Anime Tattoos: A Subject Matter, not a Style!

An Opinion Piece

When people describe anime, they often detail Japanese origin, cartoonish outlines, vibrant colors, and large exaggerated eyes. While this is certainly one interpretation and is an easy generalization of the anime artform in USA media, it fails to follow the standards that would define something as being a tattoo art style - therefore, using "anime tattoos" as a label for a tattoo art style is technically incorrect.

To be frank, anime itself is not technically an art style either - it's simply a term for another form of animation. But in the USA, the word anime is used to define a very specific type of Japanese animation, and so in media, it is accepted as a way to define a style. And while this may somewhat work in the world of entertainment and media, it doesn't really work in the world of tattoos. Let's talk about the differences between subject matter and style in tattoos and how knowing this distinction can better aid you in your search for an artist.

“I thought I could block that...” - Every monster hunter ever.

In the image above, this tattoo of Rathalos from the Monster Hunter game series is depicted in an illustrative style that follows the rules of neo-traditional instead of the more realistic style of the actual video game. This demonstrates the versatility of tattoo styles and how they can be used to depict a subject in a new way.

Anime Art is Diverse...and so too are Anime Tattoos

Anime itself is a vast artistic genre, and within it are many different styles ranging from the delicate watercolor palette of Your Name to the gritty, high-contrasted composition of Attack on Titan. This versatility also applies to stylization in tattooing. Anime tattoo Artists bring their individual skills to anime-inspired designs, choosing to use techniques they've refined over the course of their artistic journey to compose them. Anime is the subject - style is the art.

Some artists choose to apply their knowledge in black and gray realism - creating open skin portraits with rich black shadows and powder soft grays. Others lean on neo-traditional tattooing, adding varying line weights and dynamic color palettes. Even Japanese Irezumi-inspired anime tattoos blend a historical and traditional tattoo art style with modern anime aesthetics.

Style vs. Subject: Understanding the Difference

In the world of art and even in tattooing, style refers to the distinctive approach an artist takes to express themselves using learned techniques and fundamental principals of art.

Techniques refer to the methods and tools an artist may use to apply a medium: like blending brushstrokes to soften paint layers on a canvas, or using a fine point pen to stipple dot work on an ink drawing. If we imagine the various shapes of tattoo needles and needle cartridges to be like these other art tools, they can be used to apply tattoo ink with many different sorts of techniques.

The Principals of art are generally accepted rules that focus on the overall composition - this includes the knowledge of artistic elements like form, shape, line, color, etc...It's all about how the art is visually executed. These are basic fundamentals that the artist may manipulate to create their works.

When it comes down to it, anime tattoos are just a theme that many styles can interpret - as in, it's what the tattoo style is supposed to represent. In other words, its just the subject matter of a piece.

Why Does the Distinction Matter?

Recognizing the differences between subject and style allows tattoo enthusiasts to explore and research anime tattoos in a way that aligns with individual preference, meaning, and interpretation. By understanding this distinction, those seeking to get anime tattoos can more easily narrow down how they approach their search for an artist.

For example, instead of just simply googling a super broad term like "anime tattoo artist" or "anime tattoos", a client with an idea of what style they like can seek artists via terms that include style descriptors. Terms such as "dynamic anime tattoos", "large color anime tattoos", "realistic anime tattoos", "black and gray anime tattoos", "neotraditional anime tattoos", or even something more unique like "trash polka anime tattoos" can greatly assist in narrowing down the style of tattoo artist you are seeking!

Similarly, including locations can help too - not everyone allows their phones and search engines to track location. Try including style and the general location where you're willing to travel - for example, some clients of mine found me by searching, "Orlando anime tattoo artist color", "Large color anime tattoos in Orlando, Fl" and "Dynamic anime tattoos Orlando". Of course, there are many artists worth traveling to - so be sure to check out locations you may be visiting in the near future as well!

Anime tattoos can be dramatic, subtle, high-contrast, painterly - all dependent on the anime tattoo artist's approach, and it takes browsing portfolios to find out which form resonates with you most! But knowing what research terms to use can help you sift through a niche saturated with talented and diverse artists to find the perfect match to what you're looking for.

For those currently in the process of finding their special artist - the key is finding someone who can bring both the right style and subject matter to life, ensuring that the final design resonates with their vision and personal identity.

Ren Behan INK

For those seeking a more dynamic, bold, and energetic style - follow the link below to check out my portfolio and see for yourself if my style resonates with your visions. Should you choose me for your anime tattoo ideas, trust that my excitement for your tattoo will match yours, and I can't wait to brainstorm and help bring your vision to skin!

Tattoo Portfolio

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