Glossary15 January 2026 · 1 min read

Neo-Traditional

Neo-traditional takes the foundations of traditional (defined outlines, iconic subjects) and extends them with a richer palette, gradients and more decorative detail. The boundaries with other illustrative styles are not sharp.

Why it matters: It is a descriptive category: its definition varies from artist to artist.

Related: Traditional, Illustrative, Lining, Shading.

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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Neo-Traditional

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