The Ultimate Guide to Different Tattoo Styles
Here’s the field guide to different tattoo styles you didn’t know you needed
So you want to get a new tattoo, but you have no idea where to start. Should it have deep, serious meaning for you, or are you fine with pulling something off a flash sheet because it looks cool? Are you into heavy outlines and bright colors, or is soft black and grey more your speed? Who should you even see to get work done? The answer here, by the way, is definitely not someone doing work out of their garage. Have no fear, dear reader. I’ve put together a definitive tattoo styles guide, including the top styles as well as some of the top artists in each specialty.American Traditional
One of the oldest tattoo styles, American traditional was the result of early sailors wanting to permanently commemorate their high sea voyages. They’re known for having bold, black outlines and a limited color palette (because hey, tattoo ink wasn’t exactly what it is today).
Typically, traditional designs include pin-ups, swallows, anchors, daggers, and roses.
Dustin Stemen — Black Anvil Tattoo | Fort Wayne, Indiana
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If you’re looking to throw back to American days of old, you’re going to want to head down to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Old school tattoos are Dustin Stemen’s specialty, and he’s phenomenal at tattooing literally every classic image.
So while this rose would for sure make a nice addition to your collection, you might also want to consider a traditional gypsy to go with it.
Neo-Traditional
Like traditional tattoos, the neo-traditional style is marked by bold linework and a (mostly) classic color palette. Unlike traditional, however, neo-traditional is known for having more realistic depth and shading.
Its subject matter is expanded as well, so think swans, wolves, and better looking ladies.
Dashuai_Ma — HaloInk Tattoo Shop | Beijing, China
If you ever have the opportunity to fly your ass out to Beijing, set aside some time to hit up Halo Ink for the most amazing neo-traditional tattoo you’ll ever be lucky enough to receive.
Dashuai Ma has done some of the cleanest, most beautiful work in the world, and her color palette is nothing short of stunning. She also owns the shop, which just makes her a badass bitch overall.