Types Of
Tattoo Styles
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The Types Of Tattoos Styles Explained
- Kyngo Admin
- August 12, 2022
Tattoos have evolved from ancient rituals in past times to a form of self-expression in this day and age, with tattoo styles as diverse as the people who choose to have them done. Some tattoos have personal meaning, some have a cultural significance and some are just random as can be. This article will go over some of the prominent tattoo styles, their origins and what defines each. style.
In this article I will go over the most common tattoo styles.
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1. Traditional Tattoo Styles (American Traditional / Old School)
American Traditional tattoos were popularized by sailors and soldiers beginning in the early 20th century. They have bold, black outlines, a limited color palette, iconic imagery like roses, anchors, skulls and pin up girls. This tattoo styles emphasizes durability and usually age well.
2. Realistic Tattoo Styles (Portrait / Photorealistic)
Realistic tattoo styles started gaining popularity in the late 20th century due to advancements in tattoo equipment. Realistic tattoo styles focus on replicating photographs or real-life subjects.
Realistic tattoos are hyper detailed, ofte monochromatic or full-color. They aim to mimic the look of lifelike portraits, animals or objects. These tattoo styles require the tattoo artist to master light and shadow because shading and depth are to this tattoo style.
This tattoo styles require regular touch-ups to maintain their crispness, as the fine details of these types of tattoos can fade over time.
3. Neo-Traditional Tattoo Styles
Neo-Traditional tattoo styles emerged in the late 20th century and are a blend of the tattoo style old-school with a contemporary flair. This style has vibrant colors, thicker outlines and more intricate designs compared to Traditional American Style tattoos. Common motifs include flowers, animals and fantasy elements, often with a painterly or illustrative quality.
Neo-Traditional tattoo styles offer a blend of bold aesthetics and creative freedom, appealing to those who love color and detail with touch of classic tattooing.
4. Japanese (Irezumi) Tattoo Styles
Japanese (Irezumi) tattoo styles originated in centuries-old Japanese culture. Irezumi was historically tied to spiritual and social practices. They were later associated with the Yakuza, which are an organized crime syndicate in Japan. The modern style of Irezumi tattoos started gaining global popularity in the 20th century.
Irezumi style tattoos have large scale designs, often covering full limbs or the back. They often feature mythical creatures such as dragons, samurai and cherry blossoms and often have flowing clouds like waves.
This tattoo style is ideal for those seeking a bold piece that tells a story.
5. Blackwork Tattoo Styles
Blackwork tattoo styles are inspired by ancient tribal tattooing, soaring in popularity in the 21st century.
This tattoo style is characterized by the use of solid black ink, often in geometric patterns, mandalas or tribal designs. The style can range from minimalist dots and lines to intricate, fully blackened areas.
Blackwork tattoo styles have a striking look to them and are great for covering older tattoos or as stand alone tattoos for a bold, graphic look. They are also less prone to fading compared to tattoos with a lot of colors.
6. Watercolor Tattoo Styles
Watercolor tattoo styles began to be popularized in the 2010s. They draw inspiration from watercolor paintings. They have soft, translucent colors with minimal or no black outlines, mimicking the fluidity of watercolor art. Common themes include abstract splashes or floral designs.
People that are going for delicate, artistic tattoo with vibrant, painterly hues. This tattoo is more about expression than anything else.
7. Minimalist Tattoo Styles
The minimalist trend extended into tattoo styles in the 2010s. This type of tattoo has a style that has simple, clean lines, small-scale designs and subtle imagery like tiny symbols, words or geometric shapes, usually done in black ink.
People that decide to get their first tattoo or people that want a discreet tattoo that doesn’t visually overwhelm other people often go with this tattoo style, and on the plus side, they are quick to apply and also quick to heal.
Examples of this style of tattoo are often tiny hearts, constellations or simple silhouettes of animals.
8. Trash Polka Tattoo Styles
The Trash Polka tattoo style is a rebellious, avant-garde style developed in Germany in the late 20th century. This style is a blend of realism and abstract elements, using bold black and red inks with splatters, smudges and collage-like compositions. This style often incorporates text or surreal imagery.
People that choose this style want a piece that feels like a piece of modern art. The Trash Polka tattoo styles is edgy and unique.
9. Geometric Tattoo Styles
Geometric tattoo styles were inspired by ancient sacred geometry and modern design trends. This style gained traction in the 21st century.
The characteristics of geometric tattoo styles are precise shapes, including circles, triangles and hexagons, often forming complex patterns or 3D illusions. Animals or landscapes can also be used in this type of tattoo style.
This tattoo style appeals to those people that love symmetry and precision, which symbolize balance and spirituality.
10. Biomechanical Tattoo Styles
Biomechanical tattoo styles were popularized in the 1800s and were inspired by sci-fi and cyberpunk aesthetics. This tattoo style make your skin appear to reveal robotic or mechanical parts beneath, with gears, wires and metallic textures. Geometric tattoos are often highly detailed and monochromatic.
Conclusion
Tattoos are a lifelong commitment, so knowing about the variety of tattoo styles that are out there and what you want in a tattoo will go a long way to towards the right choice when choosing the right tattoo and tattoo style for you.
When choosing a tattoo artist or tattoo shop, be sure that the tattoo artist who will do your tattoo has experience and a good history of doing the type of tattoo style that you want done so you can wear your tattoo with pride.
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