TRADITIONAL

Tribal/Indigenous Body Art

Dates back thousands of years and relies on designs and techniques distinct to different Aboriginal communities, such as Polynesian, Maori or Celtic. Think: Elaborate patterns that flow with the shape of the body or take after symbols specific to the respective cultures.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Elton Duarte of One with the Arts, @owta__

Blackwork

Exclusively uses black ink to fill up negative space. Relies on depth and contrast instead of shading. Often derives from tribal designs.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Danny Mendez of Danny Mendez Tattooing, @official_dmtattoos

Japanese/Irezumi

This time-tested technique originated in the fifteenth century when ukiyo-e — Japanese woodblock prints — were becoming popular. As such, many of its defining markers include symbols and themes from Japanese folklore, as well as red highlights. Think: Large-scale dragons, oni (ogre-like demons), phoenixes, warriors and ocean waves.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Nick Pellegrino of Abracadabra Tattoo, @modern_american_primitive

American Traditional/ Old School

Often associated with sailors and soldiers, some of the first to brave the electric tattoo machine when it made its debut in the late 1800s. Uses thick lines and bold colors within a primary palette of yellow, red, green and black. Think: Classic roses, anchors, ships, snakes, eagles and knives-in-hearts.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Nick Pellegrino of Abracadabra Tattoo, @modern_american_primitive

Neo Traditional

This style pays homage to Old School art while incorporating illustrative art nouveau and art deco qualities.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Maddie Hollis of 1001 Troubles Tattoo, @madeline.illu.tattoo

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TRIED AND TRUE 

New School

Despite the “new” label, New School became popular in the late ’80s/early ’90s. The more experimental style is known for its animated aesthetic with heavy outlines and 3D elements. Think: A cartoonish version of your cat or a person with exaggerated features. 

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Jay Blackburn of Unicorn Ink, @jay_blackburn

Realism

Designs known for their photographic shading and accuracy. Think: A celebrity portrait or a rendering of a beloved pet.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Tara D’Agostino of Iron Lion Tattoo, @ironliontatto

Illustrative

This style takes elements from fine art and illustration to recreate a stylized, hand-drawn effect on the skin. The subjects usually tell a story, much like illustrations in a book. Think: A colorful fantastical creature or an abstract recreation of a favorite scene.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Michelle Carter of 1001 Troubles Tattoo, @misshelltattoos

Black and Gray

A very broad technique that features — you guessed it — black and gray gradients. Uses a lot of contrast to convey depth. Think: Botanicals and collages.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of DeMarcus “Danny” Shelborne of Body Canvas, @bodycanvaspvd

Script/Lettering

Clean, (typically) black text that can manifest in a variety of fonts and depict names, dates and quotes. Many use this style to memorialize loved ones’ handwriting. Think: Names, dates and quotes.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Joseph Becton of F.I.N.A.O. Ink, @finaoink

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TRENDY 

Minimalist/Fine Line

Minimalist tattoos follow a less-is-more approach, emphasizing simple designs with limited details. They are often paired with fine line tattoos (see below), which are characterized by delicate, thin and precise lines using single-needle or
fine-tipped machines. Think: Pared-down zodiac signs, cityscape outlines and geometric shapes.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Emma Hlavacek of F.I.N.A.O. Ink, @finaoink

Watercolor

A newer movement that mimics watercolor-style paintings, with whimsical subjects, vivid shades and soft, undefined edges. Many also use this style to add a splash of background color in an otherwise line-heavy tattoo. Think: Purple splatters on swirling galaxies or Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired canvases.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Greg Arpin of Unicorn Ink, @unicornink

Embroidery

Also known as patch tattoos, these three-dimensional images use contrast and color to look like thread has been sewn into your skin. Think: The recreation of a patch you earned in Girl Scouts or a friendship bracelet you created in summer camp.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Dave Asgarian of Unicorn Ink, @unicornink

Dotwork

Derived from the pointillism art movement, Dotwork is typically achieved with a single needle by hand — known as stippling — rather than a machine, using individual dots of varying sizes and densities to create an image. Think: A detailed portrait or landscape.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Mimi of Angels Collective, @bbypokes

Otaku/Otattoo

These fan-favorite tattoos are colorful and vibrant, often incorporating anime, manga or gaming themes. Think: A favorite Avatar or Attack on Titan character.

Tattoo by/photo courtesy of Roberto Ruiz of Majora’s Mark, @sunnystattoos