12 Classic Tattoo Styles You Need To Know

Tattoos today are exceptionally popular, and more individuals are now opting for this personal style of body art. These designs can be found in countless different tattoo design styles from realistic, to traditional or exhibiting more tribal or geometric vibes and lines. Read on for 12 classic tattoo styles everyone should know before deciding on a tattoo design according to Oracle Tattoo Gallery.

1. Old School, Traditional, Western Style Or Classic Americana

Classic American or Old School Traditional Tattoos have been around in western civilizations since about 1930. This is often thought of as old-time sailor tattoos and are identified by their bold lines and vibrant colors that are similar in shade.These tattoo designs are often related to nautical or ocean themes often depicting pinup girls in the earlier days along with wild animals, daggers, hearts and roses which remain popular today.

2. New School (Comic Caricatures)

This tattoo style rose in popularity at the tail end of the 1980’s to early 1990’s. These designs are usually an exaggerated caricature rather like crazy cartoon figures with animated details. Some of the newer tattoo artists bring in lots of fantasy and more chaotic types of figures that may span across the full back while the earlier versions tended to be placed on the arms.

3. Tribal

Tribal tattoos are some of the oldest tattoo designs used by indigenous people groups across the globe. Some of these bold and beautiful designs can be traced back thousands of years. These tattoos at first may seem similar, but each tribe will have their own unique tattoo designs that tell a story about their specific cultures and passed down mythological stories that can be distinguished by a very trained eye.Most tribal tattoos feature elaborate and complex patterns and are usually created with black ink although newer tribal designs tend to be accented by stunning colors especially for women.

4. Neo Traditional

This tattoo style is based on traditional or classic tattoo styles with noticeable lines that are somewhat finer than its predecessor along with vibrant bursts of hues that are generally less traditional than the previous design colors.The tattoo artists who create Neo Traditional designs are influenced from Art Deco or Art Nouveau artistic design styles. These tattoos have a definite illustrative look and usually depict more natural illustrations that tend to be more detailed and colorful with beautiful flowing borderwork accents.

5. Japanese Irezumi

Japanese tattoo styles and traditional artwork types are numerous and span this country’s long and ancient eras depicting various cultural objects and themes throughout the centuries. Most tattoo artists in western countries tend to favor the Japanese tattoo style Irezumi although Asian inspired Anime and other design styles are also currently trending.Irezumi tattoos today often follow the traditional figures that are highly detailed in nature and gorgeously shaded with many layers of color. This tattoo style often depicts Japanese mythical creatures and story heroes such as a phoenix, tiger or dragon. These designs often tell a detailed story from this country’s oldest legends and ancient art masterpieces. Usually, these tattoos are larger covering the entire back, arm or shoulder. However, there are certainly lots of smaller and scaled down tattoo designs these days as well.

6. Realistic Or Realism

Realism or Realistic art has been around in some form from the Renaissance art period. In the tattoo world, Realistic or Realism styled tattoos are considered relatively new. These tattoos typically depict people, animals or nature scenes or objects. Traditionally done in black and grey for portrait type designs, this tattoo today often includes lots of bold colors that are quite captivating.This style of tattoo requires a greater level of experience and talent to get the eye-catching and impressive look that most tattoo enthusiasts want.

7. Blackwork

Blackwork style tattoos are bold and demands attention. These tattoos are usually done in black ink only, but these designs can be very detailed and complex at the same time. This tattoo style is for tattoo enthusiasts who want their ink to be noticed right away.There is a growing trend of blackwork tattoo artists who are enlarging the variety of design styles that blackwork has traditionally been associated with in the past. This tattoo style often makes use of Tribal or Geometric type designs on a bolder scale or impact.

8. Watercolor

Like its name implies, the Watercolor Tattoo style is inspired by watercolor artwork that uses a brush to paint colorful and attractive designs. This is a relatively newer tattoo style trend, and it can take time and experience in mastering this tattoo style.These tattoos are often used for scenes and objects found in nature but not always. Softer and more muted colors in pastel shades are common with these tattoo designs.

9. Illustrative

The Illustrative Tattoo style encompasses many different styles. These designs can be etched in black or grey ink using fine and feathery or sketched lines, or the design can include aesthetically pleasing colors too. Some artist’s work looks like an engraving or an etching, and other artist’s designs may include lots of flourishes and elegant calligraphy details.Today, illustrative tattoos are inspiring a new generation of tattoo artists. These designs can be found in abstract to almost realism versions using a variety of inks and including more shade work.

10. Black And Grey

As this tattoo style name suggests, these Black and Grey tattoos are traditionally done with black and grey ink or a mixture of black and white. Just about any item or object can be created using this design style. Expect more shading in layers to detail and fill in the various elements of these tattoo designs. This attractive tattoo style is becoming a new fad in recent years, and it is not uncommon for several tattoo design styles to be used along with this type giving each piece more depth and texture to the design itself.

11. Anime

The Anime style of tattoo depicts animated art figures. This is often found in Asian cultures, but the design style has spread far and wide these days. Most of the time, this tattoo design will depict a cute child, person or animal with big and very emotion-filled eyes and lips that tend to be the focal point.

12. Geometric

Geometric tattoo styles can be found in Tribal Tattoos, etched versions and lots of other types. These designs are very versatile as a result. Geometric tattoos are all about the shapes and lines found in everyday objects and the designs can be minimalist or complex depending on the artist and desires of the client.

Conclusion

Whatever tattoo idea you have in mind, there is a style that will bring it to life. But you also need a a talented tattoo artist! Luckily, there are many good Philadelphia tattoo shops, including Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Fine local tattoo shops near me on your smartphone of home computer. Call 215-638-1601 or visit oracletattoogallery.com.