Neo-traditional tattooing is a style of tattooing that emerged in the late 20th century as a modern take on traditional American tattooing. It combines elements of traditional tattooing, such as bold outlines and a limited color palette, with influences from other artistic styles like realism, illustrative art, and Art Nouveau.

This style of tattooing allows for more artistic freedom and creativity while still paying homage to the traditional tattooing roots. Artists often add their own personal style and flair to neo-traditional tattoos, resulting in unique and visually striking designs. It has gained popularity for its ability to combine the timelessness of traditional tattoos with a modern artistic approach.

Key features of neotraditional tattoos include:

Bold outlines: Neotraditional tattoos typically feature bold, black outlines that define the shape and form of the design. These outlines are reminiscent of traditional tattooing but may be more refined and precise.
Color saturation: Neotraditional tattoos often incorporate vibrant and saturated colors. Artists use a wide range of colors to bring the design to life and create a visually striking appearance.
Illustrative and realistic elements: Neotraditional tattoos often include illustrative and realistic elements, such as vibrant colors, intricate details, and a three-dimensional appearance. They typically depict subject matter commonly found in traditional tattoos, such as animals, flowers, skulls, anchors, and other classic tattoo motifs. However, neo-traditional tattoos incorporate more intricate linework, shading, and a greater level of realism compared to traditional tattoos.

American Traditional

An American traditional tattoo, also known as Old School tattooing, is a classic style of tattooing that originated in the United States during the early 20th century. It is characterized by bold, simple designs, strong black outlines, and a limited color palette. American traditional tattoos often depict iconic symbols, such as anchors, roses, daggers, eagles, hearts, skulls, and pin-up girls.

Here are some key features of American traditional tattoos:

Bold outlines: American traditional tattoos feature thick, bold black outlines that define the shape and form of the design. These outlines help the tattoo age well and remain distinct over time.
Limited color palette: The color palette used in American traditional tattoos is usually limited to a few primary colors, such as red, green, blue, and yellow. These colors are typically applied in solid blocks without much shading or blending.
Iconic imagery: American traditional tattoos often incorporate iconic and traditional tattoo motifs, including anchors, ships, roses, swallows, banners, hearts, and nautical symbols. These designs have a long history in tattoo culture and hold symbolic meanings.
Flat shading: Instead of relying on intricate shading techniques, American traditional tattoos use flat areas of color to create contrast and depth within the design. Shadows and highlights are usually represented through solid blocks of color.
Timeless appeal: American traditional tattoos have a timeless quality that has remained popular for decades. The bold, instantly recognizable designs have stood the test of time and continue to be favored by tattoo enthusiasts.

American traditional tattoos are known for their simplicity, readability, and the ability to withstand the test of time. The style has had a significant influence on modern tattooing and is often referenced and adapted by contemporary tattoo artists.