A quick guide to some of the most common tattoo styles

American traditional

American traditional Tattoo style

Traditional tattoos, also known as old school tattoos, hold a special place in the history of tattooing. With bold, thick black outlines and a limited color palette of reds, yellows, greens, and blues, traditional tattoos exude a timeless charm. This style features iconic imagery such as anchors, hearts, swallows, pin-up girls, and other classic motifs. Rooted in the early days of tattoo culture, traditional tattoos pay homage to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of tattoo artists who paved the way for modern-day ink enthusiasts.

Illustrative

Illustrative Tattoo Style

The illustrative tattoo style is a captivating fusion of art and ink. It draws inspiration from various art forms, including illustrations, comics, and graphic novels. It often features intricate details, fine linework, and a wide range of subject matter, from fantastical creatures to whimsical characters and surreal landscapes. This style aims to replicate the aesthetics of hand-drawn illustrations, incorporating elements of shading, hatching, and crosshatching to create depth and texture.

Fine Line

Fine Line Tattoo Style

The fine line tattoo style is a delicate and intricate approach to body art. It is characterized by thin, precise lines that can either create detailed and intricate designs or simple outlines. Unlike traditional tattoos with bold outlines, fine line tattoos use thinner needles and lighter ink to achieve a more subtle and refined look. This style often incorporates intricate patterns, geometric shapes, botanical elements, and minimalist designs. Fine line tattoos require a high level of skill and precision from the tattoo artist, as they must maintain consistent line weight and ensure the details are executed flawlessly.

Watercolor

Watercolor Tattoo Style

The watercolor tattoo style is a breathtaking fusion of tattooing and painting. Inspired by the fluidity and vibrant colors of watercolor art, this style aims to replicate the dreamy and ethereal qualities of watercolor paintings on the skin. Watercolor tattoos often lack bold outlines, using soft edges, splashes of color, and blending techniques to create a more abstract and painterly appearance. The colors bleed into one another, mimicking the organic and unpredictable nature of watercolor pigments.

Realism

Realism Tattoo Style

The realism tattoo style is an awe-inspiring form of body art that aims to create lifelike representations of people, animals, objects, or scenes on the skin. This style requires exceptional skill and attention to detail from the tattoo artist, as they strive to capture the nuances of light, shadow, texture, and proportions. Realism tattoos often appear as though a photograph has been meticulously transferred onto the skin, showcasing remarkable depth and realism. From portraits of loved ones to intricate wildlife or nature depictions, the realism style allows for an incredible level of accuracy and precision.

Geometric

Geometric Tattoo Style

The geometric tattoo style is a visually captivating and mathematically inspired form of body art. With its precise lines, intricate patterns, and symmetrical designs, geometric tattoos create visually striking compositions on the skin. Drawing inspiration from geometry, this style often features shapes such as triangles, circles, squares, and polygons, arranged in mesmerizing and visually appealing arrangements. Geometric tattoos can range from minimalist and abstract designs to complex and intricate patterns.

Black & Grey

Black & Grey Tattoo Style

The black and grey tattoo style is a timeless and sophisticated form of body art. Utilizing various shades of black ink, this style creates stunning monochromatic designs with a range of depth and texture. Black and grey tattoos often feature realistic portraits, intricate shading, and captivating grayscale imagery. This style is known for its ability to capture intricate details, highlights, and shadows, resulting in a visually striking and three-dimensional effect. From delicate floral motifs to bold and dramatic compositions, black and grey tattoos offer a sense of elegance and artistry.