Different Tattoo Styles: A Comprehensive Guide to Ink Artistry

Updated: December 25, 2023 | Written by: Jamie Hejna

Tattoos are as diverse as the individuals who wear them. From small, delicate designs to large, intricate masterpieces, tattoos allow for personal expression in myriad forms. Whether you're contemplating your first tattoo or looking to add to your collection, understanding the different styles available can help you make an informed choice that resonates with your aesthetic and personal narrative.

Here's an insightful guide into some of the most popular and distinctive tattoo styles.

Traditional & Old School Tattoo Style

Traditional, or Old School tattoos, evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. Characterized by bold black outlines and a limited but vibrant color palette, these designs often feature nautical themes, swallows, hearts, and roses. Think of the classic sailor tattoos, and you're right in the heart of this enduring style.

The traditional tattoo style originated with sailors as early as the 18th century. Traditional tattoo designs often include bold lines, heavy shading, and solid blocks of color. These designs can be used to represent anything from loved ones to important life events, and are a great way to show off your individuality.

A traditional tattoo will cost you on average $100-$250/hour, and even more if the artist is well known and has a large following.

One of the most iconic traditional tattoo artists throughout history was Norman Collins, known by his nickname Sailor Jerry.

Despite their popularity, traditional tattoos can be expensive, and the process of getting one can be quite time consuming. However, for many people, the end result is well worth the effort. If you're thinking of getting a traditional tattoo, do your research first to make sure you know what you're getting into. Traditional tattoos are a beautiful tattoo style, but they aren't right for everyone.

Black and Grey Tattoo Style

Focusing on shades of black and grey, this style creates depth and dimension through careful shading. It's versatile and can be applied to almost any design, from portraits to landscapes.

Black & Grey tattooing originated in prisons in the United States during the mid-20th century. Due to limited resources, inmates created a homemade tattoo gun and used a single needle with black ink, leading to the distinctive monochromatic style.

This style gained mainstream popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly in Chicano communities of Southern California. It's known for its smooth gradients, detailed shading, and often portrays realistic subjects like portraits, religious, and Cholo themes.

Black and grey realism tattoos are a unique tattoo style that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This type of tattoo uses only black and grey ink to create realistic images, such as portraits or detailed objects.

The results can be stunningly lifelike, with a high level of detail that can make the image appear almost three-dimensional. While this style is not for everyone, it's perfect for those looking to recreate an exact replica of something special in their life – from a loved one’s face to a meaningful symbol or logo.

The process requires patience and precision on the part of both the artist and client; however, if done correctly, these tattoos will last for years without fading or losing any detail.

Tribal Tattoo Style

Tribal tattoos are deeply rooted in the cultural practices of various indigenous peoples worldwide. These designs are characterized by bold patterns and shapes, often in black ink, and can cover large areas of the body. Each tribal style, from Polynesian to Native American, has its unique language of symbols and meanings.

Tribal tattoos are perhaps the oldest tattooing style, with roots going back thousands of years across various cultures, including Maori, Samoan, Polynesian, and Native American. These tattoos often held significant cultural, spiritual, or social meanings, symbolizing rites of passage, status, and tribal affiliation.

The designs are typically bold and black, consisting of geometric patterns and symbols unique to each culture. Modern tribal tattoos often draw inspiration from these traditional designs while blending them with contemporary aesthetics.

Tribal tattoos can be a great way to showcase your unique personality and style. They can also be a way to express your cultural identity or connect with your heritage.

Portrait Tattoo Style

There is something undeniably special and unique about a portrait tattoo. Unlike other types of tattoos, portrait tattoos are designed to capture the likeness of a specific person – usually a loved one. They are incredibly personal, and can be incredibly powerful, too. When considering this type of tattoo, be careful with placement.

For many people, getting a portrait tattoo is a way of immortalizing someone they love. It's a way of ensuring that they will always be with them, no matter what happens. Portrait tattoos can also be incredibly symbolic. They can represent strength, resilience, and survival in the face of adversity.

Whatever the reason for getting a portrait tattoo, they are definitely not for everyone. They require a lot of trust and faith in the artist, as well as a deep understanding of the person being portrayed. But for those who are brave enough to go through with it, the results can be truly amazing.

Stick and Poke Tattoo Style

Stick and poke tattoos, also known as hand poked tattoos, are a form of tattooing that is done by poking the skin with a needle until the desired pigment is released. This type of tattooing is often considered to be more traditional and primitive than other forms of tattooing, as it does not use any electric tools. Instead, the artist will use a single needle to pierce the skin and inject the desired pigment.

Generally, stick and poke tattoos are usually smaller tattoos, although we have seen people go big.

While stick and poke tattoos may seem like a more simplistic form of tattooing, they can actually be quite intricate and beautiful. In fact, many artists prefer to use this method because it allows for more precision and control over the placement of the pigment. Additionally, stick and poke tattoos are often seen as less risky and less painful than other forms of tattooing.

If you're thinking about getting a stick and poke tattoo, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, it's important to find an experienced artist who knows what they're doing. Secondly, make sure that you take care of your tattoo properly once it's been completed. This means keeping it clean and applying sunscreen regularly to prevent fading.

Overall, stick and poke tattoos are a great way to get a unique and personal tattoo without having to go through the pain and hassle of traditional methods.

Watercolor Tattoo Style

The Watercolor tattoo style has gained a lot of popularity recently, this makes sense with more and more women getting tattoos. Watercolor tattoos are very delicate and beautiful looking. With minimal to no outline the colors flow over the skin.

Watercolor tattoos are one of the most beautiful and unique tattoo styles out there. These tattoos combine vibrant colors with soft lines and shapes to create a beautiful art form that can be truly breathtaking.

Unlike more traditional tattoos, watercolor tattoos do not use solid black outlines or heavy shading. Instead, the artist uses subtle shades and washes of color to create a unique and ethereal effect.

Watercolor tattoos are an excellent choice for those who want something that is truly unique and special. However, it's important to remember that watercolor tattoos require a great deal of skill from the artist, so make sure you find someone who has experience in this style.

Neo Traditional

Neo Traditional tattoos build on the foundation of the Traditional style by incorporating more colors, detailed shading, and a broader range of motifs.

While they retain the bold lines and classic designs, they're often more elaborate and complex.

Fine Line Tattoo Style

Grace and subtlety define the Fine Line tattoo style. With delicate lines and often minimalistic designs, these tattoos are perfect for those seeking an understated yet elegant piece of art. They are also a popular choice for first-time tattoo enthusiasts due to their less imposing nature.

Cybersigilism

This modern tattoo style combines geometric elements, sharp angles, and often a monochromatic color scheme to create designs that mimic circuitry and futuristic motifs. It's a nod to the digital age, blending technology with body art.

Realism tattoo style

Realism tattoos aim to replicate real-life imagery with as much detail as possible. From portraits to landscapes, these tattoos require a skilled artist to capture the nuances of light, shadow, and texture.

Blackwork tattoos utilize bold, black ink to create various designs, from intricate geometric patterns to solid silhouettes. This style emphasizes the contrast between skin and ink and can range from simple to highly detailed.

Originating from Germany, Trash Polka combines realistic images with graphic elements, creating a striking, collage-like effect. It's known for its bold use of black and red ink and its chaotic yet cohesive compositions.

Realism

Realism tattoos aim to replicate real-life imagery with as much detail as possible. From portraits to landscapes, these tattoos require a skilled artist to capture the nuances of light, shadow, and texture.

Japanese

Japanese tattoos, or Irezumi, are known for their vibrant colors, mythical creatures, and scenes from folklore. Often large and intricate, they tell stories and coey the wearer's characteristics or aspirations.

Trash Polka

Originating from Germany, Trash Polka combines realistic images with graphic elements, creating a striking, collage-like effect. It's known for its bold use of black and red ink and its chaotic yet cohesive compositions.

Geometric

Geometric tattoos are composed of shapes, lines, and patterns. They can range from simple designs to complex, interlocking patterns, often incorporating spiritual or symbolic meanings.

Patchwork

Patchwork tattoos are a collection of various smaller tattoos that create a larger, cohesive design. They can incorporate multiple styles and themes, allowing for a highly personalized tattoo.

Aesthetic

Aesthetic tattoos focus on beauty and visual appeal, often incorporating elements from various styles to create a piece that's pleasing to the eye. They can be both simple and intricate, colored or monochromatic.

Ignorant

The Ignorant style is known for its intentionally childlike and simplistic designs. It often features basic line work and a seemingly amateurish charm that belies its deliberate and often humorous or ironic nature.

Anime

Inspired by Japanese animation, Anime tattoos capture the vibrant and dynamic characters and scenes from popular anime shows and movies. They often feature bold colors and dramatic compositions.

Small

Small tattoos are understated and can be a subtle nod to a personal memory, interest, or value. They are versatile, often incorporated into larger designs, or stand alone as a delicate statement.

Micro

Micro tattoos take the concept of small to the extreme. These tiny, intricate designs require a steady hand and a great deal of precision. Despite their size, they can be incredibly detailed and meaningful.

Abstract

Abstract tattoos don't adhere to traditional structures or subjects. Instead, they use shapes, lines, and colors to create a piece that may evoke a range of feelings or interpretations, much like abstract art.

3D

3D tattoos are designed to give an optical illusion of depth and perspective. When done skillfully, they can appear to be three-dimensional objects sitting on or emerging from the skin.

Cartoon

Cartoon tattoos are fun and often nostalgic, featuring characters and styles from favorite animations. They are usually colorful and whimsical, capturing the playful spirit of animated worlds.

Continuous Line Contour

This style consists of a single, unbroken line that outlines the shape and internal features of a design. It's minimalistic yet can be quite expressive, capturing the essence of a subject with simplicity.

Pet and Animal

Animal tattoos can be done in various styles and often hold personal significance, representing traits, memories, or a beloved pet.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on your tattoo journey, remember that the style you choose should reflect your personal story and aesthetic. Whether you prefer the bold lines of Traditional tattoos or the delicate hues of Watercolor, there's a style out there that perfectly captures your spirit. If you're ready to turn your vision into ink, visit the experts at Trilogy Atelier for a piece that's as unique as you are.

Different Tattoo Styles Explained - A Guide for Tattoo Enthusiasts