If Tattoo Styles Were Pub Characters

We all know that tattoos have personalities. But what if they actually had personalities? Like, proper ones—the kind you’d run into at your local on a Friday night, elbowing up to the bar with a pint of Stella in hand.

Here at Studio51, we’ve seen every tattoo style under the sun. And after 30+ years in the game, we started noticing something: each style is basically a pub character waiting to happen.

So, for your viewing (and pint-pairing) pleasure, we present: if tattoo styles were pub characters.

The Vibe Check: Studio51 Experience 101

Walking into a tattoo studio for the first time can feel intimidating. But Studio51 isn’t your average studio. We mix serious hygiene standards with seriously good chat. Here’s what makes us different:

Friendly, no-pressure consultations (ask us anything—we’ve heard it all).
Clean, fully licensed premises with hospital-grade hygiene.
Over 30 years of tattooing and piercing experience.
A warm welcome whether you’re ink-curious or ink-obsessed.

We want your first tattoo to be a story you enjoy telling—not just something you survive. Tattoo culture has come a long way since the 90s, and we’ve been there through all the trends, from tribal armbands to minimalistic linework. One thing that’s stayed the same? People want to feel safe, seen, and supported—especially when it’s their first time under the needle. At Studio51, that’s exactly what we deliver.

The Traditional (aka Sailor Jerry )

Drinks: Rum, obviously. Possibly from a hip flask.

Sits: At the bar, perched on the same stool as every week.

Vibe: Old-school cool. Think bold lines, solid shading, and a strong sense of “seen it all before.” Probably knows the landlord personally.

Catchphrase: “Back in my day…”

Tattoo Traits:

Anchors, daggers, roses.
Thick black outlines.
Primary colour palettes.

Studio51 Tip: This style ages well, like whisky and war stories.

The Neo-Traditional

Drinks: A modern IPA with a ridiculously long name.

Sits: Somewhere central, always surrounded by mates.

Vibe: A stylish update of the classic. Bold like their Traditional cousin, but with more flair—ornate frames, colour gradients, and big personality.

Catchphrase: “It’s retro… but make it fashion.”

Tattoo Traits:

Lavish animal heads, florals, cameo-style portraits.
Bold outlines with layered colour.
Rich, jewel-toned palettes.

Studio51 Says: The life of the pub quiz team, and always down for a tattoo chat.

The Blackwork Maximalist

Drinks: Guiness or Premium Larger.

Sits: Tucked away in a corner, on a mid-century chair they probably brought themselves.

Vibe: Clean, crisp, and too cool to care—but does care. A lot.

Catchphrase: “Less is more.”

Tattoo Traits:

Geometric patterns, sacred symbols
Bold use of black ink—often large areas
Negative space done right

Studio51 Insight: Their outfit’s monochrome, their tattoos are bold, and they’re low-key judging your font choice.

The Fine Line Minimalist

Drinks: Gin and tonic. Cucumber, not lime.

Sits: Window seat. Instagramming their drink.

Vibe: Delicate, ethereal, and incredibly curated. A whisper of ink, barely there—but intentional AF.

Catchphrase: “It’s subtle. Like me.”

Tattoo Traits:

Thin, clean lines.
Florals, stars, micro-symbols.
Often monochrome, sometimes pastel.

Studio51 Caution: Gorgeous now, but might fade faster than their last date. Requires TLC.

The Watercolour Style

Immediately After:

Drinks: Rosé spritzer or craft cider.

Sits: Sprawled across a garden bench, under fairy lights.

Vibe: Dreamy, artsy, and possibly barefoot. Think ink that looks like paint, floating on skin.

Catchphrase: “I don’t believe in outlines.”

Tattoo Traits:

Loose, blended colour fields.
Abstract shapes or animals.
Light use of black, if any.

Studio51 Note: Beautiful but needs a strong foundation to last. Like any good buzz.

The Stick & Poke Enthusiast

Drinks: Whatever’s cheap. Probably from a can.

Sits: On the floor. With a guitar.

Vibe: DIY till they die. Their tattoos are raw, homemade, and possibly done at a festival.

Catchphrase: “Yeah, my mate did it.”

Tattoo Traits:

Tiny hearts, moons, words.

Wobbly but charming.

Often done with love (and limited hygiene).

Studio51 Opinion: Respect the aesthetic—but maybe leave the sterilisation to the pros.

The Realism Fan

Drinks: Neat whisky or craft lager. No garnish.

Sits: Near the darts board, scowling at everyone’s technique.

Vibe: Highly detailed, ultra-precise. Whether it’s a wolf, a portrait, or a 3D skull, they want it accurate—right down to the shine in the eye.

Catchphrase: “That’s not shading. This is shading.”

Tattoo Traits:

Greyscale or colour realism.
Photorealistic detail.
Long sessions, big commitment.

Studio51 Salute: When done right, it’s stunning. When done badly? Let’s not talk about it.

So... Who Are You?

Whether you’re a “Sailor Jerry and a rum” or “Fine line and a gin fizz,” your tattoo style says something about you. And that’s what makes ink so fun.

At Studio51, we don’t judge—we match. Whatever vibe you’re after, we’ll find the style (and artist) that fits.

FAQs About Tattoo Styles

What if I like more than one style?

Join the club. Mixing styles is more common than you think—just make sure your artist can transition between them cleanly.

Which styles age best?

Bold styles like Traditional, Neo-Traditional, and Blackwork generally last longer. Fine line and watercolour may need more touch-ups.

Can I change styles later?

Absolutely. Your skin, your canvas. Just keep an eye on overall cohesion if you’re building a sleeve.

Last Orders

Tattoos, like pub characters, come with personality, quirks, and stories. There’s no wrong answer—only what fits you. So, whether you’re subtle, bold, chaotic, or classic, there’s a style for you.

Book a consultation with Studio51 and let’s find your ink identity.