Tattoo Design Tattoo Styles and Techniques

Question 1

Which tattoo style is characterized by bold black outlines, limited color palette, and iconic imagery such as anchors and pin-up figures?

Accepted Answer

Traditional (Old School)

Answer

Traditional (Old School) tattoos feature thick black outlines, a limited set of bold colors, and classic motifs like anchors, roses, and pin-ups.

Question 2

In blackwork tattooing, which technique uses dots of varying density to create shading and gradients?

Accepted Answer

Stippling

Answer

Stippling uses closely or loosely spaced dots to build up tonal values and gradients in blackwork tattoos.

Question 3

What defines a 'geometric' tattoo style?

Accepted Answer

Use of precise shapes, symmetry, and mathematical patterns

Answer

Geometric tattoos rely on precise lines, symmetry, and repeating mathematical forms like mandalas, polygons, and sacred geometry.

Question 4

Which style attempts to replicate the look of a pencil sketch or unfinished drawing on the skin?

Accepted Answer

Sketch style

Answer

Sketch-style tattoos mimic the appearance of pencil or charcoal drawings, with visible construction lines and shading strokes.

Question 5

Trash polka tattoos typically combine which two main elements?

Accepted Answer

Red and black ink with realism and abstract chaos

Answer

Trash polka is defined by a bold red-and-black palette fused with realistic imagery and abstract, chaotic brush strokes.

Tattoo Design Practice Test