What style tattoo suits you?
Choosing a tattoo is exciting, but choosing a style can feel overwhelming. Do you want something delicate and minimal, or bold and loud enough to be seen from Southend pier? At Inception Ink, we offer a wide range of tattoo styles, each with its own vibe, history, and personality. Think of this page as the menu before the main course. Below, we’ll walk you through the styles we specialise in, so you can work out whether you’re more fine line and elegant, or Japanese dragon and unapologetically dramatic.
Black & Grey
Black and grey tattoos are timeless, versatile, and subtle in the best way. Using shading rather than colour, this style allows for depth, contrast, and texture that can suit almost any design. Black and grey realism is particularly popular for portraits, memorials, and detailed scenes. Chicano work also falls into this category, with smooth gradients and dramatic imagery. Many clients in Essex choose black and grey tattoos for their longevity, as they tend to age more gently than colour. They are also perfect for people who want something elegant without the vibrancy of full colour. Our artists are experienced in both bold and delicate black and grey work, from large back pieces to small fine line designs. If you are looking for a tattoo that balances detail and durability, black and grey remains one of the most popular choices.
Dot Work
Dotwork tattoos are made up of thousands of tiny dots that come together to create shading, patterns, and depth. Mandalas, geometric patterns, and spiritual symbols are common subjects for this style. The result is striking and unique, with a texture you cannot achieve in other ways. Luke specialises in dotwork, using patience and precision to create designs that feel both modern and timeless. Dotwork works beautifully on forearms, backs, and calves, and it is often chosen by people who want artwork that feels calming and meditative. In Essex, dotwork has become increasingly popular with clients looking for tattoos that are detailed but understated.
Realism
Realism tattoos make your skin look like it is holding a photograph. Portraits of loved ones, pets, or even cinematic scenes can be captured in incredible detail. Marek is our realism specialist and his work brings faces and objects to life with precision. Realism requires patience and skill, but the results are always worth the effort. These tattoos are ideal for people who want something unforgettable. They stop people in their tracks because of how lifelike they appear. In Essex, this style remains one of the most popular, especially for clients who want tributes or tattoos that carry a strong emotional connection.
Traditional
Traditional tattoos are bold, colourful, and timeless. Anchors, roses, daggers, and pin-ups all belong to this style. With strong black outlines and classic colour palettes, traditional tattoos never fade into the background. Luke has years of experience in this area, blending old-school techniques with modern precision. Traditional tattoos are made to last and are ideal for anyone who wants a design that will still look strong decades later. In Essex, this style continues to be a favourite for sleeves, chest pieces, and smaller motifs that pack a punch.
Ornamental
Ornamental tattoos are all about pattern, flow, and decoration. Inspired by jewellery, architecture, and cultural motifs, they often feature elegant curves, lace-like details, or intricate borders. These designs can be bold or delicate depending on the placement and size. Many clients in Essex choose ornamental tattoos for areas like the sternum, ribs, or back, where the symmetry and flow can really shine. The beauty of ornamental work is that it can be purely aesthetic or layered with meaning, depending on the individual. Our artists bring precision and creativity to these designs, ensuring they feel like wearable art. If you want a tattoo that looks as though it could be carved, painted, or stitched, ornamental might be the perfect fit.
Script and Lettering
Script tattoos prove that words can be just as powerful as images. Whether it is a favourite quote, a personal mantra, or the name of a loved one, script tattoos are among the most personal designs people choose. The forearm, ribs, and wrist are common placements, but script can be placed almost anywhere. Our artists offer a wide variety of fonts, from elegant cursive to bold block lettering, so the style always matches the message. Script tattoos may look simple, but they require precision to keep the flow of the letters perfect. In Essex, script remains one of the most requested styles, and social media has only made it more popular.
Fine Line
Fine line tattoos are the definition of less is more. Clean, subtle, and effortlessly stylish, they look like someone whispered art onto your skin. Perfect for delicate flowers, minimalist symbols, or scripts that mean something only you understand. They are also discreet, which means you can show Grandma without giving her heart palpitations. Tyler is our fine line queen, creating work so intricate you’ll find yourself staring at it like it’s the Mona Lisa. Popular placements include wrists, forearms, and ribs. Fine line tattoos age beautifully if cared for properly, and they prove you don’t need heavy shading to make a statement.
Watercolour Tattoos
Watercolour tattoos look like paintings brushed directly onto the skin. Instead of bold outlines, they use splashes and blends of colour to create a softer, more artistic effect. They are often combined with fine line foundations to ensure they hold well over time. Tyler is particularly skilled at combining watercolour shading with delicate outlines, producing designs that feel both creative and long-lasting. Popular choices include flowers, animals, and abstract shapes, although almost any subject can be adapted. Essex clients often choose watercolour tattoos when they want something playful and colourful that still looks elegant.
Geometric
Geometric tattoos are all about symmetry, balance, and clean precision. They often use sharp lines, repeated shapes, and patterns that flow with the body. Popular subjects include sacred geometry, animal outlines built from triangles and lines, and bold designs that combine geometry with realism or mandalas. Essex clients love this style because it feels modern and versatile. A geometric tattoo can be small and minimal, like a triangle on the wrist, or large and striking, covering a full forearm or chest. They also work brilliantly as part of a sleeve, adding structure between other designs. Our artists are skilled at creating clean lines that hold over time, which is essential for this style. If you want a tattoo that feels both contemporary and timeless, geometric tattoos are a perfect choice.
Japanese
Japanese tattoos are dramatic, symbolic, and designed to flow with the body. Koi fish swimming upstream, dragons wrapping around arms, or cherry blossoms falling across skin are all popular choices. The beauty of Japanese work is that it tells a story while adapting to the body’s shape, which makes it perfect for sleeves, back pieces, and larger projects. Luke has 16 years of experience in Japanese tattooing and creates designs that stay true to tradition while still feeling fresh. These tattoos are powerful, colourful, and never fail to draw attention in Essex and beyond.
Micro Realism
Micro realism is where tiny tattoos meet incredible detail. These designs are small in size but pack in lifelike shading and texture. Popular choices include portraits of pets, flowers, and even miniature landscapes. The beauty of micro realism is that it looks delicate and subtle, yet it carries the same impact as larger realism pieces. Tyler is our specialist in this area, bringing precision and skill to designs that often look more like photography than tattooing. Essex clients often choose micro realism for discreet placements such as wrists, ankles, or behind the ear, but they also work beautifully on forearms and shoulders. They are popular with people who want meaningful tattoos without going for something big and obvious. Micro realism proves that size does not limit artistry.
Full Colour
Full colour tattoos are for those who love impact. Whether it is a bright traditional rose, a bold Japanese koi, or a custom pop culture design, colour brings tattoos to life in a way that black ink cannot. Full colour work is expressive, vibrant, and eye-catching. In Essex, we see clients choose colour tattoos to make their designs stand out, especially for sleeves, back pieces, and large statement tattoos. Our team uses colour in different ways, from bold traditional palettes to the soft blends of watercolour or realism. Proper aftercare and sun protection are key to keeping colours vivid, but when cared for, full colour tattoos remain striking for years. If you want your tattoo to be noticed from across the room, colour is the way to go.
Get in Touch
If you’re thinking of getting a bespoke tattoo, the team at Inception Ink would love to hear from you! Got a question for us? You can contact us below, or check out our Instagram, @inception.ink to see more of our previous work.