By: Tim O’Brien
- Traditional
It is an absolute classic amongst tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts. Traditional is known for its adherence to a collection of multi-faceted symbols & a color wheel of reds, greens, and yellows. Some of these symbols can be (but aren’t limited to) skulls, eagles, roses, hearts, daggers, and anchors. Simple on the surface, but these themes have become a cliché for a reason: people love them. Choosing the Traditional style for your new tattoos means you are a goal-oriented person with an overall vision for your future, even if it all doesn’t appear to be organized.
- Surrealism
Surrealism tattoos are eye-catching. The amount of detail put into a subject that can be so fantastical is almost an oxymoron. Wispy, dream-like designs that can seem as unorganized as a subconscious thought speak volumes about the artist’s ability and the client’s imagination. Picking this style means you are a dreamer. You dream big but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, and keep yourself grounded within reality.
- CyberSigilism
One of the newest trends present on this list is cybersigilism, which has blown up in popularity in the last few years. Precise, sprawling lines with sharp edges and rounded corners blend techno/bio-mechanical themes with classical tribal designs. If you already have this style added to your collection, it means you are truly an early adapter, as this style appears to only get more and more popular as the 2020s march on.
- Botanical
Who doesn’t love nature’s flora? Plants, flowers, trees, and more can all naturally fit on someone’s body. There are plenty of options for this design on your body wherever you want, as nature has provided us with no shortage of beautifully shaped symbols. Choosing this design shows you truly appreciate the little things and the natural world around them.
- Astrological
The astrology community has often found self-expression through tattoos. The overlap is clear: a lifelong tattoo binding you to your horoscope is a match made in heaven. While each sign has unique traits, tattooing your sign shows you are unapologetically you. You stay true to what makes you, you, and you don’t feel the need to change for anyone or anything.
- Geometric
Geometric appears to be the most detail-oriented style among all the trending tattoo styles. Finished products can be trippy, as it’s easy to get lost in the continuous patterns of simple shapes that all work together to present a larger image. These themes represent structure and the unexpected liberties that can be taken within said structure. All this can mean is that you are imaginative yet bound by logic.
- Quotes/Script
They say, “A picture says a thousand words”, and while that’s true, a few pretty words can do the trick, too. Tattooing a meaningful quote in the font of your preference can be a great addition to anyone’s tattoo collection. As far as what this style says about you, it depends. Do you want the focus to be on the meaning of the quote? Or the calligraphy presented by your font choice? Are you a person of substance or flair? The decision is yours.
- Inner Lip
We’ve all seen pictures of them. An inner-lip tattoo can be an impulsive idea for a friend group or someone looking to do something new. With how close a tattoo on your inner lip can be in proximity to taboo tattoo areas like the face and neck, you may come off as edgy to some. However, the temporary nature of these designs screams a need for immediate approval/reaction. Don’t worry though, it’ll fade before you know it.
- Fine Line
Another style favored by the cultural zeitgeist is fine lines. Fine lines are a popular choice for many people’s first tattoos. The non-obstructive, fluid styles can be appealing to those who don’t have many other tattoos just yet. The continuous nature of fine-line designs can speak to how you are someone who is always looking to improve on what’s presented to you. You are not settling while also not obsessed with innovating. You are minimalist in nature.
- New School
The exact definition of “New School” may vary depending on who you ask. However, this can be typically viewed as the next stylistic interpretation of Traditional work. Keeping similar foundational aspects across designs while embracing more colors and more perspectives than its predecessor. Choosing a design like this shows you are someone who welcomes innovation while simultaneously having respect for what has come before you.
