Most Popular Tattoo Genres of All Time

Tattooing has been around for centuries. Now, the art of body decoration through markings is at its most popular, and in its finest form – in terms of design, interpretation and creativity. We made a compilation of the most popular tattoo genres of all time. Here’s what most tattoo artists in Brisbane voted in;

1.       Old School

This is also called the American traditional style. Often referred to as the ‘Sailor Jerry’ style, designs are bold and basic, characterised with thick black or dark grey outlines, bold colours, very little to no shadings. This style is still a favourite among Brisbane tattoo artists. Popular subjects include military and nautical themes, swallows, hearts, eagles, roses, and pinup girls.

2.       Tribal/Polynesian

Tribal tattoos feature strong Native American influences. Also called the Polynesian style, tattoo designs of this genre are inspired from the ancient tribal markings of the American Indians, Micronesians and Polynesians. Common to tribal tattoos are solid geometric shapes, black colour and symmetrical patterns.

3.       Asian/Oriental/Japanese

Japan has a long history of tattooing. The Irezumi or the traditional Japanese tattoo has been around for centuries. It is the art of decorating the body. The oriental tattoo style is often large and elaborate pieces covering entire arms, torso, legs or back. Tattoo subjects are detailed and intricately coloured. Tigers, koi fish, lotus flower, dragons, cherry blossoms, Asian war depiction, snakes and peacocks are common themes.

4.       Script

This tattoo type is very common. The tat is entirely composed of letterings or script and one bold colour. Elaborate fonts are usually favoured. Ambigram – the creative word designing that incorporates two words in one, is also popular. Names, life maxims, birthdates, and beliefs are popular subjects for script tattoos.

5.       Watercolour

This is one of the most modern tattoo genres. Mostly described as the ‘delicate’ style, the designs are characterised with vivid colours and a lot of shadings that mimics the splashes and streaks of watercolour on canvas or paper. The subject of the tattoo can be anything – from landscape imagery to abstract designs.

6.       Portraits

Very much like the traditional depiction of a portrait, this style features imagery of people. This genre is much specialised, only because it requires the skill and talent of an accomplished tattoo artist. There are many tattoo artists in Brisbane, but only a handful can give you amazing portrait tattoos. Successfully transcribing someone’s face or body require intricate work and talent. Usual subjects include popular movie personalities, one’s spouse or child, and even pets.

7.       New School

New school tattoo design is all about custom ideas and free-styling. This modern tattoo genre resulted from the availability of modern tattoo equipment, enabling artists to work on endless design possibilities. Common to new school tattoos are fantasy figures, hip-hop themes, graffiti, animals, and comic book themes. Fine lines and vivid colours are evident in the often complex and large designs.

8.       Black and Grey

This is the greyscale equivalent of realistic tattoos. Figures and depicted realistically, but instead of the bright hues, this style uses only the subtle shadings of black and grey. Inks used are black, white, and watered down black to different shades of grey. Popularised from the prison cells where inmates have limited access to coloured inks, this style nevertheless captured the essence of its subjects – portraits, guns, birds, skulls, knives, women, and religious figures.

9.       Biomechanical

This genre banks on its eye-catching and shocking factor. Designs are often the combination of mechanical aspects intertwined with muscles and other biological parts relevant to the area, often in 3-D renderings. Robotics and cyborgs are the general themes. Vivid colours, detailed designs, and advanced shadings are evident in this tattoo genre.

10.   Realistic

This is another tattoo genre that requires the advanced skills of an experienced and talented tattoo artist. Realistic tattoos are colourful, detailed, and are often based on landscape, life scenes or a photograph. Fine lines, intricate shadings and realistic colourings are prominent characteristics of this tattoo style. To get the best results when going for a realistic tattoo, work only with the best tattoo artists in Brisbane.