Traditional Tattoo Style & Approach

Traditional tattooing, often called American traditional or old school, runs on bold black outlines, a limited color palette, and imagery that reads clearly from across the room. Zachary Imovan works squarely within this tradition, building tattoos with solid line weight and saturated color designed to hold up for decades. The style traces back to early 20th century sailors and military personnel, with artists like Sailor Jerry establishing the visual vocabulary that still defines the genre today. What makes traditional work endure is its readability. Thick lines resist fading. Simple compositions age well on skin. Imovan applies these core principles while layering in his own sensibility, particularly through dotwork shading that adds texture and depth without muddying the design. The result sits between classic tattoo flash and something more personal. For clients considering traditional work, the style rewards commitment. These tattoos are meant to be seen. Browse traditional tattoo ideas to see what resonates before reaching out.

Dotwork & Tribal Influences

Dotwork tattooing builds shading, gradients, and patterns from thousands of individual dots rather than solid fills or whip shading. The technique has roots in stippling illustration and has become a major force in contemporary tattooing, especially for geometric and mandala designs. Imovan uses dotwork both as a standalone method and as a textural layer within his traditional and tribal pieces. Tribal tattooing carries deep cultural significance. Polynesian, Māori, and other Indigenous traditions developed bold black patterns over centuries, with each motif tied to lineage, status, and spiritual protection. When artists outside those cultures work in tribal styles, the conversation must include respect and context. Imovan blends tribal aesthetics with dotwork precision, creating patterns that reference traditional forms through his own geometric lens. Clients interested in tribal work should research the cultural origins of their chosen designs and consider consulting artists from those traditions when appropriate. The intersection of dotwork and tribal design creates tattoos that feel both ancient and contemporary, structured yet organic.

Vegan Tattooing Practice

Vegan tattooing removes animal-derived ingredients from both the ink and the application process. Standard tattoo inks can contain glycerin from animal fat, bone char for black pigments, and shellac from beetles for certain reds and browns. Vegan inks replace these with plant-based or synthetic alternatives. Zachary Imovan identifies as a vegan tattoo artist, meaning his practice prioritizes cruelty-free materials from start to finish. This matters for a growing number of clients who avoid animal products across all aspects of their lives, from food to clothing to body modification. The quality of vegan ink has improved significantly in recent years. Modern formulations hold color well and heal comparably to traditional inks. Some clients with sensitive skin report fewer reactions with vegan pigments, though individual results vary. If vegan tattooing matters to you, confirm the specifics with Imovan directly. Ask which ink brands he uses, whether his transfer papers and stencil products are also vegan, and what aftercare he recommends. A fully vegan session extends beyond just the ink.

Asheville's Tattoo Scene

Asheville has grown into one of the Southeast's most active tattoo destinations. The city's mix of Appalachian culture, a thriving arts community, and steady tourism has attracted a diverse range of tattoo talent, from traditional specialists to fine line minimalists. Zachary Imovan operates within this creative ecosystem, contributing his particular blend of traditional, dotwork, and tribal work to a scene that values craftsmanship and individual style. The Asheville tattoo community leans toward walkable downtown studios and independent artists who maintain strong personal brands. Imovan's 94,000-plus Instagram followers suggest his work resonates well beyond western North Carolina, drawing clients who seek him out specifically rather than walking in off the street. For visitors planning a tattoo trip to Asheville, the city offers plenty of visual inspiration beyond the studio. The surrounding mountains, local galleries, and the River Arts District all feed into the aesthetic culture that shapes local tattoo work. Find other tattoo artists in Asheville to compare styles and availability.

Choosing an Artist for Traditional & Tribal Work

Picking the right tattoo artist comes down to three things: style alignment, technical skill, and clear communication. Zachary Imovan's portfolio shows consistent strength in traditional line work, dotwork patterning, and tribal composition. If those aesthetics match your vision, he is worth a serious look. Study his Instagram feed closely. Pay attention to how healed tattoos look, not just fresh ones. Traditional work should maintain crisp lines and solid color saturation months after the session. Dotwork should hold its gradient without blurring into muddy gray. Tribal patterns need clean edges and consistent fills. When you reach out to book, be specific about what you want. Reference images help. So does clarity about size, placement, and whether you are open to the artist's creative interpretation. Imovan operates independently, so booking details, pricing, and scheduling all go through him directly. Contact him through Instagram or his website for current availability. If his books are closed or the timeline does not work for you, the broader Asheville tattoo artist directory can help you find similar talent.