Throughout history, different tattoo styles from diverse cultures and innovatively imaginative artists have become commonplace with the expansion of the tattoo industry. No longer are clients limited to one specific tattoo style or artist, but have an innumerable amount tattoo opportunities to choose from. The plethora of tattoo styles can be extremely overwhelming to both rookies and collectors, but the endless ways to interpret a design or idea into wearable art is actually a very exciting prospect. The idea that something as simple as a rose can be translated into multiple stylistic languages is pretty incredible and I am here as your tattoo translator.
American Traditional
This style is the bread and butter of all American tattooers and was developed legendary tattooer, Sailor Jerry. Artists like Jerry developed this style while in the Navy and the iconic line work techniques and symbols have been repeated in tattoos ever since.
Tattoo by Dave Kruseman https://www.instagram.com/davekruseman/
Japanese Traditional
Japan has one of the oldest known tattoo cultures and up until the late 20th century, these artists still employed the traditional hand poke method of shunho. Characterized by flowing windbars, fierce dragons, and bold and brilliant colors, this style will continue to thrive for centuries to come.
Tattoo by Horitomo https://www.instagram.com/horitomo_stateofgrace/
Biomechanical
This style is where steampunk meets skin, a fusion of metal and flesh known as biomechanical. Biomechanical is a style where the artist creates an optical illusion, making it look like pieces of metal machinery are built into the wearer’s skin. Although this is a classically masculine style, don’t let the patriarchy stop you from being your own Furiosa.
Tattoo by Brett Herman https://www.instagram.com/brettherman/
New School
New School is a style that is rapidly changing as we transition into the 2020s. New School tattoos were once strictly an exaggerated cartoon caricature style but now, they make up the majority of the cartoon imagery we see in tattooing today. From the classics of New School like the tattoos by Joe Capobianco, to more contemporary cartoon works that spawn from the silver screen, these tattoos are just too cute to pass up.
Tattoo by Amir Husky https://www.instagram.com/amirhusky/
Neo-Traditional
The love child of American Traditional and the innovative artists of the 21st century, Neo-traditional is one of the fastest growing tattoo styles around the world. Characterized by the medley of traditional elements with modern artistic techniques and quirks, this style will charm any tattoo enthusiast.
Tattoo by Sam Smith https://www.instagram.com/scragpie/
Black and Grey
While black and grey may be the favorite color combos of the Kardashians, they also encompass an iconic style of tattooing. Although black and grey can define a variety of tattoos, the style primarily captures black and grey portrait work. Only a true black and grey artist will understand that this style is made up of more than just water and a little bit of black ink but anyone can appreciate a gorgeous portrait sans technicolor.
Tattoo by Danny Lepore https://www.instagram.com/dannylepore/
Portraiture/ Realism
This style been developed over the past 5-10 years but it has exploded into one of the most popular styles of this day and age. Realism epitomizes the efforts and trials of tattooers as it is one of the most innovative tattoo styles since needles were first put to skin. Each and every day artists get closer and closer to creating picture perfection and these tattoos are continually changing the industry’s perception of what a tattoo can be.
Tattoo by Mikhail https://www.instagram.com/mikhail.nyc/
Horror
Be prepared, to be scared. Horror isn’t just for Stephen King movies or the elegant dark poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, it has made it’s way into the skin of willing sacrifices. Developed in the 1990s by industry grandfather, Paul Booth, horror continues to bring terror into clients worldwide with terrifyingly realistic imagery and shockingly precise linework.
Tattoo by Sam Barber https://www.instagram.com/sambarbertattoo/
Dotwork
Developed from pointillism, this style of tattooing redefines the structure of traditional tattooing. While other styles rely on heavy linework and color packing to seal in designs, these tattoos are composed of thousands of tiny stippled dots which make up stunningly unique images. If you aren’t already sold of the execution of these types of tattooings, dotwork is also one of the least painful styles as it uses a light needle and requires a delicate dotting technique to create each tattoo.
Tattoo by Sarah Herzdame https://www.instagram.com/tilldthtattoo/
Blackwork
Don’t get this style confused with black and grey or dotwork, because blackwork is something all it’s own. Blackwork tattoos are designs which are made up of heavy quantities of black ink and these bold pieces are quickly making their way onto the skin of millions around the world. Whether their subjects are more traditional, geometric, surrealist, or something entirely new, you’ve got to be a real badass to ache for a blackwork tattoo.
Tattoo by Jaya Suartika https://www.instagram.com/jayaism/
Watercolor
If you’ve been on Pintrest and drinking Starbucks coffee, you’ve probably already fallen in love with the style of watercolor. Watercolor tattoos are a fairly new edition to the tattoo family, but they have reached massive appeal over the last few years. Watercolor tattoos throw away everything that the masters of tattooing once told and bridge the gap between artistic fantasy and inked reality. Perfect for someone with a lighthearted approach to body modification, these beauties will make any piece of skin a true Monet.
Tattoo by Georgia Grey https://www.instagram.com/georgiagreynyc/