Made in EuropeExplore tattoo styles
Explore a diverse range of tattoo styles, from the intricate detail of Realistic and the bold simplicity of Minimalist, to the striking impact of Black and Grey. Whether you’re inspired by the surreal, geometric precision, or cultural heritage, there’s a style to suit every artistic vision. Dive in, get inspired, and find the perfect style that speaks to you.
Realistic
Realistic tattoos are highly detailed artworks that mimic photographs on skin. This style uses advanced shading techniques to create lifelike depth and texture, often portraying portraits, animals, or nature scenes with stunning accuracy. Popular among those seeking a true-to-life representation, realistic tattoos require a skilled artist and longer sessions.
Black and Grey
Black and Grey tattoos utilize various shades of black ink to create depth and contrast. This classic style ranges from simple designs to complex, photorealistic images. Popularized in prisons and now mainstream, black and grey tattoos offer a timeless aesthetic suitable for all skin tones and ages gracefully over time.
Traditional
Traditional tattoos, also known as American Traditional or Old School, feature bold lines, bright colors, and iconic imagery. With roots in maritime and military culture, this style includes classic motifs like anchors, eagles, and roses. Traditional tattoos are known for their timeless appeal and ability to age well.
American Traditional
American Traditional tattoos, also called Old School, feature bold lines, bright colors, and iconic imagery rooted in Western culture. Developed by sailors and popularized by artists like Sailor Jerry, this style includes classic motifs such as anchors, roses, and pin-up girls. Known for their timeless appeal and longevity.
Japanese
Japanese tattoos, also known as Irezumi, feature traditional motifs like koi fish, dragons, and cherry blossoms. Characterized by bold outlines, vibrant colors, and flowing compositions, these tattoos often cover large body areas. Rich in symbolism and history, Japanese-style tattoos remain popular worldwide.
Minimalist
Minimalist tattoos embrace simplicity with clean, uncluttered designs. Characterized by basic geometric shapes, thin lines, and limited color palettes, these tattoos convey powerful messages through subtle imagery. Perfect for first-time tattoo enthusiasts or those preferring understated body art, minimalist designs are timeless and versatile.
Fine Line
Fine Line tattoos use delicate, precise lines to create intricate designs. This style is characterized by its use of single-needle techniques, resulting in highly detailed, often miniature artworks. Fine line tattoos are popular for their subtle elegance and ability to render complex images in a minimalist way.
Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos mimic the fluid, ethereal effects of watercolor paintings. Characterized by soft color blends, splatters, and an absence of dark outlines, these tattoos create a painterly effect on the skin. While visually striking, watercolor tattoos may require more frequent touch-ups to maintain their vibrant appearance.
Geometric
Geometric tattoos use shapes and patterns to create visually striking designs. From simple line work to complex mandala-inspired pieces, this style often incorporates symmetry and sacred geometry. Popular among those who appreciate mathematical precision in art, geometric tattoos can be minimalist or intricate.
Neo Traditional
Neo Traditional tattoos evolve from Old School style, incorporating more complex designs, a broader color palette, and refined techniques. While retaining bold outlines, Neo Traditional adds depth and dimension to classic motifs. This style bridges traditional and modern tattooing, appealing to those who appreciate both.
Lettering
Lettering tattoos showcase words, phrases, or quotes in various font styles. From elegant scripts to bold block letters, this versatile style can convey personal mantras, names, or significant dates. Lettering tattoos remain popular for their ability to express direct messages or memories.
Old School
Old School tattoos, also called Traditional American, feature bold lines, bright colors, and classic imagery like anchors, roses, and pin-up girls. Originating in the early 20th century, this timeless style is known for its simple yet striking designs that age well. Old School tattoos often carry a sense of nostalgia and Americana.
Portrait
Portrait tattoos aim to capture a person's likeness on skin. Requiring high skill levels, these tattoos can memorialize loved ones or pay tribute to admired figures. Modern portrait tattoos often incorporate elements of realism and can include backgrounds or symbolic additions to enhance meaning.
Blackwork
Blackwork tattoos feature large areas of solid black ink, creating bold, high-contrast designs. This style can range from tribal-inspired patterns to modern abstract art. Blackwork is versatile, allowing for cover-ups of older tattoos and creating dramatic, eye-catching body art that stands out.
Tribal
Tribal tattoos draw inspiration from indigenous cultures' traditional body art. Characterized by bold, black designs with curved and angular patterns, tribal tattoos often hold cultural significance. While popularized in the 1990s, modern tribal tattoos continue to evolve, incorporating contemporary elements.
Mandala
Mandala tattoos feature intricate, symmetrical designs often inspired by Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. These circular patterns can represent the universe, balance, or spiritual journey. Mandala tattoos are popular for their mesmerizing complexity and can be adapted to various body placements.
Illustrative
Illustrative tattoos blend elements of realism with stylized techniques reminiscent of book illustrations. This versatile style can incorporate various themes and often tells a story through its imagery. Illustrative tattoos allow for creative interpretations of subjects, balancing detail with artistic flair.
Linework
Linework tattoos focus on the use of lines to create designs, ranging from simple contours to complex patterns. This style can be minimalist or intricate, often incorporating geometric elements or dot work. Linework tattoos are known for their clean, graphic appearance and versatility across various design themes.
Dotwork
Dotwork tattoos use numerous tiny dots to create intricate designs and shading effects. This meticulous technique can produce detailed imagery, geometric patterns, or abstract designs. Dotwork tattoos offer a unique texture and can range from subtle, low-contrast pieces to bold, high-contrast artworks.
3D
3D tattoos create the illusion of depth and dimension on the skin. Using advanced shading and perspective techniques, these tattoos can appear to pop out from or sink into the skin. 3D tattoos range from realistic objects to optical illusions, offering a visually striking and often interactive tattoo experience.
Realism
Realism tattoos aim to recreate photographs or real-life images on the skin with incredible detail. Using advanced shading and color blending techniques, these tattoos can capture textures, light, and shadow with astonishing accuracy. Realism tattoos are sought after for their ability to immortalize memories or showcase hyper-realistic artwork.
Abstract
Abstract tattoos break from realistic representation, focusing on form, color, and composition. These non-representational designs can range from simple shapes to complex, emotion-evoking pieces. Abstract tattoos offer unlimited creative possibilities and often reflect the wearer's personal interpretation.
New School
New School tattoos are characterized by their bold, cartoonish style with exaggerated proportions and vibrant colors. Originating in the 1970s, this style often features pop culture references and surreal elements. New School tattoos allow for playful, imaginative designs with a distinct graphic novel or graffiti influence.
Trash Polka
Trash Polka is a modern style combining realistic and abstract elements with a distinctive red and black color scheme. Originated by German artists, this style often incorporates chaotic compositions with text, splashes, and photorealistic images. Trash Polka tattoos are known for their bold, graphic impact and unique aesthetic.
Ornamental
Ornamental tattoos focus on decorative patterns and designs, often inspired by jewelry, lace, or architectural elements. These intricate tattoos can form mandalas, flowing bands, or delicate embellishments. Ornamental tattoos are popular for their aesthetic beauty and can be adapted to various body placements.
Single Needle
Single Needle tattoos are created using a single needle rather than grouped needles, allowing for extremely fine, detailed lines. This technique is often used for delicate, intricate designs or ultra-realistic tiny tattoos. Single Needle work requires high precision and is popular for its subtle, elegant results.
Surreal
Surreal tattoos blend reality with imagination, creating dreamlike and often thought-provoking images. Inspired by surrealist art, these designs may feature distorted proportions, impossible scenarios, or juxtaposed elements. Surreal tattoos allow for creative expression and often hold deep personal meaning for the wearer.
Cartoon
Cartoon tattoos bring whimsical, animated characters to life on skin. From beloved childhood icons to original creations, these playful designs often feature bold outlines and vibrant colors. Cartoon tattoos appeal to the young at heart and those seeking a fun, lighthearted approach to body art.
Chicano
Chicano tattoos originated in the Mexican-American prison system and have evolved into a distinct style. Characterized by fine lines, black and grey shading, and cultural imagery, Chicano tattoos often depict religious icons, lowrider cars, and stylized lettering. This style reflects Chicano culture and identity.
Celtic
Celtic tattoos feature intricate knotwork and patterns inspired by ancient Celtic art. These designs often have symbolic meanings and can include spirals, crosses, and animal motifs. Celtic tattoos are popular for their historical significance and complex, visually appealing patterns.
Biomechanical
Biomechanical tattoos blend organic and mechanical elements, often creating the illusion of machinery beneath the skin. Inspired by H.R. Giger's art, these designs can be hyper-realistic or stylized. Biomechanical tattoos are popular among sci-fi enthusiasts and those seeking a unique, futuristic aesthetic.
Sacred Geometry
Sacred Geometry tattoos incorporate mathematical patterns found in nature and believed to have spiritual significance. These designs often feature complex arrangements of shapes like the Flower of Life or Metatron's Cube. Sacred Geometry tattoos appeal to those interested in spirituality, mathematics, and natural harmony.
Anime
Anime tattoos draw inspiration from Japanese animation and manga. Characterized by large eyes, colorful hair, and expressive features, these tattoos appeal to fans of Japanese pop culture. Anime tattoos can range from portraits of beloved characters to original designs in the distinctive anime style.
Polynesian
Polynesian tattoos draw from the rich tattooing traditions of Pacific Island cultures. Characterized by bold, tribal-style patterns with deep cultural meanings, these tattoos often cover large areas of the body. Polynesian tattoos are known for their intricate designs and connection to ancestral heritage.
Negative Space
Negative Space tattoos use un-inked skin as a crucial element of the design. By cleverly incorporating the skin's natural color, these tattoos create optical illusions or hidden images. This innovative style challenges traditional tattooing concepts and can produce striking, unique results.
Silhouette
Silhouette tattoos use solid black shapes to create striking, high-contrast designs. These tattoos can depict people, animals, or scenes in a simplified, iconic form. Silhouette tattoos are versatile, working well in both small and large formats, and are known for their bold, graphic impact.
Maori
Maori tattoos, also known as Ta Moko, are traditional tattoos of the Maori people of New Zealand. Characterized by bold, tribal-style patterns with cultural significance, these tattoos often tell the wearer's personal story. Authentic Maori tattoos should be created by or with the blessing of Maori tattoo artists.
Micro Realism
Micro Realism tattoos are tiny, highly detailed realistic designs. Despite their small size, these tattoos capture incredible detail and realism. Micro Realism requires exceptional skill and precision, often using single-needle techniques. Popular for discreet yet impressive tattoos.
Blackout
Blackout tattoos involve covering large areas of the body with solid black ink. This bold style can be used to cover up old tattoos or create striking negative space designs. Blackout tattoos make a dramatic statement and can be combined with other styles for contrast.
Graffiti
Graffiti tattoos bring street art style to the skin, featuring bold colors, dynamic lettering, and urban imagery. These tattoos can range from tags and throw-ups to elaborate wildstyle pieces. Graffiti tattoos appeal to those who appreciate urban culture and want to make a bold, artistic statement.
Embroidery
Embroidery tattoos mimic the texture and appearance of embroidered patches or stitching on the skin. Using specialized techniques, these tattoos create a 3D, textured effect that looks like thread. Embroidery tattoos offer a unique, tactile appearance and are often used for logo designs or decorative elements.
Patch
Patch tattoos mimic the appearance of embroidered or woven patches on the skin. These designs often feature a border that resembles stitching, creating a 3D effect. Patch tattoos are popular for logo designs, military insignias, or nostalgic imagery, offering a unique twist on traditional tattoo styles.
Stick and Poke
Stick and Poke tattoos are created by hand using a single needle without a machine. This DIY method results in a distinctive, often imperfect aesthetic. While rooted in punk and prison culture, Stick and Poke has gained popularity for its raw, authentic feel and the intimate process of creation.
Ignorant Style
Ignorant Style tattoos deliberately subvert traditional tattooing norms with a DIY, punk aesthetic. Characterized by simple, often crude drawings and ironic or humorous themes, this style embraces imperfection. Ignorant Style tattoos appeal to those seeking non-conformist, anti-establishment body art.
Sticker
Sticker tattoos are designed to look like colorful, glossy stickers on the skin. These playful tattoos often feature cartoon characters, logos, or pop culture references. Sticker tattoos are known for their vibrant colors and the optical illusion of a raised, adhesive quality, offering a fun, nostalgic tattoo option.
