Exploring Tattoo Styles: A Guide to Inspiration

Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, and choosing the right style is crucial. This guide explores various tattoo styles to help you find inspiration for your next ink.

Traditional (Americana & Neo-Traditional)

Rooted in sailor traditions, Traditional tattoos feature bold outlines, limited color palettes, and iconic imagery like roses, anchors, and eagles. Neo-Traditional builds upon this foundation with refined details and a broader color range.

Realism

Photorealistic tattoos capture incredible detail and emotion. Portrait tattoos, often executed in black and grey, are a popular choice within this style.

Watercolor

Mimicking the fluidity of watercolor paintings, these tattoos use blended colors and soft edges for an artistic effect.

Blackwork

Utilizing solid black ink, Blackwork encompasses styles like Tribal (drawing from ancient cultural patterns), Dotwork (creating images through countless dots – for example, shading a portrait with 10,000 dots), and bold graphic designs.

Minimalist

Clean lines and simple shapes define Minimalist tattoos – perfect for subtle statements.

Illustrative

Inspired by sketches and storybook art, Illustrative tattoos blend diverse elements with expressive linework.

New School

Vibrant, cartoonish, and often exaggerated, New School tattoos embrace a playful and energetic aesthetic.