Tattooing was invented in several places of the world, and various styles and methods arose (and continue to grow) as a result. Here are a few examples:
“Black and gray” is a style that extensively depends on shadows to create a three-dimensional appearance. White ink is used to create transitions between bright and dark, as well as highlights. It began in jails in the 1970s and 1980s and quickly gained popularity.
Native American and Micronesian, and Polynesian tattoos are the inspiration for “tribal tattoos.” It’s characterized by geometric shapes and is generally painted black (though there are color and “stonework” variations). It represents the transition from one stage of life to the next, although it’s unclear how much of the original concept has survived in the current version.
In its execution, “biomechanical style” mixes mechanical and organic elements. Fans of cyberpunk, steampunk, science fiction and industrial music are among its devotees. Ripped flesh is used as part of the presentation, with incorporated machines or electronics.
The rustic effect of “Stonework style” is achieved by utilizing black, grays, and colors with thin lines that simulate the feel of crumbling stone.
White ink tattoos are tattoos that utilize white ink and nothing else. They have a scar-like appearance and dissipate swiftly (in a matter of months). As a result, skilled tattoo artists aim to incorporate pale blue, pale yellow, or pale purple elements into the tattoo to extend its life.
Asian / Oriental / Yakuza are distinctive black and color styles with recognized East Asian motives: fish, cherry blossoms, Buddha, lotus, dragons, war dogs, samurais, and geishas, among others. They frequently cover the entire body and use visuals to tell a tale.
Traditional / Old School is a style that incorporates early works’ motifs such as eagles, pin-up girls, ships, and anchors.
New School is a style that emerged in the 1980s and is distinguished by its eclectic blend of styles, strong and brilliant colors, a larger color palette than conventional styles, and improved gradients.
The realistic style attempts to emulate photography by creating graphics that are generally portraits or landscapes.
Celtic-style motifs feature intricate knots that may be used to create simple or complicated forms.
The tattoo machine is a piece of Western technique equipment. The ink is held in a tube by a needle that goes up and down. A pedal is used to operate the entire machine. There are more needles in a coloring and shading machine than there are in a sewing machine.
In the Japanese method, bamboo handles are employed. The artist stretches the skin with one hand while piercing it with the handle, which has several needles on its ends. In one second, a professional artist may puncture the flesh five times.
Samoan Technique uses a rake and a hitting staff. The rake is dipped in ink and used as a needle. It is then pressed on the skin and beaten with a stick. While the artist uses the rake to create a design, a few helpers maintain the skin tautly.
Metal tubes are employed in an ancient Thai technique comparable to the Western approach in that the tube stores the ink and has a sliding pointed rod within. One hand holds the combination, while the other is used to tighten the skin.
