20 Neo-Traditional Tattoo Ideas For A Perfect Blend Of Old And New

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When you’re looking for a body decoration that combines traditional black outlines with modern motifs and vibrant, luscious colors then a neo-traditional tattoo will tick all of the boxes.

Artists who use this tattooing style blend perfectly the old style with modern influences. What you get in the end is a design that’s highly detailed, colorful, and meaningful. It’s also unique in a way that combines all these different elements and turns them into real pieces of art on your skin.

Neo-traditional tattoos often contain imagery of flowers, mythical creatures, women, and animals. They also don’t stay away from elements that belong to different tattoo styles such as nautical or Japanese.

All in all, this tattoo style does a great job of combining the American traditional style with an artistic and modern approach. And the end results will make you fall in love with this method.

If you’re ready to explore all this style has to offer then here are some neo-traditional tattoo ideas that can serve as an inspiration for your next ink.

1. Moon tattoo

Neo-traditional tattoos are characterized by a black outline that’s usually filled with warmer shades such as orange, yellow, and red. As you can see, portraits look amazing when done in this style. They feel real even though they’re two-dimensional.

2. Medusa tattoo

This design will give you an idea of what you can achieve with a neo-traditional style. Mythological creatures such as Medusa can be presented in a whole new light thanks to this detailed and colorful method.

3. Bird tattoo

We’ve already mentioned that birds are one of those elements that are often used as a central motif in neo-traditional tattoos. Here you can see how realistic the end results can look if you find a tattoo artist who’s skilled in this style.

4. Cat tattoo

You can even get a tattoo of your cat in a neo-traditional style. The picture above shows perfectly just how detailed it can all look. And we especially love all the colors and the way they add life to the whole design.

5. Snake tattoo

6. Hourglass tattoo

Neo-traditional tattoos are usually bold and overwhelming. It can take you a couple of minutes to observe them carefully and figure out what’s going on. This design is a toned-down version of the usual neo-traditional tattoo but still, it doesn’t lack any details.

7. Portrait of a woman

Here we have another portrait of a woman in its full capacity. From vibrant colors to all the tiny lines and details, this tattoo is a perfect choice for your leg or arm since those two spots offer just enough space to portray everything to perfection.

8. Fox tattoo

It feels like neo-traditional tattoos exist to honor the colors of the autumn. This style often reaches for warmer hues and together with intricate work, it creates art on the skin.

9. Floral tattoo

Floral elements are a must when it comes to neo-traditional tattoos. Whether you’re looking for a design that contains just flowers or you’re willing to mix them with some other elements, it’s really up to you. What matters the most is that you’re going to love the end results.

10. Golden woman

Here we have a portrait of a woman together with animal elements. These two motifs create a beautiful synchrony that’s filled with subtle, organic lines that give shape and dimension to the whole design. We love the way it all comes together, but what about you?

11. Tiger tattoo

The tiger is often depicted as a symbol of power and strength. It’s definitely an element that will steal the show. However, when done in a neo-traditional style, you can expect to receive a ton of “wow” remarks.

12. Black cat tattoo

Black cats can be hard to tattoo due to the dark color of their fur. But you don’t have to worry about anything if you opt for this style. Your tattoo will look almost the same as your pet, that’s for sure.

13. Cultural tattoo

Indian symbols are regular requests for neo-traditional tattoo artists. They represent freedom and inner strength so it’s not surprising that people want to wear a motif like that on their bodies. This design is just an example of what you can get when you ink this cultural element onto your skin.

14. Dinosaur tattoo

If you wish to get a complex tattoo that will cover the majority of your arm for example, then this is a cool idea that will tick all of your boxes. We love the colors, the details, and the overall composition of this design. It shows true skill and artistry.

15. Skull tattoo

We know that skulls are one of the most-tattooed elements but did you know that you can get them done in a neo-traditional style? This method makes them even cooler and will make them feel unique.

16. Nefertiti tattoo

If you’re obsessed with Egyptian culture, you may consider getting a tattoo of Nefertiti for example. Now, if you choose to get it in a neo-traditional style, then you increase your odds of getting a tattoo that you’ll fall in love with from the second you see it.

17. Smaller portrait

This is another idea on how you can combine a portrait with floral elements and end with a tattoo that you’ll be proud to wear. We’re probably tiring you with constant mentioning of the details but we can’t ignore just how intricate these designs tend to be. We love it!

18. Satanic sacred heart

If you find a skilled neo-traditional tattoo artist then you can be sure that you can ask him for any element and (s)he’ll make it neo-traditional. Such is the case with this satanic sacred heart, a symbol of God’s love for mankind.

19. Stork tattoo

Storks symbolize spiritual transformation and they’re motifs that tell the story. When you wish to turn this bird into a piece of art on your skin, opting for a neo-traditional style is the way to go.

20. Candle tattoo

Last but not least, we finish with an element that’s not a common choice for this tattoo style. However, it goes to show just how much you can achieve if you decide to get a neo-traditional tattoo. Prepare yourself for perfectly blended colors, details, and warm shades that will give life to any design.