Tattoos are a commitment you make to your body. They are permanent works of art that are forever painted on your body, unless you decide to laser them off which would cost you thousands of dollars. To avoid spontaneity, which most likely leads to the big possibility of regretting the permanent work of art on your body, we have rounded up the different styles of tattoos in this quick, basic guide.
1. Traditional
Traditionally designed tattoos are often rich in color, using vibrant colors and shadings to represent a picture. Traditional tattoos often represent an event or something important to the person who has the tattoo.
2. Realism
Realism design tattoos are inspired by actual things and people, as it depicts realistic picture of anything you want. If you want to have a picture of your grandmother on your chest, a good tattoo artist can replicate a picture of your grandmother and put it right onto your chest using tattoo ink and shadings.
3. Watercolor
Watercolor has been highly sought after in these recent years. Not just in tattoo designs, but also in works of art such as painting in fabric and canvas. Watercolor designs are exquisite and beautiful. With its use of vibrant and pastel colors, women are more likely inclined to have a watercolor style of tattoo.
4. Tribal
Tribal design tattoos are probably one of the oldest designs in the world. These designs have a rich background, and also possess deep meanings. Tribal designs often use beautiful patterns that represent each ancient tribe’s culture. Nowadays, these designs have been learned by tattoo artists. They have created unique styles, however the authenticity of the underlying meaning of the tattoos may have been compromised.
5. New School
New School designs feature caricatures, cartoonish and exaggerated figures. It is greatly inspired by the period when cartoons and anime were one of the most popular kinds and sources of entertainment.
6. Neo Traditional
As its name suggests, neo traditional is the new traditional. It retains the fundamental properties of the traditional style such as the use of vibrant colors, but the difference mainly lies on the texture and detail. In neo traditional design tattoos, the tattoo artist focus on blending color schemes to show a lively imagery.
7. Japanese
Japanese culture is so rich that it inspired tattoos that are still popular among tattoo shops today. Icons based on their ancient folklores, mythological creatures such as phoenixes and dragons are popular to put in arm and back tattoos. The Japanese design style tattoos always tell a story whether it is created with rich, colorful shades or using plain black ink.
8. Blackwork
Blackwork is any design done using black ink. The design can range from modern abstracts or geometrical patterns as long as they are created using solid black ink or black shading.
These different styles of tattoos have their own distinct features and characteristics. You just have to find which one suits you best, and your tattoo artists can surely help you pick a design.