Inking Your Wanderlust: The Top Travel Tattoo Ideas for Your Vagabond Heart
Inking Your Wanderlust: The Top Travel Tattoo Ideas
Are you absolutely obsessed with travel? Are you thinking about inking your obsession? If so, read on to learn about the top travel tattoo ideas.
There are 5,000 airplanes over the US at any time. Curious what that looks like? This website will let you have serious travel jealousy as it tracks planes in real time as they traverse the globe.
If you have a passion for travel, why not ink it on your skin? Then whenever you start to dream of your next adventure you can glance at your travel tattoo.
But what should you get to show your love of travel? We have a few ideas for you.
World Map
You could go simplistic with your world map by choosing to do an outline of the continents. Or you could fill them in and have solid black for a bolder look.
For a more creative look, you could make the continents colorful inside the rigid outline. Or go more freeform and choose a watercolor design.
Now all of these designs would be a flat hang on the wall type of map design. So you could change it up and get a globe tattooed instead.
Compass
You’ll never be lost as long as you know where North is.
For a more traditional look choose a highly detailed and shaded design. While a minimalist design will have few details beyond two crisscrossing lines and the four directional letters.
If your heart is in the sea look for a nautical compass. These are slightly different as they have a nautical star as a part of the design.
Airplane
What better way to show your love than to get an airplane? You could continue the minimalist trend that we’ve talked about so far.
Or you could go with a more realistic design. Or how about a new-school colorful cartoon design? This would make your airplane stand out among all of the other people with plane tattoos.
Something Cultural
Do you have a favorite place to visit? Then why not get a tattoo that is symbolic of that place or culture?
Many people go to Thailand and get a traditional talisman tattoo known as Sak Yank tattoos. Or you could travel to Japan for a traditional tattoo.
If you go this route try to honor the culture by staying as true to form as possible. Make sure you follow the rules of the culture and style.
Coordinates
As far as design most people stick to one style when it comes to coordinates. They use a more solid traditional block letter. Then you have the numbers in a line.
We’re not saying you have to go this route, but why try to fix what isn’t broken? This presentation looks the best and allows for the coordinates to be read.
You have freedom when it comes to what coordinates you choose though. You could put the location of your home to always remember where you came from.
Or you could put the location of your favorite place to go. A third option is to put the location of your bucket list place that you haven’t been to but hope to go to one day.
Waves or Ocean Inspired
For some travel is all about the ocean and being near the water. You could follow in celebrities’ footsteps by getting a mini tattoo.
A small and simple line in the shape of a wave will subtly express your love for the sea. A mini tattoo is the perfect tattoo style for those who want a tattoo but aren’t ready to commit to anything too big or noticeable.
You could go in the exact opposite direction and go with an American traditional ship. These tattoos feature traditional colors and bold black lines.
Inspirational Sayings
Instead of going for the imagery you could opt for a meaningful saying. Some of the best sayings are short and simple. You could even go with just one word that has significance or meaning to you.
For a softer look opt for a delicate script. Just make sure you can read the letters. If you want a bolder look, you can choose a san serif type of font or block lettering.
Animals
Do you feel a special connection with an animal? You could have that exotic animal tattooed as a symbol of the country it’s from.
Many people choose to get an elephant for Africa. Or how about a sea turtle for the tropics?
You could go for a big statement piece that is a portrait on your arm, thigh, or back. It could have a lot of shading to add depth and dimension.
Plants
Palm trees are popular with travelers who love the tropics. If this sounds like the tattoo for you, then stop by our Maui shop,
Las Vegas Tattoo shop or Henderson tattoo Parlor. The most popular design is a solid black tattoo. The trunk of the tree is slender with a slight curve.
You can scale the tree for where you want it on your body. Place it on your arm or leg, and you can make the trunk longer. Place it on your foot and curve the trunk more.
Pick Your Travel Tattoo
Don’t be afraid to mix a few different ideas. Pick one tattoo style, but then combine the world map and compass. Or you could do a wave with a fish.
Whatever you decide on for your travel tattoo, make sure you find the right tattoo artist. This can make or break your tattoo.
Ask your artist what type of styles they are comfortable tattooing. When you find an artist you like, work them to create something that is unique to you and your passion for traveling.
Have an awesome idea for your travel tattoo? Give us a shout and let us bring your tattoo to life.
7 Simple Tips to Help You Choose the Right Tattoo Color
7 Simple Tips to Help You Choose the Right Tattoo Color
Are you getting a tattoo, but struggling to decide on the color? Read on to learn 7 simple tips to help you choose the right tattoo color.
Did you know the tattoo industry’s estimated at $3 billion?
Are you thinking of getting a tattoo but not sure how to choose colors? Not to worry! In this article, we’ll go over seven tips on how to decide on the right tattoo color for your design.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!
Selecting the Right Tattoo Color
Choosing to get a tattoo is a unique experience. You want to give it some serious thought before having it done. Consider what area of the body you want it on and how the design will appear once finished.
It’s essential to think about the colors beforehand if you plan to have a colored tattoo. Once inked, the color is on for a lifetime. Decide if you want a bright or dark tattoo.
From fairies to mermaids, you can choose bright colors that give life to the pattern you decide to ink.
Let’s look at ways to gauge a good color choice.
1. The Science of Your Skin
Overtone and undertone describe two different things. Overtone refers to your skin tone. Skin tone is the color of your skin. Some examples are olive, brown, or porcelain.
Undertones are cool, warm, or neutral. When you’re looking for a pigment that will suit your skin, match the ink color with your skin’s undertone.
Cool undertones describe people with pink, blueish, or ruddy complexions. These complexions reveal blue colored veins. Warm undertones are golden or peachy complexions. They show green colored veins.
Neutral undertones are an even complexion. Undertone aligns with your surface skin tone, and you can’t distinguish vein color.
2. Your Body Color
The color of your body is a factor to consider when picking colors. Understand that some colors may look good on certain skin tones whereas others don’t.
If you select the wrong color for your body, the design may appear smudged.
Skin is complex, and various factors contribute to the color. Three biological chemicals determine the color of your skin.
One of the biological chemical’s is hemoglobin, and it’s red. Melanin is your skin’s sun protection agent. It’s red-yellow or brown. Carotene is orange-yellow.
Your veins appear blue with the less melanin you have. You’ll have what’s called a cool complexion. If you have lots of melanin, your veins appear green, and your skin looks bronze.
The amount of carotene and hemoglobin determines the variation in your undertone.
3. You Must Take Care of Colored Tattoos
Colored tattoos need a lot of care and effort. Bright tattoos are more expensive because they need touch ups, unlike black tattoos. If you’re not ready for the after-tattoo care, avoid choosing any fancy colors for the tattoo design.
You can always return for a colored tattoo down the road if you can’t commit to one right away.
4. Sun Exposure
Did you know that tattoo ink rests in a place in your skin where light-receptive skin cells are? These cells are melanocytes, and they secrete melanin when exposed to the sun.
Melanin is what makes the bronze color on your skin after you’ve tanned for a few hours.
Your tattoo dulls when melanin mixes with ink pigment. How long do you spend in the sun? Consider this when choosing a tattoo. Sun exposure can change the tone of your tattoo.
UV rays can make your tattoo fade. They break up pigment particles in your tattoo. Wear sunblock to protect your tattoo from any sun damage. This will help your tattoo remain bright.
5. Color Combination and Design
Have you decided on a colored tattoo and know you’ll take the time to care for it? Making sure the colors you choose look good together is vital. The combination you choose will make the design exquisite and noticeable.
Don’t choose colors because you think it’s going to make the tattoo interesting. Make sure you select color because it’s going to make the design stand out.
6. Chat with Your Tattoo Artist
Once you’ve chosen a design, you’ll still want to find a skilled artist and consult them on the colors. Try and steer clear of cheap outlets or shady joints. Walk into a well-known tattoo parlor where you know they’re trained professionals.
Professionals know how to guide you on your final color combination choice. They’ll have a sense of how the tattoo will turn out.
They can even help you test a few colors on your skin in a hidden spot. Having a test spot will give you a chance to see how it looks.
Testing a color is a safe way to rule out any possibility of allergic reactions as well.
7. Colors that are Difficult to Remove
You may not want to think about laser removal. We know you’re reading this article to learn about choosing the right colors. Yet, if you ever wanted to remove the tattoo, certain colors are easier to remove than others.
For example, orange and yellow are quite resistant to laser removal. Make sure you avoid these colors unless you are super confident in your choice.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on 2019 tattoo styles you should consider.
Contact Us Today
We hope you found this article on tattoo color insightful. Make sure you consider the color of your skin and how tattoo ink will show up. Consider the design and pick colors that will make it pop.
Want to learn more about tattoos? Contact us today. We would love to chat with you!
Get the Best Results- A Guide to the Tattoo Healing Process
Get the Best Results- A Guide to the Tattoo Healing Process
Every tattoo goes through it’s own healing process depending on the artist’s style and where you get your tattoo. Here’s a guide to the tattoo healing process.
Approximately 38 percent of young adults (aged 18-29) have at least one tattoo. Are you interested in joining this group?
When they’re done properly, tattoos look really cool. But, many people are unaware of the fact that, when they get a tattoo, there’s a very specific aftercare protocol they need to follow.
If you’re ready to get your first tattoo, you first ought to be aware of the work you’ll have to do afterward to keep it clean and ensure it heals properly.
Here is a guide to teach you everything you need to know about the tattoo healing process.
How to Ensure Proper Tattoo Healing
In order to prevent bacterial infections and ensure your tattoo heals properly, be sure to follow these tips when your tattoo is finished:
Choose a Trustworthy Tattoo Shop
One of the best things you can do to keep infections at bay is to make sure you’re getting your tattoos at a clean, trustworthy tattoo shop.
If you’re having a hard time finding a tattoo shop near you, be sure to look for online testimonials. Read through people’s reviews and find out what people are saying about the shops and artists in your area.
Leave the Bandage in Place (but Not for Too Long)
When your tattoo is completed, your artist will place a bandage on top of it.
Leave this bandage in place (after you’ve taken an obligatory picture of your new tattoo for the gram, of course) for two or three hours.
If it stays on a bit longer than that, you should be fine. But, don’t let it stay on for more than six hours. If it stays on longer than that, the gauze will become saturated and your skin won’t be able to “breathe”.
Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Tattoo
When you’re ready to remove the bandage, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first. This will help you avoid spreading any germs or bacteria to your still-healing skin.
Wash it Gently and Regularly
After you’ve removed the bandage, gently wash the tattoo and the skin around it with mild, unscented soap and water.Â
When you’re washing your tattoo, keep the water at room temperature. Don’t use a washcloth or loofah to scrub the tattoo — just your fingertips will be fine.
Make sure you get rid of any traces of blood, too. This will help prevent large scabs from forming.
Use a Gentle Moisturizer
Once your tattoo is clean, apply a thin layer of a gentle moisturizer.
Use unscented lotion or an ointment like Aquafor. Some shops also sell their own moisturizers specially designed for tattoos.
Prepare Your Bed
Many people don’t think about the possibility that their tattoo can get messed up while they’re sleeping.
Think about the location of your tattoo and prepare your bed ahead of time — getting a tattoo done can be pretty tiring, and you’ll likely just want to go home and sleep after it’s finished.
Use old sheets that you don’t mind getting a little ink on them. You can also lay down a towel and sleep on it.Â
If you wake up and find that your tattoo is stuck to your sheets or the towel, don’t pull it off. Take the sheet or towel into the shower with you and run it under warm water. This will help it to fall off.
Avoid Scratching or Picking at Your Tattoo
As your tattoo heals, you’ll likely experience some itchiness and irritation. It can be hard to do, but you must avoid scratching your tattoo or picking at it.
Scratching and picking at your skin can smear the tattoo. It can also increase the likelihood that it might become infected.
Limit Sun Exposure
When you have a new tattoo, it’s important to keep it away from direct sunlight while it heals.
Wear loose-fitting clothing when you go out in the sun. If the area can’t be covered, be sure to apply a fragrance-free sunscreen (SPF 50 at least) to protect it from the sun’s rays.
Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure
It’s fine to shower while your tattoo heals. But, avoid exposing it to water for longer than fifteen minutes at a time.
You should also avoid fully submerging your tattoo. Don’t soak in the bathtub or a hot tub until it’s healed all the way.
Long-Term Tattoo Care Tips
In the days immediately following the application of your new tattoo, you’ll need to follow the above guidelines. Caring for a tattoo is a long-term commitment, though.Â
If you want to keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, be sure to keep these long-term tips in mind, too:Â
- Wash your skin every day with unscented soap (avoid scrubbing the tattoo)
- Stay hydrated to help keep your skin moisturized
- Cover your tattoo (and the rest of your skin) with sunscreen if you’re going to spend more than 15 minutes in the sun
- Avoid wearing scratchy fabrics like wool; these can damage your tattoo
- Avoid extreme weight gain or weight loss; this can stretch out or distort your tattoo
Remember to get your tattoos touched up regularly, too.
Every few years, you’ll need to meet with your tattoo artist to brighten up your tattoo and correct any fading that may have occurred. This is especially true with colored tattoos or tattoos in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun.
Are You Ready for Your First Tattoo?
Now that you know how to properly handle the tattoo healing process, are you ready to start planning your first tattoo?Â
When you’re planning your tattoo, the place you go to get it and the artist who does the work matter just as much (if not more) than the design itself.Â
Not sure where to go for a high-quality, expertly designed tattoo?
If you’re in the Las Vegas, Henderson, or Maui areas (or plan to visit them in the near future), we’re here to help at Skin Factory Tattoo.Â
Contact us to schedule an appointment with an artist today.
Tattoo Pain Chart- Understanding the Science Behind Tattoo Pain
Tattoo Pain Chart- Understanding the Science Behind Tattoo Pain
It’s no secret that tattoos hurt. The key is to understand the science behind inking. Here’s a tattoo pain chart explaining the science of tattoo pain.
Americans spend over $1.6 billion each year on tattoos. That’s a pretty astounding figure considering most people, in general, don’t like pain yet are perfectly willing to put up with the pain of the tattoo needle.
Yes, tattoos hurt, no matter what location of the body you get one on. However, some areas are more sensitive than others.
If you’ve been thinking about getting inked but are apprehensive about the pain involved, have no fear. Our handy tattoo pain chart will show you exactly how much discomfort you can expect depending upon the body part. We’ll also discuss why tattoos are painful and what you can do to prepare yourself for one.
Why Do Tattoos Hurt?
To understand what makes tattoos painful, you have to understand a bit about your skin’s anatomy.
Your skin is made up of several layers. The top visible layer is the epidermis. This is the layer that gives us our skin tone and contains skin cells that naturally slough off.
Just below the epidermis is the dermis. This deeper layer contains sweat glands, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
In order to create a tattoo, a tattoo artist must use a needle that gets inserted far enough into the deeper dermis layer of skin. The needle will rapidly be inserted into an area anywhere from 80 to 150 times per second to deposit ink there.
If ink were inserted into the epidermis layer it simply wouldn’t hold and wouldn’t create a permanent design. The ink gets deposited into the dermis so that it will stay and create a tattoo that will last you a lifetime (unless you decide to have it removed.)
Unfortunately, the dermis contains nerves and pain-sensitive receptor cells. Having a needle injected there will send signals to the brain that the area is basically being injured and you’re going to feel pain.
If the sound of all this is already making you cringe, just know that some ancient civilizations would basically create tiny wounds in people’s skin and place unhygienic dyes into the area to create a tattoo. Today’s modern tattoo parlor has come a long way, offering sanitized equipment and safe dyes.
The Good News Is Some Body Areas Are Less Sensitive Than Others
Where you decide to have a tattoo placed can definitely have an impact on the level of pain you may experience. Of course, every person is different and has their own personal threshold for pain. But our tattoo pain chart will provide you some perspective.
Least Painful Areas
Your buttocks are actually one of the least sensitive body parts to get a tattoo, but a tat in this area is not for everyone. The inside of your forearm and your shoulder are also the least painful areas for tattoos. In fact, the discomfort felt while having a tattoo done in these areas has often been compared to an itch or pinpricks.
Fleshy and muscular areas are often great tattoo locations to minimize your pain. This can include the upper arms, forearms, calves, and thighs (but NOT the ultra sensitive inner thighs.)
Moderately Painful Areas
If you’re feeling braver, you can attempt a tattoo on the back (the lower back is less sensitive than the upper portion), inside of your wrist, and just below the knees. This pain is comparable to cutting yourself with a razor while shaving.Â
Most Painful Areas
That leaves the rest of the body including the head, neck, ribs, armpits, knees, ankles, and feet. These areas are notoriously painful and can be unbearable for some tattoo customers. Your tattoo artist may have to take breaks to let you catch your breath if you receive a design on any of these body parts.
Also, any bony areas tend to bring on more pain because it can feel like the needle is repeatedly striking the bone. It isn’t uncommon for tattoo clients to actually pass out in the chair while receiving a tattoo in any of these ultra-sensitive areas.
If you’re unsure about where to receive a tattoo, a tattoo artist can offer some advice and guidelines. Now that you know more about what causes tattoo pain and what body parts you may want to shy away from, here’s some tips on how to minimize discomfort during your tattoo session.
How to Make Your Tattoo Appointment Less Painful
There’s actually quite a bit you should and shouldn’t do to help prepare your body for a more comfortable tattoo appointment. Here’s some general dos and donts to follow.
Do Drink Plenty of Water: Keeping your body hydrated (with water, not alcohol or caffeinated beverages) can actually help the ink absorption.
Don’t Drink Alcohol: It’s tempting to want to knock back a drink or two to help deal with the pain, but alcohol will act as a blood thinner, increasing the amount of bleeding.
Do Eat a Healthy Meal and Get Plenty of Sleep: Getting enough rest the night before and eating a healthy meal the day of your appointment will keep your mind clear and help maintain your blood sugar levels (which can help prevent you from passing out.)
Don’t Take OTC Medications: Taking Tylenol, Aleve, or another over-the-counter pain reliever can thin the blood just like alcohol can. Instead, ask your tattoo artist if they offer any numbing spray that can help take away some of the sting as they do their work.
Do Chat With the Artist to Help Distract You: Making friendly conversation with the tattoo artist can help keep your mind off of the pain. It also helps to approach the appointment with a positive mindset and psyche yourself up for it.
Refer to Our Tattoo Pain Chart the Next Time You Want a Tattoo
Thanks to our tattoo pain chart and tips, you should now have a better idea of where to get a tattoo and what kind of pain you can expect. Are you feeling ready to get inked or receive a body piercing?
Contact us to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about tattoos and discuss design ideas with you.
Is It Just a Fad? 5 Current Tattoo Trends That Are Here to Stay
Tattoo Trends – 5 Current Tattoo Trends That Are Here to Stay
There have been some defining tattoo trends of 2018, but which ones are here to stay for the long haul? Find out here!
45 million people in the United States have tattoos.
Though most people have tattoos that are hidden by clothing, almost everyone gets a tattoo that is important to them.
But while many people go for tattoos that hold meaning to them, other people tend to follow tattoo trends. And like everything else, some fads seem to come and go.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the trends of yore, and which trends have passed the test of time.
1. Watercolor Tattoos
These unique and bold tattoos burst onto the scene in 2016. They combine traditional artwork with the appearance of a watercolor painting.
At first, not every tattoo artist was necessarily comfortable with this type of design. It was new and some found it a little bit difficult to master. Therefore, they weren’t always willing to permanently put it on customer’s bodies.
But, now that the trend isn’t going anywhere, more and more artists have become comfortable with it. As such, more salons are offering it, and more people are getting it.
If you want something that’s a bit trendy, but still edgy enough to not be completely mainstream, this tattoo is perfect for you.
2. Minimalist Tattoos
The idea of minimalism has gained traction in the western world. And not surprisingly, it has spread to tattoos.
Minimalist tattoos are very small and are often hidden by clothing or shoes. They often represent something very important to the individual. Instead of, for example, a portrait of their child or an ornate drawing of the child’s name, they may get the child’s initials in tiny writing. Or, they may even just get one letter of the child’s name.
These designs are often not to serve as ornate decorations but to remind the wearer of a time, place or person.
3. Finger Tattoos
Alongside minimalist tattoos, finger tattoos have become a trend that hasn’t left. Many people will even get finger tattoos on the inside of their fingers so that they can’t be seen in their normal day-to-day life.
Like the minimalist tattoos, these tattoos are often very small and represent something important in the individual’s life. They may have a tiny design or a small set of letters or initials to remember a person or an event by.
Some people even have tattoos of a wedding band to represent their eternal commitment to someone. Some people see these as more permanent than a ring because it has literally been etched into their skin.
There may be people who wear their ring over their tattoo to hide it. Others will have the tattoo in lieu of the ring.
4. Full Sleeve Tattoos
So, we know minimalist tattoos are having their day, but the full sleeve still hasn’t gone anywhere. And there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it stopping.
A full sleeve tattoo is typically one that covers part of or all of the arm. It can cover just the forearm or just the upper part of the arm. Sometimes, it is a series of tattoos that represent something to the wearer. Other times, it evolves over time. It may start out as one tiny tattoo and become an entire sleeve.
Some tattoo wearers will plan their full sleeve like a mural. They may even work with a tattoo artist to do so.
If you’re planning to get a full sleeve, you should be aware that most people don’t get a full sleeve all at once. Instead, it is often done in stages.
Sometimes part of the arm is done first. Other times, they’ll do some of the outlining and add color and detail later. This is due to the amount of time it takes, as well as the amount of pain that you might be in getting a full sleeve.
5. Pocket Watches or Compasses
Antique looking pocket watches or compasses have become huge in the tattoo community lately. The pocket watches typically evoke a bygone era, and they’re especially popular with individuals who are obsessed with steampunk.
Compasses often have a similar look to them, with people choosing to have more antiquated looking ones than the more modern types you might find now.
These designs are typically customized in a way that is special to the wearer. The compass might point toward where they grew up, especially if they live far away from that area. Or, it could point to where their family lives. Other people may opt for religious significance, with it pointing to a specific country or region that is special or sacred to their people.
With pocket watches, individuals may choose a special time for them. This could be the time their child was born, the time of their own birth, or a set of numbers that means something to them.
Often times, compasses and pocket watches are paired with other designs to make them completely unique.
What Tattoo Trends Are Out?
Tattoos have been popular for long enough that there are already tattoo trends people have eschewed. While people will likely still get these designs, there are a few that are most definitely on the “out.”
These include zodiac signs, roses, portraits of children or celebrities and tribal designs or designs in other languages that have zero significance to the wearer.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, make an appointment with us. We can talk about the design you’re thinking about and help you create a memorable piece of permanent art.
10 Types of 2019 Tattoo Styles You Should Consider Before Getting Inked
10 Types of 2019 Tattoo Styles You Should Consider Before Getting Inked
Whether you’re getting ready for your first tattoo, or you’re already completely covered, you should know about these 10 awesome types of tattoo styles.
Around 70% of Americans who already have tattoos have more than one. First-time tattoo-getters be warned: once you have one, you just can’t stop!
Maybe you already have a tattoo idea in mind, but you’re not sure how it should be executed. Or perhaps your craving for new ink has been halted by having no idea what you should get.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tattoo styles to choose from, and we’re here to present them to you. Just like clothing, different tattoo styles give off a different vibe. Here are some of the most common types of tattoos that should inspire your new tat:
1. New School
New school tattoos aren’t necessarily new, but their uncanny designs make them timeless. There’s no way to tell exactly when this tattoo style started, but most experts speculate that it was popular during the 70’s all the way to the early 90’s.
When you look at these tattoos you can tell that they were inspired by the bright colors and psychedelic styles that were prominent during 70’s and 80’s. New school tattoos are eye-catching with characters that are cartoon-like and exaggerated. So, if you’re into kooky-looking art, you’ll definitely be intrigued by this tattoo style.
2. American Traditional
You’ll know when you spot American traditional, or old school tattoos. They’re characterized by having a restricted amount of colors, along with heavy outlines that surround a flat image. These tattoos are far from boring–their vibrant colors and classic designs make them suitable for anyone.
The American traditional style started hundreds of years ago with sailors. When Captain Cook and his crew landed in the Pacific Islands, they were inspired by the tattoos that were on Samoan, Maori, and Polynesian people.
Sailors decided to make their own tattoos which consisted of anchors, women, knives, and more. The tattoo style has since evolved, and it’s now designed with recognizable crisp and bold images.
3. Tribal
Tribal tattoos are some of the first body ink in tattoo history, originating thousands of years ago in Polynesia. This style varies, as each aboriginal tribe had different designs. These tattoos are symbolic of a person’s life–unique tattoo patterns and motifs are used to communicate certain messages.
Traditionally, black lines are drawn into intricate patterns on a large area of a person’s body as a part of a spiritual ceremony. Nowadays, the western world has put their own spin on these designs drawn with similarly beautiful artwork.
4. Neo-Traditional
This style takes old school traditional tattoos and gives them a contemporary update. Artists in the 1950’s took the outdated style and vamped them up with newly-learned tattooing methods.
The designs are similar to their old school origin with prominent outlines and the same bold colors. Unlike old-school designs, neo-traditional takes on 3D artwork and doesn’t always stick with using the typical traditional tattoo symbols such as anchors and roses.
5. Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos are one of the newest and hottest types of tattoos, as many young tattoo-lovers have opted to get tatted with this unique style.
Your Watercolor tattoos are pretty self-explanatory–tattoo artists take the type of watercolor you see in art museums and replicate it on someone’s body. With this style only being around for about 5-10 years, it can present a fun, new challenge to a number of tattoo artists.
6. Japanese
Irezumi, or the traditional Japanese tattooing style has been around for hundreds of years. It began during Japan’s Edo period from 1603-1868 when several ukiyo-e artists rose to popularity for their fascinating woodblock prints, along with their tattooing skills.
Using traditional Japanese folklore, artists created designs with creatures like dragons, phoenixes, tigers and koi fish. The tattoos usually span across a large portion of a person’s body and feature a complex, rich design. Today, many westerners are wearing these traditional Japanese tattoos.
7. Realistic
Some tattoos look so real that it looks like a photo of a face has been printed on a person’s arm. These talented tattoo artists work to make a replica of a photo on your skin.
This style usually doesn’t entail dramatic colors and absurd caricatures–the style is intended to make the design look real. That doesn’t mean that these tattoos can’t be inked in color, as both grayscale and color can be used.
8. Blackwork
Blackwork consists of tattoos that are done completely with the color black. You might think that tattoos all-black tattoos are unexciting and bland, but this is completely false.
These types of designs are far from limited. Tattoo artists conquer unimaginable challenges with just one color–from detailed portraits to abstract designs, blackwork tattoos can be almost anything.
9. Biomechanical
Have you ever dreamed about being a cyborg? If you have, consider fulfilling your dreams with a biomechanical tattoo. These tattoos are designed to make mechanical parts look integrated with the human body.
An example of one biomechanical tattoo could be an arm ripping open to reveal a mechanical skeleton underneath. These remarkable tattoos can make anyone feel invincible.
10. Sketch
Maybe you were a fan of doodling in your notebook back in school. The sketches you created probably weren’t that great, but they had that distinct, rough feel to them. Sketch tattoos are just like doodles, but a lot better.
Don’t worry, it won’t look like a first-grader just scribbled on your arm. These designs consist of unique artwork that has an authentic look. Think of it like Monet doing a quick doodle on your hand–it comes out looking fantastic but has the appearance of being sketched.
Choosing Between 2019 Tattoo Styles
2019 Tattoo Styles. It can be incredibly difficult to pick your favorite tattoo styles. Each style has its own character, from a classic vibe to a culturally significant story, or an artful science-fiction fantasy. You can decide whether your next tattoo will be a shoutout to your tatted ancestors or if you want to take the modern route.
Whether it’s your first time getting a tattoo, or if you’re a self-proclaimed tattoo connoisseur, it’s always important to choose the right place for your next tat. Contact us today to schedule your next work of art.
