American Traditional is a tattoo style that has been around for over a century. It is a style that is easily recognizable due to its bold and iconic designs. The style has its roots in the early days of tattooing in America and has evolved over the years to become a popular style among tattoo enthusiasts.
The American Traditional aesthetic is distinguished by its utilization of thick, black borders and vibrant, saturated hues. The motifs tend to be straightforward and symbolic, showcasing emblems like anchors, eagles, roses, and skulls. This style is commonly linked with sailors and the armed forces, as it gained popularity among tattooists working in proximity to naval ports and military bases
Today, American Traditional is one of the most popular tattoo styles in the world. It is a style that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular among tattoo enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you are looking to get your first tattoo or add to your collection, American Traditional is a timeless style that is sure to make a statement.
History of American Traditional Tattooing
Origins
American Traditional tattooing, also known as Old School tattooing, is a style of tattoo art that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The style features bold, simple designs with heavy black outlines, bright colors, and a limited color palette. The origins of American Traditional tattooing can be traced back to the late 19th century, when tattoos were primarily associated with sailors, soldiers, and other members of the working class.
According to tattoo historian Carmen Nyssen, the first recorded tattoo artist in America was Martin Hildebrandt, who opened a tattoo shop in New York City in 1846. However, it wasn't until the early 1900s that tattoos began to gain popularity among the general public.
(Norman Collins, aka Sailor Jerry, tattooing a client)
Development
One of the key figures in the development of American Traditional tattooing was Norman Collins, better known as Sailor Jerry. Collins was a Navy veteran who opened a tattoo shop in Honolulu in the 1930s. He is credited with popularizing many of the iconic designs that are associated with American Traditional tattooing, such as anchors, eagles, and pin-up girls.
During this time, tattoos were still primarily associated with sailors and other members of the military. However, as more and more people began to get tattoos, American Traditional tattooing began to evolve and develop its own distinct style.
Ed Hardy, another important figure in American traditional tattooing, began his career as a traditional tattoo artist in the 1960s and later went on to become a fashion designer. He is credited with introducing Japanese tattooing styles to the West and his designs often featured intricate patterns and motifs.
Evolution
Over the years, American traditional tattoos continued to evolve and develop. In the 1920s and 1930s, the style became associated with circus performers and sideshow attractions, and many tattoo artists began to incorporate images of animals, clowns, and other carnival motifs into their designs.
In the 1960s and 70s, American Traditional tattooing began to decline in popularity as new styles, such as black and grey realism and Japanese-style tattooing, emerged. However, the style experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks in part to the popularity of tattoo reality shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink.
American traditional tattooing has had a significant influence on various artistic movements.
Neo-traditional tattooing is an evolution of American traditional tattooing that incorporates more complex designs and a wider range of colors. It maintains the bold, black lines and solid colors of traditional tattooing but often features more realistic depictions of objects and
animals. Lowbrow art, also known as pop surrealism, is an art movement that draws inspiration from popular culture, including tattooing. Lowbrow artists often use bold colors and intricate designs, similar to those found in American traditional tattoos, to create works that are both humorous and thought-provoking.
Today, American Traditional tattooing remains a popular style of tattoo art, with many artists putting their own unique spin on the classic designs. While the style has evolved over the years, it still retains many of the key elements that make it instantly recognizable, such as bold lines, bright colors, and iconic designs.
Characteristics of American Traditional Tattoos
Design Elements
American Traditional tattoos are easily recognizable and they often feature classic tattoo motifs such as anchors, skulls, hearts, eagles, and pin-up girls. The designs are typically two-dimensional and meant to look like a drawing.
One of the defining characteristics of American Traditional tattoos is the use of heavy outlines to create a clear and defined shape. This technique helps the tattoo hold up over time and prevents the colors from bleeding into each other.
Another design element commonly found in American Traditional tattoos is the use of negative space. Negative space is the area around the design that is left blank, allowing the design to stand out more prominently.
Color Palette
The color palette of American Traditional tattoos is limited to a few bright, bold colors. The most commonly used colors are red, yellow, green, and blue, with black being the primary color. The colors are highly saturated, which means that they are intense and vibrant. This helps the tattoos to stand out and makes them easy to read from a distance.
Many American Traditional tattoos also use shading to create depth and dimension. The shading is typically done in black or gray, and it is used to create contrast and texture. The shading can be used to create the illusion of light and shadow, which makes the tattoos look more realistic.
Symbolism
American Traditional tattoos often feature traditional tattoo symbolism, such as anchors, which represent stability and strength, or eagles, which represent freedom and courage. Other common motifs include roses, which symbolize love and beauty, and daggers, which represent strength and protection, or patriotic imagery, such as the American flag or bald eagles, reflecting the style's roots in American culture.
Popularity and Influence of American Traditional
Fashion and Merchandise
American Traditional tattoo style has also made its way into the world of fashion and merchandise. Many clothing brands, such as Vans and Levi's, have incorporated the style into their designs. The iconic images and bold colors of American Traditional tattoos are often used in t-shirt designs, hats, and other merchandise. The popularity of American Traditional tattoos has also led to an increase in demand for tattoo-inspired clothing and accessories.
Community and Tradition
American Traditional tattoo style has a strong community and tradition behind it. The style has been passed down from generation to generation and has become a symbol of American tattoo culture. Many tattoo shops and artists specialize in American Traditional tattoos and are dedicated to preserving the tradition and style. The community of American Traditional tattoo enthusiasts is also strong, with conventions and events held around the world celebrating the style. Overall, the popularity and influence of American Traditional tattoo style can be seen in many aspects of popular culture. From fashion to tattooing, the style has made a lasting impact and continues to be a beloved and iconic style of tattooing.