Neo Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Popular Neotraditional Tattoo Styles

As neotraditional tattoos are taking the old and blending it with the new, there are many different ways you could take this body ink. You won’t really be constricted as to what you design or how you design it because of this.

One of the most popular neotraditional styles is a rift on animals. Artists can take animals such as birds, lions, wolves and anything else you can dream up and embed them with other symbols, which can give them enhanced meaning.

Another really popular neotraditional tattoo style is taking the classic pin-up girl and giving her a modern refresh. People add in realistic details as well as embellishments such as animals, flowers or even intricate backgrounds.

Best Neotraditional Tattoo Placements

Where you place your neotraditional tattoo really has a lot to do with what kind of style you’re going for. There is no specific body part that’s best for this type of tattoo in general, but rather different placements that work for different types of tattoos.

For instance, you could use your forearm, sleeve or your side to create a neotraditional tattoo that wraps around parts of your body. This would allow you to take advantage of your body’s natural curves to enhance the image.

The back and chest give large spaces for a big canvas. In both of these areas, your artist can go to town creating an intricate design with a lot of detail, added elements, scenery and/or background.

Women’s Neotraditional Tattoo Ideas

Women typically like to elevate their femininity and elegance through neotraditional tattoos. At the same time, they like to integrate a lot of vibrant colors as well as bold lines to make them stand out.

A lot of women love to use butterflies and birds in a very stylized way. This gives a new take on a classic tattoo that often symbolizes transformation, freedom and beauty.

Another popular style is taking flowers and giving them fine details to symbolize nature, growth and beauty. Or, women often go with animals such as foxes or deer and then enhance them with geometric or floral elements.

Men’s Neotraditional Tattoo Ideas

Men use neotraditional tattoos as a way to express their power and strength quite often. To do this, they use very bold designs to go along with dynamic styles.

Skulls are a popular choice for neotraditional tattoos among men. These can have thick outlines and add vibrant colors by integrating other things such as chains, flames or even roses. 

When choosing animals for neotraditional tattoos, men often gravitate toward eagles, tigers or lions — animals that symbolize freedom, power, independence and strength.

Many men like portraits of their family members, mythical creatures or even well-known people, bringing those people to life through the art.

Neotraditional Tattoo Meaning

Neotraditional tattoos can have a number of different meanings depending on what type of tattoo you’re going with and what the subject is. Generally speaking, they represent a modern version of classic styles.

They can represent the fact that you’re a modern man or a modern woman, while at the same time paying homage to the past and those who came before you.