Different Tattoo Styles

Tattoos come in all varieties. Big, small, color, black & grey, etc. That is part of what makes tattoos so awesome. Tattoo are as unique as the people that get tattooed. From what they get tattooed on their bodies and where. To the tattoo styles they get those tattoos in.

But, what exactly is a “tattoo style” ? And, what is the tattoo style I like called?

A tattoo style is the general look of the tattoo, not the subject (image, writing, etc.) that is being depicted in the tattoo. Just how you can easily tell the difference between Picasso  and a Monet painting, regardless of the subject. The different styles of a tattoo can give even the exact same subject a completely different look and feel.

And, just like in the more mainstream art mediums have where there are a variety of styles, modern, classical, impressionist,  and so on. There are just as many different tattoo styles.

Simply put, there are many ways to tattoo a cat.

What are the different tattoo styles you may ask? Well my friend, tattoo styles are many, but we have put a list together of some of the most popular tattoo styles. As well as, a little info about what makes them each so uniquely beautiful.

Traditional & Old School Tattoo Style

Traditional or Old School tattoos are what you think of when you think of classic American tattoos. It is the style your Grandpa got when he was in the Navy. Bold black lines and bright colors are the trademarks of the Traditional / Old School  tattoo style.

Click here to check out our list of the the 10 Best Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Traditional Tattoo Style by Sara

Neo Traditional Tattoo Style

As the name implies Neo Traditional tattoos take a lot of inspiration from the Traditional tattoo style. However, Neo Traditional tattoos have a twist, finer lines mixed with bold, more nontraditional colors, and more true to life illustrated qualities create tattoos that have the classic feel with a taste of the new.

Click Here to check out our list of the 10 Best Neo Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Neo-Traditional Tattoo Style by Sara

Fine Line Tattoo Style

Fine line tattoos have a very delicate look for a tattoo style. And, the Fine Line Tattoo Style has seen a surge in popularity from those who are looking to get their first tattoos because they are easier to hide. Still, some get fine line tattoos because they a simply very aesthetically pleasing.

To check out our list of the 10 Best Fine Line Tattoo Ideas click here

Fine Line Tattoo Style by Alex

Pointillism Tattoo Style

The Pointillism Tattoo style, or Dot Work tattoo style, is done by tattooing a series of dots to create an image. This tattoo style takes its name from the pointillism art movement of the 19th century, and is a very beautiful and unique tattoo style that can be used for any tattoo design, from simple to complex.

To learn more about the Pointillism Tattoo Style Click Here

Tribal Tattoo Style

Tribal tattoos have been around since the beginning of tattoos, with each culture offering their own unique style. Popular tribal tattoo styles include: Polynesian, Native American, and more. They usually involve elaborate patterns and can range in size from small to entire body tattoos.

Click Here to check out our list of Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Tattoo Style by Eddie

Cybersigilism Tattoo Style

Cybersigilism is a tattoo style characterized by its use of thin lines, sharp angles, and usually black ink, to create intricate patterns that resemble a mix of circuitry and organic forms. As mentioned above, they resemble the classic tribal tattoos that we all know and love from the 90s, although the style can vary. 

Click here to learn more about Cybersigilism tattoos

Cybersigilism Tattoo Style By Devon 

Watercolor tattoo Style

The Watercolor tattoo style has gained a lot of popularity recently, this makes sense with more and more women getting tattoos. Watercolor tattoos are very delicate and beautiful looking. With minimal to no outline the colors flow over the skin.

Watercolor Tattoo Style by Alex

Blackwork tattoo Style

The Blackwork tattoo style is just what it sounds like, tattoos with no color they only use black ink. Blackwork tattoos can range from very simple tattoos to something very complex. Blackwork is a great style if you want a tattoo that will stand out

Blackwork Tattoo Style by Sarah

Realism tattoo style

The Realism tattoo style is just what it sounds like… realistic tattoos. These tattoos look true to life and be in color or black and grey. Realism tattoos on the perfect tattoo when you want your tattoo to look exactly like its real life counterpart.

Realism Tattoo Style by Ryan

Japanese tattoo style

The classic Japanese tattoo style has been a favorite for hundreds of years, and it is no surprise. These stylistic tattoos are great for telling stories in ink. They have a distinct look and use symbolism to show their meaning.

Japanese Tattoo Style by Eddie

Trash Polka tattoo style

Trash Polka is a tattoo style that mixes blackwork, realism, and trash. This tattoo style is usually only black and red but can use other colors depending on the tattoo.  The Trash Polka tattoo style has gained more popularity recently for its ability to mix these elements and create amazing works of art.

Trash Polka Tattoo Style by Eddie

Geometric tattoo style

The Geometric tattoo style focuses on lines and shapes. From simple shape to elaborate patterns, or turning everyday things geometric, this contemporary tattoo style is more versatile than it appears.

To see more Geometric Style Tattoos click here

Geometric Tattoo Style By CC

Patchwork Tattoo Style

Patchwork tattoos aren't a single tattoo, they are a collection of tattoos put on the body in a "patchwork" style. They can be done in almost any tattoo style, but they are usually done in a traditional tattoo style. Patchwork tattoos can also be done in color or blackwork.

To learn more about patchwork style tattoos and see more patchwork tattoos click here

Tattoos done by various artists

Patch Tattoo Style

Patch tattoo style (not to be confused with patchwork tattoos), is a tattoo style that makes the tattoo look like an embroidered patch on the skin. As you can see from the patch style tattoo below, it almost plays tricks on your mind.

Patch Style Tattoo Style By Wulf

Black and Grey Tattoo Style

The black and grey tattoo style is one of the most common. You can do any other style of tattoo in the black and grey tattoo style. This style focuses on shading to make tattoos look great. And, is what some call the OG of tattoo styles

Black and Grey Tattoo Style by Ryan

Aesthetic Tattoo Style

The Aesthetic tattoo style can be almost anything. There are tattoos that focus on the appreciation of beauty and the nature of beauty. These tattoos induce a feeling of great aesthetic pleasure. Aesthetic tattoos can big or small, black or color, and anything in between, as long as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Click Here to check out our list of the 10 Best Aesthetic Tattoo Ideas

 Aesthetic Tattoo Style by Tacho 

Ignorant Tattoo Style

The Ignorant Tattoo Style is a fairly new tattoo style. The hallmarks of the Ignorant Tattoo Style are simple tattoos that look like a child could have drawn it. They are usually mostly line work and a wonky look to them.

Ignorant Tattoo Style By Devon

Anime Tattoo Style 

The Anime Tattoo Style is very popular. As the name suggests, the Anime tattoo style is inspired by Anime movies, shows, and comics. Many artists also tattoo common things in the anime style.

Check out our list of Anime Tattoo Ideas by clicking here

Anime Tattoo Style By Jah

Small Tattoo Style

Small tattoo style, are tattoos that are small. They can be done using other tattoo styles, and can be color or black and grey like the tattoo below. Small tattoos are becoming quite popular as a first tattoo, and as a way to fill in the extra space for those with a lot of tattoos.

To check out some more small tattoos, Click Here to see our 10 Best Small Tattoo Ideas List

Small Tattoo Style by Sarah

Micro Tattoo Style

Micro Tattoos are the smallest of the tattoo styles. They are tattoos that are very small, hence the name micro. However, some of these Micro Tattoos are very detailed, like the tattoo below. Micro Tattoos are best done by a highly skilled tattoo artist.

Micro Tattoo Style by  Sarah

Abstract Tattoo Style

Abstract tattoos are just like abstract art, it does not attempt to represent external reality. These Abstract tattoos use different shapes, forms, and colors to achieve the style. Any subject can be tattooed in the Abstract tattoo style, and they are a great way to differentiate even the most simple tattoo design.

Abstract Tattoo Style by Sarah

3D Tattoo Style

3D tattoos are a very cool and unique tattoo style. They can be very simple or intricate tattoos, but all 3D tattoos have one thing in common, the 3D red and blue lines. They tattoos are done this wya so when you put on 3D glasses the tattoo becomes 3D.

3D Tattoo Style by Ryan 

Cartoon Tattoo Style

The cartoon tattoo style is done in the style of your favorite classic Saturday morning cartoons. These tattoos looks very cool, and can be actual cartoon characters or just anything reimagined in the cartoon tattoo style.

Cartoon Tattoo Style by Sarah

Continuous Line Contour Tattoo Style

In the Continuous Line Contour Tattoo Style the artist tattoos the outermost edges of a form, as well as  any dramatic changes within the form. Put simply, a continuous line contour tattoo looks like an "outline drawing," that uses no shading, and it appears that the tattoo machine never lifts from the skin.

Click Here to see our list of The 10 Best Continuous Line Tattoos

Continuous Line Contour Tattoo Style by Sara

Portrait Tattoo Style

Portrait tattoos can be of famous people or just someone you love. They are very realistic looking and take a highly skilled tattoo artist to create. Portrait tattoos can be done in color or black and grey, and can range from simple to very complex. A well done portrait tattoo is always a great choice for a tattoo style.

Portrait Tattoo Style By Wulf

Pet and Animal Tattoo Style

Animal tattoos can be done in almost every style. Whether it is a dog portrait tattoo, a cat cartoon tattoo, a horse watercolor tattoo, or any other animal tattoo, they are all extremely meaningful tattoos. These Animal tattoo styles are always great as long as the tattoos portray the animal the way you remember them.

Click Here to check our 10 Best Pet and Animal Portrait Tattoo Ideas and makes sure to check out our 10 Best Pet Tattoo Ideas by Clicking Here.

Animal & Pet Tattoo Style By  Wulf

Sketch Tattoo Style

Another tattoo style the has been more popular is Sketch Style Tattoos. Sketch tattoo are usually black like a pencil. But, they can also be done in color (see image below) like a colored pencil. The Sketch Tattoo Style is a great tattoo style choice for almost any tattoo subject, and gives a not too clean, very authentic look to any type of tattoo. 

Sketch Tattoo Style By Devon

Video Game Tattoo Style

Video games are an iconic part of modern life. They are not only fun to play, but fun to get tattooed. And, the video game style tattoos look amazing. Whether you go for a classic video game tattoo, or something newer, video game tattoos are a great choice.

To check out more video game style tattoos click here

There are a countless number of tattoo styles to choose from, but these few tattoo styles are a great starting point for you tattoo journey. Whatever tattoo style you decide on make sure you get it from the best tattoo artists at the best tattoo shop Mr. Inkwells Classy Tattoos. We have tattoo artists that can tattoo any style. So, call, book online or just come on down to the best tattoo shop in Orange County, Mr. Inkwells Classy Tattoos.

See you soon!