The key to a top quality religious tattoo is reverence for the subject matter, which is often poured into the chosen technique and style. Realistic shading, crisp linework and clean application are integral to these kinds of pieces. Shadow and light interplay can go a long way to add weight and gravitas to religion themed body art.

3. Badass 3D Tattoo Designs

People will often describe a good tattoo as one that “pops.” No application can pop better than an abstract 3D piece. Good quality 3D can be adapted to nearly any style, from realism to New Wave, to black and gray and neo traditional. In order for this to work the artist needs to have a masterful understanding or proportions and physics.

Where should a shadow fall? Which parts of the design should be in sharp focus and which parts should be softer? How should the linework be skewed to create the illusion of depth when there really is none? If your artist has a handle on these types of questions, 3D designs can look like they’re literally floating off of your skin.

4. Badass Color Tattoos   

A true master of color can make badassery come to life in a way that simple black and gray ink can’t always pull off. Contrasting use of bold colors can elevate a design no matter what style was used in the application. You just need to have that perfect, punched in saturation and a palette the compliments the design features of the tattoo.

5. Badass Full Sleeve Tattoo Art

By definition, sleeve tattoos are pretty bad ass, so finding the perfect subject matter and a quality artist is your only real concern. The design needs to be depicted in a way that flows properly in a space that is much longer than it is wide. Your artist needs to understand how to use this space effectively, and master proportions, subtle fill and image placement to achieve a completely successful sleeve.