Start with the pictures you like rather than a list of styles: they almost always show which style you’re drawn to. Then check whether it will work at your chosen size and placement, and how it will look years from now. Finally, look for an artist whose portfolio has plenty of work in that style.
The style is already in your pictures
You don’t need to know the names of styles. Most people come in saying “I want something light” or “like this picture”, and that’s enough. The pictures you’ve saved usually show which style you like.
Open your reference folder and look at what the pictures have in common:
- are the lines fine and even, or thick and bold;
- is there shading, dotwork or solid fill;
- is the design black or in colour;
- are there lots of small details, or just a simple silhouette.
For more on putting together a collection like this without copying anyone else’s work, see “Tattoo references”.
Popular styles in brief
There are dozens of styles, and the lines between them are blurry. Here are the ones people ask about most:
- Fine line. Thin, crisp lines with little fill. Looks light and delicate.
- Minimalism. A simple shape in a few lines: a symbol, a silhouette, a short word or phrase.
- Botanical. Flowers, sprigs, herbs — usually in fine line, sometimes with soft shading.
- Blackwork. Lots of black, solid fills and contrast. Looks bold and holds up for years.
- Traditional. Thick outlines, bright colours, recognisable motifs: swallows, roses, daggers.
- Realism. Portraits, animals and objects that look like photographs. Needs to be a large tattoo.
- Watercolour. Patches of colour and soft gradients, often with no outline.
More on each one in the “Tattoo style directory”.
One idea in different styles
The idea and the style are two different things. A kitten can be drawn in three lines, as a solid black silhouette or as a lifelike portrait. Decide what you want the tattoo to show first, then how you want it drawn.
If you can’t choose, think about the feel you want: delicate and understated, bold and graphic, or painterly. That can help you find a style faster than looking through a directory.
Style, size and time
The space a design needs depends on the style. Fine line needs gaps between the lines, realism needs room for shading, and lettering needs space between the letters. The more detail, the bigger the design.
Over time, pigment spreads a little in the skin. Black lasts longest; light and bright colours fade more in the sun. Designs without an outline lose their crisp edges over time. More on this in “Tattoo size and composition” and “How tattoos age”.
In a small tattoo, very fine lines and tiny details soften after a few years and can merge. If you want lots of detail, the design will have to be bigger or simpler.
Choose the artist to match the style
Every artist has their own way of drawing and a style they’re strongest in. A realism artist won’t necessarily do good fine line work, and vice versa. Look for portfolio pieces that resemble your idea, not just beautiful ones.
I work in almost every style: graphic work, fine line, minimalism, lettering and anime. I also do gold tattoos, my signature style. I don’t do realism, but I can draw the same subjects in a graphic style.
For help assessing a portfolio and knowing what to look for, see “How to choose a tattoo artist”.
Can you mix styles?
Yes, and it’s common: botanical designs with dotwork, graphic work with colour accents, fine line with a solid black element. The key is to use one main style and let the other support it.
Think about the tattoos you already have, too. If there’s a traditional piece on your arm, a delicate sprig next to it may get lost. Sometimes it’s better to choose a different spot or a style that goes with it.
Check the style before you book
Before you message an artist, run through this list:
Think beyond tattoo trends
Styles go in and out of fashion: one year everyone wants watercolour, another it’s fine lines. There’s nothing wrong with following a trend, but choose what you actually like, not what’s in everyone’s feed right now. If you’re unsure, let the idea sit for a couple of weeks.
Frequently asked questions
People ask about styles before there’s even a design. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
What’s the best style for a first tattoo?
The one you like. For a small first piece, people often choose fine line or minimalism, as both work well at a small size. More on this in “Your first tattoo”.
Do colour tattoos fade faster than black tattoos?
Black pigment lasts longest. Light and bright colours fade more in the sun, so colour pieces especially need sunscreen.
Can I ask an artist to work in a style that isn’t theirs?
You can ask, but you’ll get a better result from someone who works in that style all the time. A good artist will tell you if the idea isn’t right for them.
What if I don’t know what my style is?
Bring the pictures you like to the consultation, plus a couple you really don’t. From those, the artist will quickly see which way to go.
