Tattoo Styles

American Traditional tattoos are the foundation of Western tattooing. Characterized by bold black outlines, a limited but vibrant color palette, and iconic imagery like anchors, eagles, roses, and pin-ups, this style has stood the test of time for good reason. Traditional tattoos age beautifully, with bold lines that remain crisp for decades. Our artists honor the classic techniques while bringing their own sensibilities to each piece. If you want a tattoo that looks as good in 30 years as it does today, traditional is the way to go.

Neo-traditional takes the bold foundation of American traditional and pushes it further with expanded color palettes, more complex compositions, and illustrative detail. You'll still see strong outlines and solid color, but with more gradients, shading, and artistic freedom. Julia specializes in this style, creating pieces that honor tattoo tradition while incorporating contemporary influences. Perfect for clients who love the boldness of traditional but want something with more depth and detail.

Black and grey tattooing creates stunning depth and dimension using only black ink diluted to various shades. This style is perfect for realistic portraits, nature scenes, and any design that benefits from smooth gradients and dramatic shading. Julia excels at black and grey work, creating pieces with remarkable depth and illustrative quality. Whether you want a portrait, a detailed animal, or an atmospheric design, black and grey allows for incredible visual impact without the complexity of color.

Fine line tattoos use thin, delicate lines to create elegant, understated designs. Popular for small pieces, botanical illustrations, and minimalist artwork, this style offers a subtle alternative to bolder tattoo work. Fine line tattoos require precision and a steady hand; our artists take care to create clean, consistent lines that will heal beautifully. Perfect for first tattoos or for clients who prefer a more refined aesthetic.

Regret an old tattoo? You're not stuck with it. Cover-up tattoos transform unwanted pieces into new artwork you'll actually love. This specialized work requires careful planning; the new design must account for the existing tattoo's size, placement, and ink density. Our artists are experienced at assessing cover-up candidates and designing pieces that either completely obscure the old work or cleverly incorporate elements of it. During your consultation, we'll give you honest advice about what's achievable and create a custom solution for your situation.

Every tattoo at Whaling City Tattoo Co. is custom designed specifically for you. We don't do cookie-cutter flash; we work with you to create original artwork that tells your story. Julia specializes in anime-inspired work, from One Piece to Studio Ghibli, as well as video game characters and fantasy themes. Bring us your ideas, reference images, or just a vague concept, and we'll collaborate with you to develop a design you'll love forever.

Color tattoos bring vibrancy and life to your skin. Julia specializes in bold, saturated color work that pops while still aging gracefully. Whether you want the classic reds, yellows, and greens of traditional tattooing or a more expanded contemporary palette, she can help you choose colors that complement your skin tone and will look great for years to come. Color work requires proper aftercare and sun protection to maintain its vibrancy; we'll send you home with all the information you need.

Flash tattoos are pre-designed pieces ready to be tattooed. These designs showcase Julia's artistic style and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Flash is perfect for clients who love an artist's work and want something that's already been thoughtfully designed. Check out our current flash sheet below, and ask about availability when you book your appointment.