Explore Tattoo Styles

Bold lines, vibrant colors, and iconic imagery define Traditional (or "Old School") tattooing. Born from American tattoo culture in the early 20th century, this style features classic motifs like anchors, roses, eagles, and pin-up girls. The thick outlines and limited color palette ensure these tattoos age beautifully, making Traditional a timeless choice for those who appreciate tattoo heritage and classic Americana aesthetics.

Neo Traditional takes the bold foundations of Traditional tattooing and elevates them with modern techniques. This style maintains the strong outlines and vibrant colors of its predecessor but incorporates more intricate detail work, expanded color palettes, and greater dimensional depth. Neo Traditional artists blend classic tattoo imagery with contemporary illustration techniques, creating pieces that honor tradition while pushing artistic boundaries.

Black & Grey tattooing creates stunning depth and dimension using only black ink diluted to various shades. Popular for portraits, religious imagery, and realistic designs, this style relies on the artist's skill in shading and contrast. The monochromatic palette gives Black & Grey tattoos a classic, elegant appearance that works beautifully for both large-scale pieces and smaller designs, with exceptional longevity over time.

Realism in tattooing aims to recreate photographic accuracy on skin. Whether capturing loved ones' portraits, wildlife, or scenic landscapes, realism artists must master perspective, lighting, and fine detail work. This technically demanding style requires exceptional skill, with the best pieces appearing almost three-dimensional. Realism appeals to those wanting deeply personal, lifelike artwork that captures moments, memories, or meaningful imagery with stunning accuracy.

Surrealism in tattooing brings dreamlike, impossible imagery to life on skin. Inspired by the surrealist art movement, these tattoos blend reality with fantasy, creating thought-provoking compositions that challenge perception. Artists combine realistic elements in unexpected ways, merging objects, distorting proportions, and creating visual narratives that exist beyond the bounds of reality. Perfect for those seeking deeply symbolic, conversation-starting body art.

Fine Line tattooing uses incredibly thin needles to create delicate, intricate designs with minimal trauma to the skin. This modern style is characterized by its subtle elegance and precise detail work. Popular for minimalist designs, small tattoos, and intricate patterns, Fine Line work requires a steady hand and exceptional precision. These tattoos appeal to those seeking understated, elegant body art with a contemporary aesthetic.

Minimalist tattooing embraces the philosophy that less is more. Using simple lines, basic shapes, and negative space, these designs convey meaning through restraint and careful composition. Popular symbols, silhouettes, and geometric forms are distilled to their essential elements. Minimalist tattoos appeal to those who appreciate clean aesthetics, subtle body art, and designs that make a statement through simplicity rather than complexity.

Japanese tattooing (Irezumi) is one of the world's oldest and most respected tattoo traditions. Characterized by large-scale compositions featuring dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and mythological creatures, this style tells stories through rich symbolism. The flowing designs, bold colors, traditional motifs, and attention to cultural meaning make Japanese tattoos powerful artistic statements that honor centuries of tradition and spiritual significance.

Tribal tattooing draws from indigenous cultures worldwide, featuring bold black patterns with deep spiritual and cultural significance. Traditional Tribal designs use geometric shapes, spirals, and flowing lines to create powerful compositions. While modern Tribal styles have evolved, the core aesthetic of strong black work and meaningful symbolism remains. These tattoos appeal to those honoring cultural heritage or appreciating bold, graphic body art.

Geometric tattooing uses precise lines, shapes, and patterns to create mathematically inspired designs. From sacred geometry to modern abstract compositions, these tattoos celebrate symmetry, proportion, and visual harmony. Artists combine circles, triangles, hexagons, and other shapes to build complex, mesmerizing patterns. Geometric work appeals to those who appreciate order, precision, and the intersection of art and mathematics.

Dotwork tattooing creates images entirely through individual dots, building up tone and texture through stippling techniques. This meticulous style requires incredible patience and precision, with artists placing thousands of dots to achieve shading and depth. Often combined with geometric or mandala designs, Dotwork creates unique textural qualities impossible with other techniques. These tattoos appeal to those seeking meditative, intricate body art.

Watercolor tattoos mimic the flowing, spontaneous aesthetic of watercolor paintings. Characterized by soft edges, color gradients, and splashy effects, this contemporary style breaks from traditional tattooing's reliance on bold outlines. The dreamy, artistic quality creates the illusion of paint on skin. Watercolor appeals to those seeking a more painterly, modern approach to body art with vibrant colors and fluid compositions.

Illustrative tattooing bridges the gap between various styles, borrowing from illustration, etching, and engraving techniques. These tattoos often feature storybook-quality imagery with rich detail, cross-hatching, and a distinctive drawn quality. Artists combine multiple techniques to create unique pieces that look like they belong in a graphic novel or illustrated manuscript. Perfect for those wanting narrative, artistic tattoos.

New School tattooing explodes with exaggerated proportions, vibrant colors, and cartoonish energy. Born in the 1990s, this style features bold outlines, heavy shadows, and playful imagery influenced by graffiti, comics, and pop culture. Characters and objects are rendered with extreme depth and dimension, creating dynamic, eye-catching pieces. New School appeals to those wanting bold, fun, personality-filled tattoos.

Chicano tattooing emerged from Mexican-American communities, featuring religious imagery, script lettering, portraits, and cultural symbols. This style often incorporates fine line black and grey work, dramatic shading, and deeply personal symbolism. Common motifs include La Virgen de Guadalupe, payasa (clown girls), roses, and script. Chicano tattoos honor cultural heritage and tell personal stories through powerful, meaningful imagery.

Script tattooing transforms meaningful words, names, quotes, and phrases into permanent body art. From elegant cursive to bold gothic lettering, script artists must master letterform, spacing, and composition. These tattoos can stand alone or complement other designs, conveying personal mantras, commemorating loved ones, or expressing core beliefs. Script work requires careful planning to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal over time.

Lettering tattooing goes beyond basic script, treating text as artistic expression. Artists design custom letterforms, incorporating decorative elements, shading, and unique styling to create one-of-a-kind typographic tattoos. From ornate Victorian lettering to modern graphic design-inspired text, these pieces turn words into visual art. Lettering tattoos appeal to those wanting text-based designs with strong artistic character and personal style.

Ornamental tattooing draws from decorative arts traditions worldwide, featuring intricate patterns, filigree, and embellishment-inspired designs. These tattoos often incorporate elements from jewelry, architecture, and textile patterns, creating elegant compositions that wrap and flow with the body. Ornamental work combines precision with artistry, appealing to those seeking sophisticated, decorative body art with timeless elegance.

Anime tattooing brings beloved characters and scenes from Japanese animation to life on skin. This style captures the distinctive aesthetic of anime art, from expressive eyes to dynamic action poses. Artists must understand anime's unique visual language while adapting it for the challenges of tattooing. These tattoos appeal to fans wanting to permanently celebrate their favorite series, characters, and moments.

Manga tattooing translates the black and white world of Japanese comics into body art. This style captures manga's distinctive linework, dramatic panel compositions, and dynamic storytelling techniques. Artists work with high contrast, screen tones effects, and kinetic energy to create pieces that look like they've stepped off the page. Manga tattoos celebrate Japanese comic artistry and appeal to dedicated fans.

Blackwork tattooing uses solid black ink to create bold, graphic designs ranging from geometric patterns to illustrative pieces. This style encompasses everything from large-scale blackout work to intricate ornamental patterns. The dramatic use of negative space and strong contrast creates striking visual impact. Blackwork appeals to those seeking powerful, statement-making tattoos with timeless, graphic appeal and excellent longevity.

Portrait tattooing captures the likeness of people, pets, or iconic figures in stunning detail. This technically demanding style requires mastery of proportions, shading, and capturing subtle expressions that convey personality. Whether in Black & Grey or Color Realism, portrait artists must translate photographic references into lasting skin art. These deeply personal tattoos commemorate loved ones, honor heroes, or celebrate meaningful connections.

Microrealism creates photorealistic images in incredibly small scales. This cutting-edge style pushes the boundaries of what's possible in tattooing, rendering intricate detail in tiny designs. Artists must have exceptional technical skill and use specialized techniques to achieve realism at miniature sizes. Microrealism appeals to those wanting highly detailed, realistic tattoos in subtle, small-scale placements.

Single Needle tattooing uses one needle to create ultra-fine lines and delicate detail. This technique produces incredibly subtle work with a soft, illustrative quality. Popular for fine line portraits, minimalist designs, and intricate patterns, Single Needle tattooing requires exceptional precision and skill. These tattoos age uniquely, developing a soft, vintage quality over time that many collectors appreciate.

Etching-style tattoos recreate the aesthetic of classical printmaking techniques. Using fine lines, cross-hatching, and careful tonal building, these designs mimic the look of copper plate engravings and woodcuts. This style often features botanical illustrations, anatomical drawings, or classical imagery rendered with meticulous detail. Etching tattoos appeal to those appreciating historical art techniques and vintage aesthetics.

Engraving tattooing mirrors the precise, controlled linework of metal engraving. This style features extremely fine, consistent lines arranged in parallel patterns to build tone and texture. Popular for ornamental designs, currency-inspired imagery, and classical illustration, Engraving requires steady hands and exceptional precision. These tattoos have a distinctive, refined quality that appeals to collectors of technical, detail-oriented work.

Abstract tattooing breaks from representational imagery to create expressive, non-literal designs. Using color, form, line, and texture, artists create compositions that evoke emotions and ideas rather than depicting recognizable subjects. From gestural brushstrokes to geometric abstractions, this style offers unlimited creative freedom. Abstract tattoos appeal to those seeking unique, artistic pieces that exist beyond conventional imagery.

Sketch-style tattooing captures the spontaneous, unfinished quality of preliminary drawings. These designs feature visible construction lines, cross-hatching, and an organic, hand-drawn aesthetic. Rather than polishing away the creative process, Sketch work celebrates it, creating tattoos that feel alive and dynamic. This contemporary style appeals to those appreciating loose, artistic expression and the beauty of imperfection.

Handpoke (or stick-and-poke) tattooing is an ancient technique experiencing modern revival. Without machines, artists manually insert ink using needles attached to hand-held tools. This traditional method creates a distinctive aesthetic with softer healing and unique dotted quality. Often used for minimalist, spiritual, or traditional designs, Handpoke appeals to those seeking tattoos with a more intimate, ritualistic creation process.

Biomechanical tattooing imagines the body as part organic, part machine. This style creates the illusion of mechanical parts, gears, and circuitry beneath or merging with skin. Popularized in the 1980s, Biomechanical work requires strong understanding of anatomy, mechanics, and perspective. These dramatic, three-dimensional designs appeal to science fiction fans and those fascinated by the intersection of biology and technology.

Celtic tattooing draws from ancient Celtic art traditions, featuring intricate knotwork, spirals, and interlaced patterns. These designs carry deep spiritual significance, with endless knots symbolizing eternity and interconnection. Traditional Celtic work uses precise, flowing lines to create complex compositions. These tattoos appeal to those with Celtic heritage or appreciation for ancient symbolism and meditative pattern work.

Gothic tattooing embraces dark, dramatic imagery inspired by Gothic art, architecture, and subculture. From medieval religious iconography to Victorian mourning art, this style features ornate details, somber themes, and romantic darkness. Common elements include skulls, roses, crosses, and elaborate architectural details. Gothic tattoos appeal to those drawn to elegant darkness and historical aesthetic traditions.

Horror tattooing celebrates the macabre, from classic monsters to contemporary terror imagery. This style can range from realistic gore to stylized creature work, drawing inspiration from horror films, literature, and folklore. Artists skilled in Horror tattooing excel at creating unsettling atmosphere, dramatic contrast, and visceral impact. These tattoos appeal to horror enthusiasts and those embracing dark aesthetic themes.

Polynesian tattooing is an ancient tradition with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Featuring bold black patterns, geometric designs, and symbolic motifs, these tattoos traditionally tell stories of lineage, status, and personal journey. Different Polynesian cultures (Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, etc.) have distinct styles. Authentic Polynesian tattoos require cultural knowledge and respect for traditions passed down through generations.

Mandala tattooing brings sacred circular designs from Hindu and Buddhist traditions into body art. These intricate, symmetrical patterns radiate from a central point, representing the universe, wholeness, and spiritual journey. Creating mandalas requires exceptional precision and patience, with complex geometric patterns arranged in perfect symmetry. Mandala tattoos appeal to those seeking meditative, spiritually significant designs with mesmerizing visual impact.

Sacred Geometry tattooing explores mathematical patterns found in nature and spiritual traditions. From the Flower of Life to Metatron's Cube, these designs represent universal principles and cosmic harmony. Artists combine precise geometric construction with symbolic meaning, creating tattoos that are both visually striking and spiritually significant. Sacred Geometry appeals to those fascinated by the mathematical structures underlying reality.

Trash Polka is a contemporary style combining realistic and abstract elements in chaotic, dynamic compositions. Typically using only red and black ink, this German-born style creates collage-like designs mixing photorealism, graphic elements, and gestural marks. The controlled chaos and bold contrast create powerful visual impact. Trash Polka appeals to those seeking avant-garde, rule-breaking tattoos with intense energy.

Neo Japanese updates traditional Japanese tattooing with contemporary techniques and sensibilities. While honoring classic motifs like dragons, koi, and cherry blossoms, this style incorporates modern color palettes, Western influences, and innovative compositions. Artists blend traditional symbolism with fresh perspectives, creating pieces that bridge Japanese tattoo heritage and contemporary body art. Perfect for those wanting Japanese imagery with modern flair.

Bio-organic tattooing creates flowing, organic designs that appear to grow from or merge with the body. This style blends natural forms—flowing plant-like structures, bone shapes, and organic patterns—into compositions that follow the body's contours. Bio-organic work requires understanding of anatomy and natural design principles. These tattoos appeal to those wanting pieces that feel like natural extensions of their body.

Fantasy tattooing brings imaginative worlds to life, from dragons and wizards to fairy tale scenes. This style draws from fantasy literature, gaming, and mythology, requiring artists to create believable renderings of impossible creatures and magical scenarios. Whether realistic or stylized, Fantasy work transports viewers to other realms. These tattoos appeal to fans of speculative fiction and those wanting to carry magical imagery.

Color Realism combines photorealistic technique with full color palettes. This technically demanding style requires mastery of color theory, blending, and achieving vibrant, lifelike results. Popular for nature scenes, portraits, and vivid imagery, Color Realism creates tattoos that pop with three-dimensional depth and accurate color reproduction. These pieces showcase technical excellence and appeal to those wanting bold, lifelike color tattoos.

Blackout tattooing covers areas of skin with solid black ink, creating bold, graphic statements. Used for covering old tattoos, creating dramatic contrast with negative space designs, or making powerful aesthetic choices, Blackout work requires multiple sessions and commitment. The stark simplicity and bold visual impact appeal to those seeking dramatic, modern body modification and statement-making tattoos.

Patternwork tattooing creates repeating decorative designs that wrap and flow with the body. Drawing from textiles, wallpaper, and decorative arts, these tattoos feature intricate, tessellating patterns. Artists must understand how patterns repeat and transition across curved surfaces. Patternwork can range from traditional motifs to contemporary graphic designs, appealing to those appreciating ornamental, symmetrical body art.

Samoan tattooing (tatau) is a sacred tradition with over 2,000 years of history. Using traditional tools and techniques, Samoan tattoos feature bold geometric patterns with deep cultural meaning. Traditional Samoan tattoos are earned through ritual, telling stories of family, status, and personal achievements. This ancient practice requires cultural knowledge and respect, representing one of the world's most important tattoo traditions.

Maori tattooing (ta moko) is a living tradition from New Zealand's indigenous people. Traditional ta moko uses chisels to create grooved patterns that tell stories of ancestry, social status, and personal history. The distinctive curvilinear patterns and bold designs are unique to Maori culture. Authentic ta moko requires cultural connection and understanding, representing identity and whakapapa (genealogy) for Maori people.

Filipino Tribal tattooing draws from ancient traditions of various indigenous Filipino groups. These tattoos historically marked warriors, status, and cultural identity, featuring geometric patterns, symbols, and representative designs. Different regions had distinct styles, from the intricate patterns of Kalinga to the bold work of Visayan peoples. Filipino Tribal work represents a revival of cultural heritage and indigenous artistic traditions.

Sak Yant is a sacred tattooing tradition from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Traditionally applied by Buddhist monks or spiritual masters using bamboo or steel rods, these tattoos offer spiritual protection, blessings, and power. Each design carries specific meanings and mystical properties. Authentic Sak Yant includes religious ceremonies and blessings. These tattoos appeal to spiritual seekers respecting the tradition's sacred nature.

Haida tattooing comes from the Haida Nation of the Pacific Northwest. Traditional Haida designs feature bold formlines, ovoids, and representational forms depicting clan crests and stories. These distinctive designs follow specific artistic principles passed through generations. Authentic Haida tattoos require cultural permission and understanding, representing indigenous artistic heritage and cultural identity of Haida people.

Inuit tattooing (kakiniit) is an ancient tradition from Arctic indigenous peoples. Traditionally applied by sewing soot-covered thread under skin, these tattoos marked significant life events, family lineage, and spiritual protection. Linear patterns, dots, and symbolic designs carry deep cultural meaning. Inuit tattoo revival represents cultural reclamation and preservation of indigenous traditions nearly lost to colonization.

Native American tattooing represents diverse traditions from hundreds of distinct indigenous nations across North America. Each tribe had unique tattoo practices, meanings, and aesthetics. Traditional designs often incorporated tribal symbols, spiritual imagery, and cultural motifs. Authentic Native American tattooing requires cultural knowledge, permission, and respect for the specific tribal traditions being honored.

Mexican Folk tattooing draws from Mexico's rich artistic traditions, incorporating Día de los Muertos imagery, folk art, traditional crafts, and cultural symbols. This colorful style features sugar skulls, marigolds, papel picado patterns, and references to Mexican culture and heritage. Mexican Folk tattoos celebrate cultural pride, traditions, and the artistic legacy of Mexican indigenous and colonial-era folk arts.