road rash on tattoo

AN OVERVIEW OF ALL TATTOO STYLES

The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, and today, there’s a vast array of tattoo styles to choose from. We’re not kidding—our list includes over 60 distinct tattoo styles, each explained in detail and accompanied by plenty of pictures. Our goal is to help you find the perfect style for your next tattoo and to clear up any confusion you might have. To make things easier, we’ll present these styles in alphabetical order. Ready to dive in?

WOOD CARVING TATTOO STYLE

In the Stonework Tattoo style, imagine yourself as a stone sculpture, with the tattoo giving the illusion of carved stone. For the Wood Carving Tattoo style, envision your body as a piece of wood, with the tattoo resembling intricate carvings. Both styles can achieve strikingly realistic effects, but they require a high level of skill and technique from the tattoo artist.

White ink Tattoo Style

White ink for tattoos might seem unusual, but it’s indeed used. While it’s not the main color and often goes unnoticed, it can create striking effects when combined with other colors.

Some Watercolor artists we want you to know

The world of watercolor tattoos is captivating, with many talented artists making their mark. We’d like to highlight two you should definitely check out: Laura Caselles and Kathycaboom.

Both are Spanish, yet their styles are distinctively different. Laura Caselles creates elegant, harmonious tattoos often inspired by movies, series, or manga. In contrast, Kathycaboom’s work is a vibrant burst of colors, featuring dynamic and energetic designs. Both artists are known for their unique and eye-catching styles.

Watercolor Tattoo Style

Watercolor tattoos are a prominent style, often serving as a foundational element in various other styles. What sets them apart is their unique color palette and distinct allure, which come from their versatility in different compositions.

Tribal Tattoo Style

Tribal tattoos encompass styles from the Pacific region, including Polynesian, Maori, and Hawaiian, among others. While it may seem broad, grouping them together is often the easiest way to address the diverse styles within this area.

Trash Polka Tattoo Style

Trash Polka is a unique and striking tattoo style that originated in Germany. It blends elements of collage with motifs like swords, bombs, and smog, creating a raw, edgy aesthetic. The color palette is predominantly black and red, often making these two colors the defining feature of the style.

Torn / Ripped Skin Tattoo Style

The Torn or Ripped Skin tattoo style creates a striking optical illusion that makes it look as though the skin is torn or ripped. This technique is quite challenging and requires the expertise of a highly skilled tattoo artist.

Surrealism Tattoo Style

Surrealism, which emerged in the 1920s as a style for painting, drawing, writing, and other forms of art, can also be applied to tattoos. So, absolutely, you can create a surrealistic tattoo as well!

Stonework Tattoo Style

Stonework is a remarkable tattoo style, though it’s not as widely known as one might expect. The idea is to create the illusion of a sculpture on your skin. When executed by a skilled artist, the results are truly mesmerizing.

Sticker Tattoo Style

The Sticker Tattoo style stands out by blending elements we love, such as 3D effects, vibrant colors, and imaginative designs. The goal is straightforward: to make it look like you have a sticker on your skin rather than a traditional tattoo.

Stick and Poke Tattoo Style

We’ve debated whether to include the Stick and Poke Tattoo style, and here it is. This method involves inking with just a needle and ink, without any machines. While it can be appealing to some, we generally don’t recommend it due to safety concerns—unless you find a highly skilled and reputable artist.

Stained-Glass Tattoo Style

When you think of stained glass, you probably envision a medieval church, right? The Stained Glass Tattoo style aims to bring that same intricate, colorful aesthetic to the skin. By translating this classic design into a tattoo, you capture the essence of stained glass art on your body.

Small/Micro Tattoo Style

Not everyone prefers large tattoos, and that’s perfectly okay. You can opt for a small or micro tattoo in any style you like. The key requirement is simply that it remains small.

Sketch Tattoo Style

We love Sketch Tattoos because a skilled artist can turn them into something truly spectacular. Essentially, the technique involves transferring a sketch from paper to skin, resulting in a striking, detailed design.

Silhouette Tattoo Style

Silhouette Tattoos resemble portrait tattoos but are typically done in black ink, creating a shadow-like effect. They are visually striking yet more subtle, making them a great option for those looking for a more understated design.

Quote/Words Tattoo Style

To be honest, the Quote or Words Tattoo style is quite similar to lettering and script tattoos. The main difference is that this style focuses on inking quotes or meaningful words, rather than names.

Psychedelic Tattoo Style

The Psychedelic Tattoo style can be seen as a foundation for other styles like Blast Over or New School, featuring vivid, bright colors. Just as psychedelia influences music and various art forms, it also leaves its mark on tattoo designs.

Portrait Tattoo Style

Portrait tattoos are widely popular across many countries. The concept is straightforward: it’s about having a portrait permanently inked on your skin. Whether it’s a famous figure, a family member, or even your cat, the focus is on capturing the likeness you want to honor.

Pop Art Tattoo Style

Most people can easily picture this tattoo style. Just as pointillism aims to replicate a trend in painting, the Pop Art Tattoo style captures a similar vibrant, graphic aesthetic but through its own unique approach.

Polygon Tattoo Style

The Polygon Tattoo Style was popular a few years ago, particularly for animal designs. The idea is to take any design and render it using polygons. It can be done in black ink or with colors, depending on your preference.

Pointillism Tattoo Style

The Pointillism Tattoo Style takes this concept further by emulating the pointillism technique found in painting but on the skin. It requires significantly more detail, skill, and patience, resulting in a more intricate and painstaking process.

Pixel Tattoo Style

Having grown up in the ’80s, pixels hold a special place for us, especially with our ’90s video game nostalgia. Imagine having a tattoo style that mimics 8-bit designs—pretty awesome, right?

Pinstripe Tattoo Style

The Pinstripe tattoo style is a bit unconventional, but we find it fascinating! This style features intricate designs with precise lines and vibrant colors, resembling a spirograph pattern combined with tattoo art.

Outline Tattoo Style

The Outline Tattoo Style is straightforward and easy to grasp. It consists of just outlines without colors or intricate details. While it may seem simple, a well-designed outline tattoo can be truly fantastic.

Ornamental Tattoo Style

The Ornamental style is a cornerstone in the tattoo world, encompassing a wide range of substyles. In terms of technique, ornamental tattoos are known for their intricate details and can vary from flowing, organic forms to precise, traditional geometric patterns.

Optical Illusion Tattoo Style

We have to be honest: Optical Illusion tattoos are among our favorites. They typically feature bold lines and larger designs, creating a “wow effect” that makes everyone take notice.

Norse / Viking Tattoo Style

Norse culture and symbolism, whether from Vikings or Lapponian people, are widely recognized around the globe. This tattoo style falls under the ethnic category and simply requires incorporating elements from these cultures.

New School Tattoo Style

The New School tattoo style is quite similar to Neo-Traditional, featuring thick lines, vibrant colors, and bold designs. What sets it apart is the incorporation of graffiti techniques in the drawings and color work. That’s the essence of it.

Neotraditional Tattoo Style

The Neo-Traditional style is an evolution of this, featuring thick lines, vivid colors, and a variety of designs. It’s often referred to as Neo-Traditional or simply “Neotrad.”

Negative Space / Blackout Tattoo Style

When you think of a standard tattoo, you likely picture a design inked in black or color. However, a Negative Space Tattoo uses black ink while the design is created with the natural color of your skin. The result is a striking and unique effect!

Native American Tattoo Style

Yes, the Native American Tattoo style falls within the ethnic tattoo category but is distinct on its own. Native American culture is rich with unique symbolism, deities, and traditions, offering a wealth of inspiration for tattoos.

Minimalist Tattoo Style

The Minimalism Tattoo style is one of the most popular worldwide. Its designs are typically simple and small, allowing you to have something unique without drawing too much attention.

Mayan Tattoo Style

Certainly, the Mayan Tattoo style falls under the ethnic/tribal category. Mayan culture is known for its intricate symbols, patterns, and designs, which make for truly fantastic and detailed tattoos.

Mandala Tattoo Style

You’re familiar with mandalas, right? This tattoo style involves either featuring a mandala as the main design or integrating it into a larger piece.

Mambo / Destrutturato Tattoo Style

Yes, this is a new style created by Mattia Calvi in Milan, Italy. It’s called Mambo after the tattoo shop, Mambo Tattoer. The concept involves deconstructing natural forms and reassembling them into more abstract, manageable pieces. We believe it works exceptionally well.

Line Tattoo Style

We’ve seen a myriad of intricate tattoo styles, but line tattoos return to the basics—and we love it. In line style tattoos, the focus is solely on the use of lines. The results can be exceptionally balanced, harmonious, and visually stunning.

Lettering or Script Tattoo Style

Inking phrases or concepts lies at the heart of tattooing, which is why many opt for lettering or script tattoos. This style boasts numerous substyles, from Chicano to Japanese lettering, making it highly adaptable and rich in variety.

Kawaii Tattoo Style

Kawaii is a manga substyle characterized by its depiction of extremely cute subjects, such as animals, plants, and more. In art, kawaii drawings are relatively simple, featuring vibrant colors that translate beautifully onto the skin.

20+ BEST HAWAIIAN TATTOO DESIGNS AND THEIR MEANINGS

Aloha, tattoo enthusiasts! If you’re drawn to nature-inspired ink that tells a deeper story, Hawaiian tattoos might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you have Hawaiian heritage or simply a passion for its culture, these tattoos offer a meaningful way to connect with the vibrant legacy of Hawaii. Each design is more than just a pattern; it represents personal and ancestral narratives, showcasing identity, heritage, and tradition. From intricate patterns to vibrant motifs like hibiscus, plumeria, and ocean themes, Hawaiian tattoos are rich in symbolism. In this article, we’ll dive into these designs and explore the history and evolution of Hawaiian tattoo artistry. Keep reading to learn more!

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HAWAIIAN TATTOOS

Understanding Polynesian tattoo designs is important because they carry deep meaning. Hawaiian tattoos are part of the broader Polynesian tradition, which also includes Maori and Samoan styles. Here’s a brief history of these tattoos:

Traditional Hawaiian tattooing, called kakau, has been practiced for centuries by both men and women. The term kakau comes from Hawaiian words meaning ‘to strike’ and ‘to place upon,’ describing the hand-tapping technique used with special tools called kakau uhi.

These tools were made from bone or tusks attached to wooden handles, and sometimes included bird beaks, claws, or fish barbs. The ink was made from natural materials like kukui nut soot or squid ink. Temporary tattoos were created with acidic plant juices to mark significant events like the death of a loved one.

Kakau uhi tattoos represented a person’s status, identity, and their connection to the spiritual world and land. If tattoos covered the entire right side of the body and looked solid black, they were called pahupahu, often worn by men or warriors. Outcasts and slaves had face tattoos, while tongue tattoos honored important chiefs.

Today, traditional Hawaiian tattoos are still admired, but modern versions are also popular. These blend ancient designs with contemporary tattoo styles. Let’s explore how these tattoos have evolved over time.

25+ BEST TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN TATTOO DESIGNS 

HAWAIIAN CROSS TATTOO

The Hawaiian cross, also known as the Koa cross, merges the Christian cross with detailed patterns inspired by traditional Hawaiian art. This design reflects Hawaiian culture and heritage while symbolizing faith, peace, hope, and love.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER HAWAIIAN TATTOO

Hibiscus flowers are iconic symbols of Hawaii, making them an ideal choice for mother-daughter or matching tattoos. The design above showcases a collection of Hibiscus flowers, each with its own unique touches. This tattoo represents grace, femininity, and a mutual love for Hawaii.

HAWAIIAN THIGH TATTOO

If you’re looking for a feminine tattoo for your next piece, this thigh design is an excellent option. It showcases a large flower with detailed petals, capturing the natural beauty of Hawaii. The design includes intricate patterns and leaves that enhance the cultural theme of the state. While it looks striking in black and gray, you can also add a vibrant touch by having the flower inked in red.

HAWAIIAN ANIMAL TATTOO

In Hawaiian culture, seahorses represent eternal friendship. If you’re looking for a meaningful tattoo to celebrate your bond with your bestie, this design is perfect. It features a seahorse embellished with geometric and tribal patterns, giving it a distinctive and artistic flair. Beyond symbolizing friendship, the seahorse also represents good luck, peace, persistence, and magic.

NEO-POLYNESIAN HAWAIIAN SHARK TATTOO

For those who appreciate tattoos that blend modern and traditional styles, this neo-Polynesian design is a great choice. It extends from the shoulder across the upper chest and down the arm. The shoulder and chest are adorned with intricate floral patterns, while the upper arm features a detailed, fierce shark. This marine creature symbolizes strength and intensity. Below the shark, a large flower complements the Hawaiian theme beautifully.

SAMOAN HAWAIIAN TATTOO

Samoa and Hawaii are both integral parts of Polynesia, and this tattoo merges the traditional body art of these two regions. It showcases the clear lines and geometric shapes characteristic of Samoan art alongside the swirling patterns and traditional motifs of Hawaiian culture. This design is perfect for anyone looking to honor both cultures or who has a connection to them.

HAWAIIAN FLOWER LEG TATTOO

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you’re likely familiar with the abundance of hibiscus flowers found throughout the state. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and purple. This tattoo features hibiscus flowers in a reddish-pink shade with vibrant green leaves, symbolizing beauty and joy.

HAWAIIAN GOD TATTOO

In Hawaiian culture, the four main Tiki gods—Ku, Lono, Kane, and Kanaloa—represent war, peace, light, and the sea, respectively. This tattoo draws inspiration from these deities, blending neo-traditional and Polynesian tattoo styles. It embodies themes of protection, guidance, fertility, and power.

HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY TATTOO

In Hawaiian, the butterfly, or Pulelehua, symbolizes cheerfulness and positive energy. This tattoo showcases the butterfly with bold lines and intricate details, extending onto the arm and incorporating traditional Polynesian motifs. It serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish life’s simplest moments while also symbolizing freedom and transformation.

HAWAIIAN FISH TATTOO

If you’re a fan of fish tattoos, the stingray is a popular choice in Hawaiian culture. This design highlights the aquatic creature with bold shading. It symbolizes protection, adaptability, peacefulness, agility, and grace. The tattoo is a great option for both men and women.

HAWAIIAN OCEAN TATTOO

In Hawaiian culture, the ocean is both a vital source of sustenance and a link to ancestors. If you want to honor this connection, this tattoo is a perfect choice. It depicts a captivating ocean scene with powerful waves and distant mountains. The waves represent strength, power, and resilience, while the mountains bring a sense of balance and tranquility to the design.

HAWAIIAN RING TATTOO

If you are passionate about antique rings and jewelry, consider getting a permanent ring tattoo like this one. Placed on the ring finger, the tattoo features band of crossed motifs. The design symbolizes unity and strength. Couples can also choose this tattoo on their ring finger as a unique way to celebrate their love.

HAWAIIAN CALF TATTOO

Calf tattoos are always in style, and this Hawaiian design is an excellent choice if you’re considering one. It features symmetrical geometric shapes and intricate patterns that create a sense of harmony and balance. You can enhance the tattoo with Polynesian and Hawaiian motifs like turtle to symbolize concepts such as strength and courage.

HAWAIIAN SHARK TATTOO

In Hawaiian mythology, sharks are revered as sacred creatures with supernatural powers, and many families once had their own family shark god. If you feel a connection to sharks or view them as your spirit animal, this tattoo is an ideal choice. It features a stylized shark design with fine lines and intricate patterns, symbolizing strength, protection, and guidance.

HAWAIIAN LOVE TATTOO

In Hawaiian, “aloha” is not just a greeting or farewell; it also signifies love. If you’re seeking a tattoo that reflects this meaning, the word “aloha” is a perfect choice. The design features the word in a stylized font, surrounded by tropical flower that enhance its Hawaiian theme. This tattoo symbolizes not only love but also hospitality and warmth.

HAWAIIAN BAND TATTOO

If you’re a fan of armband tattoos, Hawaiian body art offers a fantastic option. These symmetrical patterns symbolize unity, harmony, and strength. You can also customize this band to fit various placements, such as the forearm, upper arm, ankle, calf, or thigh.

OUTLINE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS TATTOO

Attention to all Hawaii enthusiasts and minimalist tattoo fans! This design offers a sleek, understated version of the Hawaiian islands map tattoo. It features a clean outline of select islands from the Hawaiian archipelago, including Hawaii, Maui, and Honolulu. With no extra details, the tattoo is a symbolizes of connection to Hawaii or an appreciation for its natural beauty.

HAWAIIAN BACK TATTOO

Back tattoos are ideal for making a bold statement with intricate designs, thanks to the ample space they offer. This piece showcases elaborate Polynesian-inspired motifs, including geometric patterns, tribal designs, and traditional symbols. It achieves a sense of balance and harmony while incorporating traditional elements like tiki, which represent power and wisdom.

HAWAIIAN COUPLE TATTOO

For couples seeking Hawaiian tattoos that embody tropical elegance, this design is a perfect choice. It features two matching palm trees with finely detailed slender trunks and lush fronds. This design symbolizes a shared bond and a special connection to Hawaii.

HAWAIIAN SUN TATTOO

In Hawaiian culture, the sun is a vital source of life, symbolizing energy, vitality, and growth. If you’re looking for a tattoo to represent these qualities, consider the design above. It features a stylized sun with bold lines and traditional Polynesian patterns. This tattoo looks striking on the upper arm and equally impressive on the upper back.

HAWAIIAN BIRD TATTOO

This minimalist tattoo is both subtle and meaningful. It depicts the iwa bird, which is linked to the Goddess Kaiona in Hawaiian mythology. The merciful goddess sent the iwa bird to guide those lost in the forests. This tattoo can symbolize guidance and a connection to higher powers.

HAWAIIAN SHOULDER TATTOO

Shoulder tattoos have a way of capturing attention, and this design is a perfect example. It spans across the shoulder and upper arm, accentuating the natural contours of the body. The use of Polynesian geometric patterns and bold lines adds to its visual appeal and significance.

CONCLUSION

Hawaiian tattoos offer a unique blend of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Remember, the best tattoo is one that resonates personally with you. Take the time to research and choose a design that reflects your values, experiences, and connection to Hawaiian culture.