Script and Lettering

Lettering styles continue to grow as more font styles are created, when choosing a style, a useful site to visit is dafont. https://www.dafont.com  this website has thousands of fonts. It can be a good start to get an idea of what font you would like.

Things to consider along with font are:

Size – Tiny wispy quotes running along the collarbone can look crisp when newly done however can look very different as time goes on.

Delicate lines with longevity can be accomplished, but you’ll have to consult with an artist on how your words flow together. If they’re too tight or small, they may be illegible the older it gets.

Depending on whether you want a small inscription or a whole lettering sleeve, take time to decide the font and style.

Tilt – Think about whether you want an inscription made in italics or done in bar type fonts.

The thickness of the line – You can write a word with thin lines or you can make a three-dimensional tattoo using thick and massive lines.

Colour- traditionally, lettering tattoos are black and white with shadows. You may want to incorporate some colour with a colour background or using coloured ink on the script itself.

Body placement – where would you like this placed? Think about how the lettering will flow.

Kerning – placing the design based on spacing between the letters to affect readability.

Style – Do you want the lettering outlined or shadowed so it stands out?

Solid, shadowing, or shaded colouring for your lettering?

Is it a Quote from Something?

Quotes from scenes, songs and books are popular tattoo choices. 

Words can have a personal significance to us and others we are close to.

Is it the Right Quotation?

Make sure your quote is correct, or you could regret it later on.

Quotes may have been changed or adapted over time; it is good to do some research to ensure the quote you would like means what you hope it means.

Who Said It?

We may end up quoting something, without realising the origins of the quote.

It’s fine if you want to use a quote in a way that has personal meaning to you, but make sure you know the source material first.

Is it in Another Language?

Has your design checked over several times by native speakers of the language?

There are many colloquialisms to account for, and you’ll be glad you asked around when you have a properly spelled tattoo to show off.

Arabic Lettering

Arabic calligraphy is considered as a sacred art. It is still one of the most widely acknowledged arts used in traditional methods and digital arts as well as in tattoo designs.

Chinese Lettering

You can have Chinese lettering with just one symbol. This can be a great language to use for small tattoos.

Hebrew Lettering

One of the many reasons why the Hebrew language is so cool is the way it is written. 

Japanese Lettering

Japanese language looks beautiful both on paper and in ink. Be sure to check with a Japanese speaker in advance to approve your word choice.

Rune lettering

Runes may no longer be used day to day, but they have a powerful message of linkage to an ancient heritage or love of history. There’s no better language to ink a secret word or phrase tattoo that no one will be able to understand unless you tell them what it means. 

Sanskrit lettering

This is a wonderful script because it’s loose and flowing allowing for creative typography. This kind of lettering tattoo is great for small words or long sentences that flow easily along the body and create a meaningful work of tattoo art. 

Any language current and ancient can be tattooed, it is important that research is done to ensure the spelling and meaning are exact.

Thai Lettering

The Thai language is always read linearly from left to right and flows beautifully.

There are many different styles of how script and lettering can be tattooed
American Traditional Lettering

This style, when applied to lettering, usually sticks the lettering in a banner that is wrapped around a traditional symbol or portrait. This item of display typically provides a clue as to what the words are trying to say. The meaning of these tattoos can be anything from morbid to comical. 

Blackwork Lettering

This uses only solid black tattoo ink without shading or the use of other colours.

Chicano Lettering

The Chicano identity is one that is extremely important in Mexican-American culture and can be expressed by getting a Chicano lettering tattoo. The style is blocky and in-your-face accompanied by highly stylized tattoo designs. 

Cursive Lettering

These tattoos are delicate and elegant⁠, this style is great for both single words and long quotes. 

Gothic Lettering

Unlike Old English lettering tattoos, Gothic lettering tattoos are dark and completely linked to the Gothic style. Its meaning is associated with mysterious themes such as death, anarchy, and gloom. 

Grafitti Lettering

Those who consider themselves on the outside of society, can all enjoy the fantastic designs that come with the graffiti lettering tattoo style. This style essentially means 

Mirror Ambigram

This is where a word, when reflected in the mirror, can show another word with a contrasting meaning. When looked at from two different angles and perspectives

Negative Space Lettering

These are highly creative and have a unique way of capturing meaning. The white space in between the black allows the tattoo artist and the client to create new ways of expressing a word or phrase.

Old English Lettering

The Old English font, also known as the Gothic or blackletter font, was popular around the 16th century in Europe and therefore can definitely be considered vintage. This script tattoo stands out with its fancy and elaborate lettering.

Red Lettering

Sometimes with lettering tattoos, people want to do something different that will be powerful and stand out on their bodies. 

Scroll Tattoos

These are an old fashioned way of bringing new age style in ink. Scroll tattoos allow for the chosen lettering to be framed and stand out in a way that other lettering tattoos don’t. 

They mean that you are presenting a phrase or sentences that are important to you but due to the style they are easy for others to spot the meaning. 

Trash Polka Lettering

This tattoo style looks like a collage of ripped-up magazines and newspapers. The style is helter-skelter and rough around the edges. 

White Ink Lettering

The white ink lettering tattoo’s meaning is very much dependent on the colour of the person’s skin. To either stand out or to be discreet.

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