The guide to finding your tattoo style
Tattooing is a constantly evolving art form, divided into many styles, each with its own unique characteristics and personality. Whether you're passionate about realism or fascinated by abstract motifs, there's a style that can capture your ideas and reflect your identity. Here's a look at some of the most popular tattoo styles, which you can get done in our tattoo parlor:
Realistic floral tattoo
Realistic tattooing aims to reproduce images with photographic precision and detail. This style is often used for portraits, animals or objects. Using sophisticated shading and shadowing techniques, artists are able to capture fine details such as reflections, skin textures or wrinkles, giving an almost tangible effect. Our specialist in realistic and floral tatoos can be found here .
2D tattoos are flatter and more stylized, while 3D tattoos play with shadows and perspective to create an illusion of depth. In this way, 3D tattoos give the impression that the image "pops out" of the skin, adding a spectacular, realistic dimension.
Looking for a more tradictional and illustrative signature?&.
Maori and Polynesian tattoo
These are traditional tribal tattoo styles that often carry profound meanings. The motifs are composed of geometric shapes and black lines, representing cultural elements and symbols of protection, strength, or belonging. Polynesian tattoos generally follow symmetrical patterns and cover large areas of skin, such as the arms, legs or torso.
Neotraditional tattoo (Neotrad)
Inspired by the traditional style, neotrad uses bright colors and modern details. It often incorporates varied themes such as animals, skulls or flowers, and combines strong outlines with subtle shading to create rich, detailed designs. This is Chlo, Archipel's neotrad tattoo expert.
Old School Tattoo
Old School, or traditional, tattoos can be recognized by their primary colors and thick outlines. The motifs are often anchors, roses, swallows or other marine elements. This style is associated with nostalgic, classic imagery, inspired by seafaring days and early Western tattoos.
New School tattoo
Inspired by comics and pop culture, the New School style is characterized by exaggerated designs, vibrant colors and an often cartoonish style. Themes range from cartoon characters to symbols of urban culture, creating an intense, bold visual effect.
Geometric Tattoo
Geometric tattooing uses repetitive lines, shapes and patterns to create abstract, balanced designs. This style emphasizes symmetry and can be minimalist or highly complex. Geometric patterns can be purely decorative, or have spiritual or symbolic significance.
Dotwork tattoo (Pointillism)
Dotwork is made up of dots to form patterns or shading, often used in mandalas or geometric designs. This style gives a unique texture and subtle relief effect, which lends itself particularly well to detailed patterns and black and gray compositions.
Japanese tattoo (Irezumi)
The traditional Japanese tattoo, or Irezumi, represents cultural elements such as dragons, koi carp, cherry blossoms and warriors. It is characterized by large, colorful and detailed pieces, often designed to cover large parts of the body. Each motif carries a symbolic meaning linked to Japanese culture, such as courage or perseverance. Want to get started? Contact Antho for Japanese tattoos.
Mandala Tattoo
The mandala is a circular design that symbolizes the universe and spirituality. These intricate patterns are often created in dotwork or fine lines and are appreciated for their symmetrical aesthetic. Mandalas are also used for tattoos that encourage meditation or relaxation.
Blackwork Tattoo
Blackwork uses exclusively black ink to create intense, often abstract patterns. This style can include geometric shapes, tribal motifs or minimalist designs. Blackwork is prized for its ability to produce strong contrasts and visually striking images.
Watercolor Tattoo
Inspired by watercolor painting, this style is distinguished by its vibrant colors and subtle gradations. The motifs appear to be painted on the skin, with flowing or superimposed effects. Watercolor tattoos are often chosen for their artistic, fluid look.
Script/Calligraphy Tattoo
Script or calligraphy tattoos focus on words, phrases or quotations. Created with stylized letters, this style can be simple or elaborate, and is often chosen to express personal thoughts, values or important names.
Biomechanical tattooing
Biomechanics combines organic and mechanical elements, often with the illusion that machines are integrated into the skin. This style creates impressive visual effects, giving the impression that the skin reveals gears, circuits or other internal structures.
Minimalist Tattoo
Minimalist tattoos use simple, uncluttered lines to create delicate designs. They are often small in size and depict discreet shapes or symbols. This style is perfect for those seeking a subtle, contemporary aesthetic.
In conclusion, no one style is better than another. Take the time to discover the style that's right for you, and make sure you choose an artist who has mastered the technique of your choice to guarantee a result that lives up to your expectations.
