Minimalist, geometric, old school with vibrant colours… choosing a tattoo style can sometimes seem complex. Between body art and self-expression, each style has its own universe and codes, offering endless possibilities to express creativity. So, if you’re looking for the tattoo style that resonates with you, this guide might help you navigate your options and spark inspiration!
Abstract
CLICK TO DISPLAY
This style favours non-figurative forms, varied textures and expressive colours for a modern, artistic and personal result. It stems from a high degree of artistic freedom, leading to a one-of-a-kind result.
Baroque
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A style that stands out for its detailed and elegant motifs, inspired by 17th-century art. It is defined by elegant motifs such as arabesques and ornaments to give a rich and sophisticated style.
Blackwork
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A tattoo style that uses exclusively black ink, employing various techniques such as shading and texture. It is the foundation of several other styles, including tribal, lettering, and ornamental.
Chrome/Metallic
CLICK TO DISPLAY
The chrome or metallic tattoo style mimics the shiny, reflective appearance of metal. Using shades of grey and white, it creates realistic light and reflection effects. This style often draws inspiration from mechanical, futuristic, or biomechanical themes and requires high technical skill to accurately render textures and three-dimensional illusions.
Colours
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A style that uses a varied color palette, ranging from pastels to vibrant hues. The palette varies from one artist to another.
Engraving
CLICK TO DISPLAY
This style draws inspiration from engraving techniques to create complex and detailed designs that resemble engravings or prints.
Geometrical
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A tattoo style that uses geometric shapes to create unique and creative designs, based on symmetry and regular forms.
Illustration
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Combines graphic novels, comics, anime and other types of illustration-style drawings.
Japanese
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Traditional style featuring important elements from the Japanese culture such as dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and oni (demons).
Neo-Japanese: a variant with brighter colors, sharper outlines, and a touch of modernity.
Lettering
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Lettering has transformed from a style centered around black letters to designs that blend text and images. It is also available in coloured inks, offering a wider range of hues.
Line
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Lining declines into two styles:
Fine Line/Work: tattoos made with fine and delicate lines.
Fat Line: tattoos made with thick and bold lines.
Minimalism
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A style featuring simple and minimalist patterns, made with fine lines for a sleek and elegant result.
Neo Traditional
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Derived from the old school style, it reinterprets classic motifs (animals, flowers, symbols) with finer details, intricate shading, and a richer colour palette. It also offers greater artistic freedom for a more personalised result, blending tradition with modernity.
New School
CLICK TO DISPLAY
A style characterised by exaggerated and caricatured motifs inspired by pop culture. With vibrant colours, bold gradients, and sophisticated shading, it creates dynamic tattoos full of visual energy.
Old School
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Style characterized by thick outlines and bright primary colors. With a limited palette and rudimentary tools, it features simple yet powerful designs, often inspired by the marine world, Native American symbols, and prison iconography (roses, swallows, boats, and pin-ups).
Ornemental
CLICK TO DISPLAY
It combines various cultural influences, such as Berber, Polynesian, or Croatian styles, and is characterized by decorative, often symbolic patterns. It is applied to unusual areas of the body, such as the hands, face, or feet. The designs are unique and delicate, adorning the skin like jewelry.
Portrait
CLICK TO DISPLAY
This style aims to realistically or artistically reproduce the image of a person, with a strong focus on facial details and emotions.
Realism
CLICK TO DISPLAY
Surrealism: a blend of realistic and fantastical elements creating dreamlike and irrational scenes.
Micro Realism: extremely detailed representations on small areas of the skin.
Realism: Accurate reproduction of reality with remarkable details.