American Traditional Tattoos
The American traditional tattoo style or “old school” has a deep and rich history. Emerging in the early 20th century, this style quickly became closely associated with sailors, soldiers and adventurers. It is strongly inspired by the tattoos of various motifs seen in circuses and sideshows.
One of the key figures in its popularisation is Norman Collins, best known as Sailor Jerry. His work in the middle of the 20th century set an incredibly high standard for bold line weight and bright colours that became symbolic of the look of traditional tattoos. Sailor Jerry is often dubbed the father of American Traditional tattooing. Work by Sailor Jerry and other renowned artists like Lyle Tuttle and Ed Hardy came together to elevate the traditional style and established the foundation for Western tattoo art.
Features of Traditional style
Bold black outlines: Bold, thick black lines are one of the most iconic features of traditional tattoos. This execution helps the design to stand out further and really guarantees long-lasting quality, as the bold lines keep the tattoo legible - even with age.
Simple, Limited colour: The colour palette used in traditional tattoos is simple and often limited, usually red, green, yellow and blue. The tattoos are composed of solid, bright colours that make the design really pop on the skin!
Classic imagery: There are many classic, iconic images in traditional tattoos, such as anchors, swallows, roses, daggers and nautical stars. Each of these carries its own symbolic meaning: for e.g. swallows are often associated with safe returns home, while anchors symbolise stability.
Cultural impact and popularity: The traditional style has seen a great resurgence of popularity during the last years, perhaps in part because it has inspired people to consider aesthetic and the history behind this form in a new light. This resurgence is seen in many artists upholding traditional methods and motifs of school, adding a modern twist whilst paying homage to the original creators.
Traditional tattoos are not just a mere style but rich in history. With clean, strong line work, solid colouring and purposeful imagery, traditional tattoos remain captivating and hold meaning with numerous generations. Whether you are heavily tattooed or considering getting a tattoo, there is something to be said about the timeless nature of traditional tattoos.
