Hey there, fellow ink enthusiasts! Today, we’re breaking down two of the hottest tattoo styles: traditional and neotraditional. So, grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, we don’t judge), and let’s get ink-spired!

Traditional Tattoos: A Timeless Classic

First up, we’ve got traditional tattoos – the OG of ink! Known as American Traditional, Western traditional or just traditional, these babies have been around since the early 20th century, thanks to legendary artists like Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins and Don Ed Hardy. What makes traditional tattoos so iconic? It’s all about bold black lines, a simple color palette, and designs that ooze early-Americana charm.

This style and its many motifs gained early popularity among military service members, such as U.S. Navy sailors who would pile into tattoo shops during shore leave. Designs were kept simple for speedy application to multiple clients in a short period of time. This is also why you see many flash pieces in a traditional style.

From fierce eagles to sultry pin-up girls, traditional tattoos are a nod to a bygone era, infused with rebellious spirit and old-school cool. But it’s not just about looking badass – traditional tattoos celebrate craftsmanship and artistic heritage, ensuring your ink stands the test of time. We’re sure you’ve heard it before: Bold will hold.

Jimmy Snaz, Traditional Artist

Still not sure what we’re talking about? Seen on Ink Master Seasons 11 and 13, Jimmy Snaz has more than 15 years of experience and is recognized by his bold American Traditional style. Here’s his Instagram profile for more examples.

Neotraditional Tattoos: Bold, Beautiful, and Beyond

Now, let’s fast forward to the present day and meet neotraditional tattoos – the cool cousin of traditional ink! Taking classic elements and giving them a modern twist, neotraditional tattoos are all about pushing boundaries and breaking the mold.

Where American traditional sticks to bold black lines and a simple color palette, the neotraditional style adds soft color gradients and fine lines to the strong outlines and high contrast blacks of traditional tattoos. From whimsical portraits to fantastical landscapes, neotraditional tattoos are like a canvas come to life, bursting with personality and pizzazz. In addition to breaking the molds of color and linework, these more contemporary pieces also tend to expand further in size (given the creative liberties of the style).

Gian Karle, Neotraditional Artist

If you’re curious about what these not-so-traditional tattoos look like, look no further than our award-winning neotraditional artist from Puerto Rico, Gian Karle. His 16+ years of experience, and appearances on seasons 8 and 14 of Ink Master, highlight his clean linework, bold designs, and strong saturation. His Instagram page is full of neo-trad wonder.

Choosing the Right Style for You

So, which style is right for you? If you’re a fan of timeless designs with a dash of nostalgia, traditional tattoos are the way to go. But if you’re craving something bold, vibrant, and oh-so-modern, neotraditional tattoos are calling your name.

Remember when it comes to choosing a tattoo style, the only real rule is that you like it! Whether you choose traditional, neotraditional, or something completely unique, the most important thing is to find a design that speaks to you and an artist who understands your vision.

So go forth and wear your art with pride. Life’s too short for boring tattoos!