Tattoo Styles Explained: Finding Your Perfect Match at West Side Tattoo

So, you’ve decided to get tattooed. You’ve got the idea, the enthusiasm, and maybe even a Pinterest board that’s three miles long. But now comes the tricky part—figuring out what style you actually want.

At West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs, our crew covers just about every tattoo style you can imagine, from delicate fine-line pieces to full-color realism and bold traditional work. If you’ve ever wondered what all those styles actually mean, here’s your crash course.

Fine Line & Illustrative Tattoos

Think of these as the quiet, artsy ones of the tattoo world. Fine line tattoos are clean, minimal, and all about precision—like your skin got kissed by a single-hair brush. Perfect for delicate florals, minimal script, and designs that say, “I’m subtle, but I have taste.”They’re timeless, simple, and always look good, no matter how many years go by.

Patch & Embroidery Tattoos

Yes, you read that right—tattoos that look like embroidered patches. They’re bold, colorful, and so textured you’ll swear they could be peeled off your arm and sewn onto a jacket.This style is perfect for people who want something playful, unique, and just a little bit rebellious. Because why stop at traditional ink when your tattoo can look like thread?

Black & Grey Realism

This is where art and patience collide. Black and grey realism uses smooth shading and contrast to create lifelike portraits, animals, or surreal designs that look like they belong in a gallery.They’re dramatic, powerful, and age like fine wine. If you’ve got an idea that needs realism and emotion, this is your lane.

Neo-Traditional Tattoos

Bold outlines, rich colors, and storytelling that goes beyond your average flash sheet. Neo-traditional tattoos mix the structure of old-school Americana with modern shading and detail.If you love the look of classic tattoos but want a little more drama, this style bridges that gap perfectly—old-school roots, new-school flair.

Color & Surrealism Tattoos

Welcome to the dream world. Color and surrealism tattoos are big, bright, and completely unafraid to break the rules. They mix realistic details with wild, imaginative concepts—like nature fused with fantasy, or portraits surrounded by abstract forms.These pieces are made to stand out, not blend in.

Blackwork & Ornamental Tattoos

Bold. Graphic. Intentional. Blackwork tattoos are all about contrast—solid blacks, geometric designs, and heavy linework that flows with the body.They can be abstract, spiritual, or purely decorative. No color, no softness, just clean, confident ink that commands attention.

Traditional & Americana Tattoos

The classics never die. Traditional tattoos are bold, bright, and built to last. You’ll recognize them instantly—daggers, roses, hearts, banners, eagles, ships.Thick outlines, solid colors, and zero nonsense. If you want something timeless and bold enough to look great in 30 years, this style is the foundation of it all.

So, What’s Your Style?

Whether you’re after something small and sentimental or a full-day project that covers half your arm, West Side Tattoo has an artist who can make it happen. Every tattoo style has its own personality—and so do you.

Come talk through your ideas, browse portfolios, or just get inspired. Your next tattoo starts with finding the right style—and the right artist to bring it to life.

📍 Visit West Side Tattoo in Colorado Springs or check out our full portfolio lineup at WestSideTattoo.net