Dotwork
A tattooing technique using individual dots rather than continuous lines to build shading, texture, and form, similar to pointillism in painting.
In detail
Dotwork can be applied by machine or by hand (hand-poke). Dot density determines value: tightly packed dots create dark areas; widely spaced dots create lighter tones. It is one of the most time-intensive tattooing techniques.
Related styles
See also
Hand-poke (Stick-and-poke)
A method of tattooing that uses a single needle applied by hand, without a tattoo machine. The needle is dipped in ink and pressed into the skin with controlled hand pressure.
Stippling
Creating texture and shading by placing individual dots rather than continuous strokes. The technique underlying dotwork tattooing.
Shading
The technique of creating tonal gradations in a tattoo, from dark to light, using diluted ink, dot spacing, or hatching techniques.