The old school style is often called the American traditional or the Western traditional. Old school tattoo designs usually have limited color palettes and bold black outlines. Common motifs are inspired by sailor tattoos, and many of the flash designs that you see today fall into the old school category. Read on to learn more about this tattoo style and see what you can do with one for yourself. After reading this article, you’ll be well on your way to having the old school tattoo you’ve always dreamed of.
Sailor Jerry’s tattoo style
Sailor Jerry is an American tattoo artist located in Hawaii. His work has been controlled by a few collectors, and most people have only seen it in self-published books or museum exhibitions. This book showcases a collection of his tattoo stencils, which span from the early 1940s to the early 1970s. The images displayed here range from nautical motifs to pin-ups, bluebirds, hearts, banners, and military cartoons.
Anchor tattoos
An anchor is a symbol of stability. Many people wear it as a tattoo to symbolize their steadfastness, even in difficult situations. They may even choose to have their name, parents’ or grandparents’ names on it. Old school anchor tattoos can be as elaborate as you want, and the symbol can be interpreted in many different ways. This tattoo is also great for people who are connected to the sea and would like to express their affinity.
Palm tree tattoos
A palm tree tattoo is a classic design that looks good on both men and women. A simple outline of a palm tree is a great choice for the forearm because it can easily be hidden under clothing. More detailed designs can be found in the form of abstract, colorful, and geometric palm tree tattoos. The palm tree can be in any shape or size, and the details of the design may include a cluster of yellow flowers or fruit hanging from branches.
Bee tattoos
There are a lot of variations on bee tattoo designs. One of the most delicate of all is a small bee tattoo. The artist carefully outlines the tiny sheddings and defines the fine lines of this design. This type of tattoo is an excellent choice for the corporate world, since it is easily hidden. Alternatively, a bumblebee tattoo is a very cute choice for anyone who isn’t looking to make a bold statement.
Skull tattoos
While skull tattoos are purely masculine, there are many ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe. For example, you can choose a romantic skull tattoo, adorned with a loving couple’s initials, or opt for an unusual design. If you’re an art lover, you could choose to have an adult coloring book image instead of a skull. You can also add more color later if you feel the need.
Big cat tattoos
Big cats are beautiful, powerful creatures with a long history of being tattooed. While the tiger and lion are the most common big cat tattoos, the leopard is another popular design that is less common but just as awesome. A leopard tattoo is a great way to express your affinity for the beautiful and powerful big cats in nature. It can be a great way to express your strength and sensuality! And the best part? You can get one without the help of a professional tattoo artist.
Flower tattoos
A lot of tattoos with flowers are traditional designs from the Old School. They are simple, yet powerful. Flower tattoos can be a symbol of love, life, or innocence. A tattoo with flowers can add to this sentiment by taming the wildness of the flowers. Some people also opt for flower tattoos with a skeleton hand to symbolize the impermanence of love and life. No matter what your preferences are, you can find a tattoo that represents the things you care about most.
Bear tattoos
Old school bear tattoos are an excellent choice for those looking for a timeless, traditional design. A bear tattoo can be used as a symbol of strength, hope, and power. Despite its name, a bear is a very dangerous animal if it perceives a threat. A girl in a bear tattoo design adds a twist to this traditional style. There are countless variations of bear tattoos, and you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your own personality and style.