Types Of Tattoo Styles: A Tattoo Artist's Guide To Inkredible Tattoos

Over the years, tattooing has evolved in many different shapes and forms. While traditional work will always hold its novelty value, there are now many contemporary styles that have gained mass popularity. In the spirit of inclusivity, there are now many varied styles for different kinds of people with different preferences. Here are the 12 different types of tattoo styles you can consider for your next tattoo.

LBB Tip: This is not an exhaustive list as tattoo styles come and go, and there are so many variants available, that can fall under one or more of the mentioned styles. 

Traditional old-school style is the most prominent tattoo style that has existed since tattooing came to be of notice. They don't emphasise fine lines or brushstrokes but are tied to prominent imagery. And, since they have been around for a while, pre-conceived meanings for some of these tattoos float around. (cc: anchors symbolise stability, ships symbolise travel etc). 

Features: Bold lines, bright colors, and classic imagery like anchors, roses, and skulls.

Colour Palette: Limited color palette with a focus on red, blue, and black.

Tribal tattoos are a 'what goes around comes around' moment for tattoos as the art of getting inked was prominent amongst tribal clans of ages bygone. They were used to protect and mark people of the clan and were a rite of passage in a few communities. Today, tribal tattoos are inspired by indigenous cultures from around the world. They feature geometric patterns and imply the use of negative space. 

Features: Bold black lines and geometric patterns. 

Colour Palette: Black. 

This one's a homage to the traditional features of a watercolour painting. They often feature dreamy and ethereal designs with blurred edges and are basically, the artistic expression of the tattoo artist. Picture flowers, hummingbirds, landscapes, and more. 

Features: Subtle shading.

Colour Palette: Soft, blended colours.

This type of tattoo style features intricate designs and patterns. Also known as Irezumi, this tattoo style features nature-inspired motifs like koi fish, cherry blossoms, and waves. Each of the motifs carries symbolic weight, like koi-fishes for perseverance, dragons for strength, and phoenixes for immortality. 

Features: Intricate designs and patterns.

Colour Palette: Bold black lines and vibrant colours. 

As the name suggests, Geometric tattoos feature geometric designs, patterns, and shapes. They can also have minimalist or intricate details, and often also be traditional mandalas. Designs like the Flower of Life, Metatron's Cube, and the Sri Yantra, are popular geometric tattoos. 

Features: Simple shapes to large-scale patterns.

Colour Palette: (Most popular) Solid black ink, creating contrasts within geometric patterns.

This tattoo style features a combination of organic and mechanical elements, aiming to blur the lines between flesh and machine. The designs are inked in a way that creates the illusion of mechanical parts integrated into the human body. They often feature futuristic and sci-fi-inspired designs, often inspired by the works of artists like H.R. Giger. 

Features: Use of shading for 3D effect. 

Colour Palette: Mostly black, follows the natural contour of the body. 

This style, as the name suggests, is characterised by solid black ink and bold designs. It often features geometric patterns and abstract shapes and can be minimalist or intricate. While the meaning of a blackwork tattoo can vary depending on the design, the color black itself often symbolises strength, power, and mystery.

Features: Bold designs, across minimalist and large-scale designs. 

Colour Palette: Solid black ink. 

This type of tattoo style has become increasingly popular due to its understated elegance, simplicity, and ease with which it can be concealed. They feature simple designs and limited details. Small, delicate, and often subtle, the designs range from geometric symbols to simple symbols like hearts, arrows, infinity signs, and celestial elements. 

Feature: Frequently features geometric shapes, dots, and lines. 

Colour Palette: Mostly black. 

These are non-representational designs that focus on color and pattern. Often featuring expressive and emotive designs, creative freedom takes centre stage in this style as they often lack a clear, defined meaning, allowing the viewer—and the wearer—to interpret them in their own way.

Feature: Emotive designs with no distinct design. 

Colour Palette: Mostly black. 

Fine line tattoos are defined by the use of very thin lines, often as small as 0.5mm. It allows for incredibly detailed and intricate designs, making fine-line tattoos ideal for small, delicate pieces. They can also be combined with other tattoo styles, such as dot work or shading, to create unique effects.

Feature: Thin lines, and remarkable details, need to be inked with precision. 

Colour Palette: Mostly black.

These tattoo styles are characterised by highly detailed and realistic images. They rely on shading and color gradations to create a 3D effect. They often feature portraits of people or pets, landscapes, or still-life compositions.

Feature: Realistic portraits of people or animals

UV tattoos, also known as blacklight tattoos, are a type of tattoo that uses special ink that is only visible under ultraviolet (UV) light. When exposed to UV light, the ink emits a glowing effect, which can range from a subtle shine to a bright, neon-like glow. There are two types of ink used for UV tattoos:

Standard UV ink: This type of ink is visible under standard UV light and emits a blue or purple glow.

Glow-in-the-dark ink: This type of ink absorbs light and emits a glow for a short period, even after the UV light source is removed.

Safety concerns: Some UV inks have raised safety concerns due to the presence of potentially toxic chemicals. UV tattoos can also fade faster than traditional tattoos, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. Removing UV tattoos can be challenging, and the process may require specialised equipment and techniques.

1. What tattoo style would suit me?

While some people prefer statement-making tattoos that significantly alter their appearance, others prefer more personal and subtle art on them. There’s a different style for both those people and everyone in between. Ranging from full bodysuits to minimalist tiny tattoos, there’s something for everyone. Many times, an experienced tattoo artist can help with figuring out exactly what would suit a certain person’s personality and body best, so they can enjoy their ink and carry it well too. 

2. What are the major differences between the various tattoo styles?

If we are to compare two extremes- let's say a full sleeve tattoo with a micro-realistic tiny one, everything starting from the paraphernalia used, to the process, to the aftercare(to a large extent) is very different. Two people getting those two different styles are most likely having very different tattooing experiences. The designing and execution processes are also very different.

3. What are some important things to do before deciding on a tattoo style?

It’s always important to check an artist’s portfolio to make sure they have experience in dealing with a certain style before choosing them or the style. 

4. What tattoo styles are trending right now?  

Some tattoo styles are very seasonal, they come and go and are to be cautious of since there’s a high chance of mass repetition when something suddenly becomes a rage. A more reliable style to fall back upon is always traditional style work that’s been tried and tested for many years to prove its longevity and relevance. 

5. What are some common stereotypes when it comes to different tattoo styles?

Different tattoo styles are judged based on how they look. Mostly based on how extensive the work is and how much real estate is used up, larger and bolder tattoos are stereotyped as one would imagine they are, whereas smaller tattoos are given more grace. There’s also stereotyping based on age now, for example, Gen Z seems to be fond of Cybersigilism! That being said, one shouldn’t bother about stereotypes and how their tattoos would be perceived at the time of deciding. It is a form of expression and it should be free from judgment or fear of judgment.

Thinking of getting a new tattoo or covering up an old one? This guide will help you!