Watercolor Tattoo Photo #277

Soft gradients bleed into each other, splatter marks trail off the main image, and the whole piece feels lighter and more spontaneous than traditional ink. That painterly quality is what makes the style so appealing - and so divisive, because longevity depends heavily on technique.

Combining the strong linework of traditional tattooing with contemporary shading and color theory, neo-traditional pieces feel both familiar and fresh. The style allows for more realistic proportions while keeping the iconic bold look.

The ribcage offers a private placement that only shows when the wearer chooses. Its curved surface adds dimension to designs, though the area is known for being one of the more sensitive spots to tattoo.