Reasons for choosing a tattoo are as varied as the design. Tattoos have been around since before recorded history, expressing religious belief or linked to conquest in battle, rites of passage, sea faring souvenirs, social standing and emotions. The tattoo avalanche today comes from the Tattoo Renaissance in the 1950’s when Old School tattooing -related to the American traditional style developed in the 18^th century- became very popular. Social, artistic and technological changes have followed, with more traditional artists and trained designers involved. Over the past decades media exposure and celebrities having tattoos accelerated the process. Tattoos are now mainstream. No longer socially unacceptable but an upscale statement about independence, a sign of belonging or expressing another line of thought. Skin is a canvass waiting to be decorated – ink art is inexhaustible and the expertise ever growing.

Arguably, the following tattoo types are seen the most (in alphabetical order):

1: Abstract

Broad concept. In general: modern tattoo for the 21^st century, watercolour, brush strokes, poetic. Watercolour: delicate and bright, various subjects - mainly flowers, birds, animals. Brush strokes/painting: soft touch, vibrant colours but black ink is increasingly popular.

2: Geometric

Broad concept. In general: intricate tattoos with multiple thin lines. Mandalas are very popular. Usually in black, colour may be added. Geometry often seen in combination with other tattoo types such as dot work (technique where the artist creates a design with a multitude of dots, rather than full lines or fill).

3: Japanese

Symbolism, Buddhist references, nature (flowers: cherry blossom, peonies, peaches), flowing rivers, storm, thunder. Deities, mythological figures, phoenix, demons, dragons, masks. The traditional Japanese style finds its origin in the Edo period (17^th-19^th century), tied in with folklore and history. Strict rules for symbolism, superstition when the right procedure is not followed. Big names: Henning Jorgensen, Sergey Buslaev.

4: Lettering

A name, line of poetry, quote or a saying. Often chosen as a first tattoo, highlighting a subject or marking a life event. Various fonts and lettering styles; big cursive lettering is favoured. Handwritten fonts used for a more personal touch.

5: Neo Traditional

Expansion of the traditional style: pronounced line work, bright colours but with a larger colour palette. Influenced by Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Lavish details, illustrative, decorative, flowers and animals. Recently, artists have been adding grey/black shading.

6: New School

Updated version (1970’s/1980’s) of traditional tattoos. Inspired by Old School, graffiti and cartoons. Lively colours, exaggerated proportions, diverse themes. Big names: Steven Compton, Roberto Euan.

7: Old School (Traditional)

In general: bold black lines filled in with bright colour. Anchors, love hearts saying ‘Mum’, mermaids, busty women, roses, skulls, ships. This type of tattoo was used by sailors and is related to the American traditional style developed two hundred years ago. The style became very popular mid 20^th century. This ‘Tattoo Renaissance’ in the 1950’s led to the huge ink trend today. Big names: Ed Hardy, Sailor Jerry (Norman Collins), Lyle Tuttle.

8: Realism / surrealism

Classic realism refined, gaining popularity at the turn of the 20^th/21^st century. Realistic images of nature and all other subjects, including the surreal. Portraits in colour and black/grey, pop culture references such as film scenes or characters. Scenes may cover entire body parts: floral colour sleeve, black/grey back piece.

9: Sak Yant

Form of tattooing from Thailand. Sak Yant tattoos were traditionally designed and tattooed by Buddhist monks. Spiritual, sacred, symbolism, blessing. History rich.

10: Tribal

Indigenous body art, thousands of years old. Thought to be the oldest tattoo form. Usually in black with elaborate patterns. The term ‘tribal’ covers many different cultures around the world, such as Berber, Maori, Polynesian, Inuit. Big names: Tuigamala Andy, Jondix.