Tattoos used to have a stigma attached to them, but it has considerably lessened over the years, thanks partly to people being mindful and not being too judgemental. Because of this, more and more people are getting tattoos themselves. There are many tattoo designs to choose from, but one of the best examples is old-school tattoos.

Old school tattoos, also known as traditional tattoos, are popular because they have a vintage look and feel. Furthermore, they are inked with traditional ink instead of the new-age pigments. This makes the tattoo look more like a hand-drawn masterpiece, making the ink last a little longer.

If you're getting a tattoo and decide on an old-school design, you must be familiar with the essential background and some of the most common designs. Read on below to get started.

History of Old-School Tattoos

It was after the end of World War II that tattoos became prevalent. These are evident in the sailor community because the rise of rockabilly music was happening at the time. This perpetuated the culture of a young and rebellious tattooed man.

Norman Keith Collins was a prominent figurehead of this era, known by his alias "Sailor Jerry." Having been exposed to Southeast Asian art, he opened a tattoo parlor in Honolulu's Chinatown. As time passed, the sailors and soldiers began to notice the art, and they sought out Sailor Jerry and learned the craft. They also developed their style as they became more creative.

The growing popularity of tattooing was due to people's adventurous lifestyles. Some of the famous tattoos from the era include the American flag and skull, which still hold up today.

Old-School Tattoos Today

One of the most popular tattoos is the sailor cross. This tattoo is different from the regular cross, and it also has a nautical theme with anchors, ropes, and stars on it. This tattoo is also known as the anchor dragon, the name derived from the Chinese art of dragon. The sailor dragon is usually done in black ink with red and blue shading or black and blue shading.

Elements of Traditional Tattoos

Traditional tattoos have key elements that distinguish them from other styles. These include:

Minimal Shading

Old school tattoos are done with fewer colors, which are less pigment-laden. This gives the tattoo a softer look, adding to its beauty. Sometimes, the artist may skip shading altogether, especially if the tattoo is only black and red.

Bold Colors

Traditional tattoos are done with bold colors, which immediately create an impression. Depending on the artist, these colors may be bright or flashy, or dull to create an effect.

Heavy Linework

Traditional tattoos have heavy linework, especially those done on darker skin. The linework is often very detailed in old-school tattoos, so they look like they are done by hand.

Common Traditional Designs

As traditional tattoo design is one of the older styles, it has designs rooted in traditional American culture. These include:

Red Rose

A red rose is an old-school tattoo commonly done with a black outline. The rose may be all red or have a black stem. Some people prefer roses with thorns or a rose with a heart on the stem.

Black Rose

The black rose is similar to the red rose. It also has a black outline and color, but it does not have thorns. The rose may have thorns added for effect, but it's an optional detail.

Swallow

The swallow is a symbol of good luck and freedom. It has been used in tattoos since the 20s.

Half-Naked or Pin-Up Girls

The half-naked or pin-up girl is a traditional tattoo often done as a single design. The tattoo is that of a sexy girl with long eyelashes and a red mouth.

Anchor

The anchor is the dragon's counterpart. It is a symbol of security and stability, but it has a nautical theme. It’s commonly done on the upper arm.

Nautical Star

The nautical star is a symbol of a sailor's journey. This design is done single or in pairs, and it's commonly done on the wrist.

Conclusion

The traditional tattoo has never lost its charm, and it's still trendy in tattoo designs. Whether you're getting one or just a tattoo fan, knowing the basic elements of traditional tattoos and the common designs is essential to understand your options better.

If you’re looking for the best tattoo parlor in Denver, Certified Tattoo is the place for you! Our veteran tattoo artists can create different tattoos based on different art styles, and we also offer retouching services for affordable prices. Reach out today to book an appointment!