Tattoo styles
From fine lines to large-scale blackwork: here are all the tattoo styles our team works in – with details on the process, timing, aftercare and typical placements.
Choosing a style isn't only a matter of taste. Fine lines need different placements than large shaded areas, and some designs only work above a certain size. On each style page we explain what matters most.
Not sure yet? Bring your idea to a consultation and we'll show you how it could look in different styles.
FinelineFineline tattoos use very thin, precise lines for a light, delicate look.
Realism & PortraitRealism tattoos recreate photos, portraits or nature scenes in as much detail as possible – usually in black and grey, in colour on request.
BlackworkBlackwork tattoos use black ink only – from graphic patterns and bold fills to illustrative designs.
Old SchoolOld school tattoos – also called American traditional – rely on bold outlines, a limited colour palette and classic motifs such as swallows, anchors, roses and daggers.
Cover-upA cover-up hides an old tattoo under a new design.
LetteringLettering tattoos range from delicate handwriting and script to bold block letters.
MinimalistMinimalist tattoos strip a design down to the essentials: a few lines, small shapes and plenty of negative space.
Dotwork & OrnamentalDotwork builds shading from countless individual dots; ornamental tattoos often combine this technique with mandalas, geometric patterns and jewellery-like elements.