Encourage Me: Journal

“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.” (Johnny Depp)

There's such a wide variety of tattoo styles that it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to decide what's best for you. Each tattoo is beautiful and unique in its size and color choice. That is part of what makes tattoos as individual as the people that get tattooed. From what they get tattooed on their bodies and where. To the tattoo styles they get those tattoos in.

A tattoo style is the general look of a tattoo, and not the subject matter (the image or writing) that is being depicted in the tattoo. The different styles of a tattoo can give even the exact same idea a completely different look and feel. What are the different tattoo styles? Below is a list of the most popular tattoo styles and some information about each one:

3D Tattoo Style: 3D tattoos can be very simple or intricate. They all have one thing in common, the 3D red and blue lines. They tattoos are done this way so that when you put on 3D glasses the tattoo becomes 3D.

Abstract Tattoo Style: Abstract tattoos are just like abstract art. It does not attempt to represent external reality. These Abstract tattoos use different shapes, forms, and colors to achieve the style. Any subject can be tattooed in the Abstract tattoo style, and they are a great way to differentiate even the most simple tattoo design.

Aesthetic Tattoo Style: The Aesthetic tattoo style can be almost anything. There are tattoos that focus on the appreciation of beauty and the nature of beauty. These tattoos induce a feeling of great aesthetic pleasure. Aesthetic tattoos can big or small, black or color, and anything in between as long as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Black and Grey Tattoo Style: The black and grey tattoo style is one of the most common. You can do any other style of tattoo in the black and grey tattoo style. This style focuses on shading to make tattoos look great.

Continuous Line Contour Tattoo Style: In this style the artist tattoos the outermost edges of a form as well as any dramatic changes within the form. A continuous line contour tattoo looks like an outline drawing that uses no shading, and it appears that the tattoo machine never lifts from the skin.

Geometric Tattoo Style: The Geometric tattoo style focuses on lines and shapes. From simple shape to elaborate patterns, or turning everyday things geometric, this contemporary tattoo style is more versatile than it appears.

Realism Tattoo Style: These tattoos look true to life and be in color or black and grey. Realism tattoos on the perfect tattoo when you want your tattoo to look exactly like its real life counterpart.

Sketch Tattoo Style: Sketch tattoos are usually black like a pencil. They can also be done in color like a colored pencil. The Sketch tattoo style is a great tattoo style choice for almost any tattoo subject, and gives a not too clean, very authentic look to any type of tattoo.

Small Tattoo Style: Small tattoo style can be done using other tattoo styles. They can be color or black and grey like the tattoo below. Small tattoos are becoming quite popular as a first tattoo, and as a way to fill in the extra space for those with a lot of tattoos.

Traditional/Old School Tattoo Style: These are classic American tattoos. It is the style a family relative got when he was in the military. Bold black lines and bright colors are the trademarks of the Traditional / Old School tattoo style.

Tribal Tattoo Style: Tribal tattoos have been around since the beginning of tattoos with each culture offering their own unique style. Popular tribal tattoo styles include: Polynesian, Native American, and more. They usually involve elaborate patterns and can range in size from small to entire body tattoos.

Watercolor Tattoo Style: The Watercolor tattoo style has gained a lot of popularity recently. This makes sense with more women getting tattoos. Watercolor tattoos are very delicate and beautiful looking. With minimal to no outline the colors flow over the skin.

Three easy tips for finding a reputable tattoo shop:

· Ask other people (with tattoos) who they recommend. Do your online research.

· Before getting a tattoo, visit several tattoo shops, and ask your questions. Look at their cleanliness standards.

· When you pick a tattoo shop, look at your chosen tattoo artist's portfolio. Remember, this is permanent art on your body.

“My tattoos remind of who i am when i start [to] feel my identity getting blurred in the thick of life. They root me when I start to lose myself. They’re about memorializing something so important it needs to be engraved on my skin.” (Zara Barrie) [i]

[i] Adapted from:

· "A Comprehensive Guide to Every Type of Tattoo” by ISABELLE LICHTENSTEIN

· "Different Tattoo Styles” by MrInkwells

· "Finding A Reputable Tattoo Shop - 3 Easy Ways To Find A Great Tattoo Shop” By Matt R. Weston