Many people decide to get a tattoo to enhance their appearance. Tattoos are more popular than ever nowadays, and there are many different styles—from delicate fineline tattoos and vibrant neo-traditional tattoos to stunning realistic tattoos.
In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most popular tattoo styles and explain what sets them apart.
What Tattoo Styles Are There?
Many tattoo styles have a long history—some have been around for decades or even centuries. Some are more traditional and adhere to the original tattoo designs, while others are more modern and reflect today’s technological advancements.
Here’s a list of the most popular tattoo styles that we also offer at our tattoo studio in Lucerne:
- Realistic Tattoos
- Neo-Traditional Tattoos
- Graphic and Geometric Tattoos
- Lettering and Fineline Tattoos
- Polynesian Tattoos
- Cover-Up Tattoos
Check out the different tattoo styles here! We’re also happy to personally advise you on our tattoo styles. Simply book a non-binding and free initial consultation with us online.
Which Tattoo Style Is Your Favorite?
Realistic Tattoos
Realistic tattoos depict people, animals, or other figures in great detail. Thanks to advances in ink pigments, needles, and tattooing techniques, it’s now possible to create lifelike portraits on the skin that appear almost three-dimensional. This style requires immense artistic skill and years of experience, as excellent shading and line work are essential to achieve the desired effect. Realistic tattoos may require multiple sessions due to their high level of detail, so be prepared to invest some time in this style.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos
Neo-traditional tattoos are a modern classic—a development of the traditional tattoo style. These designs are often influenced by old-school and new-school tattoos, using bold lines, vibrant colors, and clean shading. Common neo-traditional motifs include flowers and animals, though the design possibilities are endless. The result is a unique design that is both traditional and contemporary. Neo-traditional tattoos are perfect for those who appreciate a nostalgic look with a modern twist.
Graphic and Geometric Tattoos
Graphic tattoos are often very abstract and typically consist of various patterns or geometric figures. When it comes to graphic and geometric tattoos, it’s particularly important that the tattoo artist works with precision. Only with exact, straight lines can a graphic or geometric tattoo achieve the desired impact. The style typically features tattoos that are minimal in both form and color.
Lettering and Fineline Tattoos
In recent years, the demand for lettering and fineline tattoos has steadily increased, and more and more tattoo artists are specializing in these styles. Fineline tattoos represent a design in its simplest form, resulting in delicate, intricate tattoos with thin outlines. Compared to other tattoo styles, these tattoos have a very subtle look.
Lettering tattoos often feature just a few words or a short text to express a message. The text can range from quotes to names or anything in between.
Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesian tattoos have become a global trend. They’re also commonly referred to as Maori tattoos. These unique designs originate from the cultures of the Polynesian islanders and have a history that spans thousands of years. Each tattoo motif carries its own meaning and often symbolizes important aspects of life. Therefore, it’s important to be well-informed about the motifs and work with a tattoo artist who is knowledgeable about their meanings.
Cover-Up Tattoos
Cover-up tattoos are a great way to mask old or poorly executed tattoos. To effectively cover the old design, the previous tattoo must be integrated into the new design, which often requires a larger area. As a result, cover-up tattoos are usually somewhat larger than the original tattoo. Bold colors and detailed designs are often used to ensure the old tattoo is completely concealed.
Follow us on Instagram to see regular updates of our latest tattoos. Our studio is home to 18 tattoo artists, each specializing in different styles. Let our artists and their work inspire you!