Neo-traditional tattooing is a style that builds on the foundations of traditional American tattooing, but with more modern influences and artistic flexibility. It retains many of the core elements of traditional tattoos, such as bold lines, vibrant colors, and iconic imagery (like skulls, roses, or eagles), but it incorporates more complex shading, depth, and a broader color palette.

Neo-traditional tattoos often feature more detailed and intricate designs, with a greater emphasis on realism and three-dimensionality. The style also allows for more fluidity in terms of subject matter, with artists blending elements of realism, art nouveau, and illustrative techniques. It’s essentially an evolution of traditional tattoos, giving them a more dynamic and contemporary feel while maintaining the classic aesthetic that defines tattoo culture