Whether you have a bunch of them, have always wanted them, or you think that they look great on other people, you'll find that there are plenty of reasons to love tattoos! People have discovered evidence that tattooing goes back literally thousands of years, and if you admire these permanent markings then you certainly won't be surprised. You'll find that there are many different styles of tattooing out there, so take a look at a few popular ones.



Old School

These are the tattoos that used to be found on sailors. They are bright and often have a nautical theme, including things like anchors, ships, or swallows. Women, cars and birds are also depicted in this old-fashioned, brightly colored style, and you'll find that there are a great many people who have old school tattoos done to remember a relative or a lover who sailed.

New School

New school tattoos are as bright as old school tattoos, but you'll find that they have a significantly more modern slant. New school tattoos often feature extremely bright, neon colors, and depict things in lurid detail. You might find that the style used is often very cartoony, and the subject matter that it depicts can be quite dark. These tattoos are growing a great deal in popularity and can be seen quite often.

Graywork

When you are looking for a tattoo that can give you a great deal of realistic detail, whether it is the face of a person, or even something as delicate as a feather, you'll find that you should take a look at graywork, which is a style of tattooing that is done entirely in delicate grays. This makes it easier for your tattooist to put in a large deal of shading and detail, and the results can be simply stunning when it comes to the amount of detail that is retained from the original.

Tribal

Bold, black, abstract designs are indicative of the tribal style of tattoos, and you'll find that these tattoos are heavily inspired by the tattooing of such groups as the Maori of New Zealand. You'll find that these tattoos can suit a wide range of skin tones and are quite striking.

Irezumi

Irezumi is the word for tattooing in Japan, and once you have seen the bold colorful designs of Japanese tattoos, you'll be able to recognize it anywhere! The art style used is very similar to the art that appears on Japanese woodblock prints, and the designs are meant to flow with your body. These designs can be very large, taking up whole limbs, and in some cases, the entire body.

Celtic

For many people, one of the most attractive art styles in the world to them is the twisting geometric lines of ancient Celtic artwork, so it is no surprise that so many people choose to incorporate it onto their bodies. Celtic knotwork is a lovely addition to any tattoo collection, and many people choose to create bands of Celtic knotwork around their biceps, making for a striking and quite beautiful effect.

No matter what kind of tattoo you prefer, you are certain to find a design that conveys the message you want by taking a little time to investigate the different styles. If there is a tattoo parlor in your town, stop in and check out the designs and talk with the tattooist. I'm sure you will find lots to delight your eyes.