There are many types of styles of tattoos. When you plan on getting a tattoo, you must have an idea of what you want to put on your body permanently. When you have the perfect tattoo idea, the style of the tattoo is also really important. For example, some prefer something more old school or something more modern or even more realistic. Also choosing the artist is a factor because some specialized in certain styles. Some use vibrant colors or some artists prefer black and white. So just ask yourself what kind of tattoo style you like the most for the art piece you want to get done.
Traditional style tattoo
The traditional tattoo styles are known to have different names such as old school tattoo style, American traditional tattoo style, classic tattoo style or Western traditional tattoo style. This style is known for its bold lines, bright colors, and certain designs for example: roses, anchors. This style is one of the most known styles in the tattoo community.
Realism or realistic tattoo
Realism style tattoos have been a part of fine art since the Renaissance. It became more popular in the half of the 20th century. Even though its style is fairly new in the tattoo world. Now you can find jaw dropping portraits of your favorite celebrity in either black and grey or colors or even beautiful representation or nature.
Watercolor tattoo style
Watercolor tattoo style is currently in demand. Mainly for most recent generations of tattoo enthusiasts. It looks just like it sounds. As if it was dipped in watery color pastels. It's definitely not the same as doing it on paper or a canvas, it is much more difficult to do on the skin but artists get creative to get the watercolor finish.
Tribal tattoo style
This type of tattoo style is in fact the oldest style in the industry. Tribal tattoos go back thousands of years. Tribal tattoos have been used by different cultures all around the world. It is used as representation of their culture/people to show they belong to a certain tribe/clan.
New school tattoo style
As for the new school style, it's not really that new anymore. It peaked in the late 80’s early 90’s. This style of tattooing consists of highly animated aesthetics. In some ways it is similar to the old school tattoos in that they both have bold outlines. New school tattoos use a range of bright colors. They are meant to be the opposite of realism tattoos, since they exaggerate details in cartoonish ways.
Neo style tattoo
This type of style is very similar to old school tattoos. it includes similar elements of the traditional american tattoo. They both use clean black outlines and bold overall style. The difference is that it has more depth of dimension, also neo style tattoo has more broader color palette.
Japanese Tattoo Style
Japanese style tattoos go back almost 5,000 years ago. This style is among the oldest styles of tattooing. It is also known as Irezumi. Originated between 1603-1868. This style of tattoo features japanese heroes and methodological creatures like dragons, kirins and phoenixes. Every tattoo done in this style tells a story about Japan's past.
You have plenty of options when you choose the style of your next tattoo. Most people have an idea of what they want to get done. But if you're undecided on what to get and what style, now you have an idea of the difference between the styles. You might like something in black and grey or want something more vibrant and colorful, maybe you are old school and like traditional. Whatever style you choose, always research the artist to confirm they work that specific style.
