Our Tattoo Styles

We step away from the traditional methods

Tattooing in the United States has always been heavily influenced by the tattooing traditions created by military personnel during the 50s and 60s. In fact, many of those traditional tattoos are still recreated today and quite popular. But at Human Canvas Tattoo, we step away from the traditional methods and approach our tattoos as we would art on a canvas. We feel that tattoos can be done in so many greater ways than what’s been done in the past. We want you to understand the difference between the styles that we work in so you can better communicate to us the tattoo you are envisioning.

Woman getting a floral tattoo
Realism Tattoos

Realism is a style of tattooing without any hard black lines. The shading techniques focus on realistic shadows and colors to replicate how something would look if it was photographed or seen in real life.

Watercolor Tattoos

Watercolor tattoos can be done with or without black lines. The colors are typically looser and less precise focusing on a more abstract interpretation of life and replicating how art would be painted with watercolor paints on paper. Wild inorganic colors can be used to add a more fanciful blending of what’s real and what is in the artists imagination.

Black & Grey Tattoos

This style does not use any color pigments save for the occasional white highlights. Varying degrees of black ink blended with your natural skin pigment provide depth and contrast.

Illustrative Tattoos

Illustrative tattoos draw from reality without trying to look realistic. This style allows a lot of freedom in the design to incorporate elements that would not not typically be together in nature. Designs can be simple and easy to interpret or very complex creating a depth not achieved through any other style.

Abstract Tattoos

This style does not try to directly represent the real world, instead using colors and shapes to create a feeling that supersedes the subject matter. This style is wildly creative and often pieces can be interpreted differently by everyone. This style will typically incorporate the shape of the body to create a three-dimensional work of art not found in any other medium.

Claim Your Slot!

Excited to see how artists capture your vision in vivid color? Ready for a custom, impressive watercolor tattoo? We’re usually booked two to four months out, so don’t wait. Browse our availability and book your appointment today!