Tattoo Styles Guide: Finding The Right Style For You
- bushidohexham
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
Searching the internet for tattoo ideas can reveal a minefield of options, especially if you are unsure about what style you want to go for. While the design is obviously super important, the style of the prospective tattoo is also a consideration that needs a lot of thought. Tattoo styles define how your tattoo looks, feels, and ages over time. Every tattoo style has it's own history, techniques and visual appeal. Understanding the differences between styles will help you choose something that aligns with your vision and stands the test of time.
Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or planning a larger piece, here’s a breakdown of the most popular tattoo styles to help you decide which one (or ones!) will fit you best.
Traditional Japanese
One of the most iconic and respected tattoo styles in the world, and one which we specialise in here at Bushido Tattoo, Hexham.
Key Features:
Bold outlines and strong shading
Flowing designs that follow the body
Large-scale pieces (sleeves, back pieces, bodysuits)
Common motifs: dragons, koi fish, samurai, tigers, cherry blossoms
Best For: People looking for meaningful, large-scale tattoos with strong visual impact and cultural depth.
Selection of Japanese by Paul
Fine Line Tattoos
A modern, minimalist style that focuses on precision and subtlety.
Key Features:
Thin, delicate lines
Minimal shading
Often small and detailed designs
Best For: Subtle, understated tattoos - but keep in mind they may require touch-ups over time, and that they can rarely be as small as Pintrest will lead you to believe, if you want your tattoo to age well.
Selection of fine line work by Andrew
Black & Grey
Black and grey tattoos use varying shades of black, grey and shading to create depth, contrast and detail without the use of colour.
Key Features:
Smooth shading and gradients
No colour (or very minimal)
Portraits, animals, lifelike imagery, script and more
Best For: Highly detailed, striking tattoos.
Lion and Horror Sleeve by Paul & Skulls and Birds by Andrew
Neo-Traditional
A modern evolution of traditional tattooing that blends boldness with more detail and colour.
Key Features:
Strong outlines with more intricate detail
Expanded colour palettes, as opposed to old school Traditional (see below)
Stylised (not fully realistic) designs
Best For: People who want bold tattoos with a more modern, illustrative feel.
Selection of Neotrad by Andrew
Traditional (Old School)
A classic Western tattoo style with a long history.
Key Features:
Bold black outlines
Limited colour palette, mostly red, green, yellow and blue
Iconic imagery (anchors, roses, eagles, skulls)
Best For: Timeless designs that age well and remain bold over time.
Trad (and some bonus script!) by Paul
Geometric Tattoos
A precise, pattern-based style focused on symmetry and structure.
Key Features:
Clean lines and shapes
Repeating patterns
Often incorporates sacred geometry
Best For: Modern, structured designs with a clean aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Style for You
When deciding on a tattoo style, consider:
Your personal taste – Bold vs subtle, detailed vs minimal
Size and placement – Some styles need more space
Longevity – Bold designs tend to age better
Meaning – Some styles (like Japanese) carry deeper symbolism
Your artist’s speciality – Always choose an artist experienced in your chosen style
Why Choosing the Right Artist Matters
Every tattoo artist specialises in certain styles. Even a great artist may not be the right fit for every type of tattoo.
For example:
Japanese tattoos require knowledge of flow and tradition
Realism requires advanced shading techniques
Fine line requires precision and control
Choosing the right artist ensures your tattoo looks its best both now and in the future.
Can You Combine Tattoo Styles?
Yes - but it needs to be done carefully.
Mixing styles without a clear plan can lead to a tattoo that feels inconsistent. A skilled artist can help blend elements in a way that still feels cohesive, especially in larger pieces.
Final Thoughts
This guide has hopefully given you some ideas about where your tattoo journey will next take you. Some styles are bold and timeless, while others are more delicate and subtle. It's more than just aesthetics - choosing the right one is key to getting a tattoo you’ll love.
Taking the time to understand different styles will help you make a more informed decision and ensure your tattoo is something you’re proud of for years to come.
Book a Consultation
Choosing a tattoo style isn't just about what looks good online—it's about finding artwork that suits your personality, your ideas, and the area of the body being tattooed.
At Bushido Tattoo, we specialise in Japanese tattooing, but feel at home with all of the different styles listed above. If you're unsure which style is right for you, we're always happy to discuss your ideas and help you choose a design that you'll be proud to wear for life.
A great tattoo starts with great planning. Taking the time to understand different styles is the first step towards creating artwork that's both meaningful and beautifully crafted. Get in touch to book a consultation to discuss your next piece!
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