Ariana Grande Pokemon Tattoo: Why the Pop Star Chose Eevee

Ariana Grande has a lot of ink. Like, over 60 pieces of body art at the last count in 2026. But if you scroll back through the archives of her most iconic reveals, one specific piece of Nintendo nostalgia stands out.

It's the Eevee.

The Ariana Grande Pokemon tattoo isn't just a random doodle from a bored afternoon. It actually tells a pretty specific story about her downtime and her obsession with evolution—both in the game and her real life.

The 15-Hour Gaming Session That Started It All

Back in January 2019, Ariana was basically at the peak of her Thank U, Next era. You’d think a global superstar would be spending her days off at a spa or on a private jet to a remote island.

Nope.

She was at home, glued to her Nintendo Switch. She actually hopped on Twitter (now X) to tell her fans that she spent a full 15 hours playing Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! during a single day off. Honestly, that's relatable. Most of us have been there with a new game, but seeing it from one of the biggest singers on the planet was a vibe.

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A few days later, she made it permanent.

She went to see her go-to artist, Kane Navasard, in Los Angeles. He’s the one responsible for that fine-line, black-and-grey aesthetic she’s known for. When the photo hit Instagram Stories, the caption was simple: "I’ve wanted this for so long." Navasard even posted it himself, calling her the "best Pokémon trainer in the game."

Where is it and what does it look like?

If you're looking for it, the tattoo is located on her left upper arm (bicep area). It’s a fairly large piece compared to some of her tiny finger tats. It depicts a classic, smiling Eevee with one paw slightly raised. No color, just clean linework and soft shading.

Why Eevee? The Meaning Behind the Ink

You might wonder why she didn't go for Pikachu. I mean, Pikachu is the face of the whole franchise. But for Ariana, Eevee made way more sense.

In the Pokémon world, Eevee is famous for its "unstable" genetic makeup. It can evolve into eight different forms—Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, or Sylveon—depending on its environment and how it’s treated.

Fans have long pointed out that this mirrors Ariana's own career. She’s constantly "evolving." She went from a Nickelodeon kid to a pop princess to a theatrical actress in Wicked.

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Adaptability is the keyword here.

She’s also a huge fan of Japanese culture and anime. Remember her Spirited Away tattoo? She has Chihiro on her forearm for similar reasons. She wrote a whole thing about how Chihiro matures from an easily scared girl into a brave individual. The Eevee fits that same "growth" theme perfectly.

The "Team Mystic" Connection

Ariana isn't a bandwagon fan. She’s been in the trenches since the Pokémon GO craze of 2016. Back then, she was constantly posting screenshots of her catches and Pokedex updates.

When someone asked her what team she was on, she didn't hesitate: Team Mystic.

It’s kind of funny because blue is definitely her color, but it also shows she’s been into the lore for years. Getting the Eevee tattoo in 2019 was just the culmination of a decade-long obsession.

Dealing With the "Fake Fan" Comments

Whenever a celebrity gets a "nerdy" tattoo, the internet gatekeepers come out. You know the type. They ask you to name three songs or, in this case, three Gym Leaders.

People tried to do that to Ari.

But 15 hours of Let's Go, Eevee! in one day is a pretty solid defense. Plus, she’s actually been a playable character in a Square Enix game (Final Fantasy Brave Exvius). She has real "gamer" credits, even if she’s doing it in 6-inch heels.

How it looks in 2026

Lately, we’ve seen Ariana covering up or fading some of her older tattoos for her role as Glinda in Wicked. Heavy stage makeup is her best friend these days. However, the Eevee remains a staple of her collection. It hasn't been lasered off or covered by a larger piece, which says a lot given how often she updates her "canvas."

Thinking of Getting Your Own Pokemon Tattoo?

If you’re feeling inspired by Ariana’s ink, here are a few things to keep in mind so you don't end up with a permanent regret:

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1. Choose the "Evo" that fits you: Don't just get Eevee because she did. Look at the "Eeveelutions." Maybe you're more of an Umbreon (dark/moody) or a Sylveon (fairy/pink).
2. Artist style matters: Ariana’s tattoo works because it’s "fine-line." If you go to a traditional artist, it’ll look way chunkier. Match the artist to the vibe.
3. Placement is key: The bicep is a great spot because it’s easy to hide for work but looks cool in a tank top.
4. Reference the source: Bring a screenshot from the actual game or the official Pokédex art to your artist. Don't just say "a fox thing."

Ariana's Eevee is a reminder that even if you're a multi-platinum artist, you can still be a huge nerd for a Nintendo game. It’s one of her most personal pieces because it represents a rare moment of peace and "normalcy" in her chaotic life.

Next step for you: If you're planning a tribute tattoo, look up your favorite character's specific "meaning" in the lore first. It makes the piece much more significant than just a cool drawing.