New school tattoos are brightly colored and more exaggerated, like cartoons, while neo-traditional tattoos feature more subdued colors and are not exaggerated. There are many differences between the two styles: Many people get confused between neo-traditional and new school tattoos. What’s the difference between neo-traditional and new school? Neo-traditional tattoos, on the other hand, veer away from tradition and may include any subjects from modern icons to pets to hobbies. Subject matter varies with every tattoo style, but American traditional tattoos tend to follow old school subjects and are based on the traditional “flash” that allows people to choose historical images that have been used for decades. The line width of neo-traditional tattoos differs with each outline, whereas the American traditional style includes outlines of the same width. Like American traditional, neo-traditional uses outlines in black ink, but the latter style also relies heavily on shading.Ĭolors of different gradients and pigments play a large role in neo-traditional tattoos, whereas the American traditional style generally uses red, black, yellow, and green.Īmerican traditional tattoos usually have a 2D look, while neo-traditional tattoos have a feeling of more dimension without fully being 3D or cartoonish. The neo-traditional style allows for more rule-breaking and creative license. Neo-traditional tattoos follow the old school style (like American traditional), but with new techniques. The neo-traditional style is often compared to the American traditional style, but there are in fact quite a few differences between the two:

What’s the difference between neo-traditional and American traditional? The durability of a tattoo does not depend on the style but on how well the tattoo artist and the client take care of it and discuss ways to prevent fading and ensure that it heals properly. The design or style of a tattoo usually does not indicate the pain level-rather, the amount of pain depends on the location of the tattoo. The durability of a tattoo does not depend on the style but on how well the tattoo artist and the client take care of it and discuss ways to prevent fading and ensure that it heals properly.ĭo neo-traditional tattoos hurt more than other types? They can be inspired by anything from the American traditional style (1940s) to Japanese prints (Ukiyo-e in the 17th century) to Art Nouveau (late 19th and early 20th centuries) and Art Deco (1920s) designs.ĭo neo-traditional tattoos last as long as other types? Neo-traditional tattoos generally look similar to how they would have looked years ago, but with a modern flair. Many people also choose this style because of its connection with tattoo history. One of the most appealing aspects of the neo-traditional style is its lack of rules or guidelines, unlike older tattoo styles such as Japanese or American traditional. The term “neo” indicates that it’s not just old school, but rather blends inspiration from a number of older styles to become a style in its own, giving a wider range of colors forming cartoon-like subjects and characters with more blending from one tone to another, but keeping the boldness of it. There is really no limit to what you can draw in the Neo-traditional style and that is what sets it apart from Japanese or American traditional tattoos.Ī mix of old school imagery and modern techniques, the neo-traditional style of tattoo has long been a popular choice among tattoo artists and clients alike. Neo-traditional tattoos have become more popular and that could definitely be because you can really take any image of an animal, object, person, or flower and make it into a beautiful illustrative piece. They might use similar imagery and motifs but the results will look very different. Unlike traditional tattoos that have a more simple color palette and smaller range of needle size, Neo-traditional tattoos use a wide range of colors and line sizes to create more depth and dimension in a piece. Although this style of tattooing is less common than others like realism and traditional, it still takes great skill and technique to perfect. They mix the old school style of traditional tattoos with new and modern techniques to create a unique piece that can be colorful and eye-catching. Neo-traditional tattoos are exactly what they sound like they would be.

Neo traditional tattoo