ILLUSTRATIVE

Illustrative tattoos encompass multiple styles and techniques, integrating elements of realism and classic traditional tattooing. These designs generally have a 2-D appearance, hence the ‘illustrative’ name. 

There are various distinct aesthetics under the illustrative umbrella, like sketch-work giving a ‘pencil sketch on paper’ appearance, using techniques such as dotwork, hatching and sometimes splashes of water colour for a more abstract look.

More elaborate designs often resemble fine-art paintings or storybook illustrations and utilise both bold and fine-lines, detailed shading and vibrant colour palettes to create texture and depth.

Natural elements like flowers and animals are common design themes, as well as fantasy creatures and characters/scenes from pop culture. Illustrative tattoos can be in both colour and black and grey.