Lil Peep, the genre-bending artist who tragically left us too soon, was as known for his emotionally raw music as he was for his distinctive appearance, heavily adorned with tattoos. For fans and those intrigued by tattoo culture, Lil Peep’s ink tells a story, marking moments in his life, artistic commitments, and personal relationships. This article delves into the world of Lil Peep Tattoos, exploring the origins and meanings behind some of his most iconic designs.
Lil Peep’s journey into the world of body art began unconventionally, right in his own home. At fifteen, in the summer of 2012, Lil Peep, then known as Gus, got his first tattoo. Done in the garage of his new apartment by friends, this initial foray into tattooing was a youthful act of rebellion and self-expression. Unbeknownst to his mother at the time, the buzzing sound emanating from the locked garage signaled the start of a lifelong passion. When he finally emerged, he revealed a blue tattoo of his mother’s birthdate, accompanied by birds, inked onto his forearm. As he wisely told his mother, “You can’t go wrong with your mom.” This first tattoo, though amateur, marked the beginning of his extensive and deeply personal tattoo collection.
Fueled by his burgeoning love for tattoos, Lil Peep soon sought out professional work. Using a fake ID, he frequented a tattoo shop in Island Park. His mother would drive him, wait nearby to ensure he was accepted, and then return to pick him up later. During these early sessions, Lil Peep accumulated several tattoos, meticulously researching designs beforehand and saving screenshots of inspirations. His interests ranged from insects and playing cards to theatrical symbols and darker imagery. He was fascinated by unique tattoo placements and the artistry of body modification.
One of Lil Peep’s most recognizable tattoos, the small broken heart on his face, signified a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. He declared it a commitment to his path as an artist, a visual declaration of “not having a real job.” This face tattoo, a bold move for a young artist, became synonymous with his image and his dedication to unconventional artistry.
A significant chapter in Lil Peep’s tattoo story is his collaboration with Dana Vargas, a close friend of his sister. Dana, an aspiring tattoo artist from Long Beach, spent considerable time at Lil Peep’s home. In the fall of 2015, as Dana began working at a tattoo shop and needed practice, Lil Peep became her willing canvas. One of the first tattoos Dana gave Lil Peep was the “love” tattoo on his stomach. He specifically requested a childlike, unprofessional style for this piece, wanting it to appear as if a child had drawn it. This “love” tattoo became one of his most famous and discussed pieces.
Over the following months, Dana tattooed a series of designs on Lil Peep, each reflecting different facets of his personality and artistic vision. These included a coffin, the word “revenge” accompanied by a knife, “Fuck the Opps,” and a striking Grim Reaper with flames on his hand. Dana also created his centipede tattoo, incorporating beetles and ladybugs into the design, and the card symbols (ace, diamond, heart, club) on his knuckles. The word “Forever” graced his inner wrist, leading down to his thumb, and above it, the iconic sad face with flame hair.
One of their more ambitious collaborations was a multi-stage spiderweb tattoo, incorporating a spider, coffin, and eight ball. Dana first tattooed the web and outlines, and Lil Peep returned for subsequent sessions to have the image filled in. They enjoyed brainstorming tattoo ideas together, filling in smaller images around the larger pieces. Lil Peep’s enthusiasm for tattoos was evident, and remarkably, he had his sister Emma photograph almost every tattoo he got until February 2016, when he started touring with Schemaposse. These photos provide a detailed visual record of his evolving tattoo collection.
Lil Peep’s support for Dana’s artistry extended beyond tattoos. He encouraged her in other artistic endeavors, including a vibrant mural they created together in his backyard. Dana, inspired by sidewalk chalk drawings, drafted and painted a colorful mural featuring fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, which adorned their backyard for about a year.
Today, Dana Vargas is a successful tattoo artist based in Portland, Oregon, also pursuing painting and other art forms. Her Instagram showcases her diverse artistic talents and journey. Dana fondly remembers her time tattooing Lil Peep, emphasizing his unwavering support and confidence in her abilities, even when she was just starting out. Their collaboration was not just about tattoos; it was a testament to their friendship and mutual encouragement of each other’s creative paths.
Lil Peep’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual autobiography, reflecting his artistic spirit, personal relationships, and journey of self-expression. From his first garage tattoo to his collaborative pieces with Dana Vargas, each design tells a story, contributing to the iconic image of Lil Peep that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. His tattoos remain a powerful symbol of his unique artistry and enduring legacy.
