Illustrative

Tattoos that look like they came straight off an illustrator's page — expressive linework, considered shading and a strong graphic feel. Illustrative work borrows from comics, etching, botanical drawing and fine art.

Create a Illustrative Tattoo

What defines illustrative tattoos

  • Expressive, drawn linework with varied weight
  • Etching, hatching or soft shading
  • Black and gray or a selective color palette
  • Storytelling scenes, creatures, florals and objects

Best placements

  • Forearm
  • Upper arm
  • Calf
  • Thigh
  • Back
Good to know

Illustrative pieces rely on clean contrast. Give the design enough size that fine hatching and small details stay readable as the tattoo ages.

Create your Illustrative tattoo

Describe your idea, choose this style and see a print-ready design on your skin in seconds.

Create Tattoo

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