Styles of Writing for Tattoos

"Ink to paper is thoughtful
Ink to flesh, hard-core.
If Shakespeare were a tattooist
We'd appreciate body art more." - Carrie Latet

Imagine Hamlet with a to be or not to be tattoo. Maybe the imagery is a bit too radical, but it works, doesn't it? His existential dilemma captured in one line inked on his body. Hamlet though, missed the craze that tattoos are, by a couple of centuries. But if you are interested in getting yourself tattooed, then you could opt for a word tattoo designed using the different styles of writing for tattoos.

Normally, if one hears the word 'tattoo', it is an image that crops up in your head. Butterflies, anchors, dragons, flowers, hearts, are pictures that one usually sees inked on people's bodies. But on rare occasions, and increasingly so, you may come across people who have got words tattooed on their body. Even you can opt for these tattoos, if you are planning on getting one. Tattoos are an expression of individuality, and there is no better way of expressing this, than by getting print tattoos done. Word tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their uniqueness. These proclaim your attitude in life. The tattoo can be in the memory of someone or a dedication. It maybe a quote that has inspired you or is a motto of yours, it may even be the name of a loved one. One of the most important decisions that you will have to make if you are getting a word tattoo, is choosing from the several styles of letters for tattoos.

Tattoo Writing Styles

If you play a word association game with someone and say print tattoos, then the response would probably be the Holocaust. Word tattoos have some pretty negative association. During Hitler's regime, Jews were branded with numbers for identification. These infamous tattoos were known as ka-tzetnik. A lesser known fact is that Nazi SS soldiers had their blood groups tattooed in their armpits. In those days, functionality reigned supreme and the style of lettering did not really matter.

Today, there are several tattoo lettering styles and designs that one can choose from. One does not have to go to a tattoo artist to know which fonts or lettering styles can be used for their tattoo. The choice of font is extremely important, as it is one of the factors that will make the tattoo unique. There are several websites that are dedicated to tattoos and the styles of writing for tattoos. Choose tattoo writing styles according to the meaning you want to convey. Fiery and icy styles of fonts are extremely popular. If you are fascinated by someone's handwriting, you can ask them to write down the tattoo you want, and you can ask your tattoo artist to use this as the stencil.

Proper use of a tattoo font enhances the beauty of a tattoo, making it look extremely beautiful. If you are opting for a word tattoo, it is important that the tattoo artist is skilled as the details of a font are important. The tattoo artist can also give his own individual touch to the tattoo to add to its identity. There are many popular styles of writing for tattoos which are listed below.

Old English Lettering Style: This kind of style is calligraphic, and is heavily ornamented to make it stand out. The font has a slightly Gothic look and is hugely popular. It is very detailed.

Chinese Lettering Style: This style depends on the Chinese calligraphic font, which is creative and complex. The meaning of chinese writing tattoos can differ just by the addition or subtraction of a stroke.

Japanese Kanji Style: Kanji style uses the Chinese characters that are used in Japanese. Used in tattoos, they historically refer to having done a term in jail, and therefore they are frowned upon. But the popularity of Kanji tattoos has been increasing due to their fluid stroke and beauty. But do ensure that you check with someone who knows the script, as you do not want a fake Kanji tattoo on your body. Read more on Kanji symbols and characters.

Latin Lettering Style: Using Latin to express yourself through your tattoo, has become extremely popular, as the language has a hint of romance and exotica attached to it.

Arabic Lettering Style: Arabic lettering is calligraphic, which is the reason for the popularity of this font. It is one of the tattoo writing styles which is unique and artistic.

Sanskrit Lettering Style: Sanskrit is a classical language from India, which has garnered popularity due to the many celebs who have been sporting Sanskrit lettering tattoos. It is a unique and ancient language. The Devanagari script, from India, is also extremely popular among tattoo enthusiasts.

This was just an overview of the different styles of letters for tattoos, which are in vogue. You can create tattoos that are just words or combine them with images that accentuate the meaning of the words. The latest trend in word tattoos is getting ambigrams, which are words that read the same, whether you look at it straight up or upside down. There are several styles of writing for tattoos, which maybe a source of confusion. But once you have decided on the one word/quote that you want to be inked with, choosing the lettering style will be an automatic progression.