How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style

Published by Paul-Anthony Surdi at November 4, 2024

A Guide for Tattoo Apprentices To Find Their Tattoo Style

So, you've decided to get into tattooing—fantastic choice! But now, you’re probably staring at a blank sketchbook, wondering where to even start. What’s your style? Is it black and grey realism, new school, or maybe something no one has ever seen before? Don’t sweat it! To find your tattoo design style is a journey, and like all good things, it takes time, experimentation, and maybe even a few messy sketches. Here’s a guide to help you discover what makes your work pop and, more importantly, what makes it yours.

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What Inspires You?

Your style should be an extension of what makes you tick. Think about the things you love—whether that’s comic books, nature, street art, or vintage movie posters. Does your heart race a little when you see intricate line work, or are you more drawn to bold, colorful designs? Let your inspirations guide your hand. Take a walk through a museum, flip through a graphic novel, or even scroll through Instagram (because we all know that’s where the real art appreciation happens nowadays). The world is full of visual stimuli, so keep your eyes wide open, your sketchbook handy, and your imagination in overdrive.

When you find something that catches your eye, ask yourself why it resonates with you. Is it the color scheme? The way the lines flow? The subject matter? The more you understand what draws you in, the closer you get to identifying the elements that will shape your personal style. Remember, inspiration is everywhere—you just have to know where to look! According to Psychology Today, engaging with various forms of art can stimulate creative thinking and help you find your unique artistic voice.

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How Do You Start Experimenting?

Dive right in! There’s no perfect way to begin, but you should start experimenting with different techniques and mediums. Try sketching with pencils, ink, or even digitally. Use coffee stains if that’s your thing (hey, it worked for Leonardo da Vinci, right?). Make mistakes, get messy, and don’t stress if your first few designs look like they belong on a refrigerator instead of someone's skin. It’s all part of finding your style! The key is to keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Don’t just stick to what feels safe or what you think you’re “good” at. Try new forms, play with unconventional color palettes, and test out different needle types and tattoo machines (never call it a “tattoo gun”—that’s just bad form). The more diverse your experimentation, the more likely you are to find what clicks for you. Take note of what feels natural versus what feels forced; that inner instinct is often the best indicator of where your unique style is hiding. According to the Harvard Business Review, experimenting with different techniques can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in creativity.

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Should You Follow Tattoo Trends?

While it’s tempting to jump on the latest trend (yes, we all love a good minimalist tattoo), remember that trends come and go like the seasons. Focus on what feels authentic to you rather than what's trending on TikTok this week. However, if you find that a particular trend resonates with you—go for it! Just don’t box yourself in. Think of trends as a buffet; you can taste a little bit of everything without committing to one dish forever.

When following trends, it’s essential to make them your own. Use them as a starting point, but add your twist. Mix elements from different trends or styles you enjoy—blend realism with surrealism, or add a neo-traditional flair to a black and grey piece. Let trends inspire you, but don’t let them define you. Remember, your style is like a signature; it should be unmistakably yours.

Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.

Can You Find Inspiration in Other Artists' Work?

Absolutely! Tattooing, like any other art form, is a community where learning from others is part of the deal. Follow your favorite artists, dissect their designs, and figure out what you like about them. But here’s the golden rule: get inspired, don’t imitate. The goal is to find elements that speak to you and then remix them into something that's uniquely yours. Imagine you’re DJing your own tattoo mixtape.

Reach out to other artists—whether they’re local legends or international stars. Many Tattoo Artists are more than happy to chat about their craft, share tips, or just talk shop. You’ll find that this community can be incredibly supportive, and who knows? You might even make a few new friends who will help you find your style along the way. And if you’re really lucky, you might score an invite to a guest spot at their studio! According to Forbes, building relationships with experienced mentors can significantly accelerate your growth in any field.

How Do You Know When You’ve Found Your Style?

You’ll know when you feel it. It’s like falling in love; one day, you’ll just realize that you’ve been doodling skulls and roses for months and can’t imagine sketching anything else. Or maybe you’ve developed a knack for hyper-realistic pet portraits (hey, someone has to!). Your unique style will feel natural, effortless, and most importantly, exciting. The journey to finding your style is ongoing—let it evolve as you grow!

Your style isn’t static; it’s dynamic, just like you are. It may start with bold lines and colors, then shift to delicate shading and minimalist designs as your skills and interests develop. Don’t panic if you find your style changing—that’s a sign of growth. The best artists are always evolving, always learning, always pushing their boundaries.

Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!

What Are the Practical Steps to Finding Your Style?

Start by setting aside dedicated time to create without any pressure. Block out a couple of hours each week to explore, experiment, and play with new ideas. Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece every time—this is your playground. Try different subjects, different scales, and different tools. Sometimes the best way to find your style is simply to get lost in the process of creating.

Create a portfolio of your favorite works, even if they’re just rough sketches or doodles. This is your personal catalog of growth. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns emerge. Maybe you always lean towards certain color schemes, or perhaps your designs often incorporate geometric shapes. Your portfolio will help you identify these recurring themes and develop them further.

Should You Get Formal Training?

While many Tattoo Artists are self-taught, there’s something to be said for getting some formal training. A structured program can provide you with essential skills and knowledge that might take years to figure out on your own. Plus, you’ll have access to experienced mentors who can guide you, critique your work constructively, and help you navigate the industry.

Formal training isn’t just about learning how to hold a machine or sterilize equipment; it’s also about developing an understanding of the craft’s history, techniques, and evolving trends. You’ll gain insight into different styles and how to adapt them into something uniquely yours. Research shows that formal education in art and design fields can lead to greater creativity and innovation (National Endowment for the Arts).

Why Choose Ink Different Tattoo School?

Still feeling stuck? Don't worry—sometimes all you need is a little nudge from the right mentors. At Ink Different Tattoo School, we’re all about helping you find your style and pushing the boundaries of what tattooing can be. Our apprenticeship program is designed to help you explore all facets of tattooing, from traditional techniques to modern trends, all while guiding you to discover your unique voice.

Our apprenticeship isn’t just about learning to tattoo; it's about transforming you into a well-rounded Tattoo Artist ready for any creative challenge. And the best part? We back you up with a guaranteed job offer upon completing your apprenticeship! You won’t find that kind of support anywhere else. Why just learn to tattoo when you can kickstart your career with confidence?

What Makes Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Stand Out?

Our comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program is designed for artists who are serious about their craft. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone with some experience looking to refine your skills, we cater to all levels. You’ll learn everything from the basics—like hygiene and safety practices, tattoo history, and basic design techniques—to advanced skills like mastering various tattoo styles, handling client consultations, and understanding the business side of running a tattoo studio.

We don’t just teach you how to tattoo; we teach you how to thrive in the tattoo world. You’ll be mentored by experienced Tattoo Artists who have been in the game for years. They’re not just teachers; they’re your guides, ready to help you find your voice and style. And, with our guaranteed job offer, you don’t just leave with a certificate—you leave with a career.

Our Multilingual Approach

And because we know that art is a universal language, we make sure to speak yours. At Ink Different Tattoo School, we proudly offer services in Spanish at our Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale locations. Whether you’re dreaming of mastering the art of tattooing in English or Spanish, we’ve got you covered. So, come as you are—ready to learn, explore, and ink different!

Would You Like To Discover Your Unique Style?

Remember, finding your unique tattoo style is a journey. It’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about enjoying the ride, exploring different avenues, and, most importantly, staying true to yourself. If you’re ready to start that journey, there’s no better place to do it than with us at Ink Different Tattoo School.

Come join our community of artists, mentors, and tattoo enthusiasts. Let’s discover your style together, one tattoo at a time!

Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different

Ink Different Tattoo School prides itself on offering a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program that sets aspiring Tattoo Artists on the path to success. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training, guidance, and support to help our apprentices develop their skills and artistic vision. With experienced Tattoo Artists as mentors, apprentices at Ink Different learn the art of tattooing in a creative and inspiring environment.

Enrolling in a tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different Tattoos can be highly beneficial for aspiring tattoo artists looking to break into this vibrant industry. Ink Different Tattoos is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent. Under the guidance of experienced artists, apprentices at Ink Different Tattoos can learn not just the technical skills of tattooing but also gain insights into client interactions, design principles, and studio management. This comprehensive training prepares apprentices not only to create beautiful tattoos but also to thrive in the competitive world of tattooing.

Guaranteed Job Offer

One unique aspect of our apprenticeship program is our guaranteed job offer upon successful completion. We are committed to helping our apprentices transition from apprentices to professional Tattoo Artists, and our job offer ensures that they have a place to begin their careers. This commitment sets us apart from other tattoo schools. It reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of Tattoo Artists.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Ink Different Tattoo School, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the tattoo industry. That's why we proudly offer our program in multiple locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our bilingual staff, who speak Spanish, ensuring that our apprentices feel welcome and supported regardless of their background.