Dotwork is a special style and technique of tattooing, which got its name from the English word dotwork, which literally means “dot work”. Thus, it is not difficult to guess that a do-it-yourself tattoo consists of many dots applied at a certain interval, from which an incredible and original underwear pattern is formed.
Dotwork has its roots in ancient times - African cave drawings dated 6-7 millennium BC are proof of this. They depict people whose skin is decorated with an ornament of dots. It is also believed that the dotwork style was inspired by the neo-impressionist direction of painting of the late 19th century - pointillism, based on drawing a picture on canvas with dotted strokes.
The popularization of dotwork in our time has contributed to the English tattoo master Xed le Head. In the 90s of the XX century, he was the first to start tattooing black and white dots in the form of geometric shapes, and soon his masterpieces gained worldwide fame. Looking at the photo of his works, one cannot but admire the amazing dance of dots, from which not just a drawing is formed, but the whole picture.
Dotwork is very different from other styles of tattoos and has certain identifying features, the main of which are the abstractness of the pattern and high contrast, which allows you to see the tattoo even from a long distance. Tattoos in this style can be performed in various colors, but the main ones are still considered to be red and black. Using only these two colors contrasting with each other, professional masters are able to achieve volume and saturation of the wearable pattern, resulting in a stunning result.
The dotwork style has no boundaries, with it you can even make such a large-scale tattoo as a portrait, which will look much more impressive than in any other style. The undoubted advantage of dotwork tattoos is their abstractness, thanks to which they have a more lively look and do not get bored over time.
However, only talented professionals can do a do-it-yourself drawing. Work in this technique is complex and requires certain skills and abilities. In Russia, it is just beginning to be mastered, although there are several masters who are improving in this direction. In order to fill such tattoos, it is not enough just to have a typewriter, either a mathematical mindset or design inclinations will be required.
Tattoo artists working in the dotwork style have to build elements in vector graphics, calculating the perfect symmetry and carefully considering the composition. The result of their painstaking work are large-scale tattoos. Pictures of small size are almost never created from dots, since this does not make sense: dots look ideal only when there is enough space for them, because when drawing a picture, the distance between the dots is taken into account, which, depending on the details of the picture, increases either decreases.
To perform a dotwork tattoo, any sketches are used, but the main motifs of such tattoos are ornaments based on geometric shapes, patterns and colors, as well as religious symbols. Dotwork goes well with many styles, acting as a great backdrop for old school or trash polka.
The dotwork style is the best fit for those who want to stand out with a truly original body painting. With such a tattoo, the attention of others will be ensured, because each drawing, in fact, is a unique masterpiece.
tattoo on forearm clock
Dotwork originated from the culture of tattooing the peoples of the Black Continent. The beauty of the style is mesmerizing as it allows you to create unique detailed drawings. The secret of the stereo effect lies in the dot pattern.
Distinctive features of a dotwork tattoo
Dotwork tattoos are done by applying a lot of dots. The grain size and quantity depends on the type of pattern. built on African techniques of chiseled scarring and the introduction of crushed lava ash.
The application technique implies symmetrical figures drawn with varying degrees of color depth. The density of the dye due to the dots gives a bright gradient even with a monochrome gamut.
Style features require large patterns that fill large spaces. Small jobs are lost. Allowed as the basis of a future sleeve or a large-scale project. The meaning of the tattoo is addressed to the forces of nature that fill a person's life.
Symbolism for men
Dotwork style tattoos look impressive and beautiful on a pumped-up torso. This style seems to be made for.
Big size and strong lines embody power, steadfastness, stability. Elements of the picture should not conflict with each other. Each detail fits into a single ornament, taking into account the overall symmetry.
Looking at the tattoo in more detail in this direction, you can see a large number of geometric shapes. Each part contributes its own note to the overall scale.
Symbol meaning:
- triangle up - fire, air;
- triangle down - water, earth;
- lotus - male healthy principle;
- divided rhombuses and dodecahedrons - power;
- hexagonal stars - a heavenly guide, a star of good luck.
Oblique lines are usually inserted to enclose the pattern in an ensemble. They draw out perspectives, help to beautifully shape the muscles.
Symbolism for women
Dotwork style tattoo for contains a plant theme. This is a kind of reference to the primary origins of the style. For the peoples of Africa, a woman is a sacred giver of life, many tribes support matriarchy.
According to the drawing, the flowers should adorn the hand, emphasizing grace and covering the space of either the sleeve or a compact piece.
Basically clogged up. Drawings are executed with minimal black space. Oriental motifs, mandala are popular. All these symbols promise fertility and protection of the feminine essence.
Popular stories
The most popular subjects for dotwork are abstract ornaments. In second place are geometric figures depicting certain objects.
For example, animalism in the style of cubism. Very popular are:
- flowers
- plants
- celestial bodies.
In one of the branches of the style, realistic drawings made in the dotwork technique are interspersed with ornaments.
Using the technique, you can embody any image. It will look complete and beautiful. Artistic paintings have increasingly become guests on the skin of wearers.
People move from abstraction to concrete images. Among these images are popular:
- scull
- sea creatures
- crosses
- labyrinths.
lotus dotwork
Dotwork tattoos often contain images of a lotus. It is served in different variations, from realism to geometry and ornamental execution. The dotted figure indicates:
- inaccessibility
- divine conduct.
Dotwork ornaments
Dotwork is known for its ornamentation. The universal direction allows you to combine it with any elements. Even voluminous realistic drawings fit perfectly into the tattoo. Thanks to the addition of paint, beautiful paintings are created, full of grace.
Ornament is always a story. She tells about the past of the bearer, his true essence and dreams. All wishes are not difficult to fit in a single ensemble. Separate elements of style eloquently speak of the desire to receive happiness, good luck and joy from life.
Drawings with animals
Occupy an important position in the direction. They reflect the qualities of the character of the carrier. For example, a wolf tattoo denotes independence, a she-wolf reflects female strength and the desire for freedom. Foxes symbolize cunning, intelligence and a cheerful disposition.
Various are addressed to light changes. Sea animals show a person's love for experiments, the desire to get a lucky ticket from Fortune. Bears, large feline predators, show a tough temper.
fox tattoo on side
abstract tattoo
Paintings serve more as decoration. It is easy to place specific characters in them to enhance the effect. Basically, these are figures and lines that emphasize the beauty of the body.
They are resorted to when they want to cover large areas of the body. So in the tattoo artist Xed Lahed, most of the body is crammed with abstract figures, interspersed with individual elements indicating his preferences.
Dotwork sketches are more like the work of architects' draftsmen. The geometry and clarity of the lines fill the tattoo sketches with a special charm.
Dotwork style tattoos are pure creativity, so you should only choose experienced craftsmen. Such work should become the second continuation of the essence of man.
Places for applying the dotwork style
Tattoo on the lower leg
Tattoo sleeve
Wrist tattoo
chest tattoo
Ankle tattoo
Half sleeve tattoo
mandala tattoo
shoulder tattoo
Tattoo on the arm
dog tattoo
side tattoo
Ankle tattoo
Tattoo on the arm
Tattoo on the arm
Tattoo on the arm
Tattoo on the arm
Tattoo sleeve
Dotwork is that unique case where a dot does not mean stop. On the contrary, it all starts with her! The most fantastic projects grow from a point and are embodied in something incredible. Lines and even completely filled areas help to enhance the effect and create a "frame" of the composition, and blotches of contrasting colors help to add depth. Black is always taken as the basis, and red and blue contrast with it, and in exceptional cases - purple, turquoise, yellow and other colors. The most popular forms for dotwork are a circle, a rhombus, a triangle and all kinds of abstractions consisting of these figures. Although the geometry does not limit the range of style possibilities. It is closely associated with engraving and graphics, ornamentation, new school and blackwork. No other way allows you to designate shades and midtones so beautifully, which is why “dot work” is always unique! Despite the fact that the process is laborious, the technique is ideal for volumetric drawings. Sometimes the patterns are folded into sleeves, sometimes they fill the shoulder or the entire back at once. The spectacle is unique and incredible! Finding a worthy example in modern tattoo catalogs is not difficult.
Dotwork tattoos for men
The point style is subject to strict logic, and does not accept randomness. That is why it is good for voluminous projects: sleeves, tattoos on the calf, shoulder, back. The dots create a shape, allowing you to make perfect transitions from dark to light without rough and sharp borders. Almost everything can be depicted in this technique: from a pattern in great detail to a portrait. IN male sketches dotwork meet images of animals, marine life. Wolves, owls, foxes and lions are embodied in luxurious drawings and adorn their owners. Check it out by visiting the Tattoo Academy gallery.
Dotwork tattoo for girls
A work consisting of dots can be either very rich or light, translucent. And this is a huge advantage for girls. For them, we are ready to create a lacy, weightless sketch for the most beautiful tattoo. Butterfly, dragonfly, exotic flower or mandala - whatever you want. Also, if desired, the project can be black and white, color, consist of two or more contrasting shades. The work doesn't have to be big or small. The dots can add up to a perfect object that suits you 100%.Dotwork tattoo (English dotwork - “dot work”) is a style of tattoo in which the drawing is performed using a special technique and consists of dots. Due to the different density of points, a gradient is created and the transmission of light and shadow. Tattoos can be completely dotwork, or they can be integrated with other styles. For example, in combination with blackwork (large areas of black dense color).
Blackwork technology is considered complex. Only with great experience and a high level of professionalism can create high-quality dotwork tattoos.
Distinctive features of Dotwork Tattoo:
- predominantly black color
- symmetry
- geometricity
- large size
At the same time, it should be noted that the style and technique of the master can be used as an expressive means, going beyond the usual signs of style.
Popular Plots Tattoo Dotwork
Tattoo Dotwork Ornaments
Ornament requires high skill and good feeling symmetry. The master needs to create a harmonious sketch, and then transfer it to the skin, taking into account the anatomy and features of the skin. Dotwork ornaments can be located on almost any part of the body and are universal for both men and women.
Animal Dotwork Tattoo
If you combine a favorite plot for a tattoo and a progressive tattoo style, we get bright contrast tattoos in the dotwork style. The drawing should be large so that all the details and nuances are clearly read on it.
Tattoo Dotwork Abstraction
Dotwork style fits very organically into abstract tattoos. If the ornaments are a structure with a symmetrical composition, then they can be chaotic, asymmetrical, but at the same time look stylish and non-standard.
Men's Tattoo Dotwork
Men most often choose. It can be a sleeve that combines other styles, or it can be a mandala on the back or. With the help of the dotwork technique, the depth and volume of the picture is very well conveyed.
Women's Tattoo Dotwork
Girls prefer ornaments and mandalas on the shoulder and. Dotwork looks very unusual in a tattoo with natural motifs, for example, in a tattoo with animals or nature. Even in small sketch using dots, you can create beautiful transitions and an airy effect.
