Tattoos have always been an iconic form of self-expression in America, evoking wanderlust and freedom through art. American Traditional Tattoos (Old School tattoos) have long been considered an artistic representation of these themes since their introduction during the 1930s.
Norman Collins, better known by his nickname of Sailor Jerry, introduced American Traditional style tattooing to Honolulu after discovering it while on shore leave from sailor ships visiting Honolulu. His designs and colors revolutionized tattooing worldwide.
Pin-Up Girls
Until World War II, pin-up girls were an extremely fashionable trend, depicting women who were both seductive and innocent. You could find these ladies everywhere, from posters and calendars to calendars and cigarette packs; soldiers found these images comforting as they helped reinforce their heterosexuality and masculinity.
WWII saw pin-up girls become an iconic patriotic symbol and was widely believed to help keep soldiers’ morale up, inspiring them to fight for home and victory. Artists such as Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, and Olivia De Berardinis were famous pin-up painters at this time.
Pin-up girls have changed drastically over the years and represent an iconic vintage aesthetic today. Pin-up models tend to be adorable yet subversive characters who combine sweetness with toughness – an aesthetic still popular today and inspiring brands and movements worldwide.
Diving Girls
Just like pin-up girls, diving girl Tattoos are a celebration of femininity as well as representing female strength and ability. This style can also symbolize female independence. Diving Girl Tattoos are very striking with their thick black lines and vibrant colors, making an eye-catching piece for your body and can serve as an excellent first tattoo choice if you are nervous about pain from needle pricks – these kinds of body art work best on fleshier areas such as forearms or wrists.
These girls are certified divers and actively promote ocean conservation through social media channels and websites their troop leaders oversee. Projects completed include maintaining positive attitudes underwater and learning what Women Divers Hall of Fame members think about ocean preservation.
Sailor Jerry
Norman Keith Collins, better known by his nickname ‘Sailor Jerry,’ was a true pioneer of tattooing. As one of the first artists to utilize single-use needles, sterilize tattoo instruments, and create harmless pigments, Sailor Jerry revolutionized tattooing techniques with American traditional art andse contemporary influences. He established methods for tattoo tracing while becoming known for blending American traditional with Japanese modern influences in his artworks.
After briefly serving in the Navy, Jerry joined the Merchant Marines during World War II to navigate supply ships through Japanese-controlled waters – an experience that shaped much of his nautical-themed artwork. Tattoos depicting pin-up girls, weaponry, bottles of alcohol, and vicious birds were hallmarks of his style. He amassed a vast following that continues today despite not conforming to mainstream norms – an inspiration to us all who chose not to accept conventional ways of life and lived on their terms instead.
Flash Art
Tattoo artists initially created tattoo flash for display and to present to potential clients. Tattooists would then modify or create custom pieces on request from clients. Over time, tattooists began trading and selling flash designs, whichh helped spread styles across a larger community of tattooists.
Flash tattoo designs typically consist of patterns featuring pairs of dice, hearts, flowers, skulls, and arrows. You’re likely to come across such formats at tattoo shops that host frequent walk-ins and newer artists trying to build up their clientele.
Before beginning to color in, make sure the outlines of your flash are crisp and clear so they can be used by tattoo artists as stencils while having these scanned will enable them to offer printable tattoo templates to clients.
