How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style? (2024)

Tattoo Questions

How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style?

September 21, 2023

By: Sleight of Hand

How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style? (1)

You’re ready to get a tattoo but aren’t sure about which style you should get the work done in. To clarify, style is different from design. The latter (design) relates to the person, place, or thing that the tattoo will be of, while the former (style) references the general look of the tattoo. While there are many nuances beyond and between, varying styles include but are not exclusive to the following (in no particular order):

  • American Traditional
  • New School
  • Japanese
  • Black & Grey
  • Blackwork
  • Fine Line
  • Stick & Poke
  • Biomechanical
  • Geometric
  • Realism
  • Surrealism

With that out of the way, we can now breakdown how to choose your tattoo style.

5 Things to Consider When Deliberating Which Style of Tattooing You Should Choose for Your Next Work of Body Art

Preferred Subject Matter

Certain tattoo styles lend themselves better to subject matter than others. For instance, nautical designs such as sharks, mermaids, and ships are well-suited to American Traditional. Japanese style is often preferred for the likes of dragons, tigers, and koi. Fantasy and mythological based designs work extremely well with Black & Grey and animated characters really pop in the New School method. The Fine Line style is ideal for florals and even landscapes and mountains while Realism connects best for portraits and memorial tattoos. Simply put, once you know what your subject matter will be, you can then consult with your tattooist to determine styles that generally best match the person, place, or thing.

Willingness for Aftercare and Maintenance

Some tattoo styles are easier to maintain than others. For example, due to the depth of ink penetration and ink tone a blackwork tattoo generally ages better with limited aftercare and maintenance. Meanwhile, a fine line tattoo, which is more delicate in nature and does not have the same depth of ink penetration does not age as well without dedication to longterm care. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to give much thought to maintenance, it’s better to go with something bold with strong lines and tones like American Traditional or Blackwork.

Your Personality

It’s not a stretch to suggest that tattoo styles often match client personalities. Free spirits may gravitate to Surrealism while buttoned-down types might prefer the Geometric style. Sensitive and delicate souls may logically prefer Fine Line and conservatives flock to American Traditional and Blackwork. You get the idea.

Love at First Sight

There’s no need to complicate things. Simply choose a style that connects with you as soon as you lay your eyes on it. Love at first sight is the primary indicator that a certain style is for YOU. Simply perform a Google Image search of each tattoo style that we listed above and scroll through the respective results and wait for the butterflies to flutter in your tummy.

Access to Specialists

We’re firm believers that designs done in a certain style should be completed by tattooists who specialize in that style. This belief is why Sleight of Hand (SOH) Tattoo in Vancouver BC has handpicked each and every artist to cover the spectrum of tattoo styles. This fact provides clients with complete confidence that they are getting the work done from someone who knows the style better than area peers. Have a look at tattoo shop portfolios (such as ours) to see if tattooists are “labelled” by their specializations.

We hope that we helped you come to a conclusion for your question of “How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style?” and that you’re ready to take the next step. If located in or visiting the Greater Vancouver BC area be sure to schedule a consultation at SOH Tattoo today.

How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style? (2)

Written By:

Sleight of Hand

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How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Choose My Tattoo Style? ›

Consult a Tattoo Artist

Once you've revealed a few personal details, most tattoo artists can help you brainstorm a few designs based on what you tell them and can suggest some options that fit your desired placement and size. No matter how good the artist's suggestion is, make sure it really fits you before committing.

How do I know what tattoo style I want? ›

Consult a Tattoo Artist

Once you've revealed a few personal details, most tattoo artists can help you brainstorm a few designs based on what you tell them and can suggest some options that fit your desired placement and size. No matter how good the artist's suggestion is, make sure it really fits you before committing.

How do I choose the right tattoo design? ›

How to choose a tattoo design when you're completely clueless!!!
  1. Find an image or subject that you like. If you don't have any very specific ideas or you can't find something you want to commit to permanently, abstract art is always an option. ...
  2. Placement is important. Do you want to be able to see your tattoo?
Mar 21, 2016

How do I find my tattoo inspo? ›

How to come up with creative tattoo ideas
  1. Look to nature. ...
  2. Use meaningful symbols and imagery. ...
  3. Explore different cultures. ...
  4. Incorporate your hobbies and interests. ...
  5. Quotes and words. ...
  6. Try a new technique. ...
  7. Play with abstract ideas. ...
  8. Consider a minimalist design.

What is the easiest tattoo style to learn? ›

If you are new to tattooing, we recommend traditional tattoo design first. Many new artists find it the easiest to learn to draw because it is 2-D and only uses one line weight, making it the perfect tattoo style to master first.

What is the hardest tattoo style to do? ›

Increasingly the celebrity tattoo of choice, Micro-Realism tattoos are created using the very tiniest of needles, making it one of the hardest tattoo styles to master.

What tattoo styles age the best? ›

Black and grey: The lack of colour minimises fading, and the detail shading can age gracefully, often looking more refined as the skin changes. Tribal: The simplicity and deep black ink in these tattoos maintain their visibility and integrity.

What tattoo represents anxiety? ›

Lavender Plant

Although this tattoo may be chosen for aesthetics alone, anxious people may choose to get a lavender tattoo as a subtle nod to their relationship with anxiety. These are usually made as simple line drawings and shaded with pops of purple and green.

How do I choose my first tattoo design? ›

Choose a design that includes your favorite colors, favorite images, and a style that you like. Think it through and then think it through some more. Give yourself a few months to think about your tattoo design. If you still haven't soured on the idea, then there's no reason you shouldn't get it.

How do I find my own tattoo design? ›

Spark your imagination.

Deciding what tattoo style you want to pursue with your work can be aided by research. “I look to art books and social media for inspiration,” Salazar explains. There are endless ways to see what other artists and designers are doing and how those custom designs translate onto skin.

How do I find the perfect tattoo for me? ›

Choosing a tattoo design should not be rushed. Take your time to research different design options, consult with a tattoo artist, and reflect on what the tattoo means to you. Remember, tattoos are a personal expression of yourself, and it is vital to choose a design that resonates with you.

How to brainstorm tattoo ideas? ›

Get inspired by music, poetry or art.

Another great place for inspiration are songs, books, movies and art. Some amazing tattoo pieces are visual interpretations of song lyrics or quotes and can make for incredibly personal and unique works of body art.

What does the Bible say about tattoos? ›

But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.

How to choose your tattoo style? ›

How to Choose the Right Tattoo Design for You
  1. Find Inspiration. When it comes to finding a tattoo design that speaks to you, the search begins with your own imagination. ...
  2. Consider Placement. ...
  3. Think About Meaning. ...
  4. Choose Your Style. ...
  5. Consider Long-Term Wearability. ...
  6. Consult with an Artist. ...
  7. Take Your Time.
Jul 21, 2023

What tattoo designs are best for first timers? ›

7 First Time Tattoo Designs That You Won't Regret Getting
  1. Initials of someone you love. No, I don't mean your boyfriend of three months, for obvious reasons. ...
  2. Minimalist lines or dots. ...
  3. Small flower or plant. ...
  4. Star, moon or heart. ...
  5. Butterfly. ...
  6. Your star sign. ...
  7. Your favourite tattoo artist's flash.
May 15, 2023

Can tattooing be self taught? ›

A: Yes, in some jurisdictions, it's possible to obtain a tattoo license without an apprenticeship, but requirements vary by location. However, an apprenticeship is recommended for gaining hands-on experience and learning industry best practices.

How do I choose a tattoo that means something to me? ›

If you're looking to get a meaningful tattoo, here are some ideas to consider:
  1. Choose a significant date.
  2. Get a Portrait tattoo (Note: Only work with highly skilled artists for this)
  3. Choose a meaningful quote, or song lyrics you enjoy.
  4. Emblazon yourself with your favorite piece of pop culture.

How do you show what tattoo you want? ›

Verbalize your Idea and Let the Artist Create from There

A tattoo artist should be just that, an artist who does tattoos. Photos are not always necessary, unless you're seeking a portrait. Use your words to describe your ideas to your artist, and from your ideas they can create something unique.

How do you know if a tattoo looks good on you? ›

One way to really test out a look on your body is to book an appointment with the tattoo artist you are considering for a trial tattoo. It may cost you if you are spending a significant amount of time, so check with your artist of choice how they would like to proceed.

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