Explore the wonderful world of tattoo styles and designs in our guide.
As TikTok once said, don’t be sad, go get a tattoo. Putting ink on skin has become more than just a statement and permanent accessory, it’s also a form of self-expression. This intentional mark is used to celebrate significant achievements with symbolic designs and special motifs. And of course, we can’t say no to getting a handful of pieces that are just pretty to look at. Whether you’re looking to get your first bit of body art or add to a collection you already have, let’s delve into the different types of tattoo designs and styles for inspiration. Plus, we’ve made it easy for you by sussing out tattoo artists in Singapore you can get them from.
Tattoo styles and designs you’ll love
1. Traditional and old school tattoos
This is the type of tattoo you’ll picture when you think of classic American ones. Steeped in history, this style boasts a distinctive aesthetic in large designs. Its most notable aspects are the use of bold black lines and vibrant colours. While the style has evolved to include modern motifs, you’ll often see anchors, roses, and daggers in this particular type of tattoo. Wanna know which artist to look for? Shawn dishes out these traditional tattoos in either colourful or monochromatic designs. Or turn to Keith who includes Asian flair in his designs.
2. Black and grey tattoos
The style name pretty much speaks for itself. Black and grey tattoos make use of varying shades to create detailed pieces. Shading is a key component of this particular tattoo style. This adds to the design’s contrast and showcases a high level of skill. Black ink also tends to fade slower than coloured tattoos, which means you won’t need as many touch-ups.
Look no further for artists, because Minhui combines fine line work with the black and grey style that leads to gorgeously delicate pieces. Logan focuses on hyper-realistic work that pairs perfectly with this style. If you’re looking to get a tattoo with tons of floral designs, Maxine’s handiwork features water lilies, peonies, and chrysanthemums.
3. Anime tattoos
Unsurprisingly, with the growing popularity of anime around the world, you’ll find artists drawn to this. If you ever wanted to turn your body into a full-page manga, this is the style to work with. There’s no shortage of artists that can do anime tattoos, so here are our recommendations. The popular Frankie Sexton is known for his huge portfolio of anime styles. Whether you love accurate replicas of your favourite characters or subtle nods to your love of anime, Chloe’s got you covered. Want to turn away from typical monochrome tattoos? Keith is a maestro with colour, creating bright and vivid designs.
4. Fine line tattoos
Fine line tattoos are incredibly trendy – perfect if you’re looking for something subtle. They’re also accessible for first-timers ‘cos the needles are smaller and hurt a little less. It takes a skilled hand to get this particular style right, as the dainty linework requires a ton of precision.
Our keen eye spotted a couple of artists that specialise in fine line work. Em‘s designs feature floral motifs that are oh-so-dreamy. Pi Ye Ro and Elise of Studio Teddy add touches of cuteness to their art with adorable animals and characters. And if you’re keen on getting a smaller tattoo, Viv does fabulous work. Some are even small enough to fit on your finger!
5. Geometric tattoos
Geometric tattoos are characterised by the use of shapes and patterns that are often symmetrical. It involves very precise linework and a combination of both bold and fine lines to create a dynamic design. You’ll also find variations of this style combined with animals. Keen to find out who you can turn to for this style? Fleecircus’s portfolio shows a handful of designs with incredibly straight lines to create unique pieces. Meanwhile, Clifford’s designs combine elements of realism, geometric design, and animals for absolute works of art.
6. Minimalist tattoos
Not to be mistaken with fine line tattoos, minimalist tattoos are clean designs with most details stripped away. Lines are crisp and designs are kept as plain and simple as possible. The elegance in these tattoos makes them perfectly placed anywhere; they’re often small enough to hide or show discreetly in plain sight.
Look to these minimalist masters for your next tattoo. Esin inks masterful abstract pieces that are subtle and beautiful. Catt’s specialty is in minimalist tattoos, so seek her out for delicate scripts and flowers. Meanwhile, Porky works her magic with simple motifs and designs that can fit on your finger.
7. Watercolour tattoos
All tattoos may fade eventually, but everyone knows that colourful tattoos tend to fade quicker. Since they’re not as durable, they may need more frequent touch-ups in the future. But that doesn’t take away from how gorgeous they are! Colour lovers, have no fear. Jerene’s lineless beauties are full of details with vibrant colours. If you ever want your pooch’s portrait done, trust her to do it with great accuracy. For those who prefer to look at the cuter side of life, Elicia’s creative and quirky designs will have you grinning with glee.
So, which tattoo design are you thinking of getting?
