Getting a tattoo is a huge commitment but also an amazing experience that, when done properly, will leave you with a beautiful piece of art that will last a lifetime.

However sometimes trying to settle on a design and style can be a tough decision, and with so many options out there, this process can be quite overwhelming. You want your tattoo to represent who you are, your uniqueness and your personality.

Whether you like the pin-up designs of traditionalism, the colours of watercolour or the hard edges of geometric designs, there's a tattoo out there for you.

To help you on your search, we have put together the top 11 most popular styles that will be sure to help you decide which one is just right.

Traditional: Traditional tattoos are a Western and Classic American style and are one of the most well-known and beloved aesthetics. This style is known for their bold outlines, solid bright colours and iconic designs. The most common designs within the traditional style are Native American, Pin-Up Girls, Mermaids, Swallows & Sparrows, Hearts, Anchors, Eagles, Navy and Armed Forces Symbols, Daggers, Roses, Gypsy’s.They’re beautiful right from the start and if taken care of properly will last a long time without having to be touched up.

Realism: Realism tattoos are some of the most compelling types of body art and are a step above ordinary tattoos. This technique of tattooing takes years of practice to master and involves turning photographs and real-life images into replicas of art on your body. These lifelike tattoo designs feature a three-dimensional design that gives the image substance and aesthetic appeal on your body. This style allows you to get a custom tattoo that looks like a masterpiece and outshines other alternatives. Types of realism tattoos include portraits, angels, animals and flowers.

Geometric: Geometry focuses on patterns and shapes found in the natural world. Based on the most basic of shapes, geometric tattoos are anything but! Squares, circles, triangles, and polygons come together in abstract images, mandalas, or low-poly models. There is no limit to the possibilities. These designs are incredibly detailed and delicate and are ideal for those who want to show a love of beauty while recognizing the set rules of nature which surround us. Designs included in this group are the Flower of Life, Metatrons’s Cube, Nautilus Shell, Ouroboros & Mandala and Mathematical patterns.

Trash Polka: This style combines realism and trash, and offers a unique, bold style choice. Originating in Germany, trash polka takes traditional art and collages it with smudges, smears, and words, to create a one of a kind style. This bold style stands out on its own; with much of the work done in black and grey. The artist then uses red accents to really make a statement with this piece.

Oriental: Oriental tattoos have a distinct and unmistakable look, making them perhaps the most easily recognizable tattoos around the world. Japanese tattoos typically come in a mix of black-and-grey and colours, though there are also designs that come in full black-and-grey. The main piece of the design is rooted in Japanese culture with the most popular designs being dragons, tigers, koi fish, geishas, samurai, phoenix, and kabuki masks, with cherry blossoms and lotus flowersused to compliment the main design.

Mandala: A Mandala represents patience, love, balance and eternity. Mandalas occupy a place of great significance in human existence as they are the shape of celestial bodies like the Sun, the Earth and the Moon. Mandalas are well suited for the forearm, chest and back. Mandalas are either done in traditional black and grey or with a wide array of vibrant colours and are great for people who believe in spirituality as they stand for meditation and focus.

Tribal: Tribal tattoos are the oldest styles of tattoos in the world, dating back thousands of years. Many of the tattoo styles we are familiar with today were rooted in tribal tattooing in one form or another. They began as a style that was unique to a particular culture or sub-culture, however, the tribal tattoo in modern culture is purely aesthetic and are a blend of traditional Maori, Polynesian, and Samoan tattoo styles.

Neo-Traditional: Neo-Traditional tattoos are an evolution of the Traditional style. It features the core properties of the Traditional style, such as black lines and classic colour palette, but has an illustrative modern flare to it. Pieces done in this style are known for their decorative details and use of imagery such as flowers and animals, with some artists incorporating 3D elements and neon colours. Neo traditional tattoos are a great option for someone looking to get a bold classic tattoo look but wants a dynamic design with modern appeal. Its old world meets new.

Line Work: Line Tattoos are simple yet striking. Sometimes simple is better. Every tattoo is made of lines, but there are those that aren’t clothed in pretty colours and shading such as line tattoos. This style includes: heartbeat tattoos, abstract tattoo designs and drawings made of one cursive line, such as animal outlines. A lot of linework tattoos are small so the pain factor is less of an issue and those who get tattooed will only feel slight discomfort.

Watercolour: Watercolour tattoos are created in much the same way as regular tattoos, with the only difference being the technique used in the creation. Traditional tattoos are made up of many areas of solid colours and outlines that are all merged together to form one larger image. Whereas watercolour tattoos are created with a much more gradual colouring that looks as if the tattoo has been rendered with a paintbrush dabbled in watery pastel colours. Common themes of many popular watercolour tattoos range from designs of paint splatters right through to full-blown duplicates of watercolour paintings.

Script: Most people have mottoes or phrases that inspire, encourage or remind them of someone or something special and script tattoos are the best way to ensure those words and memories are never forgotten. Script tattoos are some of the most popular and on trend forms of tattoos, due to their delicate and cursive designs. Script tattoos are beautiful and very symbolic and can be tailored to showcase the bearer’s personality.

Tattoo Styles

Traditional Tattoos

Traditional Tattoo Characteristics

The characteristics of traditional tattoos include

  • Thick black outlines with a 2D finish

  • Bold, saturated colours

  • A simple colour palette (red, yellow, blue and green)

  • Simple shading, if any

  • Nautical themes

The characteristics of neo-traditional tattoos derive from traditional tattoos but with some slight differences, including

  • Thicker, more pronounced lines

  • Shading for a more 3D effect

  • A broader colour palette

  • Texture, as opposed to traditional flat tattoos

  • More extensive designs, including portraits, animals and flowers

Different Traditional Tattoo Meanings

Sailor Jerry made traditional designs popular with his creativity and originality. Below are some of the most popular traditional tattoo designs and meanings.

Lady head tattoos

Symbolising beauty, romance and desire, they were a popular choice for lonely sailors who would get them to remind them of loved ones they’d left at home.

Anchor tattoos

Anchors are the most secure object in a sailor’s life, which is why it’s associated with stability. Anchor tattoos are commonly adorned with the word “mum” or the name of a sailor’s sweetheart to pay homage to the people who keep them grounded.

Pinup girl tattoos

As one of the most common traditional tattoo subjects, you would’ve seen a pinup girl tattoo at least once. The pinup girls reminded sailors of the women they loved and would return home to someday.

Hawaiian tattoos

After the Second World War, Sailor Jerry stayed on the Hawaiian Islands for the remainder of his life. During that time, he created some of his most iconic designs, including the hula girl and scenic island pieces. His tattoos portrayed Hawaii as paradise on earth.

Eagle tattoos

Since traditional tattoos are also known as Classic Americana, it’s obvious that eagle tattoos would be a popular choice. Symbolising honour and courage, Jerry’s eagle tattoos are fierce and iconic. Eagle tattoos are often depicted with the American flag.

Ship tattoos

Having a prominent nautical theme, ship tattoos are a popular design for traditional tattoos. Sailor Jerry held master papers on every major type of vessel, and his iconic clipper ship tattoos represent adventure and the want to return home.

Panther tattoos

Symbolising strength, stamina and virility, panthers are a popular traditional tattoo that will always stay in style.

Heart tattoos

Whether you’re a sailor or civilian, hearts remain one of the most popular tattoos to get. Representing a loved one, whether it be a parent or a significant other, heart tattoos symbolise love or can pay tribute to a loved one who has passed.

History Of Traditional Tattoos

This tattoo style is attributed to Norman Collins, aka Sailor Jerry, who learned the craft from Japanese hand poke tattoo artists.

Traditional or Classic Americana tattoos are closely associated with the ocean and nautical imagery, pinup girls, fierce animals, hearts, roses and daggers.

This style of tattoo, combined with bold lines, heavy shading and bright colours, represents boldness and fearlessness.

While traditional tattoos have strong American roots, the style is gaining popularity worldwide with the emergence of the neo-traditional tattoo style.

The neo-traditional style represents a contemporary take on traditional tattoos. While it still has the fundamental features of traditional tattoos, such as bold black lines and vibrant colours, it incorporates modern elements.

Neo-traditional tattoos feature thicker, more pronounced lines and a broader colour palette. Unlike traditional tattoos, the subjects in neo-traditional tattoos are not limited and include modern symbols, realistic imagery and even cartoons.

Japanese Tattoos

Characteristics of Japanese Tattoos


Unlike many tattoos, where it’s hard to decipher what they mean, Japanese tattoos are characterised by boldness and readability that easily explain the piece.

This is achieved through the characteristics of

  • High contrast

  • Strong, bold line work

  • A background that both complements and contrasts the foreground

  • Dynamic shapes and positions

  • Where the tattoo is placed on the body

History of Japanese Tattoos

Originating during the Edo period (1603-1867), Japanese-style tattoos are rooted in folklore, featuring heroes from the Suikoden and mythological, including creatures of legend, characters from the Japanese language and tsunami waves.

Traditional Japanese tattoos are not just for the Yakuza (gangsters); in the same way, traditional Americana tattoos are not just for sailors or criminals. However, Irezumi was born from covering up tattoos that Japanese criminals received in prison. To that end, tattooing was associated with the Yakuza mafia, which led to the practice being outlawed until 1948.

By the end of the 17th century, the practice of penal tattooing had died out and was replaced with other forms of punishment. But the art of decorative Irezumi has proven eternal.

Symbols and Meanings in Japanese Tattoos

Dragon

Japanese dragon tattoos are one of the most popular symbols in Japanese culture. Known to protect and guard families and homes, Japanese dragon tattoos also represent happiness, freedom and good luck.

Tiger

Another famous animal symbol in Japanese culture, tiger Japanese tattoos symbolise power, strength and masculine energy.

Snake

Japanese snake tattoos are believed to protect the wearer against illness or misfortune.

Phoenix

Very common in Asian cultures, the phoenix represents rebirth and new beginnings. A Japanese phoenix tattoo symbolises a new chapter in the wearer’s life or achieving their goals.Geisha

Geisha girls have an important history in Japan as entertainers. They symbolise femininity, grace and attractiveness. Geisha girl tattoos are often large and detailed, with the back being the best placement.

Waves

Japanese wave tattoos symbolise life and strength. They are a reminder that, like water, life comes in ebbs and flows, and it’s your choice to accept the changes or situations you find yourself in.

Lotus

Japanese flower tattoos with lotus flowers are very common. Meaning the same thing in all Asian cultures: a lotus tattoo represents enlightenment, rebirth and purity. Individuals with lotus flower tattoos have them as a reminder of the challenges they’ve overcome or those they’ve yet to overcome.

Cherry blossoms

In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and accepting the beauty of things that aren’t permanent.

Koi fish

This symbol represents good luck, perseverance and strength. Any Japanese koi fish tattoo will be depicted swimming upstream to show how the wearer has overcome challenges.

Crane

In Japanese culture, the crane is the bird of happiness. Living for one thousand years, the crane symbolises longevity and good fortune.

Frog

In Japan, frogs are symbols of good luck and fortune. Individuals often get Japanese frog tattoos to bring good luck or wealth into their lives.

Samurai warrior

One of the most iconic symbols in Japanese culture is the samurai warrior. Representing discipline, honour and loyalty, those with samurai warrior tattoos demonstrate their warrior spirit and how they’ve overcome challenges.

Blackwork Tattoos

Origins of Blackwork Tattoos

Do you want to make a statement? Blackwork tattoos are known for being bold and striking pieces of body art.  Using black ink to create beautiful and eye-catching designs, blackwork tattoos starkly contrast with other tattoo styles.

Characteristics of this style include thick outlines, bold, black areas and intentional blank space. With a history rooted in various cultures around the world, this extraordinary style of tattoo has become more popular in recent years.

Styles of Blackwork Tattoos

While tribal tattoos are the most common blackwork tattoos, with the increase in popularity, many new styles have arrived on the scene.

Here are some of the most common blackwork tattoo styles

Tribal

Tribal tattoos are some of the oldest in the world, dating back thousands of years. They traditionally showcase an individual’s lineage and personality.  While this may be one of the most common styles of blackwork tattoos, it’s not the only one. 

Geometric

Geometric blackwork tattoos use geometric shapes and patterns to achieve a simple overall design.  Known for their sharp angles, simplicity and mathematical precision, geometric blackwork tattoos are a popular choice for those looking for artistic and philosophical design elements. 

Ornamental

Ornamental blackwork tattoos incorporate intricate patterns inspired by a range of cultures.  From henna designs to manadas, ornamental blackwork tattoos can be both big and small. 

Blackout

Blackout tattoos are very simple, as they’re just what they sound like.  These types of tattoos consist of large blocks filled in with black ink. Due to the striking nature of these tattoos, you’ll most often find them on the arms or legs. 

Dark Art

If you’re a fan of horror films or series or just like dark art, this style is the perfect way to express it.  Depending on the subject, the tattoo artist can make the piece as scary or beautiful as you’d like. The tattoo artist will bring your dark art piece to life using a range of techniques, such as dot work and dark lines. 

Graphic Art

The graphic art style of blackwork tattoos is perfect for depicting subjects from comic books and manga.  If you’re thinking about getting this type of tattoo, it’s best to choose an experienced tattoo artist with the right linework skills to craft a stunning piece of art effortlessly.

Neo-Traditional Tattoos

Characteristics of Neo-Traditional Tattoos

  • Although very different visually from American Traditional, Neo Traditional still uses the same basic and fundamental techniques, such as outlining in black ink.

  • Motifs from Ukiyo-e Japanese prints, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco are all art movements that inform and influence Neo-Traditional tattoos.

  • Neo-Traditional tattoos are known for their dense and richly sumptuous aesthetic that often depict flowers, portraits of women, animals, and more.

Brilliant and dramatic colors, often in tones that recall Victorian velvets, lush gems, or hues of autumn’s fallen leaves, merged with lavish details like pearls and fine lace – this is often what comes to mind when one thinks of the Neo-Traditional style. Perhaps the most extravagant aesthetic in tattooing, this particular style blends the techniques of American Traditional with a more modern and dimensional approach.

History of Neo-Traditional Tattoos

Though it may sometimes seem a far cry from American Traditional style, Neo-Traditional actually does keep in line with many of the technical rules of traditional tattooing. Though line width and weight may vary, black outlines are still standard practice. Clarity of composition, the importance of a black carbon barrier to hold color, as well as shared themes are some of the commonalities. Where Neo-Traditional tattoos tend to differ from Traditional is in their more intricate detailing, depth of image, and their unconventionally varying, vibrant color-palette.

Perhaps the first historical artistic movement that is immediately apparent in the Neo-Traditional style is Art Nouveau. But to understand Art Nouveau, one must first understand the context and symbolism behind that which sparked the movement to flourish.

In 1603 Japan had closed its doors to the rest of the globe. The floating world was intent on protecting and preserving their culture which, due to pressure from outside forces, was being greatly threatened. However, over 250 years later, in 1862, forty Japanese officials were sent to Europe to discuss the opening of Japan’s closely guarded gates. In order to ease tensions between countries, and sustain healthy trading relationships, goods from the two countries began to cross oceans and lands to eagerly awaiting fingertips.

The interest in Japanese goods was almost fetishistic in Europe, and the craftsmanship of the country came to greatly influence future artistic aesthetics. In the late 1870’s and 80’s one can see Japanese artwork greatly informing the works of Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. Using flattened perspectives, patterns, and even props such as painted fans and beautifully embroidered kimono, masters of Impressionism eagerly adapted Eastern artistic philosophies into their own work. Van Gogh is even quoted as saying, “We wouldn’t be able to study Japanese art, it seems to me, without becoming happier and more cheerful, and it makes us return to nature…” This influx of Japonisme, and a return to nature, was to spark the next movement to have the greatest effect on contemporary Neo-Traditional tattooing.

Art Nouveau, most popular and in use during the years of 1890 to 1910, continues to inspire artists today, including Neo-Traditional tattooists. The style was highly influenced by the Eastern artworks being exhibited in Europe at the time. The obsession with Japanese aesthetics was in full swing, and one can see similar line work and color stories that are much like Ukiyo-e woodblock prints within Art Nouveau. Not just confined to aspects of 2D visual art, the movement informed architecture, interior design, and more. Beauty and refinement, graceful filigree-esque details, all wonderfully merged with portraits usually set against a background of lush florals and nature scenes. Perhaps the best examples of this amalgamation of art forms is in Whistlers ‘The Peacock Room’, finished in 1877, which is gilded and decorated with a wonderful sense of Asian elements. However, Aubrey Beardsley and Alphonse Mucha are the most famed of the Art Nouveau artists. In fact, many Neo-Traditional tattoos replicate Mucha’s posters and advertisements either directly or in subtle detailing.

Art Deco was the next movement that replaced Art Nouveau. With slicker, more modernized, and less romanticized lines, Art Deco was the aesthetic of a new age. Still often exotic in nature, it was more refined than Art Nouveau, which was still bathed in the excesses of Victorian culture. Egyptian and African influences can be seen, in part due to the Jazz Age eruption that was greatly supported by the energy of younger generations still recovering from the depressions of World War I. Although Art Deco has not informed Neo-Traditional tattoos as much as Art Nouveau, much of the passion, flair, and fire of Neo-Trad is gleaned from this particular cultural movement.

Both of these styles lay a striking and eye-catching foundation for Neo-Traditionalism.