Many tattooists draw a definitive line between old school and new school styles and use these broad categories to make sense of the ever-expanding tattoo culture.
But new school tattoo styles are more than just names; they are unique and original styles that set them apart from traditional American tattoos. Although the mediums of ink and skin are the same, new school tattoo designs and techniques have flipped the script in many other ways.
In this article, we will get into the core of the new school tattoo art form and list some of our favorite tattoo designs in this category. We see that it is not just a break from traditional or neo-traditional American tattoos, but continues to be a deeply respected style in the tattoo community.
new school tattoo definition
New School Tattoos date back to the 1970s, when old school designs and techniques fell out of favor with a new generation of adventurous tattoo enthusiasts.
While old school designs never went away (and later came back with a vengeance), new school tattoos offered a fresh perspective and quickly became popular. New school tattoos featured many of the same contours as traditional ink, but introduced new influences, expanded color palettes, and subject matter not previously seen in the art form.
While old school tattoos were limited in design, color, and other technical limitations, new school tattoo artists attempt to break away from tradition while maintaining a few select elements and techniques. did.
The result is a no-holds-barred tattoo brand featuring influences from folk art, Japanese tattoos, cartoon characters, graffiti, street culture, Disney movies, and more. Although new school tattoos were initially met with concern from old school tattoo artists, the movement itself opened the door to more original and superior tattoos.
Our Favorite New School Tattoo Designs
New school tattoos are so diverse that the design options are endless. However, we think some notable tattoo designs in the new school style are worth a closer look. Check out our favorites with an open mind and see if you get inspired.
1. Manga and characters
When you flip through the new school tattoos, the first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of characters from comics, movies, games, and other pop culture. Early new school tattoo artists broke away from the limitations of old school flash and embraced this subject matter.
Some characters are well known. Think Scooby, Batman, and the Joker. While other examples are more niche and aimed only at hardcore fans, when it comes to newer styles of tattoos, everything is possible with the right artist on your side.
Note that cartoon depictions vary in realism and accuracy, and exaggerated features are common in the New School movement.
2. Amplified animals
Traditional tattoos are well known for depicting wolves, snakes, and the occasional dragon, but new inks are wide open across the zoological realm. In this genre, you can meet all kinds of non-traditional animals, from strange fish and flamingos to crocodiles, seahorses and even platypus.
These animals may not sound like they would be suitable for a tattoo design, but a new school approach is making this subject shine with original color palettes and outlandish interpretations.
The point is not to achieve lifelike precision, but to push animal designs in wild directions and push boundaries. Picture a skateboarding sloth or a video gamer gorilla and you’ll get the picture.
3. Portraits and caricatures
You might think portraits are reserved for neo-traditional or realist tattoos, but there are many new styles in this design category. These expressions are more colorful, creative and outside the box than other tattoo styles, but that’s the point of new style 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, new styles of tattooing aim to subvert expectations and shake up the vision of what is possible with this art form.
4. Deep sea adventure
The bold lines and expansive color palette of new school tattoos are perfect for bringing out the marine theme on your skin. You’ll see the usual variety of anchors, ships, and sea creatures depicted with exaggerated perspective and plenty of depth.
From goldfish in a bowl to giant squid and all kinds of extravagant decorations, this style lends itself very well to a good adventurous tattoo. Our favorite sleeve designs feature elements above and below the water line to show the difference from sky to sea. As you can imagine, the results are amazing.
5. A twist on tradition
Traditional tattoos aren’t going out of fashion, but up-and-coming tattooists are looking to work with classic flash in a new light. For example, you can take your standard 2D skull design and bring it into his 3D with much more detail and depth while staying true to the source material.
Many new-style tattoo artists aim to add a cartoonish twist to classic designs, making their familiar pieces look fresher and more original than ever before.
As always, the all-caps banner font has room to add your favorite philosophical quote or funny joke. If you want to pay homage to old school tattoos, but with a modern twist, New School Flash is the way to go.
6. Flowers and plants
New school tattoos tend to focus on characters, but floral decorations are often included in the mix as well. Expect roses, tulips, hydrangeas, carnations, and lots of peonies to appear on sleeves and portraits.
Although flowers may not be the main event for many new style designs, we guarantee that artists will be happy to add them as decoration to their next piece. To add balance and beauty, why not use flowers as borders and connections?
7. Street art inspiration
Since new styles of tattooing emerged in the 80s and 90s alongside many street art movements, it’s no surprise that many designs feature graffiti art or sticker format.
The best tattooers capture the energy and spontaneity of street art while bringing the essence of the tattoo to the fore. Poster art, mural art, and sidewalk chalk are also motifs found throughout New School Style, and these elements can be easily mixed and matched to fit your vision.
8. Video games and anime
The gaming industry is now officially bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined, so a surge in video game tattoos should be expected. The new style is perfect for capturing the fun and enthusiasm of gaming culture, with scenes from characters, controllers, and your favorite levels.
Anime and gaming are closely related, so many artists are filling this gap with tattoos that combine the best of both worlds. The bright colors of Naruto and Pokemon are perfect for a new style of tattoo. It’s always a plus if the artist is familiar with your favorite games or manga.
9. Creepy Supernatural
Who doesn’t love a good scare, especially in the form of a bold and beautiful tattoo? New style ink provides a great format for displaying terrifying characters from Dracula and Frankenstein to Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger.
The combination of black lines, bright colors, and highlighted features creates an eye-catching, supernatural tattoo. If you’re someone who wants Halloween to happen all year round, this is definitely the style of your choice.
10. Steampunk and Clockwork
The steampunk tradition spans literature, visual art, film, and more. Ever since new styles of tattoos became popular, the theme has seamlessly transitioned into ink.
These designs include the familiar airship, clock tower, and bespectacled caricature, all combined into a consistent image that will last a lifetime. Choose a more realistic black and gray style, or use as many colors as you want to bring your mechanized vision to life.
11. Memes and Internet Culture
It was only a matter of time before internet culture infiltrated tattoos. New style tattoos have no limits, so it’s a great way to include your favorite meme or catchphrase that will make you laugh out loud online.
From quirky cats to “this is it” to Steve Irwin in Crocs, there’s a hilarious meme tattoo in the depths of your imagination. Even if you have to explain it to them, they won’t understand.
12. Super psychedelic
Psychedelic tattoos can be found in all styles, but they also lend themselves well to newer styles of tattooing. Inspired by other dimensions, these kaleidoscopic designs include lots of bright colors, spirals, melting features, and the occasional fungal flourish.
Whether you’re attending an epic music festival or walking your dog in the park, a psychedelic tattoo always looks great. Check out New School Style’s quirky ink to see what we mean.
Keeps new school ink in new condition
A new style of tattoo should commemorate your favorite character or concept and last a lifetime. However, they are very detailed and precise and require additional consideration if cared for long-term.
Make sure to repair your tattoo properly during the healing process and protect it from UV rays when the sun is shining.
With proper aftercare procedures and ongoing maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your beautiful new ink and keep it looking fresh for a long time.
source:
New School Tattoos: Origins, Styles, Artists | Tattoos
All About New School Tattoo Style | Inspired Tattoo Magazine
How is New School Tattoo different? | List
100 New School Tattoos for Men | Next Luxury
