Blackwork tattoo sub-styles
Blackwork style is characterized by numerous factors. While it originated with both symbolic and abstract patterns, it has now expanded to include a wide variety of elements. All the same, the intentions behind blackwork tattoos have shifted from being protective and sacred to being more focused on aesthetics and self-expression.
From botany, sacred geometry, insects, Gothic art, and even fictional characters... Blackwork style offers endless artistic possibilities as different as unique.
We could describe Blackwork as an open style that allows each artist to find their own unique place and develop their personal artistic signature.
That's why, to provide a comprehensive understanding of Blackwork, we need to explore the different sub-styles that comprise it.
Geometric
@tomastomas108 ; @brandon_crone ; @ilkimkoctattooer
Influenced by Plato's sacred geometry and Spanish textile embroidery, geometric blackwork tattoos offer intricate and visually captivating designs.
From intertwined patterns that range from purely decorative elements to complex fractals filled with symbolism, this geometric branch of Blackwork has the power to capture the eye of any beholder.
Ornamental
@_samrivers_tattoo ; @dino_vallely ; @raimundo_ramirez
Another geometric sub-style but with a more round and ornamental appearance, draws inspiration from Mehndi tattoos, also known as Henna tattoos.
Symmetry plays a significant role in these tattoos, resulting in organic and symbolic designs.
One prominent example is the mandala, a sacred symbol representing the macrocosm and microcosm in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Botanical
@danielthegardener ; @fede.tattoos ; @rebecadewinterttt
Nature has always been an inspiration for art. Floral motifs are as popular as they are timeless. Whether they are flowers, plants, trees, fruits, vegetables or entire gardens…
These designs range from the most delicate and feminine (or even bordering the Fine Line style) to the most pronounced and solid (as in New School style but without colours).
These designs adapt and flow with any area of the body. They are aesthetic but usually loaded with meaning. And they go well both to star or to complete and unify spaces.
Dotwork
@_ladeh_tattoo ; @suflanda ; @_medvedev_tattoo
Pointillism comes from Impressionism, an avant-garde art movement of the 20th century. It is characterized by creating various effects and shapes based on the arrangement of spots, lines, and dots.
Both drawing and tattooing have embraced the use of dots, lines, and patterns to generate volume, relief, and texture. In this sub-style, lights and shadows are achieved through the quantity, proximity, and distance of these elements.
The shading techniques that make up the Dotwork are varied, so there is no single way to execute it. To learn more about it, have a look at our article Tattoo techniques: Dotwork.
Brush & Splatter
@danzo_tattoo ; @bo.shee ; @polinperhaps
It is a sub-style characterized by loose brushstrokes and splatters reminiscent of Oriental calligraphy or the abstract painting style of Jackson Pollock and his renowned 'Action Painting.'
In tattooing, the execution differs significantly, especially within Blackwork where colours are omitted. Nevertheless, a similar visual effect is achieved, aiming to express fluidity, energy, and a sense of spontaneous movement.
Some artists approach the stencil process creatively by using brushes, their fingers, or occasionally even throwing ink from a distance to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Sketch
@ineepine ; @bk_tattooer
Another sub-style within Blackwork that aims for a relaxed and spontaneous feel. Its delicate strokes evoke the appearance of a sketch drawing. The irregular lines and unfinished elements create a draft-like effect, as if the sketch was still in progress.
In this style, the pursuit of purity and perfection is not the focus. It is common to see guides or marks indicating perspectives and proportions intentionally included in the final design, contrary to the usual practice of erasing them.
To achieve the desired "pencil" effect, very fine needles, such as those used in FineLine tattoos, are typically employed. However, designs with contrasting thicker lines can also be found.
The intention is to capture the essence of the creative process. And while we are currently discussing Blackwork, this style can also be combined with many other tattooing styles.
Abstract
@norte.00
Another non-figurative variation within Blackwork. This style is characterized either by symbolic or purely aesthetic elements; occasionally finding non-so-geometrical designs.
Through the use of lines, fillings, and shapes, many tangible elements such as animals or objects can be expressed in an abstract way. Concepts can also be conveyed to either evoke ideas, sensations, or stories.
It's a non-representational, subjective, and freely interpreted form of art. It varies from artist to artist and lends itself well to be executed in FreeHand.
Oriental
@nos_tattoos ; @goscarhove
Another millennial style that has permeated society since ancient times. The Japanese tattoo also carries a rich cultural, social, and spiritual background.
It's a style filled with symbolism and narratives, easily identifiable by its distinct characteristics and motifs. From a wide range of mythological creatures and folkloric characters to earthly elements.
While colour plays a significant role in Japanese tattoos and influences their representation, due to its two-dimensional perspectives and unique utilization of negative space, they suit Blackwork perfectly.
The most prevalent designs are the four elements of nature, the weather, landscapes, flowers, ornaments, numerous mythological animals, samurai, geishas, skulls, masks, demons, and kanjis (Japanese lettering).
Dark Art
@rebollink
Inspired by engravings, the occult, and mysticism, this stylistic branch of Blackwork is known for its dark, macabre, and highly expressive nature.
It usually portrays the esoteric, strange, disturbing, magical, surreal, fantastic, and the supernatural... It possesses such a strong presence that it may not appeal to everyone and is typically favoured by enthusiasts of dark forces and unexplained natural phenomena.
From a technical standpoint, it is intriguing how these tattoos organically fit different parts of the human body, making it also a suitable style for FreeHand.
Common motifs within this style include many symbolisms associated with witchcraft, classic horror characters, demons, skulls, bats, and anything that exudes a dark aura or can be classified as gothic or 'Halloweenesque'.
Lettering
@diegotattoo ; @gromov6666 ; @chriz.letters
Despite gaining popularity in recent decades, this style also has ancient influences. Evidence suggests that ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures adorned their skin with marked lettering.
In present times, the possibilities for lettering are as diverse as the range of calligraphic styles. From simple and delicate cursive scripts to elaborate and intricate letterforms, there is a wide array to choose from.
A lettering can be pigeonholed into several styles, but now we will focus on Blackwork, where the calligraphy is solid, robust and entirely black.
Some have a printing style, others, an engraved appearance. And others are inspired by medieval or gothic calligraphy and are so complex that sometimes it is even difficult to read them.
Special mention: manga, anime, comic and cartoon
@monlixtattoo
There is a great deal of reverence for comics, manga, and cartoons. So, it is common to come across tattoos that depict specific scenes or characters.
Plus, since black ink not only captivates individuals but also complements any skin tone, within Blackwork we can find an endless number of tributes to these little worlds.
There is so much to dig into, I wouldn't fit it all in. Pass by this article to know more, Manga, anime and tattoos.
Such is the difference between the original styles of each reference that it makes it hard to describe it in a few words. So we better express it with visual examples.
Bonus: New School and Neo-Tradi
@madman_tattoo ; @_annabellemeister ; @leo.branco.tattoo
The same goes for these two highly distinctive and popular styles, they can also be executed entirely in black ink.
They share certain similarities, often leading to confusion. In broad terms, both have the foundational elements of traditional American tattoos, with black lines serving as the framework. However, there are a few differences in terms of techniques, motifs, and intricate details.
If you're interested in delving deeper into these styles, you can explore the following article that outlines the unique characteristics of each one: Neo-Traditional Tattoos, and New School Tattoos.
The great versatility of both styles is most vividly showcased in their coloured versions. However, they also adapt exceptionally well to Blackwork.
Let's take a look at some examples!
