Photography via Getty Images / Marco_Piunti
Happy National Tattoo Day! Here’s your guide to understanding different ink styles and finding the right tattoo artist in the Rhode Island area.
American and Neo Traditional
Known for bold lines and vibrant color patterns, American and Neo Traditional tattoos follow style designs from the twentieth century. Quintessential traditional tattoos involve high saturation and nature-inspired motifs with cartoonish qualities.
Looking for a seasoned local artist? Visit Mimi Wunsch in Providence, whose background in American Traditional tattooing shines through her extensive online portfolio. Her art navigates the evolution of traditional tattooing and how this centuries old craft still holds deep meaning, especially for misrepresented narratives in our country’s past. Fool Heart Tattoo, 184 Matthewson St., Providence, instagram.com/foolhearttattoo
Blackwork
This style covers the broad category of tattoos using only black ink. Most blackwork tattoos have thick linework and geometric patterns. Common varieties of this artform include tribal tattoos, calligraphy, lettering, cartoons, floral patterns and adventurous shapes. Blackwork tattoos can take on the shape of any sort of design – just remaining void of color.
Liz Chomka at Unicorn Ink is your go-to girl for blackwork designs, especially floral or anime pieces. Her specialties range across many distinctive styles, yet some standout black ink tattoos can be found on her Instagram page. Unicorn Ink, 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, unicornink.com
Realism
These tattoos rely on dimension, detail and precision. Typically, realism tattoos capture the essence of a realistic image, such as a portrait or landscape design. It involves mapping shadows, specific contrast, color matching and hours of intense concentration. It’s all in the little things, such as a watery eye or the ruffles of a feather.
Mike Ledoux has been in the industry since 2003 and specializes in realism “with inventive physics and questionable secondary lighting.” His experimental approach to this classic tattoo style captures colors and textures a step above the rest. Here is some of his work at his current studio. Powerline Tattoo, 706 Reservoir Ave., Cranston, powerlinetattoo.com
Fine Line
If you’re looking for something a bit more delicate and whimsical, consider fine line tattooing. While they range in size, these tattoos require minimal (if any) shading and very thin outlines, oftentimes created with a single needle liner. Consider exploring fine line if you’re just starting out on your ink journey to get a taste of the tattoo experience.
Rachel WS specializes in fine art and detail. Take a peek at her Instagram page to see designs ranging from small, simple flowers to large scar-covering pieces. Her private seaside studio is one of southern Rhode Island’s hidden gems. OneWay Gallery, 140 Boon Street, Narragansett, onewaygallery.com
Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos hit the scene largely in the mid 2000s, receiving the name of a similar painting technique. Rather than starting with bold linework, these tattoos have thin outlines and focus mainly on vibrant color gradients. There are subtle transitions and soft edges in watercolor, with various textures and other tattooing styles interweaved commonly throughout this genre.
Captain Bret specializes in many tattoo areas, and his Facebook page highlights some of his watercolor masterpieces, including colorful pet paws and delicate color integration. Captain Bret’s Tattoo Shop, 2 Collins Street, Newport, facebook.com/captainbret
Japanese
Most traditional Japanese tattoos adhere to storytelling, culture and symbolism. Popular Japanese motifs include koi fish, representing perseverance, geishas, which stand for beauty, and Hannya masks for wisdom and protection. Of course, interpretations of these symbols can vary between artists and canvases alike.
Just over the Rhody border, you’ll find Rueben Kayden, who has mastered Japanese motifs. His pieces are extensive, with many being full sleeves, back and bodysuit pieces. Nicknamed “Horikei,” this artist is highly respected across the globe. Find his work here! Chameleon Tattoo, 33 Union Sq., Somerville, MA, instagram.com/chameleonbodyarts