Appearing in the late ’80s, it continued to gain popularity throughout the ’90s. This style is known for its vibrant and innovative characteristics, which deviate from traditional tattoo conventions.
Let’s take a look at the main differences between New School and Old School:
| Characteristic | Old School | New School |
| Origins | Early 20th century, linked to maritime culture. | Late ’80s and ’90s, influenced by graffiti, comics, and illustration. |
| Lines | Thick and black, very defined. | Varies, can be thick or thin, less conventional. |
| Colors | Limited palette, flat and bright colors. | Wide range of colors, use of gradients and detailed shading. |
| Themes | Nautical symbols, roses, eagles, hearts. | Cartoon characters, stylized animals, pop culture influences. |
| Style | Iconic and symbolic, with a sense of nostalgia. | Expressive and caricature-like, with an emphasis on innovation and personalization. |
Characteristics of New School Tattoos
Here are the 5 distinctive features of the New School style:
- Vibrant and Saturated Colors: New School tattoos are known for using a very wide and vivid color palette. The colors are often saturated, bringing designs to life and capturing attention.
- Bold and Stylized Lines: Lines in this style are often thick and well-defined, helping to clearly outline the shapes and details of the designs.
- Influences from Various Art Styles: New School draws from different artistic styles, including comics, graffiti, and illustration, incorporating distinctive elements such as exaggerated shapes, dynamism, and unique perspectives.
- Contemporary and Playful Themes: The subjects of New School tattoos often include caricature-like characters, stylized animals, everyday objects artistically reimagined, and other elements that reflect a modern and often funny sensibility.
- Technique and Detail: Despite the apparent simplicity or playful approach, New School tattoos require significant technical skill, with careful balance between colors, lines, and details to create a complex and involving visual effect.
Common New School Tattoo Subjects
In the New School style, tattoo subjects are incredibly varied and often reflect the wearer’s personality and interests. However, some themes and subjects are particularly popular in this style, highlighting its inclination toward the playful, irreverent, and colorful. Here are some examples of commonly used subjects in the New School style:
- Cartoon Characters: Cartoon characters, both classic and modern, are a common theme. These can be reinterpreted in unique ways, often exaggerated or stylized to add a personal touch.
- Stylized Animals: Animals are often depicted in an exaggerated or caricature-like style, with vivid colors and distorted shapes to add expressiveness and dynamism.
- Video Game and Pop Culture Characters: Tattoos may include references to video games, movies, TV series, and other elements of pop culture, reflecting the wearer’s passions.
- Graffiti Elements: The influence of graffiti can be seen in the use of bold lettering, abstract shapes, and bright colors, bringing an urban and contemporary energy to the designs.
- Mythological and Fantasy Creatures: Dragons, phoenixes, mermaids, and other mythological creatures are often represented in a New School style, with a modern and creative twist.
- Everyday Objects: Common objects can be transformed into unique works of art, with vibrant colors and exaggerated details, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
- Flowers and Natural Elements: Though they may seem like a traditional theme, in the context of New School, flowers, plants, and natural elements are reinterpreted with vibrant colors and stylized shapes.
- Cultural Symbols and Icons: Iconic elements from various cultures can be reimagined in a New School style, blending tradition and modernity.
