world.

5. A barcode on the ankle

What about a barcode on the ankle? A barcode tattoo is an ironic symbol of protest against a culture where it seems as if everyone wants to be the same. With a barcode on the ankle, you can make a powerful statement that you want to stand out.

6. A barcode on the shoulder

A barcode with flowers and plants can be a great way for you to show your priorities. After all, a barcode is a statement against conformity. And in a world in which everyone wants to be one with technology, you can show off the fact that you want to be one with nature.

7. A barcode on the chest

A barcode on the chest can be a great way for you to attract attention, too. A chest tattoo might not be as visible as a forearm tattoo, a wrist tattoo, or a finger tattoo, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t get the point across.

8. A barcode tattoo with a smiley face

When you decide to get a barcode tattoo, you might feel like you’re making too much of a political statement. Add a little smiley face next to it and you’re good to go. A smiley face tattoo makes everything better, doesn’t it?

9. A simple and subtle barcode tattoo

If you’re obsessed with barcode tattoos, you don’t need to waste your time trying to figure out where to place it, who to show it to, and what to respond when someone asks you “What does it mean?” Opt for a simple and subtle barcode on the forearm or the upper arm and see what happens.

10. A barcode on the back of the arm

If you want to conceal your tattoo from time to time, you’re better off with a back-of-the-arm tattoo. It’s a great way for you to express your creativity without going all out or making a powerful political statement. Show it off if and when you want to.

11. A blue gradient barcode with a hidden Chinese word

Barcode tattoos might seem basic and boring to some, but that doesn’t need to be the case. When you opt for a barcode tattoo, you can work with your tattoo artist to come up with a unique design that showcases your personality and creativity.

12. A barcode flag tattoo

A barcode tattoo can be a different type of political statement, too. With a barcode flag tattoo, for example, you can showcase your patriotism and celebrate your country without going with the “regular” flag tattoo.

13. A barcode tree of life tattoo

A barcode is oftentimes seen as a symbol of acceptance of the manufactured lifestyle we’re all expected to live. A barcode with a tree of life, however, can be your way of rebelling against that notion and sending a message that you’re willing to fight for what’s right – no matter what.

14. A barcode on the arm

Whenever you’re struggling with the placement of your tattoo, opt for an arm tattoo. Arm tattoos are simple, easy to conceal and reveal, and are known to age quite well considering that they don’t stretch and move as much as some of the other body parts.

15. A barcode on the wrist

A barcode on the wrist? Absolutely! When we think of the perfect tattoo placement, we think of a barcode tattoo on the wrist. Whether you’re planning on actually scanning your barcode or showing it off to the rest of the world, you’re going to appreciate having it on display at all times.

See also: 24 Radiant Roman Number Tattoos To Mark A Memorable Date

16. A barcode on the thigh

A barcode on the thigh? A barcode tattoo might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t matter because not everyone gets to see your thigh tattoo. At the end of the day, thighs are great for tattoos because they offer you plenty of space to work with and that’s what matters the most.

17. A barcode tattoo with a word

A barcode tattoo can be much more than a celebration of diversity, too. When you add a date, a word, or a mantra to your barcode tattoo, you can completely change or amplify the meaning of the same tattoo. What do you think of adding the word “evade” to your tattoo?

18. A barcode on the hand

A barcode can be a part of your sticker sleeve or a collection of tiny tattoos you’ve been gathering for years and years. With a barcode on your hand, you can look (and feel!) great, and send a powerful message to the rest of the world. What’s not to love?

19. A barcode across the entire forearm

If smaller, simpler tattoos aren’t your thing, you might be interested in getting a barcode tattoo across your entire forearm. It’s clear that you aren’t planning on scanning your barcode, but that’s beside the point – you’ll certainly get a couple of nasty looks with a tattoo like that!

20. A “one of a kind” barcode tattoo

We already mentioned that barcodes typically celebrate individuality, but you can always take your barcode tattoo a step further. Add a mantra such as “one of a kind” to your tattoo and you’ll be reminded of your worth every single day.

21. “I love you” barcode tattoo

What about an “I love you” barcode tattoo? Whether you devote your tattoo to someone special or use it as a love letter to yourself, you’ll never regret adding a little “I love you” to your tattoo.

22. A barcode with a heart

We can’t forget about a barcode with a heart! A heart can be a great addition to your tattoo, too, because it can serve as a reminder to love yourself or to accept love from people around you. And it can be a declaration of love for your SO, your bestie, or your favorite family member.

23. A rainbow barcode

If black and gray tattoos aren’t your thing, you might be interested in getting a colored tattoo. A rainbow tattoo can represent different things, but it’s typically seen as a symbol of pride – you’re proud of who you are and you’re not afraid of showing that to the rest of the world.

24. A barcode above the ankle

We’re ending the article with a barcode above the ankle! Wherever you end up placing your tattoo, make sure you complete the design with whatever styles, symbols, and elements speak to you the most.