Old-school Tattoos require the expertise of experienced artists for their execution. One mistake can ruin a beautiful design.
Popularity and Origins
Old-school Tattoos were initially associated with soldiers and extreme nationalism. However, they have gained worldwide popularity over time.
Chris Fernandez
Chris Fernandez, a squash student at Saint Lawrence University, combines creativity and business savvy to create distinctive tattoo art with thick lines and bright colors. His works bring back memories of a bygone era while reflecting current realities.
Early Days of Tattooing
During the ’70s, tattooing was illegal and dangerous. Tattoo artists began practicing young, using safety pins and pen ink on siblings as practice subjects.
Tattoo Art in New York City
New York City was a hub for tattoo art, with artists working in diverse venues and styles. Artists like Coney Island Freddie, Brooklyn Blackie, and those at Wagner’s shop took unique approaches to tattooing, creating rare and mysterious art pieces.
Steve Boltz
Steve Boltz, a renowned tattoo artist at Smith Street Tattoo, specializes in traditional and Japanese styles. His large-scale, illustrated designs stand out with vibrant colors.
Charlie Wagner
Charlie Wagner, a pioneer of American traditional tattooing, popularized the art form by taking over Sam O’Reilly’s Bowery shop. He covered sailors’ old flames with Tattoos and spread this art form across ships.
Gus Wagner
A legendary tattooist, Gus Wagner, used a signature stick-and-poke technique to create unique designs. He traveled the world, working on ships and in various cities, and is famous for his classic piece featuring Annie Oakley on horseback.
Virginia Elwood
Virginia Elwood, a Brooklyn tattooer since 2001, specializes in bold, colorful work and black and grey portraits. Her style draws inspiration from traditional Americana, propaganda posters, textiles, and folk art. She blurs the line between old-school and neo-traditional fashion.
Jerry Hardy
Like Sailor Jerry, Jerry Hardy had a rebellious spirit and passion for Far Eastern culture. He transformed tattooing in the 1960s by combining traditional Japanese designs with American sensibilities.
Old school Tattoos became popular in America among sailors and soldiers expressing their visual stories. These artists and their unique styles have left a lasting impact on the tattooing world.
