TATTOO STYLES
Find Your Personal Tattoo Style
With 9 experienced tattoo artists, Selfmade offers a wide range of styles including Black and Gray, Old School, Neo Traditional, Ornamental, and much more. Learn more about the different styles here and find the perfect style that matches your personality.
BLACK
AND GRAY
The Black and Gray tattoo style is a popular technique that only uses black ink in various shades. This style is believed to have originated from prisons in the 1970s and 1980s and later became popular in tattoo shops. Black and Gray tattoos are also known as "prison-style" and are thought to have originated in prisons where inmates improvised tattoo machines with limited materials like guitar strings and ballpoint pen ink. This style is now popular worldwide and is used for a wide range of tattoos, including Japanese irezumi and classic Chicano tattoos. The Black and Gray technique is also popular for photorealistic portraits
BLACKWORK
Blackwork tattoos have become a popular style in the modern tattoo world, with their roots deeply entrenched in ancient tribal tattoo practices. This style exclusively uses 100% black ink and attracts both artists and clients with its unique expression. From Polynesia to Spain and even henna art, Blackwork tattoos have drawn inspiration from various sources, resulting in a stylish and symbolic expression. Whether based on ancient traditions or modern mysticism, Blackwork offers a versatile style that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With its focus on black ink and contrasting designs, Blackwork is a strong favorite among tattoo enthusiasts seeking a bold and timeless look.
OLD
SCHOOL
Old School tattoos, also known as "American Traditional," are a timeless tattoo style rooted in America's history and continue to captivate tattoo enthusiasts worldwide. This classic style is characterized by its bold outlines, vibrant colors, and iconic motifs, including anchors, hearts, roses, and more. Old School tattoos are more than just designs on the skin; they are a tribute to identity, courage, and adventure throughout history. Modern adaptations of this style add a unique twist that blends tradition with innovation. With its rich history and ability to adapt to modern tastes, the Old School tattoo style remains a lasting part of tattoo culture.
NEO
TRADITIONEL
Neo Traditional tattoos merge tradition and creativity with bold contours and vibrant colors. This style embraces a wide range of motifs and integrates personal narratives and decorative details. The artists behind these tattoos express their individual creativity, resulting in unique artworks that carry deeper meanings. Neo-traditional tattoos are more than just art on the skin; they represent a personal journey through colors, contours, and depth. Whether you choose this style for its visually stunning expression or to carry a personal narrative, neo-traditional tattoos are a fantastic choice that manages to create art with meaning and uniqueness.
ORNAMENTAL
Ornamental tattoos are among the most timeless styles and have roots in ancient arts and cultures such as Buddhism and Celtic tradition. These tattoos, with their fluid patterns and recurring motifs like mandalas and Celtic knots, appeal to those seeking symbolic tattoos. Besides their aesthetic value, many ornamental tattoos carry deeper meanings, providing a unique way to express individuality. Ornaments can be found in various forms, from intricate patterns to more straightforward designs. Regardless of the choice of motif, ornamental tattoos offer an elegant and personal form of body adornment that stands the test of time.
DARK
ART
Dark Art tattoos seek to capture the surreal, strange, or emotionally intense aspects that lie beneath our reality. Primarily executed in black, these tattoos employ techniques like high contrast and surreal composition to create a dark and brooding atmosphere. The unpredictable black line takes center stage, often aiming to attract alternative expressions. Dark art represents the dark, sophisticated, and imaginative universe. By drawing on the traditional elements of blackwork tattoos but adapting them to modern life by incorporating controlled chaos and negative space, they create a connection between body and soul. This immersion in tattoo art allows for deep reflection and personal symbolism that speaks to the inner world of the tattooed individual.
FINE LINE
Fine Line tattoos are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their discreet and delicate appearance, providing a less committed way to engage with the world of tattoos. This genre focuses more on execution than artistic style and is defined by the needle caliber used for line work. Artists specializing in Fine Line often use round liner or single needles, resulting in a fine and detailed aesthetic. Fine Line tattoos, typically executed in black and grayscale, encompass a variety of styles. Fine Line Illustrative offers reinterpretations of traditional art forms with intricate details and employs techniques like stippling and cross-hatching. Minimalism simplifies designs such as flowers and astrological symbols and is favored by celebrities for their subtle yet meaningful character.
REALISM
Realism can be done both in Black and Gray as well as in color.
Realism tattoos, also known as photorealism, create detailed images of reality. From portraits to nature motifs, the options are endless. Black and Gray realism, which mimics black-and-white photos, is perfect for detailed shadows and contrasts. Color realism requires extra skill and patience, but the results are stunning. Whether you want a beautiful flower or a picturesque landscape, an experienced artist can turn your vision into reality. Portraits of loved ones or iconic figures are also popular choices.
ASIAN
For centuries, Asian tattoo culture has been a powerful expression of identity and heritage. From Japan's Irezumi to China's ancient traditions, tattoos have been a means to anchor oneself in cultural and religious roots. In our in-depth exploration of the Asian tattoo world, we delve into history to uncover the rich symbols and meanings behind these artworks. Despite modern challenges such as stigma and cultural appropriation, these tattoo forms remain a vibrant part of Asia's cultural heritage. Whether through traditional craftsmanship or modern innovations, Asian tattoo culture serves as a bridge between past wisdom and present creativity, continuing to fascinate and inspire both locally and globally.