Thinking about getting inked but not sure what style suits you best? You’re not alone. With so many different forms of tattoos out there, it can be tough to pick just one—especially when every design looks cooler than the last. Whether you’re into bold lines, fine details, wild color splashes, or sleek blackwork, tattoo art has something for everyone.
Let’s break down the most popular different styles of tattoos, what makes each one unique, and which might be the best fit for you.
Looking for inspo or ready to get inked? Swing by Mantra Tattoo and Piercing in Denver and we’ll help match you with an artist who gets your vibe.
What Are The Different Forms Of Tattoos?
The term “different forms of tattoos” refers to the overall look, line work, and vibe of your ink—not just the subject matter. You could get the exact same image in a dozen different tattoo design styles, and it’d feel totally new each time.
Let’s walk through some of the most loved—and most requested—kinds of tattoo styles we see at the shop.
Traditional (Old School)
You know this one: thick black outlines, bold color, and designs like daggers, roses, anchors, and pin-up girls. This style has old-school roots and major staying power. If you want something classic that stands the test of time, Traditional might be it.
Neo-Traditional
Take Traditional and give it a modern twist—richer colors, more dimension, and stylized detail. Neo-Traditional tattoos have bolder shapes but with a softer, illustrative edge.
Blackwork
Black ink only—but that doesn’t mean boring. This style plays with negative space, pattern, and contrast to create tattoos that feel clean, edgy, and timeless. Check out our Blackwork tattoo style page to get a feel for this art form.
Fine Line
Sleek, minimalist, and delicate, fine line tattoos are perfect if you want something subtle or elegant. Don’t be fooled, though—this style takes serious precision. See our Fine Line Tattoo gallery here.
Realism
Want a tattoo that looks like a photograph? Realism is for you. Portraits, animals, landscapes—this style recreates them with lifelike accuracy better than all other different forms of tattoos. It’s one of the hardest styles to master, so always check the artist’s portfolio.
Micro-Realism
Same idea as realism, but scaled way down. We’re talking tiny tattoos packed with insane detail. These require super steady hands and next-level artistry.
Anime Tattoos
For all our anime lovers, this one’s a no-brainer. From Studio Ghibli to One Piece, anime-inspired designs use vivid colors, dramatic shading, and crisp linework. Take a peek at our Anime Tattoo Designs if you’re feeling the fandom.
Watercolor
Soft blends, no outlines, and dreamy color washes—watercolor tattoos bring the brushstroke feel of painting to the skin. It’s bold, beautiful, and artsy as hell.
Geometric
If symmetry is your thing, you’ll vibe with geometric tattoos. They’re built on shapes, patterns, and balance. This is one of those different tattoo art styles that can be both modern and spiritual.
Abstract
Abstract tattoos toss out the rules and lean into shapes, lines, and color without a clear subject. Think emotion over realism. It’s a great style for creative self-expression.
Trash Polka
High contrast meets organized chaos. Trash Polka is known for mixing realism with graphic design—often in black and red. It’s wild, expressive, and definitely a conversation starter.
Patchwork and Micro Tattoos
Patchwork tattoos stack mini designs together like stickers, while micro tattoos focus on super small pieces, often with fine detail. Both are trending hard right now and perfect for folks who want more flexibility down the line.
Cartoon & Video Game Tattoos
Whether it’s Mario or Mickey Mouse, pop culture tattoos bring fun energy and nostalgia. These tattoo design styles are bold, playful, and make a big statement about what you love.
How To Choose Between These Different Style Tattoos
So, how do you pick the right one for younout of all the different forms of tattoos? Start with the overall vibe. Are you going for something bold and statement-making? Or do you want something subtle and meaningful that you’ll mostly keep to yourself?
Whether you’re eyeing fine line, realism, traditional, or something totally custom, here are a few things to think about when comparing the different style tattoos out there.
Visibility: Subtle Ink or Statement Piece?
Think about where your tattoo’s going and how often you want it seen. Some different tattoo design styles, like anime tattoos or traditional American pieces, really pop and are meant to be shown off. Others—like micro tattoos or fine line tattoos—can be more discreet and personal.
If it’s your first tattoo and you’re not sure how you’ll feel about the attention, maybe start small. But if you’re all in and want your ink to speak for you before you even open your mouth, go bold.
Size: How Big Should You Go?
Some kinds of tattoo styles just don’t work well when they’re too small. Realism tattoos need room for detail, shading, and depth. Same goes for geometric or black and grey pieces that use a lot of layering and texture. If you try to cram too much into a small space, it could blur over time.
On the flip side, small tattoos or patch-style designs can be super impactful when done cleanly. It’s all about matching your idea to the space you’ve got.
Color vs. Blackwork: What’s Your Ink Personality?
When choosing between different tattoo art styles, color is a huge factor. If you want vibrant, eye-catching work, then watercolor tattoos, anime tattoos, or new school designs might be your jam. Color lets your artist go wild with creativity—but just know it can fade a little faster over time (especially if you’re a sun lover).
If you prefer sleek and bold, blackwork tattoos or fine line black tattoos offer a timeless aesthetic. They heal cleaner, age well, and usually require less touch-up down the line. Still undecided? You can always go with black and grey tattoos for a middle ground—classic, artistic, and crazy versatile.
Longevity of Different Forms of Tattoos
Here’s the real talk: not all tattoo design styles age the same. Bold, thick lines (like in traditional or tribal tattoos) hold their shape for decades. If you want something that stays crisp, those are your best bet.
Fine line tattoos and micro realism pieces look amazing early on, but they can fade or blur faster—especially if you’re not on top of sun protection and aftercare. If long-term appearance matters most to you, go with a style that’s built to last.
And of course, your artist matters. We have people on our team who specialize in different style tattoos, so whatever you’re going for—we’ll match you with someone who gets it.
Tattoo Styles That Are Trending Right Now
A few styles are seriously popping off in 2025:
- Fine line and micro tattoos – minimalist and elegant.
- Anime and video game pieces – fandom meets body art.
- Geometric and abstract work – spiritual, modern, and deeply personal.
Stats back this up too. According to a 2024 report from Ipsos, nearly 3 in 10 Americans have at least one tattoo—and the number is rising fast among people under 35, especially with creative and niche styles like different tattoo art styles.
Let’s Talk Commitment (And Aftercare)
No matter which of the different forms of tattoos you choose, it’s gotta be something you’re into long term. If it’s your first one, check out our Getting a Tattoo FAQs for everything you need to know, including prep tips, healing time, and how to keep your tattoo looking fresh for years to come.
And don’t forget—aftercare is just as important as the ink itself.
Conclusion: Why Different Forms Of Tattoos Are Best Done At Mantra Tattoo In Denver
When it comes to choosing between the different forms of tattoos, it all comes down to personal style and the skill of the artist doing it. At Mantra Tattoo in Denver, we don’t just talk ink—we live and breathe it. Whether you’re going bold with color, subtle with fine lines, or something in between, our artists are pros in all kinds of tattoo styles.
You’ll find high-end body jewelry, a clean studio, and expert techs who know their craft. Let’s make that idea in your head come to life the right way.
Hit us up to book your appointment today and let’s create something amazing.
