STIPPLE + FINELINE TATTOO HISTORY

Fineline tattooing is one of the more modern versions of tattooing. With time and technology artists have been able to create tattoos with a thinner line that stands the test of time.

Initially born out of the “prison style” tattoos of East LA in the 80’s, these techniques created by the machismo driven Chicano gang culture have paved the way for a more soft and delicate, feminine style of tattooing. Perfect for those who don’t like the appeal of heavy and bold designs.

While modern stipple tattoos are relatively new, the concept of using dot based body art has ancient precedents.

Polynesian and Samoan tattooing involved patterns and repetition that sometimes included dot-like motifs.

Indigenous tribes in Borneo and Southeast Asia used dot patterns in symbolic tattoos.

Tebori, the Japanese hand poking technique, could create soft, dot based shading in traditional irezumi.

These techniques and styles laid the groundwork for dot based aesthetic approaches in tattooing.

The Modern stipple style also has its roots in printmaking techniques like engraving and etching, where artists used tiny dots or fine lines to render shadows and gradients.

In tattooing this method was adopted by artists inspired by pointillism and pen and ink illustration styles.

Stipple style tattoos are known for their aesthetic uniqueness. Clean, detailed and elegant which is a sharp contrast from bold traditional and colour tattoos.

The style is versatile, it works well in minimalist tattoos as well as larger pieces and can be used in both illustrative pieces and realism.