When thinking of getting a tattoo for the first time, or getting another one, it’s important to be familiar with all the techniques and styles. Styles of tattooing are different and not everyone loves the same techniques and styles. So, to get a better understanding of what is on the menu of tattoo techniques here is a simple guide that will help you choose the best tattoo for yourself.

Traditional

Traditional tattoo techniques are best known for their bold lines, iconic designs and bright colors. The iconic designs include anchors, roses, and gorgeous lady heads. This style of tattooing is one of the best known and beloved around the world, and there are different tattoo methods when it comes to traditional styles. What is more, this style is widely represented and you can never go wrong by choosing a tattoo done traditionally.

Realism

Classic realism has been a part of art since the Renaissance, but it found its way into tattoo techniques only recently - in the latter half of the 20th century. Since then, it has only developed and got more refined and the tattoos from this style are simply jaw-dropping. They can be done in color or black and white, and the main point of realistic style is to get a very life-like tattoo of the object or person in question. Besides portraits, you can often find depictions of nature, robot-like arms, and many other things that simply look too real.

Tribal

Tribal tattoos are one of the oldest ones in the world. This style actually consists of multiple styles or more of the different traditions of tattooing from aboriginal communities from all around the world. Each tattoo of the tribal style is different and unique and there is a vast majority of different tribal tattoo styles - Polynesian, Marueasan, Inupiaq, Aboriginal and so on. They all have fine lines and different tattoo shading techniques included and they are truly wonderful. Usually, they are done in black with elaborate patterns, and you can find tattoo artists from all around the world doing them.

Watercolor

The watercolor tattoo techniques are currently in vogue. This style is one of the most demanded one by recent generations who want to match the new millennium. The tattoo techniques included here are rendering with a brush dabbled in watery pastels, and even though these look simple to create, they are not that easy to make. Still, various artists create all sorts of poetic and whimsical pieces and all of them look truly unique and colorful. Watercolor style is truly a unique and creative twist on styles of tattooing.

Illustrative

A wide variety of work can fall under the category of illustrative styles of tattooing because there are so many tattoo techniques and art movements that inspired it. The illustrative style includes almost everything from etching and engraving, to abstract expressionism, fine line calligraphy and many other techniques. What is more, many tattoo artists, including a lot of great professional female tattoo artists, will blend their own aesthetics into the mix to create a whole new style. And if you want to know the hack to recognize the illustrative style, if you see a tattoo that could belong on a piece of paper and hung up in a gallery, that’s it.

Besides these 5 most popular styles of tattooing, there are many others. These include basic tattooing techniques, Japanese and Chinese styles, blackwork, Neo-Traditional, new school style, and many others. And with this knowledge of different tattoo techniques, you will be able to find your favorite and get the new tattoo to look gorgeous.