Recommended Artists for Dotwork Tattoos: Alex
The Dotwork style of tattooing is quickly gaining popularity in the United States. This technique of tattooing uses stippling for an incredibly unique and visual pleasing effect. The dots can be used to create either the shading of the tattoo or the entire image itself. Dotwork tattoos typically use black and grey ink but can incorporate red in some scenarios.
Dotwork tattoos can be a bit longer than traditional styles of tattooing depending on the piece and details, however the outcome is well worth the extra time. Where straight color or black and grey tattoos use varying shades of grey or color to create a dynamic look, Dotwork tattoos use bold black outlines and a stippling effect to create a very bold and unique look.
What Tattoos are done with Dotwork?
Dotwork tattoos can be used for just about any type of subject matter you like. A good stippling artist will figure out a way to translate the subject into this style. Most commonly for this style you will see these examples.
Mandala Tattoos
Mandala is a piece of art that uses a variety of shapes and symbols that expand outward in a circular pattern. These are used to reflect balance, eternity and perfection as one unaligned piece will make it off balance. It’s a beautiful piece that is satisfying to the eye and contains a lot of detail.
Mandalas do have some religious background and are used in several different religions as a sign of the balance between body and spirit. They can also have the appearance of a flower blooming that some correlate with femininity and the blossoming of life or creation to growth and rebirth.
Geometric Tattoos
Geometric Tattoos are quickly gaining popularity in tattoo culture. They are simple but still very mesmerizing and pleasing to the eye. The whole idea behind a geometric tattoo is that by taking shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles and repeating them in a detailed pattern. Geometric Tattoos can create further depth by using thick vs thin lines.
Geometric Tattoos are full of symbolism and fascinating concepts. You can see several of these examples throughout history such as Gordias Knot, which was said to hold an Ox Cart and no one was ever able to solve it. It is hard to picture a geometric tattoo design in your head without some sort of artist background. If you are interested in one of these we recommend consulting with your artist of choice and working with them on the design of it.
What to consider when getting a Dotwork Tattoo?
Here a few questions to ask yourself before getting a dotwork style tattoo:
- What does the tattoo symbolize?
- What does my schedule look like?
- How much detail do I want in the tattoo?
- Do I have a good idea of what the finish product should look like?
These are great questions that will help the artist in scheduling and designing your dotwork tattoo. We recommend contacting an artist and consult with them on your idea and placement of tattoo as these tattoos usually take a long time to finish. It’s important to schedule out a time prior to wanting to sit in the chair.