Tattoo styles — how to choose yours

One of the most frequent questions at a consultation: "which style would suit me?" The answer always depends on the idea, the placement and the person's character. But to make an informed choice, it's worth knowing how the styles differ.

Graphic (Blackwork)

A black-and-white style with crisp lines, hatching and dotwork. One of the most popular — looks strong, holds up well for years, works for geometry, portraits, nature, abstracts.

Who it suits: those who value concision and durability. A great pick for a first tattoo. For a related approach — see the article on black-and-grey technique.

New School

Bright colours, cartoon stylisation, exaggerated proportions and humour. Inspired by pop culture, anime, games. Looks bold and offbeat. On the specifics of colour tattoos — pigment longevity, aftercare — read separately.

Who it suits: those who want a piece that expresses personality — something not-too-serious and bright.

Realism

Maximum detail — portraits, animals, nature that look like a photo on skin. A complex and time-consuming style; it needs a large size for a good result.

Who it suits: those who want to keep the image of a loved one, an animal or an iconic character. It's important to choose an experienced artist.

Polynesian

Traditional patterns of Pacific peoples: complex symmetrical designs with deep symbolism. Every element has meaning — protection, strength, connection to nature.

Who it suits: those looking for cultural depth and a strong visual statement. Sits well on shoulders, forearms, calves.

Trash Polka

Chaotic mix of black and red, realistic imagery and abstraction, text and texture. Aggressive, avant-garde, memorable at first glance.

Who it suits: those who want something offbeat and bold. Not for everyone — but if it clicks, it really clicks.

Japanese (Irezumi)

Classic Japanese motifs: koi carps, dragons, waves, sakura, samurai. Saturated colours, crisp outlines, and every piece tells a story.

Who it suits: those who value tradition, symbolism and scale. Japanese tattoos often grow into sleeves or full backs.

Neo-tribal

A modern take on tribal patterns: sharp shapes, abstract geometry, black only. Looks stylish and aggressive at once.

Who it suits: those who love minimalism paired with bold graphics. For delicate fine work — fine line. On price by style — separate article.