Many tattoo artists draw a clear line between old school and new school styles and use these broad categories to make sense of the ever-expanding tattoo culture.
However, new style tattooing is a unique and original style that differs from the traditional American style not only in name but in many other ways. Although the medium of ink and skin is the same, new style tattoo designs and techniques have subverted the traditional style in many other ways.
In this article, we’ll get to the heart of New School tattoo art and share some of our favorite tattoo designs in this category. You’ll see that this style isn’t just a deviation from American Traditional or Neo Traditional tattooing, but a style that is deeply respected in the tattoo community.
New School Tattoo Definition
The origins of new school tattoos date back to the 1970s, when older designs and techniques fell out of favor with a new generation of adventurous tattoo enthusiasts.
While the old-fashioned designs never went away (though they later came back with a vengeance), the new style of tattoo offered a fresh perspective and quickly gained popularity. New styles of tattoos use many of the same outlines as traditional tattoos, but incorporate new influences, a wider color palette, and subject matter never before seen in the art form.
While old-fashioned tattoos were limited in design, color, and other technical constraints, new-school tattoo artists have attempted to break away from tradition while still maintaining a few select elements and techniques.
The result was an endless brand of tattoos, influenced by everything from folk art, Japanese tattoos, manga characters, graffiti, street culture, Disney movies, etc. Although the new style of tattooing was initially met with concern from older style tattoo artists, the movement opened the door for more original, better and unique tattoos.
Our Favorite New School Tattoo Designs
New school tattoos are diverse and the design options are endless. But we think it’s worth taking a closer look at some notable new school style tattoo designs. Check out our favorites with an open mind and see if they inspire you.
1. Manga and Characters
If you take a quick look at new school tattoos, the first thing you’ll notice is the large number of characters from comics, movies, games, and other pop culture. Early new school tattoo artists embraced this theme, pushing the boundaries of old school flash.
Some are well-known characters like Scooby, Batman, and the Joker. Other examples are more niche and only available to die-hard fans. But new styles of tattoos are all possible with the right artist.
Keep in mind that cartoon depictions vary in realism and accuracy, and exaggerated characteristics are common in the New School movement.
2. Amplified Animals
While old-school tattoos typically involve wolves, snakes, and the occasional dragon, new styles of tattoos run the gamut of zoology. In this genre, you’ll find all sorts of non-traditional animals, from unusual fish and flamingos to crocodiles, seahorses, and even the odd platypus.
While these animals might not seem like suitable for tattoo designs, a new approach makes the subject shine with original color palettes and innovative interpretations.
The point isn’t to achieve lifelike accuracy, but to go all out in designing animals that show off their wild side — think skateboarding sloths or video gamer gorillas and you’ll get the idea.
3. Portraits and caricatures
You might think of portraiture as being exclusive to neo-traditional or realist tattoos, but the new school style has a lot to offer in this design category. These representations are more colorful, creative, and unconventional than other tattoo styles, but that’s the essence of new school tattoos.
For example, you might see a portrait of Marilyn Monroe in streetwear or your favorite comic book hero in a three-piece suit. As always, the new tattoo style aims to defy expectations and shake up your vision of what’s possible with this art form.
4. Deep Sea Adventure
The bold lines and wide range of colors of the new style of tattoos are perfect for bringing a nautical theme to your skin. You’ll find a variety of anchors, ships, and sea creatures depicted with exaggerated perspective and plenty of depth.
From goldfish in a bowl to giant squids and all kinds of embellishments, this style is perfect for a bold tattoo. Our favorite sleeve designs incorporate elements above and below the water to show the difference between sky and sea. As you can imagine, the results are stunning.
5. A twist on tradition
While traditional tattoos aren’t going away, new styles of tattoo artists are eager to take the classic flash tattoo with a new perspective. For example, standard 2D skull designs can be made three-dimensional with more detail and depth while still staying true to the original material.
Many new style tattoo artists are putting a cartoony twist on old-fashioned designs, aiming to make familiar pieces look fresher and more original than ever before.
As always, you can use the uppercase banner font to add your favorite philosophical quote or funny joke. If you want to pay homage to old-school tattoos but add a modern twist, the new style of flash is a great choice.
6. Flowers and plants
New style tattoos tend to be character focused, but floral embellishments are often incorporated as well: sleeves and portraits can be seen featuring roses, tulips, hydrangeas, carnations, and lots of peonies.
While flowers may not be the main focus of many new designs, your artist will be happy to add flowers as embellishments to your next piece. Try using flowers as a border or filler to add balance and beauty.
7. Street art inspiration
New school tattoos emerged alongside many of the street art movements of the 80s and 90s, so it’s no surprise that many of the designs incorporate graffiti art and sticker formats.
The best tattoo artists capture the energy and spontaneity of street art while still bringing the essence of tattooing to the forefront. Poster art, mural art, and sidewalk chalk are also motifs found throughout the new school style, and these elements can easily be mixed and matched to suit your vision.
8. Video games and anime
With the gaming industry now bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined, we can expect a surge in video game tattoos. This new style is perfect for showing off the fun and enthusiasm of gaming culture, whether it’s characters, controllers, or scenes from your favorite levels.
Anime and games go hand in hand, so many artists are bridging the gap with tattoos that combine the best of both worlds. The vibrant colors of Naruto or Pokemon are a great match for a new style of tattoo. If your artist is knowledgeable about your favorite games or manga, that’s always a plus.
9. Spooky Supernatural Phenomena
Who doesn’t love something scary, especially a bold, beautiful tattoo? New styles of tattoos offer a great format for representing frightening characters, from Dracula and Frankenstein to Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger.
Combining black lines with vibrant colors and highlighted features makes for an eye-catching supernatural tattoo, which is definitely the perfect style for anyone who wants Halloween to last all year long.
10. Steampunk and Clockwork
The steampunk tradition spans literature, visual arts, film, and more, and since the new style of tattooing came into fashion, the theme has seamlessly transitioned into ink.
These designs include the airships, clock towers, and bespectacled caricatures you know and love, all coming together into a lasting image. Choose a more realistic black and grey style, or use as many colors as you need to bring your mechanized vision to life.
11. Memes and Internet Culture
It was only a matter of time before internet culture made its way into tattoos, and with the sky’s the limit for new styles of tattoos, it’s the perfect way to get your favorite meme or catchphrase tattooed for a good laugh online.
From quirky cats to “this is fine” to Steve Irwin wearing Crocs, there are some hilarious meme tattoos waiting in the depths of your imagination that if we had to explain them to you, you wouldn’t get it.
12. Super Psychedelic
Psychedelic tattoos can be found in all styles, but they fit perfectly into the new tattoo movement. Inspired by other dimensions, these kaleidoscopic designs include lots of bright colors, spirals, melting features, and the occasional fungal flourish.
Psychedelic tattoos look great any time of the year, whether you’re at an epic music festival or walking your dog in the park. Take a look at these trippy new school style tattoos to see what we mean.
Keep your new school ink looking like new
The new style of tattoos are sure to last a lifetime, commemorating your favorite characters and concepts, but because they are so detailed and precise, they require some extra TLC for long-term care.
Make sure you properly repair your tattoo during the healing process and protect it from UV rays when the sun is shining.
With proper aftercare protocols and ongoing maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your beautiful new ink and keep it looking fresh for a long time to come.
source:
New School Tattoos: Origins, Styles, and Artists | Tattoodo
About New School Tattoo Styles | Inkspired Tattoo Magazine
What makes new school tattoos different? | The List
100 New Style Tattoos for Men | Next Luxury
