16 different styles of tattoos other than minimalist to help you make up your mind for your next ink

You may not have seen our recent article, but our love for tattoos led us to becoming inked ourselves. During the process, we had to thoroughly research what design we wanted, and in what style.

If you go on the internet or Instagram or Pinterest, you’re likely to see various kinds of tattoos, especially delicate, minimalist style tattoos that are gaining traction lately.

Did you know that it isn’t the only style that’s trendy? There are countless popular tattoo styles out there, and we’ve compiled a list of our favourites so you’d have a better idea of what you want for your next ink.

1. Traditional Americana

Traditional American tattoos are characterised by their bold black outlines and highly saturated colours. The designs usually feature roses, animal heads, pin-ups, symbolism, and military-related signs.

2. Neo Traditional

Heavily inspired by the Traditional tattoo style (hence the naming), these tattoos have finer lines mixed with more bold and non-traditional colours. Thus, this gives them a classic feel with a taste of the new.

3. Tribal

Tribal tattoos are adorned by the people of Borneo as well as other tribes around the world. Various indigenous tribes inhabit the states of Sabah and Sarawak and have their own distinct tattooing culture.

4. Watercolour

These tattoos are gaining a lot of popularity these days as they mimic paint splattering or flowing across the skin. With minimal or no outlines, they appear delicate and beautiful.

5. Blackwork

Done entirely in black and tints of grey, these are usually composed of abstract patterns and geometric shapes, but there are those that feature scenes and subjects.

6. Realism

Whether in colour or black and white, realistic tattoos capture a picture of anything in high detail. It takes a skilled artist to create a truly realistic piece due to the high difficulty of the art style.

7. Portrait

Portrait tattoos tend to be realistic, but there are those done in a different style altogether. These tattoos can range from simple to complex, and are typically of famous people or someone dear to your heart.

8. Pet/Animals

It can be extra special to have your dog or cat on your body, especially in a familiar pose or with a favourite toy. Pet portraits are definitely gaining a lot of popularity these days.

9. Surreal

Surrealism is an interesting genre of art that blends dream with reality. There seems to be no limit with these tattoos, which are all weird yet beautiful in their own way.

10. Biomechanical

Rock an Iron Man or Robotic look with these futuristic tattoo designs that adapt to the flow of your skin to look like there is machinery underneath.

11. Trash Polka

This tattoo style looks like a collage as it samples from printed materials including photography, handwriting, paint splashes, and typewriting.

12. Geometric

Centred around lines and shapes, these tattoos have been slowly gaining in popularity because of the contrast between sharp lines and the curves of the body.

13. Japanese

Classic Japanese tattoos typically use symbolism to show their meaning and have a deep history behind them. We think these tattoos look ‘tough’ and ‘proud’.

14. Stick-and-poke

Also known as hand-poked tattoos, these are named after the way they are made. Stick-and-poke tattoos use an analog tattoo machine and a tattoo-grade needle compared to traditional tattoos that are done using a tattoo pen machine and traditional ink.

15. Floral

Due to their range of designs and meanings, floral tattoos are very popular among women. Each flower has their own meaning and aesthetic value and can be easily incorporated into most designs.

16. Words and phrases

Sometimes we want to memoralise a special word or phrase that means a lot to us. Here are some words on skin we thought looked beautiful.

Featured image credit: TattMag and Vice