Sketch Tattoo

Sketch style tattoos are like the cool new kid on the block in the tattoo world, popping up around the early 20th century and becoming just as popular as Dotwork or Old-School styles. They ditch the usual clear, colorful, and super-detailed look for something more laid-back. Think of them as light sketches — sometimes with a bit of color but always chill. These tattoos are all about rough, loose lines that give them a raw, organic vibe. Artists often use black ink and keep shading minimal, adding visible brush strokes or lines to create that sketchy effect.

What is the appeal of tattoo Sketch design? They’re all about telling stories and expressing emotions right on your skin. Swing by our Sketch tattoo shop, and let’s whip up something excellent for your sleeve or wherever you fancy.

Sketch Tattoo

Gallery

Sketch tattoo artists

If you are uncertain of which artist is the right one for your tattoo, browse through their portfolio to get a glimpse of what they can achieve in their own style.

Artists

We will guide you through the entire consultation process from refining your ideas to suggesting placement and selecting the perfect artist for your particular needs.

Reviews

Reviews

Michael Rodriguez
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I HAVE BEEN TATTOOING ON THE LOVE MACHINE WITH THE OWNER SIVAK FOR OVER 7 YEARS. I LOVE THE STUDIO! SIVAK IS A MASTER OF HIS CASE AND ALWAYS CARES ABOUT ME. LOVE MACHINE HAS SEVERAL TOP LEVEL PERFORMERS LIKE MASHKOV AND MEL. DON'T HESITATE TO APPLY HERE, IT'S THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK.
That is Wyman
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The store itself is now HUGE. So much space! Clean, but with a lot of cool art. There is always coffee and tea, comfortable sofas, etc. I have always worked with Vasily Shedin, he is very talented and very easy to work with.
Brian Bartiss
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I've been going to LOVE Machine for about 3 years now and couldn't recommend this place enough. All the staff and performers are incredible and very friendly. The new place is amazing, very clean and inviting. Denis worked on my sleeve and is an amazing artist. Truly the best. I also think it's important to note that artists love what they do and take great pride in their work. I won't go anywhere else. I would give them 6 stars if I could.

Frequently Asked Question

A Sketch style tattoo looks like a drawing that’s either finished or still in progress. It’s a flexible style that can stand alone or blend with other tattoo types. During the session, the Sketch style tattoo artist needs a keen eye to place the lines just right, so experience and a good sense of shape, depth, and layout are key.

A pencil tattoo is a DIY stick-and-poke tattoo. It’s safe because modern pencils use graphite, not toxic lead. But remember, lead can be harmful if it gets into your body from old pipes or paint. Pencils leave marks when bits of graphite get stuck in the dermis, the thick layer under your skin. We strongly advise against trying these procedures at home. Trust the pros. Want an awesome sketch ink? Come down to the Love Machine in Manhattan.

Ever loved a delicate, detailed tattoo like a sketch but worried about how it’ll hold up over time? Unfortunately, even with good care, sketch tattoos will fade eventually. The lines might blur and lose sharpness, which can be a bummer. Your aftercare routine makes a difference in how your tattoo looks right away and years from now.

Illustrative tattoos, known for their bold lines and vibrant colors, are super popular thanks to talented artists in the game. If you pick the right artist, you can count on them to nail your tattoo. We’ve gathered top-notch artists in our sketch tattoo studio to provide you with top-quality service.

An illustrative inkwork aims to look like an illustration from a storybook, not like a real photo. Unlike traditional tattoos, they use bold black outlines and can be colorful or just black. The idea is to keep that hand-drawn, animated feel instead of trying to look super realistic. Check out some examples of our artists’ work below. It’ll give you a better idea of the style and whether you like it.