A good tattoo is defined by uniqueness, personal significance, and style. Most people who want a tattoo are unaware of the various styles that exist. It is worth exploring the different styles—along with their pros, cons, and histories—before deciding on a design. Since individual tattoo artists often specialize in specific styles, this can also influence your choice of artist. This list briefly introduces the most important styles to help you choose your tattoo. Naturally, there are other styles beyond those listed here, such as New School, portraits, and minimalism; however, as these sometimes overlap with the styles presented here, they are not covered in separate sections.
Realistic and photorealistic styles have enjoyed growing popularity since the turn of the millennium. These lifelike tattoos are complex and time-consuming, yet for many, the effort is well worth it. The result is a photorealistic image adorning the chosen area of the body. The subject matter does not necessarily have to come from the real world; fantasy motifs can also be executed in this style, provided they appear as though they could theoretically be real. We are known within the scene for our artistic work. Anyone wishing to get a truly realistic tattoo is in luck: an increasing number of artists are specializing in this demanding art form.
(In various shades of black, gray, and white) Originally, black-and-white tattoos were created exclusively using black ink, which the artist would dilute to produce shades of gray. They were particularly common in prisons, where colored tattoos were not an option. Today, better contrast can be achieved, allowing for a wide variety of tattoo designs. Artists Jack Rudy and Charlie Cartwright popularized this style in conjunction with the so-called "single-needle" tattoo machine. This machine, featuring a single needle, enabled greater precision and improved shading techniques. The "black-and-gray" style is also ideally suited for cover-up tattoos. Today, the "Brothers Tattoo" studio in Linz has made a name for itself using this technique.
in various shades of black, gray, and white
(Realistic tattoos featuring abstract shapes and strong color contrasts, red…) The name is initially misleading—after all, "trash" doesn't sound like something one would want tattooed on one's skin, and most people outside the scene are unfamiliar with the term. In reality, however, the style is quite new and originated at the Buena Vista studios. Consequently, it is also known as "Buena Vista Style" or "Realistic Trash Polka." It combines realistic and minimalist elements, utilizing the colors black, gray, and red. Photorealistic motifs are frequently paired with large-scale lettering, dots, and color gradients. The result is a large-scale tattoo that can appear somewhat chaotic. This art form is not suitable for cover-up tattoos.
(Tattoos im Aquarell-Stil) Diese Tattoos zeichnen sich durch leuchtende Farben, großflächige Motive und die Nachahmung von Aquarellmalerei auf der Haut aus. Die Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten sind unbegrenzt, solange das Ergebnis farbenfroh ist. Aufgrund ihrer geringen Deckkraft eignen sie sich nicht für Cover-ups; das Spektrum reicht jedoch von sehr filigranen und detailreichen bis hin zu großflächigen, ausladenden Motiven. Die Farben kommen besonders gut zur Geltung, wenn sie mit schlichten Outlines kombiniert werden. Zudem lässt sich der Aquarell-Stil an fast jeden anderen Stil anpassen und hervorragend mit bereits vorhandenen, älteren Tattoos kombinieren. Heute sind Anna Bereczky und Amiran Habelasvili besonders für ihre Arbeiten in diesem Stil bekannt. Allerdings bieten mittlerweile fast alle Tattoo-Studios Motive in dieser Stilrichtung an.
(Oriental, Asian, and general Eastern tattoo styles; dragon, tiger, snake) Japanese and Eastern motifs are traditional and usually tell a story. These tattoos often hold deep significance and are chosen with great care by those who wear them. In Japanese, the tattooing process is known as "Irezumi," which translates to "injecting ink under the skin." The earliest known tattoos featuring these enduringly popular designs date back to the Yayoi period—up to 2,200 years ago. Their significance is often spiritual in nature and has been passed down to the present day. At the same time, many tattoos today signal affiliation with the Japanese mafia, making the choice of motif a double-edged sword.
(Dotwork-style tattoo design) Dotwork refers to a tattooing technique that utilizes dots. This encompasses tattoos composed entirely of dots, as well as specific sections of other designs embellished with them. From a distance, the dotted lines and shapes resemble conventional tattoos; the intricate detail only becomes apparent upon closer inspection. Since dotwork is a common shading technique, the style is frequently combined with other methods. It is particularly well-suited for quickly filling open areas with floral motifs or mandalas. Furthermore, because the skin appears fully covered yet is not actually tattooed without gaps, dotwork tattoos tend to heal faster. The dotwork style is not suitable for cover-up tattoos.
(Tattoo designs in linear, geometric, and graphic styles) Symmetry and perfection make the geometric style exactly what its name implies. Geometric tattoos consist of perfect shapes and straight lines, making them highly complex. Even experienced tattoo artists require a lengthy planning phase, intense concentration, and several hours of work for such designs. The reason for this is that, unlike many other styles, geometric designs leave little room for adjustments once the tattooing process has begun. Furthermore, executing perfectly straight and precise lines on the skin is a demanding task. The wealth of detail makes every geometric tattoo unique and aesthetically pleasing, though it does require time. Minimalism and geometric styles blend beautifully—as do watercolor elements used for the background.
(Motifs primarily featuring flowers and shapes in dotted and linear styles)
(Old-school and new-school motifs within the traditional tattoo style) In the Western history of tattoo imagery, the old-school style is considered the foundation for many tattoos, having long been popular among sailors and soldiers. Consequently, traditional motifs such as anchors and other maritime themes defined this style for a long time. However, the style has since evolved to encompass a much wider variety of designs. Although the traditional style still implies certain limitations regarding subject matter today, it refers more to general characteristics—such as the use of color in designs and backgrounds—than to the original soldier and sailor aesthetic. Among the most popular motifs in the modern old-school style are the hula dancer, the skull, and other so-called "Sailor Jerry" designs.
(Biomechanical tattoo – metallic elements in the biomechanical style, Giger…) The biomechanical tattoo style is characterized by designs that appear to lie beneath the skin. Motifs drawn from steampunk and the Renaissance are typically chosen for this style. Depictions of gears, cables, and other robotic elements have their origins in the classic cyborg themes of the 1980s. Films and books featuring characters that are hybrids of human and machine hold great appeal for many people; this fascination can be expressed through technical, robotic-style tattoos. Artists such as Ron Earhart, Nathan Kostechko, and Nick Baxter have played a significant role in developing this style further. Due to its large-scale nature, the style is particularly well-suited for cover-up tattoos.
(Tribal tattoos primarily feature animal imagery and geometric shapes.) Tribal tattoos always represent a long and storied history. The designs are tattooed freehand—without a stencil—and conform to the wearer's musculature. Depending on the tattoo's origin, small motifs, symbols, and lines are drawn to reflect the wearer's life story or a significant event. The tattooing process is highly intricate. These tattoos signify tribal affiliation and social status, holding great importance for people from the respective regions. Numerous famous actors and singers of Samoan or Polynesian descent wear their tribal tattoos with pride.
Der Graphic-Stil umfasst alle Tattoos, bei denen die „künstlerische“ Komponente auch nach der Fertigstellung sichtbar bleibt. Hilfslinien, künstlerische Verzerrungen, willkürlich hinzugefügte Linien, ein skizzenhafter Stil sowie typografische Elemente prägen diesen Stil. Das Tattoo soll wie eine unvollendete, beinahe rohe Zeichnung wirken – nicht um den künstlerischen Aspekt zu verbergen, sondern um ihn hervorzuheben. Das Spektrum möglicher Motive ist vielfältig. Form und Farbe werden reduziert – eine Technik, die sich auf nahezu jedes Motiv anwenden lässt. Adrienn Kern hat sich in den letzten Jahren in der Branche einen Namen gemacht, indem sie sich auf diesen Stil spezialisiert und ihn stetig weiterentwickelt hat. Besonders beliebt ist die stilisierte Darstellung von Motiven im Bereich der Popkultur.
(motifs and ornaments with strong black contrasts) Blackwork and blackout refer to tattoo designs consisting solely of solid black areas, without any outlines. Blackwork is ideal for cover-up tattoos, as it easily fills large areas with black ink. Smaller designs can be combined with the watercolor style, and other styles also work well alongside simple blackwork. Single-line figures function without shading or color, allowing them to stand entirely on their own. Blackwork is also used in tribal tattoos. The extreme version—the blackout style—was the original method for covering up old tattoos. Blackout involves filling large areas without defining outlines; this can easily be combined with other styles.
Matching tattoos—whether for married couples, friends, or siblings—have become increasingly popular since the turn of the millennium, particularly among younger people. Among the younger generation, the trend of getting matching tattoos is increasingly replacing the practice of tattooing a partner's face or name. It offers a way to express a bond and loyalty through a tattoo without the risk of being permanently marked with an unwanted name in the event of a breakup. Matching tattoos can feature anything that symbolizes the connection between the two wearers. Classic designs include crowns, "He & She" motifs, and puzzle pieces. However, it is not just couples who opt for matching tattoos; siblings and close friends also embrace this trend.
(For deceased relatives, friends, pets, etc.) A tattoo serves as a memorial to a loved one who has passed away. It allows you to carry a loving reminder of a lost partner, friend, grandmother, or soulmate with you on your skin at all times. Designs featuring a rosary and a pocket watch—showing the date of death—are particularly popular. Alternatively, you might choose a piece of text or a motif that the deceased loved or that reflects their personality. No matter which design you choose, the tattoo becomes part of your grieving process, allowing you to keep your loved one close to you always.
(Children, family, partner) Designs incorporating a year—or consisting solely of a number—are more direct than a standard partner tattoo yet carry a more specific meaning. Birth dates of children, partners, grandchildren, siblings, and parents hold great significance for the wearer without being immediately recognizable to others. A date can represent anything: important events, anniversaries, or, of course, birth dates. Furthermore, numbers can be rendered in various ways. Roman and Arabic numerals are the most common formats, with the choice of font and size playing a significant role. Depending on preference, dates can stand alone as delicate, small designs or be combined with other styles or existing tattoos.
Small facial tattoos—for instance, above the eyebrow or on the cheek—are also becoming increasingly popular. Justin Bieber sports a face tattoo above his eyebrow featuring his beloved's name—a declaration of love for Hailey!
Since 1996, we have been creating custom tattoos with passion, creativity, and precision. Each design is crafted to be as unique as the person wearing it.
