A Short History of Traditional Tattoos in America

Traditional American tattoos are those that use certain colors, subject matter, and iconography. Shops will usually have an old-school vibe and the artists will usually specialize in traditional tattooing.

In this article, we will explore the history of traditional tattoos in America and find out why traditional tattoo shop owners continue to use these tried-and-true techniques.

The Beginnings of Traditional Tattooing in America

Traditional tattooing in America has its roots in the early 1800s when sailors would return from their voyages with stories of the "tattooed men" they had seen in Polynesia, Japan, and Indonesia. These stories piqued the interest of many Americans, who then began to get their own tattoos. However, the early tattoo shops in America were nothing like the shop you would visit today.

They were more akin to sideshows, where people would pay to see curiosity acts like the "bearded woman" or the "tattooed man."

It wasn't until the late 1800s that tattooing began to be seen as an art form, thanks in large part to Martin Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt was a German immigrant who opened up a tattoo shop on Lower Broadway in New York City.

He was one of the first tattoo artists to use sterile needles and freshly mixed ink, which helped improve both the quality and safety of tattoos. He was also one of the first artists to begin customizing tattoos for his clients, which helped further legitimize tattooing as an art form.

Why Traditional Tattoos Continue to be Popular

Despite the rise of new tattoo trends like watercolor and minimalist designs, the simple American traditional tattoo continues to be popular for a number of reasons. First and foremost, traditional tattoos age gracefully. The bold lines and bright colors will hold up over time better than more delicate designs.

Additionally, traditional tattoos are viewed as being more masculine than other styles, which can be appealing to some men. And finally, many people simply appreciate the Art Deco aesthetic of traditional tattoos.

Wrap Up!

If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, you should definitely consider going traditional. Traditional American tattoos are timeless and will never go out of style. Plus, they are significantly more likely to age gracefully than other types of tattoos.

So what are you waiting for? Go find a reputable traditional tattoo artist near you and get inked!