Tattoo Styles Explained
Tattoos come in all shapes, sizes, and artistic styles. Choosing a style can help you narrow down what you want and which artist might be the best fit.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular styles today:
Blackwork
Bold, heavy use of black ink—geometric patterns, abstract designs, or large areas of solid fill. Perfect for striking, high-contrast pieces.
Traditional (Old School)
Think bold outlines, limited color palette, and iconic imagery (anchors, roses, swallows). Timeless and eye-catching.
Realism
Artwork that looks like a photograph—portraits, animals, or objects rendered with shading and depth.
Neo-Traditional
A modern spin on traditional, with bolder colors, more detail, and creative twists.
Watercolor
Bright splashes and blends of color, often with minimal outlines. Looks like brush strokes on skin.
Japanese (Irezumi)
Rich history, mythological creatures, koi fish, dragons, and waves. Often large-scale and highly symbolic.
How to choose
Pick a style that resonates with your personality and long-term vision. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends—your tattoo should feel like you.
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