Custom Tattoo Design in San Diego

There are many different tattoo styles to choose from. Before you jump into finding an artist, first you’ll want to get a better idea of the tattoo style you’re looking for.

Here’s a refresher:

1. Traditional tattoos. The traditional americana or “old school” tattoo is the style of your grandpa’s time. The distinctive style was developed in the 18th-20th century, spearheaded by the greats such as Norman Collins (known as Sailor Jerry), Gib ‘Tatts’ Thomas, Bert Grimm, and Mildred “Millie” Hull. This style is often characterized by thick, black line work with themes centered around pinup girls, swords, birds, flowers,  broken hearts, and maritime components, such as ships and anchors.  Coupled with bold, distinctive line, this old school approach is now deemed the traditional American tattoo style. 

2. Biomechanical. These tattoos are a stylistic approach to tattooing which combines the human body with a contemporary design that makes it look as if the body is made up of mechanical parts. Think Arnold Schwarzenegger from Terminator with half his face was ripped off and that glowing red eye, or the inner workings of a clock.

3. Tribal. In many ways, these are a nod to the very first type of tattoo. The earliest tribal tattoos were used by many indigenous tribes and cultures to communicate personal details. Things like social status, family lineage, religious beliefs, and philosophies. Ever heard of Otzi the Iceman? He’s a 5,000-year-old mummy who was found on the border between Austria and Italy and may be the most famous modern example of tribal tattoos. Otzi’s body featured 61 tattoos, most of them only consisting of horizontal or vertical lines. Many contemporary tattoo designs use this same simple line work, while others borrow from Mexican Aztec, Polynesian, and even ancient Japanese culture, which feature bolder shapes and designs.  

4. Blackwork. Using geometric shapes and bold line work to create intricate patterns and designs, this style is similar to tribal tattoos and the result is often a stunning, contemporary take on indigenous design.  

5. Neo Traditional Tattoo Style. As the name suggests, this style of tattooing blends the traditional art form with contemporary elements. Often, neo-traditional tattoos will combine many aspects of traditional tattooing, such as heavier line weights and old school themes with modern elements and more delicate line work. In short, this is where old meets new.  

6. Watercolor. Although a slightly newer type of tattoo style, featuring soft “washes” of pigment instead of dark or opaque coloring, this style mimics the effect of a watercolor painting and tends to lack the defined line work that traditional tattoos feature. When done correctly, they are beautiful and delicate; however, because of the light washes of color they are not as resistant to sun and may fade more quickly than other styles. 

7. Surrealism. With nod or two to the surrealist greats such as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Mirò, surrealist tattooing evokes a dreamlike or subconscious quality. As a whole, it reflects the cultural and artistic movement developed in Europe in the aftermath of World War blending various visual imagery which relate in strange or unusual ways.

8. Portraiture. Ranging from illustrative to extremely realistic, only very skilled artists are able to achieve the amazing graduation and fine line detail required to do portrait tattoos well. Some artists even forgo that dark outlining so that the result mimics that of classic portraiture. Portraits are among some of the hardest work to do well, so it’s critical to do your research.  

9. Stick & Poke. The DIY kings and queens were among the first to popularize this style of tattooing, which uses a single needle to build up line work and create different shapes with decorative patterns.