Tattoo Styles Guide: Exploring the World of Tattoo Designs

Thinking about getting inked but not sure where to start? Welcome to the ultimate guide on tattoo styles! Knowing all the different design style options is your first step to avoiding tattoo regret. 

Maybe you already know you’re into the classic sailor vibe tattoo style - or maybe you prefer elegance and simplicity in tattoo designs? This list lays out all your options, including defining characteristics, a brief history, and popular themes of the style. So it should help you decide what style suits you best. But there’s more…

This guide also shares a few tips on how to use AI to create unique tattoo designs. These tips will help you craft the perfect tattoo design that's uniquely you. Read on, then start on your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Tattoo 101

Merriam-Webster defines tattoos as "a mark, figure, design, or word intentionally fixed or placed on the skin" and breaks the types down into three categories:

1. "One that is indelible and created by insertion of pigment under the skin."
2. "One that is temporarily applied to the skin, resembles a permanent tattoo, and usually lasts for a few days to several weeks."
3. "One that is composed of scar tissue intentionally created by cutting, abrading, or burning the skin."

You may be surprised to learn that scarring on the skin is also considered a tattoo. More specifically, it's called a "traumatic tattoo" according to the article, A Short History of Tattoo.

This article also shares the believed origin of the word tattoo:

American Traditional Tattoos (Old School Tattoos/Vintage)

Definition and Characteristics

American traditional tattoos, also known as old school tattoos or vintage tattoos, are iconic for their distinct, bold lines, vibrant colors, and timeless motifs. They feature solid black outlines combined with a limited color palette of red, green, yellow, and blue, ensuring durability and a striking appearance over time. The imagery is clear and straightforward. Iconic symbols include anchors, swallows, and hearts, reflecting early 20th-century culture and spirit.

History

American traditional tattoos have their roots in sailor culture and early 20th-century tattooing. Sailors used tattoos to record their journeys, symbolise experiences, and showcase affiliations. Notable figures like Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins popularised this style, emphasising boldness and simplicity. Vintage tattoos capture the era of sailors and soldiers who used tattoos to tell their life stories.

Popular Design Themes

In modern times, American traditional tattoos have inspired a revivalist movement. The appeal of this style lies in its rich heritage and ability to convey clear messages through classic art forms. Their historical significance, vibrant designs and meaningful motifs make them a popular choice for those seeking visually striking tattoos with a nod to the past.

Popular designs include:

• Anchors symbolising stability
• Swallows representing freedom and safe return
• Roses denoting love and beauty
• The classic pin-up girl embodying allure and strength
• Nautical stars and ships, reflecting guidance and protection

Extra Considerations

Designed to withstand time with minimal fading and distortion, they’re a charming nod to the past, making them a meaningful and visually appealing choice.

Neo-Traditional Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Neo-traditional tattoos are the next-gen counterpart to traditional tattoos. They incorporate a wider range of colours, intricate shading, and more elaborate designs while still maintaining the bold outlines characteristic of traditional tattoos. At the time of its creation, this hybrid approach allowed for greater artistic expression and creativity. They have a painterly quality and are influenced by art nouveau and art deco styles, commonly incorporating flowing lines, ornamental details, and a broader range of subjects than the American traditional style.

History

The neo-traditional style finds its roots in the American traditional tattoo style that emerged in the early 20th century.

Tattooing became more acceptable in the 1980s and 90s. During this time artists began experimenting with the traditional style, introducing more complexity and detail. This period saw a blending of influences from other art forms and tattoo traditions, leading to the emergence of what would later be known as…neo-traditional tattoos!

The early 2000s is when neo-traditional tattoos established themselves as a distinct style within the tattoo community. Artists like Joe Capobianco and Jeff Gogue are key contributors to this style, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.

Popular Design Themes

While still drawing on traditional themes like roses and skulls, Neo-Traditional tattoos also explore more diverse subjects and nature-inspired elements. Some common designs for this tattoo style includes:

• Portraits
• Mythical creatures
• Characters
• Elaborate scenes
• Animals
• Flowers
• Vines

Extra Considerations

Neo-traditional tattoos blend the boldness of traditional tattoos with a more illustrative and detailed approach. This fusion creates a unique style that remains vibrant and visually compelling over time.

New School Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

New school tattoos, originating in the 1970s, are known for their vivid colors, rounded silhouettes, and cartoonish features. They combine elements of traditional and neo-traditional styles, using bold, black line work to define large-scale designs.

History

New school tattoos emerged in the 1970s as an evolution of traditional and neo-traditional styles. They incorporate American popular culture motifs and display them in an ironic way.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of new school tattoos is in their vibrant, cartoonish designs that reference American popular culture. The bold colours and whimsical elements match a playful, spunky aesthetic.

Common designs revolve around references to:

• TV series
• Films
• Video games
• Anime
• Comic books
• Street art
• Hip-hop culture

They also take inspiration from iconic Americana motifs and display them in a cartoonish, often ironic way.

Extra Considerations

New school tattoos offer the perfect playful, colourful alternative to the traditional styles.

Illustrative Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Illustration-style tattoos encompass a wide range of artistic designs that are drawn or sketched rather than aiming to look like a photograph. This includes traditional, neo-traditional, new school, line art, fine line, geometric, watercolour, and many others that focus on artistic representation rather than realistic depiction and photorealistic details.

They keep an animated quality to them, resulting in dramatic designs that can land anywhere on a scale between whimsical to classical and can vary from simple line drawings to complex, detailed images.

History

The roots of illustrative tattoos can be traced back to traditional tattoo styles, including American Traditional and Japanese Irezumi.

The tattoo renaissance of the 1970s and 80s saw artists pushing the boundaries of traditional tattooing. This period marked the beginning of the illustrative style as tattooists began incorporating fine art techniques, creating more detailed and intricate designs.

The illustrative style ultimately gained prominence in the 90s, with help from artists like Joe Capobianco and Teresa Sharpe who were instrumental in popularising it.

Popular Design Themes

Illustrative tattoos are extremely versatile. Depictions are often exaggerated in some way to capture a specific quality or detail. This tattoo style often depicts imagery such as:

• Whimsical characters
• Figures
• Portraits
• Animals
• Nature scenes

Extra Considerations

Illustration-style tattoos are a great option for those seeking unique body art. These tattoos allow for a high degree of customisation and creativity, as they aren't bound by the constraints of replicating the photographic accuracy of the realism style. Instead, artists can infuse their personal style, create abstract designs, and incorporate imaginative elements that might not be possible in realistic tattoos. This flexibility makes illustration-style tattoos ideal for personalised and meaningful designs that truly stand out.

Minimalist Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

Minimalist tattoos are characterised by their simple, pared-down designs. They focus on clean lines and straightforward imagery, often using minimal shading and detail. These tattoos are all about making a big impact with minimal ink and are highly popular for their subtlety and elegance.

History

This style emerged in the late 20th century. It contrasts the bold, elaborate designs of traditional tattoos, favouring understated elegance.

Popular Design Themes

Perfect for those who appreciate a "less is more" approach, minimalist tattoos often carry deep personal meaning through their simplicity. And their simplicity allows for easy placement anywhere on the body, adding to their broad appeal.

Popular minimalist tattoo designs include:

• Small symbols & icons (See our list of popular symbols and their meanings)
• Flowers and plants
• Short text
• Geometric shapes
• Animal outlines

Fine Line Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

A subtype of line art tattoo, fine line tattoos are known for their delicate and intricate line work, embodying elegance and precision. Characterised by thin, crisp lines that create detailed and often minimalist designs, they offer a subtle and sophisticated alternative to bolder tattoo styles.

History

Fine line tattoos have recently surged in popularity, particularly among contemporary tattoo enthusiasts. Their rise to mainstream recognition is partly due to their frequent appearances on social media influencers and celebrities.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of fine line tattoos lies in their subtlety, sophistication, and minimalist aesthetic. They are perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and refined, understated designs. Their clean lines and subtlety renders them a great option if you want several tattoos around the same area.

Common themes include:

• Portraits
• Small symbols
• Flowers
• Plants
• Stars and planets
• Constellations
• Geometric patterns
• Animals

These can range from clean shapes and outlines to more full forms with minimal shading.

Extra Considerations

All tattoos change over time, but the changes in fine line tattoos are often more noticeable. This is because tattoo ink can spread as it settles into the skin, causing marks and lines to thicken and potentially smudge. Choosing the right size and placement along with following recommended tattoo care can help minimise these effects.

Line Art Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Line art tattoos are a broader category of tattoos that include any tattoo primarily made up of lines. They’re minimalist, monochrome, and discrete, using clear lines and a single ink colour to create designs. While this style often uses the thin lines, needle thickness can vary to adjust the boldness of the linework.

Typically made with one continuous line and plenty of negative space, they involve curvatures and overlapping details. "One line" tattoos are a subset of line art tattoos, created using a single unbroken line.

History

Line art, in its most basic form, can be seen in some of the earliest tattoos found on ancient mummies and remains. Cultures such as the Egyptians, Scythians, and early Polynesians used simple lines and geometric patterns as part of their tattoo traditions.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that line art began to be recognised as a distinct style within the tattoo community. Artists focused on the purity and simplicity of lines to create elegant and modern designs. 

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of Line art tattoos lies in their simplicity, quick execution, and minimal pain compared to traditional tattoos. Their minimalist and discrete appearance is popular among those seeking understated yet impactful designs.

The minimalistic approach appeals to a wide audience, from those seeking discreet tattoos to individuals wanting large, intricate designs.

Common motifs in Line Art tattoos include:

• Geometric shapes
• Abstract shapes
• Text
• Contorted faces
• Figures
• Animals
• Portraits
• Floral designs

Extra Considerations

Line art tattoos, with their simple and clean style, can be completed in shorter sessions with no to minimal pain. This makes them a fantastic choice for a first tattoo!

Lettering Tattoos (Script Tattoos)

Definition and Characteristics

Lettering tattoos, also known as script tattoos, incorporate written text, quotes, or meaningful phrases. Lettering tattoos transform words into striking visual art, ranging from small simple script to larger, more elaborate calligraphy. And they can vary from elegant cursive to bold Gothic styles, each conveying a unique tone and personality.

Popular Design Themes

Lettering tattoos are often chosen for a unique personal significance and as mentioned above, are most popular for immortalising meaningful text. They’re often used to commemorate important life events, express personal beliefs, or honour loved ones.

Popular styles include:

• Cursive for a delicate, flowing look
• Gothic for a dramatic and historic feel
• Bold lettering for a strong, impactful statement

Extra Considerations

Selecting text that holds personal meaning is crucial. Whether it’s a quote from a favourite book, a meaningful date, or a personal mantra, the chosen words should resonate deeply with the individual, making the tattoo a unique expression of self.

For placement, lettering tattoos should be positioned where the text can be read easily and where the design flows naturally with the contours of the body.

Your font style choice is also an incredibly important aspect of lettering tattoos. When choosing a font, consider the message you want to convey and ensure it complements your personal style. We highly recommend you look into different font styles to find the one you love the most. You can find thousands of unique fonts and typography in Kittl.

Watercolour Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

Watercolour tattoos emulate the ethereal quality of watercolour paintings, featuring soft, flowing colours that blend seamlessly without the traditional outlines found in other styles. This technique allows the colours to bleed and fade naturally into each other, creating a delicate, painterly effect that mimics brushstrokes on paper. The absence of defined outlines creates a dreamy, fluid look. 

History

The watercolour tattoo style began to emerge in the early 2000s. This period saw a shift in the tattoo community as artists started to experiment with new techniques and artistic styles influenced by fine art and modern graphic design.

Artists like Amanda Wachob and Ondrash (Ondřej Konupčík) are often credited with bringing this style into the mainstream during the late 2000s and early 2010s. 

Popular Design Themes

Watercolour tattoos are highly flexible in design, making them suitable for a wide range of subject matter including some favorites:

• Abstract shapes
• Whimsical landscapes
• Floral motifs
• Decorative animals

Their versatility enables artists to create tattoos that are both deeply personal and visually captivating, turning the skin into a canvas for free-flowing, expressive art. Whether you’re drawn to soft pastels or bold splashes of colour, watercolour tattoos offer a unique and modern way to express your individuality.

Dotwork Tattoo Style

Definition & Characteristics

Dotwork tattoos are created entirely with tiny dots instead of traditional line work. They are often done in a Black and Grey style but can also use dark blue pigment. Dotwork tattoos rarely feature vibrantly-coloured ink. 

History

This style has long held religious or cultural meanings among various Asian and European cultures. 

Popular Design Themes

The intricate use of dots to create images and shading encompasses a variety of popular design themes. One prevalent theme is geometric patterns, including mandalas. These designs benefit from the precision and symmetry that dotwork provides, resulting in visually balanced and harmonious tattoos.

Other significant dotwork tattoo designs include:

• Ornamental borders/frames
• Henna patterns
• Patterns inspired by filigree and lace
• Abstract and surreal themes
• Optical illusions
• Nature themes
• Floral designs
• Realistic or stylized animal portraits
• Detailed landscapes

Extra Considerations

Dotwork tattoos last longer but can be more painful to get than standard tattoos. They can be done with a tattoo machine or hand-poked technique and typically take longer to complete, making them more expensive than conventional tattoos.

Geometric Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Geometric tattoos utilise precise shapes, patterns, and symmetry to create striking designs that blend simplicity with complexity; order and fluidity. These tattoos often feature motifs like sacred geometry, tessellations, and abstract patterns, which form intricate, interlocking designs or stand-alone elements.

History

Geometric designs have been a part of human art for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and indigenous tribes, used geometric patterns in their art, architecture, and body modifications. These designs often held symbolic meanings, representing concepts like harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of the universe.

Advances in tattoo technology and techniques allowed artists to achieve the precision required for this intricate style which led to its rise in popularity in the 2010s.

Popular Design Themes

This style provides a way to convey balance, perfection, and deeper meanings, transforming mathematical beauty into a powerful visual statement on the skin.

Common motifs include:

• The Flower of Life
• Mandalas
• Animals broken down into their geometric components

Blackwork Tattoo Style

Definition & Characteristics

Blackwork tattoos are known for their bold, all-black designs, characterised by striking simplicity and powerful visual impact. They use solid black ink to cover large areas of the skin, creating high contrast and a striking appearance.

Subcategories include solid black, ornamental, and negative space, all of which are themes in the above photo.

History

Blackwork tattoos have been around since ancient times in tribal cultures. They symbolised social status and were a means of providing spiritual protection. Over time, various cultures adopted the style. During its evolution, traditional elements have been blended with contemporary artistry.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of Blackwork tattoos lies in their striking simplicity and powerful visual impact. These impressions combined with the style’s fusion of traditional and modern elements, make them both timeless and contemporary.

Popular motifs include:

• Tribal patterns, inspired by indigenous cultures, feature intricate, repeating shapes
• Mandalas, representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist traditions

See more about the tribal tattoo style below.

Negative Space Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Negative Space tattoos create an optical illusion by making the skin the main subject. The artist outlines the design and strategically fills in areas with black ink, leaving other areas blank. These tattoos are almost always done in black or grey ink.

History

The concept of using negative space has always been a part of tattooing, especially in traditional Polynesian and tribal tattoos. These ancient tattoo styles often featured bold, geometric patterns with uninked skin creating the design's negative space.

It was in the late 20th and early 21st centuries that the deliberate and artistic use of negative space in tattoos became more prominent.

Tattoo artists were further influenced by the rise of graphic design and modern art movements that emphasised minimalism and negative space.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of negative space tattoos lies in their unique optical illusion and minimalist aesthetic. They highlight the contrast between ink and bare skin for a striking visual effect.

Popular design style choices include:

• Geometric
• Watercolor
• Minimalist
• Realism

These designs often use black or grey ink to create clean, crisp looks that let the skin be the focal point.

Extra Considerations

Certain styles, such as Surrealism, Japanese, Traditional, or Neo-Traditional, may be too abstract for Negative Space techniques. So careful consideration is needed to ensure the design complements the negative space effect.

Tribal Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Tribal tattoo style is an umbrella term for various indigenous tattoo styles that all feature elaborate patterns and are almost always done in black ink. Most Tribal tattoos are a type of blackwork style tattoos, which are known for their bold linework and thoughtful use of negative space (more on this popular tattoo style below). 

History

This style boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years, rooted in the traditions of indigenous cultures from Polynesia, Africa, and the Americas. Tribal tattoos were originally used to signify social status, spiritual beliefs, and rites of passage.

Popular Design Themes

Characterised by bold black lines and abstract patterns, these tattoos carry deep cultural significance and convey a strong sense of identity and heritage. Typically, Tribal tattoos favour nature-inspired symbols, including:

• Animals
• Water
• Plants
• The sun
• The moon

Extra Considerations

Be mindful of any cultural significance that these tattoo symbols or placements hold in a specific group. Whether you’re drawn to qualities of Polynesian, Samoan, or Māori Tribal tattoos, research which tattoos hold a deeper meaning. Use their general style and inkwork as a source of inspiration, not a means of cultural appropriation.

Japanese tattoos (Irezumi)

Definition and Characteristics

Japanese tattoos are typically larger pieces, commonly done on the back, as sleeves, on the inner elbow, across the chest, or down the leg. Full-body Japanese tattoos are not at all uncommon. While often larger, they can also be done as smaller tattoos or on other parts of the body. The designs often feature traditional Japanese imagery inspired by mythology and folklore.

History

The history of the Japanese tattoo style has ancient beginnings dating from 10,000 BCE to 300 BCE. By 300 BCE to 300 CE, during what’s known as the Yayoi period, tattoos began to take on different meanings. They were often associated with social status and used as markers of clan affiliation. However, there was also an element of stigmatization, as tattoos were sometimes used to brand criminals and outcasts. 

This negative association with tattoos continued until the Edo Period in 1603-1868. This period marked a significant transformation in Japanese tattooing. Tattoos became a popular form of decorative art among the working class, particularly among firemen, laborers, and members of the yakuza (organized crime syndicates).

After this period, tattoos in Japan were banned in 1872 until 1948, after WWII. It was during the latter half of the 20th century that Japanese tattooing gained international recognition with western tattoo enthusiasts and artists beginning to adopt Japanese techniques and motifs.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of Japanese tattoos lies in their grand, detailed designs and cultural significance. Their traditional motifs and large-scale nature make them visually striking and meaningful.

Common placement includes the back, sleeves, inner elbow, chest, and legs. Common themes are often depicted in dynamic and flowing compositions and include:

• Dragons
• Koi fish
• Cherry blossoms
• Tigers
• Deities

These common designs are rich in symbolism, with each motif carrying specific meanings and cultural significance.

Extra Considerations

Japanese tattoos are highly detailed and typically larger in scale, requiring significant time and commitment. They offer a traditional and cultural aesthetic that can be customised to fit different body parts.

Realism Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

Realism tattoos focus on lifelike, highly detailed images that closely resemble photographs, capturing minute details like facial expressions, textures, and shading for photorealistic effects. 

History

Realism tattoos began gaining popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly with the advent of improved tattooing equipment and techniques.

It was soon after in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when the realism tattoo style truly came into its own with artists like Nikko Hurtado and Paul Booth pushing the boundaries of what was possible. 

Popular Design Themes

These tattoos are renowned for their precision and are considered living, breathing masterpieces on the skin. One of the most sought-after themes in realism tattoos is portraiture. These tattoos capture the likeness of loved ones, celebrities, or iconic figures with astonishing accuracy. Characters from movies, television shows, comic books, and video games are very popular in realism tattoos.

Realism tattoos also often feature elements from nature, including:

• Animals
• Plants
• Flowers
• Landscapes

Extra Considerations

The technical skill required is immense, demanding a deep understanding of shading, light, and texture. You always want to make sure you’re selecting the right tattoo artist for the job but this particular style requires extra consideration. So do your research well. 

Black and Grey Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Softer in style compared to blackwork tattoos, Black and Grey tattoos use exclusively black ink with varying degrees of shading. These grey tones are made by combining black ink with distilled water in a technique called grey washing to add depth and dimension. 

Black and grey realism tattoos are a subcategory of this style that focuses on creating realistic, lifelike images using the same black and grey technique.

History

Originating in the 1970s and 1980s, Black and Grey tattoos remain one of the most popular styles. This style emerged from the prison tattoo culture in the United States, where inmates created tattoos using limited materials, often only black ink. They developed a technique of diluting black ink to create various shades of grey, allowing for subtle gradations and detailed shading. Even with limited supplies, this method enabled the creation of realistic and highly detailed images.

Popular Design Themes

This monochrome look can be combined with various other tattoo styles, including:

• Japanese
• Realism
• Illustrative
• Dotwork

Extra Considerations

This type of tattoo lasts longer and is less prone to fading compared to coloured ink tattoos.

Portrait Tattoo Style

Definition and Characteristics

Portrait tattoos are a subcategory of the Realism style, focusing on creating photorealistic images of faces and figures. These tattoos can depict human faces, such as celebrities or loved ones, and animals, like pets or beloved images found in media.

History

In the 19th to early 20th century when tattooing began to gain popularity in the Western world, some artists experimented with more detailed and realistic designs such as portraits. But the technology and techniques of the time limited the level of detail that could be achieved.

The improvements in tattoo machines and inks in the mid-20th century finally allowed for greater precision and a broader range of shading techniques. This is what laid the groundwork for portrait tattoos.

The 1970s and 80s marked the turning point in which artists began to push the boundaries of what could be achieved on skin. Influential artists like Jack Rudy and Filip Leu pioneered black and grey realism, which became a foundation for portrait tattooing.

Popular Design Themes

The appeal of portrait tattoos lies in their ability to capture lifelike details and personal significance. They are popular for commemorating loved ones or admired figures.

Common choices include portraits of:

• Celebrities
• Loved ones
• Pets
• Significant animals

Extra Considerations

Attention to detail is crucial for well-crafted portrait tattoos. For this reason, a reference photo is essential for achieving the desired realism. In addition to a reference photo, you'll want to make sure you're researched different tattoo artists and chosen one specifically skilled in the portrait tattoo style. This will help make sure your tattoo achieves a lifelike and accurate result.

Surrealism Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

Surrealism tattoos are dreamlike and imaginative, often featuring bizarre or symbolic elements that blur the line between fantasy and reality.

History

Influenced by surrealist painters like Salvador Dalí, these tattoos evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue, blending the familiar with the extraordinary. The surrealist art movement is characterised by bizarre, illogical scenes and strange, often juxtapositional elements, challenging conventional perceptions of reality.

Surrealism tattoos began to emerge prominently in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, coinciding again with advancements in tattooing technology and techniques. As mentioned with other styles, this is the period in which tattoo artists moved away from traditional and straightforward designs and explored more complex and abstract themes. Filip Leu and Robert Hernandez became renowned surrealist tattoo artists that brought the style into the limelight.

Popular Design Themes

These tattoos often feature bizarre or symbolic elements, creating scenes that are both fantastical and thought-provoking. Themes might include:

• Distorted landscapes
• Mythical creatures
• Objects morphing into unexpected forms
• Distorted human figures
• Illogical 3D landscapes or objects

Anime Tattoos

Definition and Characteristics

Anime tattoos capture the distinctive features of Japanese animation, including bold lines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated expressions. These tattoos often showcase popular anime characters, scenes, or iconic symbols from beloved series like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, or Studio Ghibli films.

History

Anime as a genre began to gain popularity in Japan in the 1950s and 60s with the success of series like "Astro Boy" by Osamu Tezuka. But anime-inspired tattoos didn’t begin until the 70s with the popularity of series such as "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Dragon Ball." However, this was still a niche within the tattoo community. The 90s is when shows like "Sailor Moon" and "Pokémon" led to the global explosion of anime culture and the beginning of mainstream anime-themed tattoos.

Popular Design Themes

The global appeal of anime, with its rich storytelling and captivating art, has influenced tattoo art worldwide, making anime tattoos a popular choice for fans who want to celebrate their favorite series and characters through striking and personal body art.

Common choices include dynamic portraits of characters in action poses, intricate scenes from favourite episodes, or stylised recreations of beloved moments. 

Trash Polka Tattoo Style

Definition & Characteristics

Trash Polka tattoos are done almost exclusively in black and red ink. Most Trash Polka pieces are larger in size with a combination of bold and fine lines of black ink, grey shading and bold splash of red-coloured ink. 

History

Created by Simone Plaff and Volko Merschky in the 1990s, the Trash Polka tattoo style combines elements of surrealism, realism and geometric, lettering or graphic tattooing. 

Popular Design Themes

Common motifs within the Trash Polka tattoo genre include realistic animal, floral, movie characters and nautical-inspired designs paired with abstract shapes, dynamic linework and ink splatters.

Stick-and-Poke Tattoo Style

Definition & Characteristics

Also called Hand-Poked tattoos, Stick-and-Poke tattoos are done by hand with the same needle and ink used for a machine-created tattoo. Stick-and-Poke tattoos offer a more delicate, personalised look and tend to hurt less with a shorter healing time when compared to a tattoo done mechanically. Stick-and-Poke tattoos can involve Minimalist linework, Dotwork or shading.

History

This ancient technique dates back thousands of years, used by various indigenous cultures for tribal markings, rites of passage, and spiritual symbols. Unlike modern electric machines, this method involves manually poking the skin with a needle and ink. It has seen a revival in punk and DIY communities for its raw, authentic look and the personal, intimate experience it offers.

Popular Design Themes

They incorporate an endless variety of design motifs, from floral tattoos to hearts, sun and moon or zodiac tattoos and every theme in between.

Extra Considerations

While Stick-and-Poke tattoos can be done at home, it is highly recommended to have Hand-Poked tattoos done by a professional at a tattoo studio. Getting an expertly-done tattoo will ensure your piece is done with maximum precision and will save you a lot of trouble during the healing process. 

Tattoo Styles: Key Takeaway

When deciding on a tattoo design, consider personal significance, aesthetics, and long-term appeal. Consider all the different tattoo styles listed above and it's best to consult with a professional artist.

You may want to consider getting a temporary tattoo in a similar design to see how you like it before making it permanent.

If you’re still not sure what style tattoo you want or can’t decide on a design, don’t rush into it! Try using an AI image creator to create completely unique designs. Test different image styles and colour palettes and find something you absolutely love.