It isn’t just a popular snack to eat at the movies. Popcorn is an iconic image that can stand in for the whole movie-going experience.

For the cinephiles reading this article, it’s a fantastic choice for a tattoo.

It’s a design that calls to mind nights spent at the movies, clinging to the edge of your seat in anticipation, and chowing down on your favorite snack as you’re taken on an adventure that transports you out of the movie theatre and into an alternate reality. It tells people you aren’t just a casual observer, but a passionate enthusiast. It means you value art and entertainment, not just in passing but as a connoisseur.

We form our first impressions of people within mere seconds of meeting them. Consider what sort of first impression you want to make when you meet somebody, and then factor that into your choice of a tattoo. What will a popcorn tattoo say about you? Among other things, it’ll tell everyone that entertainment is your top priority.

Consider the other sorts of events where popcorn is consumed: the circus, the carnival, a late date night in with your arm around your favorite lady. They’re all fun, memorable, exciting occasions, the kind worth reveling in and preserving the memories of for years to come.

A popcorn tattoo is its own sort of special shorthand for special times like these. And from a design perspective, there are all sorts of possibilities for how popcorn can be rendered. You can go the route of the traditional red-and-white striped paper bag brimming over with popcorn, scatter a trail down one arm, or complement the design with a classic film reel or a movie camera.