Tattoo styles are not just about images. Tattoos also come in different design styles that can give some of the same images a unique look. There is a technique for everyone, whether you are looking for old school, hip, bright, shaded, or ethnic design styles.
Old school design style
Just like the name suggests, this style is traditional and takes its look from the days when flat shading and simple lines were the norm for tattoos. The only colors used are blue, black, green, red, and yellow.
New school design style
Based on graffiti art, new school designs are exactly what they sound like and use bold outlines with bright colors. This trendy style not only distinguishes itself with colors, but the designs themselves have unique proportions with exaggerated poses.
Black- and gray-wash design style
This style is generally used for portraits and should only be attempted by someone trained in portrait depiction. Subtle shading and defined light sources characterize this tattoo design that lasts well over a long period of time. Ink colors for this style contain different shades of black.
Tribal design style
The name is a little misleading, as tribal style does not necessarily refer to objects. Instead, tribal designs use decorative lines to bring into play a certain feel to the tattoo. Tribal tattoos are usually inked in black but can have some colors added.
Celtic knot work
Most Celtic knot work tattoo design styles are inspired by Irish manuscripts like "The Book of Kells." While Celtic tattooing began before the dates of these books, around the time of metal and stone work, Celtic knot work tattoos embody a spiritual level in their designs. Usually done in black ink, this style should be done by a special artist who can properly transfer the meaning of love, life, and spirit into the interlaced designs.
Irezumi design style
Irezumi tattoo designs include traditional oriental images like buddhas, geishas, dragons, samurais, and koi. Bright colors are offset with meticulous use of black ink. These are also simply known as Oriental tattoo design styles.
Fine line design style
Fine line designs offer a contemporary option for tattoos. This style creates natural, more realistic tattoos and works well for smaller designs that call for intricate details.
The history of tattooing goes back thousands of years, at least 5,000 years. In 1991, a 5,000-year-old frozen body was discovered in the mountains between Austria and Italy. The body was covered with 57 tattoos. |
Name tattoos can include family names, names of loved ones or even brand names, but family names are your best bet. |
White ink tattoos are a great compromise in body art: a tattoo that doesn't scream out that it is a tattoo. The subtle impact of a white ink tattoo will reveal an image on skin, but without the blank ink or colors that dominate the tattoo scene. |
What do tattoo tears mean? As one would expect, they most often represent times of sadness. |
Preparing for a first tattoo requires preparing physically and mentally for the experience that is about to take place. Learn how to be sure that you are as ready as humanly possible for the procedure. |
Permanent makeup saves time and money, while also ensuring that you always look your best, even at the gym or first thing in the morning. Older women may opt for permanent ...click here for more. |
Tattoo infection risks are real and there can be some ugly, and very costly, repercussions. Getting a tattoo can increase your risk of developing a serious skin infection, and even hepatitis C. |
Take time choosing your design and researching shops before taking the leap and getting a tattoo. |
Permanent makeup has helped people achieve long-lasting beauty, but you need to understand the possible side effects. |
Think the pain of getting a tattoo is intense? Tattoo ink itself can cause allergic reactions in some would-be tat enthusiasts. |
Learn how to remove temporary tattoos with these tips. Different types of temporary tattoos require different removal methods to minimize irritation. The three most common types of temporary tattoos are henna tattoos, airbrush tattoos and adhesive tattoos. |
Are you eager to get a tattoo but aren't sure what type or size you can afford? If your decision is based on the availability of money (or lack thereof), it's better to wait u...click here for more. |
What does an infected tattoo look like? While all new tattoos will be red and swollen when you leave the tattoo studio, there are red flags that can show you that the healing process has taken a bad turn. |
Henna temporary tattoos can give you the inked look without the permanent commitment. |
Not long ago, everyone knew that a tattoo was permanent. That permanence is, in fact, part of the reason people get tattoos. Yet while it is possible to get tattoos removed, i...click here for more. |
Temporary airbrush tattoos allow you the liberty of testing out a bold, colorful tattoo without the commitment that comes with a needle. |
How much does a tattoo hurt? It all depends upon who you ask, what kind of tattoo you're getting and where you plan to have it placed. Most importantly, it depends on your pain threshold level. |
Ankle tattoos look great and are easy to hide, but they can hurt more than other tattoos. |
A stomach tattoo requires a little different approach than a tattoo on another part of the body. A stomach tattoo is a wise choice for those who want to be able to conceal the tattoo under normal clothing yet still enjoy this style of body art. |
Getting a tattoo is an exciting decision for many people, and you may feel like you want to rush into the first shop you see when you decide you want one. It is important t...click here for more. |
Proper care of a new tattoo is key to getting the results you want from your new skin art. The most important part of tattoo care is proper cleansing and sanitation. A dirty tattoo can easily become infected, causing the ink to bleed and fade. |
Out of all the tattoo tips, the best one is the following: Do your homework before you make the commitment because a tattoo is forever. |
Tattoo regret is an all too common affliction, but it's entirely preventable. Learn how not to hate your inking decision. |
To design your own tattoo, you need more than idea. Tattoo design takes color, line width and placement into account. |
A comprehensive guide to tattoos, including permanent makeup, and laser tattoo removal procedures. |
Learn how to make temporary tattoos with these temporary tattoo design and printing tips for optimal DIY tattoo results. |
What is the most painful area to get a tattoo inked onto your body? These spots might look amazing when they have been adorned with body art, but they will demonstrate that sometimes beauty really does require pain. |
If you are looking for cool free tattoo ideas, don't follow a trend or choose a design that the tattoo studio has on its walls or in its racks. Find something that speaks to you and represents who you are and what you really like. |
If you'd like to remove a tattoo, you can try laser tattoo removal, but you need to find a licensed doctor, and don't expect miracles. |
Wrist tattoos are showing up everywhere as a bold style statement. The placement of wrist tattoos is significant. Thin skin on the underside ups the pain factor. |
What does a tattoo feel like? Three different people will give you three different perspectives, but there are some universally agreed upon thoughts on the matter. |
Tips for selecting the right tattoo artist for your needs so you can get the results you want. |
