Tattoo Styles: Finding the Right Look for Your Ink (Without Regret)

Joseph Swider
3 days ago
3 min read

So, you want a tattoo. Cool. Now comes the hard part- picking a style that still looks good when your knees start making noises every time you stand up.

Tattoo styles aren’t just about what looks good today. They affect how your tattoo ages, how long it takes, how much it costs, and whether you’ll still love it five, ten, or thirty years from now.

This guide breaks down the most popular tattoo styles, how they differ, and how to choose the right one for you, no art degree required.

By the end, you’ll know:

What tattoo styles actually mean (and which ones people confuse)
Which styles age best over time
How size, color, and placement affect your results
When custom tattoos make sense vs. flash
What trends we love… and which ones we side-eye

Popular Tattoo Styles (The Big Ones)

New School Tattoos

New school is all about bold colors, exaggerated shapes, cartoon energy turned up to eleven.

Thick outlines
Bright, saturated color
Fun, expressive, playful

Best for: People who want their tattoo to pop and don’t mind attention.

Color Tattoos

Color tattoos aren’t one-size-fits-all. They range from soft blends to bold statements.

Vibrant or muted palettes
Can be subtle or loud
Longevity depends on placement, skin tone, and aftercare

Dad advice: Sunscreen is your friend. Use it.

Black & Grey Tattoos

Classic for a reason.

Shading instead of color
Timeless look
Often ages very well

Great for: Portraits, realism, memorial pieces, and large-scale work.

Fine Line Tattoos

Clean, delicate, minimal — but not always as low-maintenance as people think.

Thin lines
Minimal shading
Looks best when done by experienced artists

Important note: Not all fine line tattoos age well if they’re too small or light.

Realism Tattoos

These tattoos aim to look like photographs.

High detail
Longer sessions
Requires specialized artists

Best for: Portraits, animals, and detailed imagery, not impulse decisions.

Cover-Up Tattoos

Yes, you can cover-up that tattoo from 2009.

Strategic design
Often larger and darker
Requires planning and experience

Truth bomb: Cover-ups aren’t magic, but they are impressive when done right.

Size Matters (Yes, Really)

Small Tattoos

Faster sessions
Lower cost
Placement is critical for longevity

Large Tattoos

More detail
Better aging potential
Often multi-session projects

Tattoo Styles That Age Well

Not all tattoos age the same. Gravity and time don’t play favorites.

Styles that typically hold up best:

Black & grey
Bold outlines
Simpler designs
Proper spacing between elements

Matching Tattoos & Shared Designs

Matching tattoos can be meaningful, or awkward at Thanksgiving.

Best practices:

Choose designs that stand alone
Avoid names (trust me)
Consider placement carefully

Custom Tattoos vs Flash Tattoos

Color new school tattoo of a fox dressed as a ninja by top CT tattoo artist Joe Swider

Custom Tattoos

Designed specifically for you
One-of-a-kind
More planning involved

Flash Tattoos

Pre-drawn designs
Faster process
Great for walk-ins

Neither is “better”. It just depends on what you want.

Tattoo Trends: The Good, the Questionable, and the “Let’s Talk First”

Trends come and go, tattoos don’t.

Trends I love:	Trends I approach carefully:
Well-executed fine line Thoughtful minimalism Custom designs with meaning	Ultra-micro tattoos Overcrowded designs Anything you found on TikTok at 2am

Choosing the Right Style for You

Ask yourself:

Do I want bold or subtle?
How visible do I want this?
How much maintenance am I okay with?
Does this style match the artist’s specialty?

When in doubt, book a consultation. That’s literally what they’re for.

Ready to Find Your Style?

Whether you know exactly what you want or just know you don’t want something you’ll regret, I’ve got you.

👉 Browse my portfolio👉 Book a consultation👉 Or explore individual tattoo styles above

Your future self will thank you. Probably.

📍 Located in New Milford, CT. DM or book online to schedule a consultation. Specializing in color, new school, and cover-up tattoos

Choose your style carefully… your skin doesn’t have a ‘return policy'.

SEE IF MY STYLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU