Every individual who walks into a tattoo parlour with an intention of getting a tattoo already has an idea of what he or she wants done, ranging from things like roses, quotes or even symbols. The truth is that the best tattoos ever done are usually not those whose names everyone has heard about.
A professional tattoo parlour bath will have much more tattooing styles than just those on the walls, which are always visible to the eye. There are certain tattooing styles that are usually underrated, simply because not many people realize that they exist. In this article, ten tattoo styles you should consider getting are highlighted.
Blackwork Patterns That Deserve More Attention
The term Blackwork refers to the design done using black ink. People mostly think of tribal designs when it comes to this type of design, but in the current times, it has become a much wider one. Designers use elements like negative space, patterns, and curvatures to come up with designs that are timeless and modern. This design type works especially well for tattoo designs in the limbs and shoulders.
Blackwork ages really well because black designs maintain their beauty for many years to come. Customers who are in search of designs that don’t involve the use of color will be impressed with the Blackwork design type.
 Micro Realism: Big Detail in a Small Space
The micro realism style brings realistic elements to the most minute tattoos. Imagine a mini portrait, a tiny animal or even flower tattoo the size of a coin. This kind of design calls for high level of skill, since even the smallest line or shadow is important and must be sharp enough to be seen in miniature.
Micro realism tattoos are created with extremely fine needles by artists who have already proven their skills. The great advantage of this type of design is that it is both discreet and personal. It is perfect for people who appreciate art but do not want anything too large on their skin.
 Botanical and Illustrative Linework
Botanical linework entails coming up with designs that incorporate flowers, leaves, and plants. These designs are generally based on scientific drawings that were done some time ago; the drawings look as if pages were torn out of an ancient book. Shading does not involve this process; it involves using neat and precise lines to create an elegant design. Illustration linework does not only entail drawing of plants but also drawing of animals, landscape, and still life pictures. Due to the fact that the designs flow in a natural way, they fit the body well.
Dotwork and Stippling for a Soft, Textured Finish
Dot work is a style wherein a design is made through thousands of dots. With the use of spaces and densities of the dots, it creates shadings, depth, and texture.
This method produces natural results, which is different from the other shading techniques. It is a very tedious job; hence, not many tattoo artists favor this technique. However, it makes an extraordinary tattoo design, one which becomes very hypnotizing. Stippling is an ideal style for geometric shapes, mandalas, and natural tattoos. It also has a good healing property, since stippling involves light skin contact.
 Geometric and Sacred Geometry Designs
The process of tattooing in a geometric pattern requires the use of shapes, symmetry, and math in order to come up with beautiful art pieces. Sacred geometry takes this a step further where ancient symbols are used as they signify harmony and balance and are meant to portray the structure of the universe. Tattoos of such nature appear modern but still have historical significance. Accuracy is key in these artworks since any little error will ruin the whole design. Geometric tattoos turn out to be symmetrical just like architectural designs. Geometric tattoos also enhance other designs, for instance, botanical and blackwork.
Ornamental and Mandala-Inspired Tattoos
Decorative tattooing uses patterns derived from many decorative cultures around the world, including lace, jewelry, and architecture. One common group of this type is called mandalas, which refers to patterns of symmetrical, circular art designs, perfect for various locations on the body. There are some interesting ways in which artists use this type of art design:
•Symmetrical chest and sternum designs
•Thigh and hip designs that fit into the curve of the leg
•Finger and hand designs inspired by jewelry
•Back and shoulder mandalas acting as focal points
•Arms and ankle tattoos, like decorative bracelets
•Neck and collarbone tattoos that look like necklaces
Because of the symmetry and good design of these tattoos, they can really be highlighted when used in certain locations.
Script and Handwritten Lettering Pieces
However, lettering often becomes an overlooked feature but proper script writing is a true art form. Custom lettering gives artists the opportunity to create unique font faces or even mimic real handwriting from a dear person. Spacing, weight, and flow of each individual letter should be properly calculated and designed.
If lettering is not executed properly, the text could end up looking odd and could become blurred in time. Therefore, it is essential to pick an artist that is good at lettering because the result will be truly elegant and personal. Script writing can be applied to any quote, name, date, or word.
 Neo-Traditional Tattoos With a Modern Twist
Neo-traditional design gets its ideas from traditional American design styles, whereby the art work becomes colorful and intricate with different themes. The black outline is still used, but the depth comes in with shading and coloring. An authentic tattoo shop bath will display the design as one that lies somewhere in the middle of old school and the modern day tattoo art.
Examples of tattoos that are done in this design are those depicting pictures of animals, floral designs, portraits, and landscapes, among others, in the unique style. This kind of tattoo is enduring because of its excellent structural quality due to the use of strong lines.
Minimalist Symbols With Personal Meaning
Some of the main characteristics of minimalist tattoo designs include the use of simple lines and shapes that hold great meanings despite being simple. For example, it is possible to express one’s beliefs and principles using a line, star, or any other shape. As a result of being simple, the meaning of these tattoos is conveyed in their story and not in their artistic features.
Minimalist tattoos are good for those people getting tattoos for the first time owing to their simplicity. Minimalist tattoos can easily go with future tattoos as well and, thus, complement each other to form a collection of tattoos. The biggest problem with minimalist tattoos is their difficulty to design because of the importance of having clear and straight lines
Abstract and Watercolour-Inspired Designs
Abstract tattoos differ from realistic tattoos in the sense that they use color, movement, and shape to express emotion rather than portraying the subject matter. Those tattoos which make use of the features of watercolor include washes, smooth gradients, and painted splashes to achieve the effect of painting.
These pieces of art have an element of expression and uniqueness since there is no design which can be alike. For the purpose of forming a structure, some artists make use of color combined with thin lines. This unique style of tattoo suits those people who desire to have an artistic look.
Conclusion
Underrated tattoo styles are evidence that sometimes the best pieces of art are the ones that we overlook. Each one of them gives us an alternative method for expressing our individuality. Sometimes, taking the time to research the various styles available, viewing the healed pieces done by an artist and having an open discussion of ideas will get us that tattoo of a lifetime. There is a style out there that suits any type of design.
