Pin-Up Tattoosĭue to their inextricable connection with adventure on the high seas, many American Traditional tattoo designs have a nautical theme. Understanding the rich symbolism behind American traditional tattoos adds depth and significance to your body art. Here, we delve into some common themes and meanings associated with the elements of this iconic tattoo style. The significance of American traditional tattoos is intrinsically tied to the specific design chosen. While these tattoos traditionally hold specific meanings, individuals frequently use them to express their unique stories and experiences. When exploring the world of American traditional tattoos, it’s crucial to recognize that the meaning of these tattoos is often deeply personal, and it can vary among individuals. Main Themes & Meanings in Old School Tattoos

It is a fun way to promote a tattoo shop, get to know a community, or sometimes raise money for charity. Some modern artists will create their own flash panels for special events.Īt these events, people can get inexpensive tattoos if they are willing to have the same design as someone else. Once tattooing grew beyond those first shops, different styles began to emerge.Īs this happened, it was necessary to have terms like “Old School” and “flash.”

What’s more, you likely only paid $3 for the whole experience. You would walk into a tattoo shop, pick a design, and then go on your merry way with a new piece of ink. They tie you to the history of tattoos in America.įor the longest time, standard Old School flash art didn’t have a name. Modern tattoos are more about customization, and to copy a special piece is a big no-no in the world of tattoos.įlash art is cool because you can reach back in time and get the very same tattoo as one of your relatives. When a tattoo artist talks about “flash” designs, they’re referring to a wall of available artwork. It was during this time that the symbols in American Traditional tattoos were popularized and refined. Visually, each tattoo artist will put their own stamp on an American Traditional piece.īut there are some important guidelines to follow. Black & Grey American Traditional TattoosĪmerican traditional tattoo style, also called Old School, is the easiest tattoo style to identify.What Should I Look For in an Old School Tattoo Artist?.American Traditional Zoomorphic Tattoos.Main Themes & Meanings in Old School Tattoos.Traditional Flash for Old School Tattoos.The History of American Traditional Tattoos.Gypsy girls are a classic style and are perfectly suited for this, original tattoo style. These females, usually scantily clad and rosy cheeked, often take on variety of characteristics from different cultures. One of the most popular of these elements is the “pin-up girl”. Originally inspired by sailors and their nautical wanderings, these tattoos had a limited number of elements to draw from. Typified by bold lines, a specific and limited color palette and simplified and stylized renditions of a number of themes, these tattoos have an old-school sensibility.

Black and Gray Gypsy Tattoosįor some people there is no style or trend that can replace the original, and in the world of Western tattoos, the original is known as American traditional. Because of these characteristics-some real, some constructed -the Roma and their rambling lifestyle have become power ful symbols in art and culture, and the world of tattoos is no exception. Thanks to t he mysterious and exotic associations that many people have with the Roma they have become symbolic of a carefree existence, going wherever the wind may take them and having a freedom that many can only aspire to. These people have also faced persecution and prejudice for centuries due to their outsider status and migratory tendencies. The Roma have a distinct culture that draws from their origins on the sub-continent as well as their stops along the way in Russia and Eastern Europe leading to an artistic sensibility, family structure and music al style that is an interesting mixture of East and West. The Romani or Roma people are a distinct ethnic group that migrated from India sometime in the 6 th century, making their way to Central, Eastern and Southern Europe, and eventually the Americas. While there are enough myths and stories about this unique travelling culture, it ha s its roots in reality. Traditionally known for their musical talent, wayfaring lifestyle and often unscrupulous nature these romanticized vagabonds have been the subject of intrigue and ridicule around the world. For centuries we have been telling stories about the exotic and mysterious people known as gypsies (although this term is considered pejorative these days).

Wanderer tattoo