Some people consider tattoos unaesthetic, while others decorate their body with their help. However, before deciding to take such a step, you need to study the different styles of tattoos with examples. This will help to make the right choice and not regret it after many years.
Chicano, or Chikano
The origins of this trend originated in the 40s of the 20th century. With the help of such drawings, criminals determined their belonging to criminal gangs. Currently, young people from all over the world prefer this particular style. There are a number of distinguishing features by which one can recognize the body of the Chicano.
- Clearly drawn contours of the depicted figures.
- The predominance of black, although modern masters use a brighter palette.
- Religious motifs in the drawings: the image of saints.
Some styles of tattoos originate in existing directions. For example, Chicano came from a style such as Santa Muerto. It is characterized by the image of female representatives with a mask (or face) of death.
Blackwork, or Blackwork
Black is considered a true classic in the art of tattooing. It is characteristic of many areas. Blackwork is a style in which black paint is applied to large areas of the skin. An example of such a tattoo is a drawing depicting a solid black glove on his arm. A small tattoo in which this color predominates cannot be attributed to this direction. Blackwork can be combined with other tattoo styles. Moreover, using such a “fill”, you can hide unsuccessful drawings.
Old School, or Old school
The so-called “old school” of body drawings was popular back in the 19th century. Its adherents were sailors who believed that some symbols printed on the body can serve as a talisman. Most often, this style includes images of hearts, daggers, skulls, swallows, roses and anchors. Sometimes in the same group of drawings include small inscriptions. The main characteristic of the style is the predominance of bright colors, as well as the small size of the images.
Dotwork, or Dotwork
There are such styles of tattoos that take geometric shapes as a basis. These include the finalist, which literally translates from English as "spot work." The main feature of the directions related to the style of the finish is the application of dots to the skin. Most often, black or red predominates.
New school, or New school
In the 80s of the last century, another style was developed that can easily be confused with the "old school". However, the "new school" departs from standard images and allows you to apply non-symbolic drawings to the body. Often lovers of this style give preference not to roses and daggers, but to cartoon characters. You can draw sketches yourself. Styles of tattoos, such as the "new school", allow you to give scope to imagination and to realize even inappropriate ideas. You could even say that the old school and the new school are two areas of the same "school." Both styles are characterized by a bright color palette. The figure depicted in the center has sharper boundaries than others.
Realism
By the name of this style, you can understand which tattoos belong to it. Their examples are drawings of insects, people, other creatures or objects. Often tattoos made in the style of realism are compared with photographs on the body, because every detail is important here. Pictures can be both bright and color, and black and white.
Celtic
Celtic styles of tattoos at first glance may seem vague and confusing, but they have a deep meaning. Most often, Celtic tattoos include drawings that resemble whole mazes: the lines are ornately intertwined. They symbolize the complexity of life, the unpredictability of the path. They lack such components as the beginning and end, which is considered a hint of the infinity of existence. Important elements in Celtic tattoos are the nodes, which are considered a symbol of the connection between soul and body, heaven and earth. Celtic crosses are considered as a separate direction.
A special place in this style is occupied by images of birds. All of them denote elevation and freedom. The drawing of a certain creature significantly enriches the meaning of a tattoo. For example, crows - a symbol of wisdom, eagles - strength and speed. Images not only adorn the body, but also protect a person from evil. Traditionally, the Celtic tattoo is flat and monochrome, however, at present, masters apply volumetric drawings of various shades.
Trash, or Trash
Translated from English, this word means "garbage." Tattoos in this style are sometimes called thrash polka. The bearers of such wearable designs subconsciously wish to protest to society. Messy, large, causing bright black and red images help them a lot in this. These tattoos are very dirty, but unusual. Often their appearance is disgusting, but it is absolutely certain that such a pattern will be remembered for a long time.
Biomechanics
Tattoo styles with photos are presented in this article. Some of them will definitely not go unnoticed. These include biomechanical-style drawings in which a robot and a human are compared. These tattoos are large in size. They seem to depict what is under the skin of a person: wires, gears, chips, artificial organs and joints. To achieve the effect of realism, you must be a true master of your craft, because you need to take into account everything: the color palette, the clarity of the contours and even the proportions of the human body.
Minimalism
By the name of the style, you can determine its characteristic features: lightness, the presence of contours, restrained color scheme. Contrary to the widespread belief that tattoos in the style of minimalism should be small, such drawings can occupy even your entire back. It is important that they are light, almost airy.
Japanese style
Many drawings on the body are based on Asian motifs, because they leave a huge scope for imagination. Various ways of depicting traditional oriental ornaments and characters. For tattoos in the Japanese style, gold, red, black, jade and purple are characteristic. Separate areas of oriental tattoos include drawings of plants, ornaments and mythical heroes.
Linwork, or Linework
Perhaps the most “lightweight” tattoo styles are minimalism and linework. Literally, the word translates as "work with points." Images in this style are characterized by the presence of an ornament from straight lines, clarity and clarity of the picture. A variety of colors are used, starting with black and ending with gold.