Tattoo Styles from A-Z

Ritual Tattoo Shop 339 W Orange Street Lancaster PA

We can do anything here at the shop that you want, but our work often revolves around the core five.

American Traditional

Black and Grey

Neo Traditional

Traditional Japanese

Fine Line

All of our main styles share the same backbone:

  • Strong, readable designs

  • Signature linework that holds up over time

  • Packed in color and shading

  • Distinct palettes tuned to each style

  • Rooted in tattoo tradition

Go with your gut. Trust your taste. We’ve already drawn your next tattoo, or we’re hoping to!

American Traditional

American Traditional Marlin Tattoo
American Traditional Tattoo of a Rose and Horseshoe
American Traditional Scorpion Tattoo
American Traditional Eagle Tattoo

The blueprint of tattooing.

Bold lines, daring color, and zero apologies.

Classic icons designed to last.

If you want a tattoo that ages like a leather jacket and reads from a mile away, this is your lane.

Common subjects of this style are: anchors, daggers, roses, and eagles.

Traditional Alligator Tattoo

Black and Grey

black and grey tattoo of a squirrel
Black and grey flower tattoo
Black and grey trippy tattoo

All black for maximum impact.

Portraits, religious pieces, surreal scenes - built from smooth gradients and shadow.

Cinematic and emotional.

Black and Grey Snake Tattoo
Black and grey tattoo of a skull with a knife
Neotraditional Tattoo Cat Portrait

Neo-Traditional

Historic groundwork with a modern flourish. Saturated palettes, decorative details, and rich washes of color.

Great for animals, florals, portraits, and anything that benefits from contrast, personality, and a touch of Art Nouveau luxury.

Neotraditional Tattoo Deconstructed Sheep
Japanese Traditional Tattoo

Traditional Japanese

Japanese Traditional Dead Samurai Tattoo

Dynamically designed spectacles and mythic imagery - dragons, koi, tigers, oni, waves.

Crafted for sleeves, backs, and body suits.

These are the stories of Japanese folklore; approach with respect and let the story unfold.

Japanese Traditional Dragon Tattoo
Japanese Traditional Crab Tattoo
Fine line tattoo of Jesus Christ
Fine line lotus flower tattoo

Fine Line

Single-needle work for subtle, delicate pieces.

From low-rider and chicano inspired imagery, to illustrative botanicals, clean script, or your angel number, we can handle any of your fine line tattooing needs.

Fine line cowboy boot tattoo
Fine Line Whimsical Tattoo of a Window Sill

Free Tattoo Advice

Doesn’t everybody love free tattoo advice? But seriously, everyone is different and has different goals and questions when it comes to their tattoos. 

We’ve covered some of the most common below, but don’t be afraid to get your specifics answered by your artist.

Size and placement are a pair.

Some designs can work at a variety of sizes; others need room to breathe.

Adapting your design to its destination will offer the best results.

Detailed, narrative driven pieces often come alive in larger Japanese, Neotraditional, and Black and Grey tattoos.

Bold lines outlast trends.

Thick-lined, traditional designs will stay solid for decades. Thin and intricate details are more likely to fade out and blur over time. We’re not yucking anyone’s yum, we’re aiming to be honest.

If you’re looking for your tattoo to last at least as long as you do, consider size and placement or American traditional or Japanese style work.

Color is a long game.

Every color pigment, how it heals, and how it fades depends on tattoo style, placement, aftercare, and your lifestyle. We guarantee we’ll do everything we can to pack color into your tattoos.

Your responsibilities include proper healing and protection from the sun, or you can let ‘em fade and come back in for a color refresh session.

Ritual Tattoo - Shop Interior.jpg

Book Ahead or Walk In

You can walk in and come see us 7 days a week: 12 pm to 7 pm. Use the button below to book in advance.