American Traditional

Most recognizable tattoo style today is surely american traditional. This style is honored for developing the tattoo industry as we know it today. It features bold lines, flat colors and very stylized subject matter. These features give it the best longevity in the tattoo world but even though  they look badass for the most part, sometimes they are also considered outdated and cliché. 

Neotraditional

The modern and much more sophisticated successor to traditional would be neotraditional. While it remains extremely legible due to bold lines and larger size, this style incorporates beautiful color gradients and a blend of art noveau and modern illustration - all the while not going overboard with fine detail which makes it a new classic. These tattoos are the perfect combination of a more modern approach to the great fundamental values set by the american traditional style. Sometimes we refer to this style lovingly as Old school.

Japanese

These tattoos are most famous for their distinct bold aesthetic that is rooted deeply in the japanese culture and always features some of their most famous symbols and motifs. They are almost always done on a larger scale and include a bold background of natural elements – clouds, waves, water or foliage. Skin is very saturated, lines are bold and the color pallete is similar to that of american traditional. Japanese also ages well and remains one of the most beloved styles today.

Polynesian and tribal

Polynesian tattoo style is rooted in geometry tailored to represent the values important to the island culture. Originaly it takes up a larger surface of the skin and each geometrical swipe is made to flow with the body of the wearer. This style is simply linework and flat packed black color, it doesn't feature soft gradients or shading and that's why it makes for a huge statement.

Today it is also often adapted to be tattooed on a smaller scale and on motifs not typically tied to polynesian origins.

Realism and color realism

Realism is everything traditional is not. It is basically taking a photograph and adapting it for a tattoo while remaining as true to it's source as possible. Realism is rooted in smooth shadows, carefuly selected values and enough contrast that transforms a photo into a beautiful tattoo. Realism needs large enough area to remain legible because it contains as many fine detail as possible without it being to busy. If done well, realism ages beautifully. 

Color realism is pretty self explanatory, it's realism – in color. This is however a lot longer and more difficult tattoo process because color realism doesn't use as much negative space as classic black and grey so the wounded skin surface is bigger. The results, however, are stunning.

Color realism ages well but it usually tends to need some refreshments throughout it's lifespan.

Illustrative

Illustrative style is probably the most versatile of the popular tattoo styles because things can be illustrated a thousand different ways. But what almost all of those have in common is clean lines done in two weights (thicker for the outline, thiner for the detail) and smooth shading, most often done in a pepper shading technique. This type of shading makes for a gorgeous texture. With the knowledge of it's strenghts, illustrative style can have great depth and a modern sleek look – while using the line depth play to lean into the established rules of traditional tattooing in order to heal well and remain beautiful for a lifetime. 

Sketch Style

This style mimics the look of a pencil or pen sketch, often appearing unfinished or rough, with visible strokes and cross-hatching. It emphasizes spontaneity and movement, capturing an artist’s raw, creative process. Sketch tattoos can look very dynamic and artistic but sometimes sacrifice longevity because of their fine, delicate lines that may blur or fade faster. They’re perfect for those who want a tattoo that feels alive and personal, like a drawing fresh off the artist’s sketchbook. 

Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos imitate the soft, flowing appearance of watercolor paintings, using gentle gradients and splashes of color, . This style often looks dreamy and ethereal, with colors bleeding into one another like a painted canvas. While visually stunning and modern, watercolor tattoos can be more prone to fading and require careful aftercare to maintain their vibrancy. They often pair well with more structured styles or fine line work for contrast. Watercolor tattoos suit clients who love colorful, painterly art and want a tattoo that feels light and fluid. 

New School

New School tattoos are bold, colorful, and often cartoonish or exaggerated, with heavy outlines and bright, saturated colors. Originating from graffiti and street art, this style embraces fun, fantasy, and sometimes surreal imagery. It’s a playful take on traditional tattooing but with a modern, vibrant twist. New School tattoos heal well due to their bold lines but can require large, continuous sessions because of the intense color packing. They’re ideal for clients who want a statement piece with energy and personality. 

Lettering

Lettering tattoos focus on typography and calligraphy, turning words, quotes, or names into permanent art. Styles can range from elegant scripts and flowing cursive to bold block letters or gothic fonts. Successful lettering tattoos rely on perfect spacing, clean lines, and choosing fonts that suit the message and placement. Because letters are often small and intricate, fine lines may fade or blur over time, so size and font choice are important for longevity. Lettering is a popular choice for meaningful, personal tattoos. 

Biomechanical

Biomechanical tattoos blend organic shapes with mechanical elements, creating designs that look like machinery beneath the skin. They often have a 3D effect with intricate details, shadows, and highlights to mimic metal, wires, and tubes intertwined with muscles or bones. This style requires a skilled artist for realistic depth and texture and is usually done in black and grey or muted tones. Biomechanical tattoos are perfect for sci-fi fans or those who love surreal, high-detail art, but they need a larger area to fully showcase their complexity.

Fineline

Fineline tattoos use very thin, delicate lines to create detailed, subtle designs. Often minimalist, they emphasize simplicity and precision, and can include everything from small symbols to intricate floral or geometric patterns. Due to their delicate nature, fineline tattoos require expert technique and careful upkeep. They’re great for clients who prefer subtle, elegant tattoos that don’t overpower the skin but still make a refined statement. 

Ornamental

Ornamental tattoos take inspiration from decorative arts such as lace, filigree, mandalas, and baroque patterns. They focus on symmetry, repetition, and fine details to create visually balanced, intricate designs that often resemble jewelry or textile patterns. This style can be both bold and delicate, typically done in black or muted tones, and works well on various body parts. Ornamental tattoos appeal to clients who want timeless, elegant body art with a focus on aesthetics rather than imagery. 

Geometrical

Geometrical tattoos use shapes like triangles, circles, and lines to build patterns, mandalas, or abstract designs. They can range from simple and minimalistic to highly complex, often symbolizing balance, harmony, and spirituality. Because of their precise lines and repetition, geometrical tattoos require a steady hand and careful planning. They heal well when done properly and can be tailored to fit body contours, making them versatile and visually striking. This style is perfect for clients who love clean, modern designs with symbolic meaning. 

These are just some of the most popular tattoo styles, but they’re far from the only ones. The world of tattooing is constantly evolving, and new styles are always emerging—often as hybrids or unique blends of existing ones. It’s not unusual for artists to mix elements from multiple styles to create something entirely original that fits both the design and the individual wearing it.

Understanding the strengths and characteristics of each style can help you make informed decisions when planning your tattoo, but you don’t have to fit into just one box. The best tattoos often come from collaboration, experimentation, and trusting your artist to bring your vision to life in a way that’s both beautiful and long-lasting.