What is the Deal with Friday the 13th Tattoos?
Our talented friend and owner of Dark Mark Ink Tattoo Studio, GG invited us to be a part of their Friday the 13th Event last fall. Despite having ink, I was oblivious to this being a “thing” in the world of tattoos. GG patiently explained the tradition and their creative way of entertaining their waiting guests with a highly anticipated Friday the 13th community experience while they wait for their ink. As a business on the verge of branching out on our own, we wholeheartedly added this “new holiday” to our Calendar of Events!
Lucky 13
The 13th of the month never frightened me, after all I was born on the 13th… okay, I was born on a Saturday but I wouldn’t have been mad at all had it been a Friday. The infamous Friday the 13th—a date shrouded in superstition, horror movies, and a certain allure for the tattooed crowd. While some people avoid black cats (love them) And others suffer from triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13), traditionalists flock to tattoo parlors in search of ink that’s quirky, affordable, and steeped in a tradition as mysterious as the day itself.
But where did this inky ritual begin? And why do so many embrace this "unlucky" day as an opportunity to add to their body art collection? Let’s explore the fascinating history of Friday the 13th tattoos!
The Origins of Friday the 13th Tattoos
Tattoo artist Oliver Peck is often credited with popularizing the phenomenon in 1995 when he offered a 24 hour tattooing party offering $13 tattoos. He went on to break the World Record in 2008, when he tattooed as many people he could with the number 13 over a 24 hour period. He was inspired by superstitious sailors who believed number 13 tattoos would ward off bad luck. Mass inkings at cheeky prices made tattoos accessible to a wider audience, and soon shops across the U.S. followed suit, each putting their own spin on the tradition.
The Rules of the Game
Friday the 13th tattoos typically follow a few unspoken rules:
Pre-Designed Flash Art
Tattoo shops often prepare a special flash sheet filled with small, simple designs. These usually have spooky or kitschy themes—think horror films, ghosts, spiders, crystals or the number 13 itself.
First Come, First Served
No appointments here! Customers enjoy the waiting area while awaiting their chance to snag one of these lucky edition charms.
Small and Quick
The tattoos are designed to be small, quick to ink, and wallet-friendly. Most shops stick to a set price range, typically around $13, $31, or $66.6 (get it?).
Friday the 13th Tattoos, Crystals & More
For many, Friday the 13th tattoos are about more than just ink—they’re a badge of participation in a unique cultural event.
Here’s why Dark Mark Ink is the place to be:
Affordable Art: It’s a budget-friendly way to get a high quality tattoo in a safe and sterile environment, perfect for beginners or seasoned collectors.
Music and Shopping While you Wait: Hang out in the outdoor waiting lounge, commune with like minded peeps, shop your favorite crystals and other vendors, grab a tarot card reading and a bite to eat, enjoy DJ Chemical Lex on the turntables starting at 3pm…the adrenaline of the day makes for great memories.
Raffles & Giveaways: Stop by to enter our Metaphysically Me raffle for a free basket of goodies for being a follower of our Insta & Facebook accounts.
Make your Own Wand!: Hop on the opportunity to craft your very own wand between the hours of 5-8pm. They will have 12 spots available, supplies and instruction provided and it is free! Dark Mark Ink offers a wizarding world vibe and its theming is evident throughout your whole experience there. Sign up at the front desk and visit the Metaphysically Me booth if you would like to purchase added crystal energy to adorn it with.
Crystals Galore!!: Lean into the spooky vibes when taking the chance to buy the very latest in Metaphysically Me’s crystal collection. Due to the hurricanes delaying our store opening, many of our goodies have not yet been seen. You can literally be one of the first to “shop our store” before the store even opens! Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot deck is the ideal gift for your tarot-loving tatted truelove or grab one of our latest glittery gains from the L.A. bracelet designers, Wax & Wane. We are more than happy to help you curate the perfect crystal for your intentions!
“Metaphysically Me aligns perfectly with the spirit of our studio and our Friday the 13th event. Their focus on crystal energy and metaphysical tools resonates with our appreciation for individuality, healing, and self-expression.” -GG Gomez
Crystalize All of Your Holidays with Us!
So get a hold of your friggatriskaidekaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th itself) and embrace this “tattoo holiday” with us, in person! This tattoo tradition has turned a once-dreaded date into a celebration of creativity and community so why not celebrate this holiday as you prepare for the other holidays and start the new year off right: properly inked & armed with magical crystals! So, come join in on the fun and catch the last Friday the 13th of 2024- our favorite new holiday.