Glossary15 January 2026 · 1 min read

Celtic

The Celtic style uses knots, interlacing and continuous motifs inspired by the art of the Celtic peoples and the Irish and British tradition. The design follows lines with no beginning or end, with alternating over and under passes.

Why it matters: It is a style that requires precision in lines. The symbols have historical origins and meanings that are worth knowing.

Related: Geometric, Ornamental, Linework, Tribal.

Guide4 min readReading a style: six elements for looking at a tattooStyle labels help find one's way around, but they say little on their own: two tattoos called the same thing can be very different, and a work can sit between two styles. This guide proposes a method for looking at a tattoo by observing six concrete elements: line, colour, contrast, composition, depth and subject. With these elements the families of styles can be recognised, what is seen can be described, and one can understand from which traditions and influences they come. The styles mentioned have a glossary entry; here the interest is in how to look at them.

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Celtic

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