http://Most Popular Tattoo Types And Styles Growing In Demand People love to get certain tattoo types that are most popular. Learning the different the types and styles, can help you pick your next tattoo. The art of tattooing has been around for centuries and its popularity has anything but waned over time. If anything, tattoos are a massive part of the modern-day culture and have come to represent very personal stories. From tribal symbols to military and combat rankings to the names of loved ones, and religious, sacred symbols, tattoos are meant to tell the wearer's story. But if you're new to the tattoo game, it's worth understanding the many various tattoo types before you get inked for life. Here's what you should know. Today's Most Popular Tattoo Types and Their Characteristics Across the globe men and women continue to honor the ancient art of tattooing. Whether it's part of a ritual tradition, a rite of passage, or for the aesthetic pleasure, tattoos are far more common today, than not. But there's one thing that's worth remembering before you get inked- tattoos are for life. Sure, regrettable tattoos can be laser-removed, but this is expensive and time-consuming, depending on the size of the tattoo. This is why it's important to understand tattoo styles and have a clear idea of what you want before settling into the artist's chair. 1. Traditional You can never really go wrong with a traditional-style tattoo. If executed with precision and talent, this style of tattoo will age beautifully and always make a statement. Traditional style tattoos are characterized by bright colors, bold lines, and iconic tattoo designs such as lady heads, flowers, sailors, anchors, and hearts. They carry a historical weight like no other tattoo style and continue to be one of the best-loved tattoo styles in the industry. 2. Realism The popularity of realism tattoos came to the fore in the latter half of the 20th century and is one of the most styles of tattooing today. Classic realism has been part of the fine art movement as far back as the Renaissance area. But the 20th century saw the birth of these hyper-realistic tattoos, characterized by finely-detailed black and white portraits. When executed correctly, realism tattoos can look extremely life-like and are completed in both color and black and white today. Some of the popular styles include celebrity portraits, pets, loved ones, and scenes of nature. 3. Tribal Tribal tattoos are also known as indigenous body art. This style of tattooing is one of the oldest in the world, dating back centuries across many ancient cultures. While tribal tattoos all appear somewhat similar, they are all uniquely different. This is because ''tribal'' is used as an umbrella term for the tattoo styles of a myriad of different global communities. Some of the most common examples of tribal tattooing include Polynesian, Pacific Islander and Samoan abstract styles, Mayan and Aztec Deities, and more. Tribal tattoos are almost always done in black and feature intricate and elaborate patterns. 4. Neo-Traditional This style of tattooing is an evolution of the traditional style and is defined by its pronounced linework and vibrant color palette. It also has an illustrative quality to it, with plenty of fine detail. Neo-traditional tattooing is influenced by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements and the aesthetics of these eras. This tattoo style is well-known for elaborate, decorative details and the use of natural imagery such as flowers, animals, and portraits. 5. Japanese Also traditionally known as Irezumi, Japanese tattooing has been around for millennia. This art form originated during what is known as the Edo period, in 1603. The inspiration behind this traditional style of tattooing originates from Japanese folklore. As such, you'll find many Japanese-inspired tattoos tend to feature tattooed heroes from the Suikoden, mythological dragons, kirins, and phoenixes. Essentially, a Japanese-style tattoo will either tell a story about the country's rich past or relate to its mystical folklore. 6. Illustrative Illustrative tattoo work is relatively new to the world of body art and has been inspired by a number of different techniques and art movements. This style of tattooing is characterized by different techniques which include etching, engraving, fine line calligraphy, and even abstract expressionism. As such, it's a very versatile and artistic form of tattooing. Many of these types of tattoos look like they belong on paper or canvas and should be hung like pieces of art! Tattoo Types Growing in Popularity Tattoo artistry is ever-evolving and has seen a number of tattoo trends come and go over the years. Some styles tend to be inspired by a certain decade and fade out of popularity, such as new school style tattoos. Others remain steadfast throughout the ages. Here are some tattoo styles which have gained momentum in recent years: 1. Watercolor Watercolor inspired tattoos are extremely popular in today's day and age, inspired by the new Millenium. This style of tattooing may look overly simple, but it requires plenty of talent in order to recreate a watercolor aesthetic on human skin. It is typically characterized by light, pastel colors and light-hearted, whimsical images. Essentially, this tattoo style is designed to look poetic. 2. Blackwork On the opposite end of the spectrum to watercolor inspired tattoos, we have blackwork. This style of tattooing is rather broad and is created solely with black ink. Blackwork is designed and created with the end-goal of being striking - making a statement like no other tattoo style. Tattoo styles range from ancient, sacred geometry to abstract, ornamental designs, and extremely detailed illustrative pieces. This is a style of tattooing that allows for plenty of experimentation. 3. Chicano This is yet another tattoo style that is largely influenced by culture. Namely, the Mexican Revolution, Los Angeles low-riders as well as Pachuco culture. The Chicano style originated in prison, dreamed up by inmates who used what few materials they had to recreate images of their own culture. Today, this style is recreated with mind blowing detail with fine line black and grey ink. Get Inked With Heart of Thieves Now that you have a better understanding of popular tattoo types, get your first taste of ink with none other than Heart of Thieves. Based in Las Vegas, we offer a truly talented team of artists who are ready to recreate your artistic vision. Check out our artist's profiles here.