Understand different tattoo styles will help you make better decision on selecting the best tattoo for you. The more you know about the options available to you, the more informed decision you will make.
Most tattooist specialize in certain style of tattooing, we can summarize the tattoo styles to the three fundamental approaches: Flat, which is characterized by a lack of detail; Traditional, which is known for thick, black outlines and solid blocks of color; and Fine Line, Which is distinguished by narrower, fine lines and greater details.
Flat Tattoo
Flat tattooing signals solid blocks of color often in black, with no shading, detailing or texturing. Shapes and simple symbols are tattooed in one thick line and can be filled in or left as an outline.
If done well, flat tattooing can complement musculature and result in very flattening, striking piece of abstract art.Traditional Tattoo
Traditional tattooing is based on clean, simple design and execution, and uses thick, black, outlines filled in with solid blocks of color. There is little detail in the work apart from what is absolutely necessary to convey the design, and this is done with color and shading. Skilled shading and color laying give the work depth.
Daggers, hearts, snakes, roses, eagles and butterflies are all Traditional design tattoos.
Traditional tattoos can be seen from great distances and will be still visible years from now.
Fine Line
Modern Fine Line Tattooing expanded the imagery and opend the craft up to serious artistry. It is characterized by thin outlines, precise shading, detailed designs, and focus on the lines of a tattoo.
Good Tattoists will combine the best of different styles, incorporate the clean, solid blocks of color that characterize Traditional tattooing with the complex design of Fine Line.
