If you have decided that you want to get a tattoo, you need to make sure you know what type of style you want for your tattoo. Just like there are numerous types of art styles, there are numerous styles of tattoos. Tattoos are a style of art, with lots of variety.

3D Tattoos

A 3D tattoo does not literally three dimensional; it is not going to jump off your body. However, the tattoo will be styled in a way so that the image does look like it is popping off your body. This is more challenging then creating an image on a flat surface that looks three dimensional. In order to create a 3D image on the human body, one has to account for how the body curves in order to create that effect. If you want something that is really going to pop and grab people's attention, a 3D tattoo is the way to go.

Abstract Tattoo

The abstract movement has long been popular within the tattoo industry. With abstract tattoos, you generally start with something that everyone can understand, such as a picture of a human face. Then, "abstract" elements are added to the image, like repeating certain features, which in the case of a human face would include repeating eyes or noses. Abstract tattoos often include colorful lines, random color added to primarily black tattoos.

Anatomical

Anatomical tattoos are all about showing what is inside the body on the outside of the body. With this style of art, for example, your leg bone would be tattooed on the correct part of your leg. The point is to show what is inside of your body using the most accurate images possible. Anatomical tattoos may also be used to show damaged insides as well, such as what a bone looks like broken.

American Traditional

American traditional tattoos are about the way tattoos used to be made. The color pallet for making tattoos has greatly expanded over the decades, as has the tools used to create tattoos. American traditional tattoos use a very limited color pallet, as well as bolder black lines, going back to the way that tattoos were created decades ago. It is about creating a tattoo that someone was just as likely to get fifty years ago as they are to get today.

Biomechanics

Biomechanic tattoos are made to look like gears. Biomechanic tattoos are usually made completely out of grey and black ink; although sometimes colored inks are added as accents as well. Biomechanics tattoos may also incorporate some abstract elements, such as adding an eye looking through a machine part. They also can have a slightly three-dimension effect as well.

The five tattoo styles mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the style of tattoo you can get. It can be helpful to think about the type of artwork you like, and then check out and see if you like a similar type of tattoo work.

Take your time looking at different artists and their work and style before you choose someone to create your tattoo; tattoo artists all have something unique to offer you.