Admirers of abstractionism in the art of tattoos love this style for its ability to decorate their bodies with an unusual painting. Not only boys but also girls, among many diverse options, can choose a suitable Abstract Tattoo sketch for themselves. Most fans of intricate figures on the skin don’t associate them with a hidden meaning, while for others, tattoos become encoded messages to the world.
Tattoos in the Watercolor technique are characterized by a gradient effect from one shade to another and the imitation of slightly flowing paint. Watercolor tattoos attract with their deliberate carelessness, lightness, and crystal. Such drawings are characterized by flows and smooth lines, the absence of clear contours, achieved through mixing and use numerous various halftones.
Anime tattoo is a bright, provocative, fascinating genre that is used by masters around the world. Initially, Japanese manga comics were more of an element of the country’s internal cultural code. But over time, especially after the film adaptation of the most popular plots, Anime has gained fans in other countries.
Tattoos in the Baroque style came to us from Italy. This design challenges all strict tattoo styles, such as classicism or tribal, and calls for freedom and departure from canons. It is characterized by a luxurious expression of details and a multitude of decorative elements. This style can be briefly described with the expression: “Combining the incompatible”. Masters love to combine both curious figures and strange color shades, which may seem ridiculous and unreasonable, but as a result, show an incredibly stunning effect.
Tattoos in the biomechanical style depict mechanisms that are pulled out from under the skin. The main figures of biomechanical tattoos are gears, pistons, and complex steel mechanisms. The trend for such drawings developed along with technical progress.
Tattoos in the “Bioorganic” style are remarkable and unusual. Their uniqueness is in the combination of several elements in the design. For example, living elements can be combined with the inanimate. Natural components like flowers and trees are combined with various mechanisms andbones, adding a striking effect and volume to the design.
Tattoos in the “Blackwork” technique are the most original, mysterious, and fascinating designs in the world. The intriguing avant-garde nature of such tattoos either scares some tattoo enthusiasts or, conversely, attracts others. Therefore, in the diverse world of tattoos, there are both admirers and staunch opponents of tattoos in the blackwork style. The distinctive feature of these tattoos is the solid black design, which evokes conflicting feelings. Some people are fascinated and attracted by minimalism, simplicity, and aesthetics, while others don’t understand or accept the artistic value of such tattoos and approach the process of getting a tattoo with apprehension.
Geometric tattoos are considered one of the most progressive and trendy styles nowadays. They have become popular among many tattoo artists and enthusiasts due to their variety and wide range of themes. Geometric tattoos always look unusual and interesting, whether they are done in a simple manner (like a square or triangle) or with highly intricate geometric patterns and ornaments.
Graphics (which comes from the Greek “written”) is a type of visual art where designs are created using lines, strokes, dots, and spots. There is a common misconception that graphics are black and white, but this is not true. Color is actively used, although it plays a significant role in comparison with the form. It serves as an additional means of expressing ideas rather than an aim in itself.
Dotwork tattoo style involves creating a design using dots spaced at the same distance, resulting in a beautiful artwork. This style is considered unique and distinctive, with an original technique and designs that have no analogues.
Ethnic tattoos reflect the cultural spirit of any culture or specific ethnic group (actually, hence the name). Primarily, it’s an excellent opportunity to highlight one’s cultural heritage or to pay tribute to a culture that you are very close to or admire.
All hieroglyphs have specific meanings, but since few are familiar with Eastern scripts, such tattoos appear mysterious and intriguing. Therefore, having a tattoo in the form of a hieroglyph allows a person to have an unusual tattoo with a hidden meaning.
Tattoos in the Celtic style are not just body art, they also have deep symbolism and go back to the ornaments of ancient Celts, who believed in the magical power of symbols. Tattoos with Celtic motifs are quite recognizable – they are characterized by roughness, symmetry, and clear contours. Each ancient Celtic pattern has a special meaning, although only some meanings are known.
Linework, as a tattoo style, has developed recently. The name of the style is understandable – LineWork, translated from English as “linear work”. Essentially, it’s a contour tattoo where the main focus is on the lines of the design, which do not necessarily need to be straight. Tattoos in the linework style, like many others, have their unique features and nuances. They can be reflected in patterns of lines, colors, or animal images.
Lettering, translated literally from English, means “letter” or “writing”, so this type doesn’t carry any additional function. It’s simply writing done in various styles and fonts.
The particular uniqueness of this style is in its lack of gender division. In other words, any font or writing isn’t designated solely for men or women. The choice of inscriptions is based on the individual preferences of the person.
The Maya were a people with a unique culture and their artworks and script have become popular nowadays in the form of tattoos.
The art of the Maya, which we admire today, mainly consists of ancient hieroglyphs and carved sculptures. This civilization had its own writing system and numeral system.
Tattoos in the style of Maya with glyphs typically symbolize four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Sometimes spirits, gods, and animals are also represented.
Maori tribes refer to their tattoos in an unique way – moko. They believed that a body tattoo was the only thing that was eternal and impossible for anyone to take away. Tattoos were equally popular among both men and women. The tribe members considered the body as an analogy to the Universe, so tattoos were applied along energy flow lines, allowing them to change their destiny. In this way, they protected themselves from misfortunes, adjusted their character, deprived themselves of bad habits, and attracted success, joy, and luck into their lives.
Tattoos in the minimalism style are a concise style characterized by simplicity and elegance in composition. The style features geometric shapes, minimal colors, and small scales. Key elements of this style include various symbols, animals, flowers, and illustrations from books.
Often, such tattoos can be seen on young women who prefer a small, unique tattoo on their body, which can look fantastic. Therefore, minimalism tattoos are perfect for those who don’t want to adorn a significant part of their body but desire to have a beautiful and aesthetic tattoo.
The main aspects of such tattoos are accuracy in execution and a good appearance after healing.
Despite its name, New School tattoos appeared in the tattoo art nearly forty years ago. There had to be something similar in the 1980s when the rave culture with its acid bright flowers, aggressive music, and visible religion had essentially captured the minds of the youth (including the creative ones). The younger generation needed tattoos not just as individual symbols but as vivid, cartoonish, and crazy plots.
The tattoos we now call “old school” started the modern art of tattooing. “Old school” tattoos became one of the first that were done not only for cultural reasons but according to fashion style.
Tattoos in the Japanese style are very bright and large. Such tattoos are done exclusively by those who aren’t afraid to attract attention because these tattoos will always evoke a storm of emotions, both positive and negative.
The main distinctive feature is the clarity of lines and shapes. The design should be symmetrical, otherwise the desired effect won’t be achieved. The tattoo artist executing such works must be characterized by increased meticulousness.
Geometric figures, dots, and crosses are used for the design. The choice may be among marine themes and for example, drawings of waves, fish, and other marine creatures, as well as islands, and forest plants. This can be considered a kind of tribute to the creators of this popular tattoo style from the Polynesian islands.
The main distinctive feature is the clarity of lines and shapes. The design should be symmetrical, otherwise the desired effect won’t be achieved. The tattoo artist executing such works must be characterized by increased meticulousness.
Geometric figures, dots, and crosses are used for the design. The choice may be among marine themes and for example, drawings of waves, fish, and other marine creatures, as well as islands, and forest plants. This can be considered a kind of tribute to the creators of this popular tattoo style from the Polynesian islands.
Realism style is one of the most popular, or rather even top styles of tattoos nowadays. This is quite a young style. It first appeared at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Sailors and prisoners used it to always have images of their loved ones at hand without bothering to have photographs. As they say, “I carry everything I have with me”.
In general, the word “sketch” can have two different meanings, one of which denotes a sketch, that is, an unfinished drawing, and the other – a short scene played out by two actors.
Thus, a Sketch tattoo has two directions: a kind of sketch, an unfinished drawing, and a depiction of an action that could once have appeared in a person’s life.
Translated from English, “steampunk” literally means steam punk. This term is used to describe a direction in literary science fiction, the essence of which is an alternative history of technological development based on steam-powered machinery bypassing electricity. The combination of nineteenth-century mechanisms with the human body creates a unique steampunk tattoo effect.
Tattoos in the traditional style are characterized by simplicity and primitive patterns. They don’t have a deep meaning and all their symbolism is on the surface. For example, a sailor might choose sketches of a lighthouse or a ship, while a lover – heart with a pierced arrow. Often, drawings with thematic inscriptions are found. This could be a motto, a quote from a book, or the name of a loved one.
The word “tribal” is historically interpreted as “pattern on the skin”. Indeed, this style has a look of curious patterns on the bodies of African tribes, the Indians of America, or Australians. However, in the modern world, the meaning of the tribal style is often limited to sharp contrasting (without gradients) figures. These lines are similar to the tattoos that numerous tribes around the world used to cover their bodies.
Hyde tattoos are made by both boys and girls — such drawings emphasize the anatomy of the body and look unusual. It’s recommended to order an individual sketch so that it fits you in the best way.
Hyde tattoos fade slower due to their dense monotone coloring, and are therefore easier to care for. If the Realism style needs to be touched up every 5-7 years, Hyde will retain its appearance for over a decade.
Handpoke is one of the most controversial and courageous trends in the modern tattoo industry. Some derogatorily refer to Handpoke tattoos as “ink”, while others consider this style a true art form.
Indeed, tattoos done in this style often look careless, uneven, as if they were drawn by a child. They lack intricate details, complicated plots, and often carry a provocative character.
The distinctive features of the style are easily recognizable: realistic depictions, minimalistic color choices, and clear outlines. The most common themes include religious figures, biblical quotes, and crosses. All drawings reflect the philosophy of the world and the mortality of all living things.
The meaning of Chicano tattoos echoes allegorical picturesque plots of the Middle Ages, where a mad mortal dance leads everyone indiscriminately to the grave. The ominous depiction of death as the main character denotes the equality of people before death and the futility of attempts to prevent it through money, fame, or power.
Tattoos on the body are considered a form of personal adornment. They allow individuals to stand out from the crowd and show their inner world in the form of a design. Few people realize that such tattoos can carry a double meaning. In the Slavic world, it is believed that Slavic amulets on the body can protect a person from possible troubles and prevent misfortunes.
