TATTOO STYLES
808 Studios is home to artists skilled in a wide range of tattoo styles. Browse our specialties and find the art that speaks to you.
REALISM
Realism tattoos are all about making images come to life, like portraits that seem to look right back at you or nature scenes so detailed you can almost feel the breeze. This style has strong ties to classical art and really took off with the rise of black-and-gray tattoo techniques in the late 20th century. Pulling it off takes a ton of experience and a sharp eye, but when done right, these tattoos are something you'd be proud to show off.
Our Realism Artists
FINE LINE
Fine line tattoos got their start in the LA scene back in the ’70s and ’80s, with a big influence from Chicano culture and single-needle techniques. These days, it’s all about that clean, minimalist look—super thin lines, soft details, and a laid-back, elegant vibe. It’s perfect for things like delicate florals, meaningful words, or subtle designs that speak volumes without being in-your-face. Getting them to look sharp and age well takes a steady hand and plenty of skill, but when done right, they’ll look amazing for years.
Our Fine Line Artists
ILLUSTRATIVE
Illustrative tattoos mix the detail of realism with the personality of hand-drawn art, pulling from classic techniques and visual storytelling: think graphic novels, clean, and everything in between. With bold outlines, thoughtful shading, and a strong eye for composition, this style is all about making art that feels both timeless and deeply personal. It’s super versatile too, you can take just about any idea and turn it into something clear, emotional, and full of character.
Our Illustrative Artists
BLACK WORK
Blackwork tattoos have been making bold statements for centuries, with roots in ancient Polynesian, African, and Celtic traditions. What started as a powerful form of cultural storytelling has evolved into a modern style that’s all about strong contrast, clean symmetry, and rich, solid black ink. Whether it’s geometric, ornamental, or something more abstract, blackwork stands out. But pulling it off isn’t just about going heavy with the ink. It takes serious planning, precision, and a clear vision to create something that not only looks bold but holds up over time.
Our Black Work Artists
MICRO REALISM
Micro Realism combines the depth and texture of realism with the precision of fine line work, all in a compact, detailed design. It’s ideal for small portraits, animals, or meaningful objects that carry a lot of impact without needing a ton of space. Because of how refined it is, every tiny shadow and highlight plays a part, which makes it a very technical style that requires a steady hand and sharp eye. When done right, micro realism delivers a clean, powerful piece that holds its detail over time.