With the start of a new year, we take a look back and reflect on our work from the previous year. In 2015, Black Line Studio was lucky enough to have our artists really flex their creative muscles.

Stroll down memory lane with us as we reminisce about some our 2015 favourites:

Art by: Wil Bridgeforth

Sugar skull designs find their origins in Mexican culture. The original skull design is a reference to Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, but in modern times the sugar skull aesthetic has permeated other aspects of art and culture. In tattoo culture in particular, sugar skulls come in all shapes, themes, sizes and colors. While some enjoy these designs simply for their unique appearance, others use sugar skulls as a way to commemorate friends and family who have passed on. Smaller skulls are used to commemorate children, while larger skulls are typically dedicated to adults.

Art by: Inshaan Ali

Without a doubt, one common centre-piece of 2015 was the Mandala. A spiritual symbol found in religious practices originating in India, the Mandala represents the universe and establishing a connection to cosmic forces. The circular shape of the geometric pattern is indicative of the infinite nature of the life cycle.

Art by: Lorena Lorenzo

This gorgeous hibiscus by Lorena is an excellent example of how Black Line Studios kicked off the summer. Vibrant colors and intricate shading make these pieces a welcome challenge. Cultures all over the world have their own take on what the hibiscus means, but when it comes to tattoos, this flower is thought to be the beacon of femininity and beauty.

Art by: Tito Santizo

At the end of the day, tattooing draws from all art forms. Watercolors in particular, represent a new way for tattoo artists to incorporate art styles that are more commonly found on the canvas into pieces that are destined for the skin. The body is a type of canvas after all. This wonderful technique is a fresh way to add splashes of color and whimsy to a tattoo.

Art by: Bill Reed

One tireless and constant trend in tattoo culture is animals – specifically portraits. Animal pieces can represent themes ranging from unity to freedom to loyalty, while portraits pay tribute to that special friend one may have lost.

Art by: Bill Reed

In this piece, Bill had the chance to explore the themes commonly tied to owls. Creatures of flight are often representative of freedom and taking on new challenges. Owls depicted carrying keys with their beaks or with their claws are symbolic of learning new things and acquiring knowledge.

...stay tuned for our top trends for 2016!