- JAPANESE AND ASIAN TATTOOS
A major style and one of the most popular in the West: inspiration from traditional images of this region, Chinese dragons, fish, flowers, lettering… There are fundamental rules in this style, a lot of present meanings. Some people take years to get a full (full body) Japanese tattoo.
- THE OLD SCHOOL/NEW SCHOOL INFLUENCE
Most of the inspirations come from the 50s and 60s with, for example, pin-up drawings (yes!), boats, strips, marine symbols, roses, the famous spider web… We recognize them immediately thanks to the famous stroke.
Mainly linked to rock culture, we see a lot of them with a recurring English influence which revives the style. There are also a few old school tattoo artists who are leaning towards cartooning. This is the kind of tattoo that you really have to assume.
- BIOMECHANICAL AESTHETICS
It is made up of mechanical, organic and biological elements. It is a style of tattoo quite present in certain communities, which is inspired a lot by the universe of science fiction.
There is often a robotic part covered by human fabrics or the mixture of human/alien fabrics. There is a real effect with the skin and the patterns which give the impression of a transformation.
- LETTERING
This is a perfect style for a first Leg Tattoos For Men, a lettering with a well-chosen typo on one side can be perfect in addition to being inexpensive. On the other hand, one can quickly fall into the singer cliché of R’n’B has-beens .
- TRIBAL/POLYNESIAN INFLUENCE
Originally a tradition with real meanings , sometimes very harsh, not to be underestimated depending on the country where you go.
Unfortunately, our time has killed this style: traditional headlines are sometimes sublime but are now derided, unless they have corresponding origins. Otherwise, it won’t happen.
- THE (HYPER) REALISTIC TATTOO, PORTRAITS AND REPRODUCTIONS
Based on original portraits or creations, some inspirations are based on a multitude of cultural references, whether on the Renaissance, religions, lifestyle, decoration or even geography.
There is also a hyper-realism oriented sub-style, recognizable by very specific features that transcribe reality as faithfully as possible.
We play a lot on gray shades, shadows, details. We also play on exaggeration, simple harmless portraits are transformed into masterpieces.
- GRAPHIC TATTOOS (DOT WORK, DRAWINGS, GEOMETRIC PATTERNS, ORIGINAL CREATIONS, GRAPHICS)
In the majority of cases, you will start with a “unique” piece. The best tattoo artists of this genre are usually very good at graphic design . It is very difficult to imagine something concise and clear in this style, they are real original creations.
HOW TO PROPERLY PREPARE YOUR TATTOO?
Lots of rest before. No drugs, no alcohol. Above all, don’t think of pain as if it were insurmountable. You have to accept the pain and not fight against it.
BREATHE WELL FOLLOWING THE METHOD OF THE ARTIST
Some tattoo artists will stop very little during the session, others will do the opposite. Take peeks during the session to overcome your anxiety and understand how it works. We all have limits, remember that some areas are very painful and you have to be ready to feel it. The inside of the fingers, for example.
Don’t be afraid to bring a laptop or smartphone to watch the movie without hurting the tattoo artist. As a tattoo reader named Ervan points out, this is not everyone’s opinion, so be careful:
Some tattoo artists (including tattooed ones like me) will take it badly if you spend your entire session on your book or your phone. It’s a lack of respect not to take an interest in how your tattoo is done. It is also a moment of exchange (whether the tattoo artist is talking or not, you exchange money for ink). In a sense, a session allows you to take your time and enjoy the time that passes.
WHICH AREAS TO CHOOSE FOR A MAN TATTOO?
The area, let’s talk about it. As a man or in the process of becoming one, there are certain areas to favor and others to particularly avoid
- PLACES TO AVOID
We strongly advise against the neck and face , just in relation to your job search: it can be disabling. If he’s fat, it’s fake gangster. If it is small, we still wonder why you wanted to get a tattoo if it is to write an English word or a first name.
- AREAS TO FAVOR
Cuff (full arm), forearm, upper arm, back, flanks : the key areas of male anatomy. The possibilities are numerous, interesting and you will be completely in the mind of a tattooed person.
Don’t look for half measures. You want to express your personality, tell a story. So no need for the little symbols behind the ear: make a Japanese cuff, a realistic chest or a lettering on the upper back.
- DELICATE AREAS
Calves, hands and chest to consider in case of real artistic project. They are too often chosen to paste a large mahori/tribal, Arabic lettering, etc. Above all, you will look like a singer in search of recognition.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TATTOO?
Very important, this is what will give your tattoo its first breath. The healing period can be catastrophic for some people. It is therefore essential not to do anything.
A tattoo requires minimal maintenance, it is an act that does more harm than good to the skin. After getting inked, you will feel a bit irritated and bloated. This is completely normal, the skin will peel a little afterward. After two to three hours, it wi[]ll be necessary to wash and clean the entire tattooed area, by dabbing and not by rubbing (especially not).
Apply ointment, petroleum jelly or olive oil as a poultice and put on your medical film (be careful, no cling film). Repeat the operation three times a day, do not forget that before going to bed.
