Traditional tattoos, also known as old school tattoos, are known for their bold outlines, limited color palettes, and iconic designs like anchors, skulls, and swallows. Neo-traditional tattoos expand on this style by adding more detail, shading, and a wider variety of colors to create richer, more complex images.
Realism tattoos aim to replicate photographs or lifelike visuals, often portraying people, animals, or objects with astonishing accuracy. In contrast, surrealist tattoos combine realistic elements with dreamlike or fantastical imagery, often bending reality to express deeper or abstract ideas.
Watercolor tattoos are inspired by watercolor painting techniques, using soft edges, gentle gradients, and vibrant splashes of color. They often look like they’ve been painted directly on the skin. Sketch-style tattoos resemble pencil or pen drawings, with a loose, freehand look that mimics a drawing in progress.
Japanese tattoos, or Irezumi, use traditional themes like koi fish, dragons, samurai, and cherry blossoms. These designs are often large, flowing, and symbolic. Tribal tattoos are rooted in indigenous cultures like Polynesian, Maori, or African traditions and often use strong black lines and repetitive patterns with deep cultural meaning.
Blackwork tattoos are made entirely with black ink and can include large solid areas or intricate graphic designs. Dotwork tattoos, on the other hand, create images using tiny dots instead of solid lines, often forming mandalas, spiritual symbols, or abstract shapes.
Geometric tattoos focus on symmetry, precision, and the beauty of shapes, often blending mathematics with art. Minimalist tattoos are simple and clean, using fine lines and little to no shading—perfect for subtle and meaningful designs that aren’t too loud.
Lettering and script tattoos emphasize text—names, dates, quotes, or lyrics—done in unique fonts or handwriting styles. These tattoos can hold powerful personal significance and are often placed in easily visible spots for daily inspiration.
Biomechanical tattoos combine human anatomy with machinery, often making it look like gears and wires are underneath the skin. Trash polka is an edgy, chaotic style that mixes realistic imagery with graphic art, usually in red and black for dramatic effect.
Stick and poke tattoos are created manually without a machine, using a single needle and ink, resulting in a raw, personal look. UV tattoos use special ink that becomes visible under blacklight, allowing for secret or glow-in-the-dark designs that are mostly hidden in daylight.
Patchwork tattoos look like fabric patches stitched onto the skin, often colorful and textured. Abstract tattoos don’t follow traditional forms; instead, they use shapes, lines, and colors to express emotion or movement without representing anything specific.
Celtic tattoos feature intricate knots, loops, and spirals that represent eternity, life cycles, and strength. Mandala tattoos are circular, symmetrical designs that symbolize balance, unity, and the universe, often used for spiritual or meditative purposes.
Chicano tattoos, influenced by Mexican-American culture, feature fine line work, religious imagery, lowriders, and stylized script, often done in black and gray. Gothic tattoos explore darker themes such as death, decay, and the supernatural, often with elements like skulls, crosses, and ravens.
Anatomical tattoos blend science and art by showcasing human organs, bones, or muscles in detailed illustrations. Portrait tattoos require a high level of skill to accurately capture the likeness of loved ones, celebrities, or pets, and are often deeply meaningful to the wearer.
Cartoon and anime tattoos bring beloved characters to life with bright colors and playful designs, reflecting a love for pop culture. Celestial tattoos feature stars, moons, planets, and galaxies, often symbolizing dreams, guidance, or a connection to the universe.
Floral tattoos are popular for their elegance and symbolism, with roses, lilies, and lotuses representing love, beauty, or transformation. Landscape tattoos depict natural scenes like mountains, forests, and oceans, capturing a sense of peace, adventure, or a connection to nature.