Tattoo is not the same as tattoo. When choosing a motif, not only the color and the body part play an important role, but also the different styles have to be considered. STYLEBOOK features 9 common tattoo styles.
Some tattoo styles are centuries old and originated in Far Eastern cultures, while others have only been popular for a few years. STYLEBOOK summarizes the most important of them.
Blackwork combines several tattoo styles into one
Black tattoo ink is used exclusively in this style. Originally Blackwork comes from prisons, as no colors could be used here. Today it is engraved in all shapes and variations, from large tattoos to fine filigree tattoos. So it can be said that blackwork is a large direction of tattooing, which is divided into different styles of tattooing. For example, shading and 3D effects can be achieved particularly well with black paint, but also mandalas and graphic motifs or lettering.
Also interesting: How can you prevent inflammation in freshly made tattoos?
Oldschool – the classic tattoo style
The origin of the “old school” style, also known as “American” or “traditional”, is closely related to the western history of tattooing. Sailors liked getting these tattoos, which is also reflected in the motifs: traditionally these are sailing ships, anchors, swallows and hearts with the name of their loved ones. In addition to black, the classic colors are red, yellow and green. Even though they haven’t been that popular for a while, the tattoo style is making a comeback.
Realistic
Patterns in the “Realistic” style have a photo-like effect, with accuracy and realistic representation being particularly important. That’s why we work a lot with textures and shading, which create a 3D look. Typical motifs are portraits of people or animals, but also fantastic creatures. What to consider: The more detailed and photo-realistic the tattoo should be, the bigger it needs to be. That is why tattoos in this style are often made directly as a half or a whole sleeve, i.e. above the upper arm or even the entire arm.
Also interesting: These colors are banned for tattoos in Germany
fine line
Fine line tattoos feature filigree lines. To achieve this, they are pricked with a very fine needle and then usually heal very quickly. Especially popular: lettering or symbols on the fingers, wrists or ankles. In general, this style is best suited for very small tattoos.
The rebel of tattoo styles – ignorant style
The youngest and perhaps most rebellious of the tattoo styles is the ignorant style: it’s a pastiche of classic tattoo culture. Because the lines are drawn sparsely, areas are not filled in or shaded. The motifs are often emphatically childish or ironic, often with a socially critical message.
a line
As the name suggests, single line tattoos work with just one line. This tattoo style is particularly simple and therefore incredibly timeless. Since here the tattoo artist usually works with a thin line, you should select an appropriate specialist for your one-line tattoo so that everything remains beautifully delicate.
dot work
Unlike many other tattoo styles, dotwork is not made up of different lines, but many small “dots”. Put them together to form a larger overall picture. At a distance, the eye is optically deceived and so the dots look like lines or shaded areas from afar.
Watercolor tattoo
Soft gradients meet bright colors in this tattoo style. The tattoo looks like a watercolor painted on the skin. It is also intended that the colors and transitions meet each other, just like in a real work of art.
written
Another classic tattoo style is lettering. The motif here is not a picture, but a lettering. Whether it’s individual letters and numbers, a saying or a quote, lettering is a great way to immortalize a tattoo with special meaning on the skin. It’s best to first try out different lettering with your tattoo artist using a stencil! Because what looks beautiful in two dimensions on paper can look completely different on real skin.
