The same idea can look completely different depending on the style it is tattooed in. Knowing the main styles helps you explain what you want, and helps your artist suggest the right size and placement.
Fine line
Thin, delicate lines, often with a single needle, for small botanicals, minimal symbols and script. Fine line looks soft and elegant. Because the lines are thin, very tiny details can blur a little over the years, so your artist may suggest making a design slightly larger or simpler.
Traditional
Bold black outlines, a limited and strong colour palette, and classic motifs such as roses, swallows, daggers and panthers. Traditional tattoos are known for staying readable for a long time, because the bold lines hold up well as skin ages.
Blackwork
Solid black ink, from geometric patterns and dotwork to large, bold shapes. Blackwork suits almost any skin tone and can work well for cover-ups, as dark areas can hide older ink.
Colour
From bright, saturated pieces to soft watercolour effects. Colour tends to need more care in the sun to stay vivid, and your artist can help you choose shades that suit your skin tone.
How to choose
- Collect a few pictures of tattoos you love and look for what they have in common.
- Think about placement and size: bigger designs allow more detail, smaller ones need simpler shapes.
- Look at healed work, not only fresh photos, to see how a style settles into the skin.
- Choose an artist whose own portfolio shows the style you want.
Not sure yet? Bring your references to a consultation. A good artist will happily talk you through the options before you commit to anything.