Tattoo Styles

black & gray realism reaper skull woman drapery window cathedral soft shading male outer arm tattoo contrast

Black and Grey Realism

American flag firefighting sleeve men's arm sleeve male sleeve b&g shading photorealism realism fire firetruck

Black & Grey realism tattooing creates lifelike, detailed tattoos using only black ink and shades of grey. The style focuses on shading and contrast to mimic light and shadow, giving designs a photorealistic appearance. It often features portraits (and pet portraits!), animals, or landscapes, and has a timeless, dramatic feel due to its monochromatic palette.

floral bird skeleton bones full color foliage roses forearm tattoo arm blue pink

NeoTraditional

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Neotraditional tattoos blend classic traditional tattoo styles with modern elements. Featuring bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details, this style emphasizes depth and dimension. While still maintaining the iconic, timeless appeal of traditional tattoos, Neotraditional designs allow for greater creativity and personalization through color variety and a broader range of subjects.

ornamental chest piece tattoo floral and dotwork dark skin tattoos on black skin collarbone decorative

Ornamental

palm tattoo decorative filigree dotwork blackwork inside of hand tattoo feminine female

Ornamental style focuses on symmetrical, geometric patterns and fine line details. Often inspired by jewelry, lace, and mandalas, this style uses bold black lines and delicate shading to create graceful designs that become permanent accessories to the body. This approach can be tailored to fit the body’s natural curves, creating a flowing, elegant aesthetic.

full color fisherman fish tattoo nature fishing fly traditional men's tattoo best men's

American Traditional

sacred heart full color american traditional female tattoo flowers and bright vivid colors

American traditional tattoo style, also known as "old school," is characterized by bold black outlines, vibrant primary colors, and iconic imagery. Popular elements include anchors, skulls, roses, eagles, and nautical themes. This style plays on simple, clean designs with limited shading, making them stand out with clarity and impact. Its timeless appeal lies in its clear, easily recognizable symbols that convey powerful meanings.

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Blackwork

ornamental dotwork floral leaves and decorative blackwork dots

Blackwork focuses solely on black ink, emphasizing sharp contrast for strong visual impact. This style can range from minimalist to highly detailed, and is known for its clean lines, heavy contrast, and dramatic, eye-catching designs. Blackwork tattoos often convey a sense of depth and texture, with some designs incorporating elements like dot work or negative space.

salvador dali portrait black and grey arm tattoo male shoulder

Portrait

Pet portrait dog portrait cocker spainiel black and grey friend

Portrait tattoos capture photorealistic depictions of loved ones— from family members to celebrities and pets. These tattoos are deeply personal and often symbolize meaningful relationships. The artist uses fine detail and shading to bring the subject to life, creating an emotional and lasting tribute. Whether honoring a family member, commemorating a beloved pet, or celebrating a celebrity idol, portraits allow individuals to carry a permanent representation of those they hold dear.

Fine Line

Fine line tattoos are characterized by delicate, thin lines and intricate details. This style focuses on precision and subtlety to create clean, detailed designs. Popular for their elegant and dainty aesthetic, fine line tattoos are known for their timeless appeal and their ability to blend seamlessly with the body while maintaining a sophisticated, refined look.

Illustrative

Illustrative tattoos are a style that combines artistic drawing techniques with tattooing, often featuring detailed linework, shading, and creative compositions. This style draws inspiration from illustrations, sketches, and fine art, bringing images to life with a unique, artistic flair. Illustrative tattoos can include anything from nature scenes and portraits to surreal designs and fantasy elements. They focus on depth, texture, and contrast, blending realism with imaginative or abstract concepts.

Client Reviews

  • The shop is a bright friendly place where the artists make you feel like a close friend. Highly recommend the shop for anyone looking for a tattoo.

    — Mark U.

  • The shop is very welcoming and feels like a second home to me... I highly recommend American Dream Tattoo!

    — August R

  • The whole process was smooth and easy. The shop was very clean and comfortable. I'm very happy with my tattoo, couldn't recommend this place enough.

    — Christopher D

  • Wow! I love everything about this place- the atmosphere is clean and female friendly. The staff is all smiles.

    — Alexandria P

Meet the Team

Want a Consultation?

Consultations are completely free of charge. We want to provide you the chance to discuss your tattoo ideas, check out the studio, and connect with the artist who best aligns with your vision!