Tattoo Styles: Which Ones Exist and How to Choose Yours

Tattoo Styles: Which Ones Exist and How to Choose Yours

Tattoo Styles: Which Ones Exist and How to Choose Yours

December 4, 2024 | 15:39 | Tips

The world of tattooing is filled with a variety of unique visual styles, each with its own distinct features and composition principles.

For those planning to get a tattoo, understanding different styles helps simplify the sketch search and communication with the tattoo artist. It also helps in choosing a tattoo style that matches your mood, message, and personal preferences.

A professional tattoo artist who has mastered the aesthetics of various styles can not only bring client ideas to life but also professionally guide their creative search.

In this article, Nano Supplies experts highlight 7 popular tattoo styles and their key features.

Traditional and Old School

Characterized by bold black outlines and relatively simple 2D designs. Common Old School themes include:

  • Naval symbols and Native American motifs;
  • Patriotic imagery (eagles, flags);
  • Talismans (horseshoes, clovers);
  • People (pin-up girls, sailors);
  • Iconic elements (daggers, roses, dice);
  • Ribbons and slogans.

Old School tattoos feature bright, vivid color palettes dominated by red, blue, green, and yellow.

In Traditional tattoos, more muted, natural shades prevail, and designs often carry deep cultural meanings, such as:

  • Botanical elements;
  • Animals and birds;
  • Ships;
  • Knights.

New School Tattoo Styles

New School tattoos radiate freedom and rebellion, inspired by graffiti, cartoons, hip-hop, and pop art.

They are recognized by their bright colors, deliberate distortions, and cartoon-like appearances. Some modern directions include:

  • Cyberpunk: Monsters, mutants, and fantasy creatures from cult games and movies.
  • Wild New School: Sharp outlines, vivid contrasts, jagged lines, and custom typography inspired by graffiti.
  • Acid and Ecstasy: Psychedelic, neon-colored scenes blending fantasy and abstraction.

Blackwork

Originating from tribal tattoos, Blackwork adds bold fills and negative spaces. Everything is done in solid black ink—lines, shading, textures, and fill.

Substyles include:

  • Geometric Blackwork: Simple to intricate fractal compositions that complement the body’s natural curves.
  • Ornamental Blackwork: Smooth and round figures inspired by henna designs, focusing heavily on symmetry.
  • Botanical Blackwork: Artistic depictions of plants, flowers, fruits, and trees, often carrying symbolic meanings.
  • Abstract Blackwork: Non-figurative, freely interpreted compositions with irregular geometry.

Blackwork can also include simple designs, such as solid black armbands.

Dotwork

This style creates images entirely with dots of varying sizes and densities. Usually monochromatic, it uses only black or basic colors to build shading and depth.

It requires precision and a strong understanding of composition. Artists may use hand-poke techniques for small tattoos or machines for larger pieces.

Whip Shading

A technique often used in black and gray works to create 3D effects. Dots or fine strokes of varying intensity build textures like:

  • Animal fur;
  • Bird feathers;
  • Flowers;
  • Sand, waves, and more.

Whip shading adds modernity and originality even to colored tattoos.

Tribal Tattoos

Tribal tattoos are based on ancient geometric minimalism. Historically, clans used tattoos to mark rituals, social status, and spiritual beliefs. Characteristics include interlocking patterns, sharp lines, and spikes aligned with muscle shapes.

Common symbols:

  • Triangular patterns – teeth;
  • Shaded triangles – spearheads symbolizing strength and power;
  • Lizards – luck talismans;
  • Sea turtles – protection and endurance.

Japanese and Neo-Japanese

Traditional Japanese tattooing (Irezumi) uses vivid colors—red, green, yellow, brown—and lots of black for contrast. Designs are deeply rooted in mythology and symbolism:

  • Samurai — honor and self-discipline;
  • Koi fish — inspiration and perseverance;
  • Ocean waves — origin and boundlessness;
  • Dragons — wisdom and wealth;
  • Snakes — transformation and rebirth;
  • Tigers — strength and courage.

Neo-Japanese styles modernize these themes while retaining their storytelling essence.

Modern Tattoo Styles

Experimentation and stylistic crossovers are increasingly popular today, including:

  • Anime;
  • Calligraphy/Lettering;
  • Realism and Micro-Realism;
  • Psychedelic;
  • Surrealism;
  • Trash Polka;
  • Watercolor;
  • Botanical tattoos (Floral);
  • Haida and Indigenous designs.

Your Tattoo Journey Starts with the Right Tools

At Nano Supplies, we support every artist's creative journey by providing top-quality cartridges, needles, inks, and accessories for all tattoo styles.

Shop online or visit us in person at:

1861 Welch Street, North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Nano Supplies — your trusted partner in the art of tattooing!

Back to blog