One of the most exciting things about tattoos is the sheer variety of styles available today. From delicate fine line designs to bold realism, every style offers a unique way to tell your story through art.

At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we’re proud to cover all styles under one roof. With a team of 12 international artists—including portrait tattoo artists, tattoo cover up specialists —we can bring any vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a lifelike portrait, a bold sleeve, or a subtle minimalist design, our team can make it happen.

If you’re considering your next piece but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a guide to some of the most popular tattoo styles.

1. Realism

Realism tattoos aim to recreate images as close to life as possible—almost like a photograph on the skin. These tattoos can be black and grey or full colour, and they often feature portraits, animals, nature, or even objects.

• Why choose realism? Perfect if you want a tattoo that looks strikingly lifelike, such as a portrait of a loved one or a highly detailed animal.
• Good to know: Realism requires a very skilled artist with experience in shading, depth, and detail. These tattoos often take longer, but the results are breathtaking.

Our portrait tattoo artists specialise in this style, making Inkredible Tattoo Studio a trusted destination for clients seeking ultra-realistic designs.

2. Neo-Traditional

Neo-traditional tattoos are bold, colourful, and detailed, evolving from the classic “traditional” style. While traditional tattoos use strong lines and a limited colour palette, neo-traditional adds more depth, shading, and vibrant colours while keeping that bold outline.

• Why choose neo-traditional? Ideal for people who want tattoos that stand out, mix modern detail with classic tattoo vibes, and age beautifully.
• Popular subjects: Animals, flowers, skulls, daggers, and fantasy-inspired art.

3. Fine Line

As the name suggests, fine line tattoos use delicate, thin lines to create intricate and elegant designs. They’re often minimalist but can also be surprisingly detailed, depending on the design.

• Why choose fine line? Great for small, subtle tattoos, or for clients who want something refined and less bold.
• Keep in mind: Fine line tattoos may fade faster than bolder styles, so aftercare and touch-ups are important.

4. Minimalism

Minimalist tattoos are clean, simple, and often symbolic. They focus on essentials rather than heavy detail—think small shapes, single-line drawings, or abstract designs.

• Why choose minimalism? Perfect if you want a subtle tattoo that carries personal meaning without being visually overwhelming.
• Trend factor: Very popular with first-time clients who want something timeless and understated.

5. Lettering

Lettering tattoos focus on words, quotes, or names. From bold gothic fonts to delicate cursive scripts, lettering allows clients to carry meaningful text on their skin.

• Why choose lettering? A way to immortalise a phrase, mantra, or name that means everything to you.
• Important note: Font choice and placement are key—bad lettering can ruin a tattoo. Always trust an experienced Sheffield tattoo artist who specialises in script work.

6. Chicano

Originating from Mexican-American culture, Chicano tattoos are deeply rooted in history and storytelling. They often feature black and grey shading, religious icons, roses, portraits, or themes of family, faith, and struggle.

• Why choose Chicano? A bold, cultural style that expresses deep emotion and identity.
• Look and feel: Smooth shading, dramatic contrasts, and often very detailed portraits or symbolic elements.

7. Trash Polka

Trash Polka is one of the most modern and eye-catching tattoo styles. Originating in Germany, it combines realistic images with abstract, graphic elements—often using stark black ink with bold splashes of red.

• Why choose Trash Polka? If you want something avant-garde and dramatic, this style creates tattoos that look more like contemporary art pieces than traditional tattoos.
• Unique factor: High contrast and chaotic yet balanced designs that turn heads.

8. Cover-Up Tattoos

Not technically a “style,” but realistic tattoo cover ups are an essential part of the tattoo world. A cover-up transforms an unwanted or faded tattoo into something new and beautiful.

• Why choose a cover-up? If you regret an old tattoo or want to refresh faded work, a skilled tattoo cover up specialist can design something unique to mask the old ink.
• Key point: Not every style works for cover-ups—bold, darker designs with clever use of shading are often best.

How to Choose Your Style?

With so many options, how do you decide which style is right for you? Here are a few tips:

• Think about the story. What do you want your tattoo to represent?
• Consider your body. Some styles work better in larger spaces (like realism), while others are perfect for small placements (like minimalism).
• Trust your artist. Show them your ideas, and let them guide you toward the style that will best suit both the design and your skin.

Final Thoughts

Tattoos are one of the most personal art forms in the world, and choosing the right style is a huge part of the journey. Whether you want a lifelike portrait, a subtle fine line design, or a bold neo-traditional piece, there’s a tattoo style for every personality and story.

At Inkredible Tattoo Studio, we’re proud to bring together 12 international artists, each specialising in their own unique styles.

👉 Ready to explore your tattoo style? Book your consultation today and let’s create something original that’s truly yours.