Types of Traditional Tattoos and How to Find Best Tattoo Artist

Traditional tattoos are also known as old school tattoos and as the name suggests, and is one of the oldest forms of tattooing. This American style of tattooing features bold black outlines and is marked by a limited color palette and less detailing, as opposed to the modern style of complex tattooing. Since tattoos were something which was not a common sight in society, these were popularized traditionally by people living far from the mainstream society: the sailors, hobos, and the circus freaks. Since servicemen were the ones who started getting tattoos as a tribute to their military unit and the battles fought during service, such traditional tattoos mostly included the eagles, skulls, roses, nautical, daggers and so on. A former Navy man named Norman Collins was popularly called as Sailor Jerry and was famous for being heavily inked with tattoos and established his own tattoo shop of traditional designs.

Different Traditional Tattoos and Their Meanings

The various designs of traditional tattoos reflect certain traditions that have a meaning attached to them. Some examples of such designs and their meanings are as follows:

Types of Traditional Tattoos and How to Find Best Tattoo Artist

Eagle
Sailor Jerry designed the famous Eagle which is a symbol of his idealized America. Since eagles represent intelligence, honor, and skill, it symbolized the fierce and iconic nature of his country.

Anchor
Since anchors play the job of stabilizing a ship, people get them tattooed along with the name of a person close to them to represent the role of the person in their life to keep them steady and strong.

Military
The tattoo of military is a common sight amongst servicemen who get it done to represent their journey and service towards the country. They try to reflect their intense emotions and experience while in the military through this tattoo design.

Ship
Like military represents the journey of army personnel, a ship is a representation and symbol of sailors. The traditional design of Sailor Jerry represents the call towards adventure and also their resolve to be ‘Homeward Bound’ eventually.

Nautical Star
A design of the nautical star represents the North Star which the sailors follow for navigation and keep themselves on the right course as well as a guide towards home.

Swallow
Swallows are another design inked by sailors owing to the representative symbolism attached to these birds. A sailor who has the bird inked indicated that he has sailed the milestone of 5000 miles. It also represents the idea of return owing to the return of swallows to San Juan Capistrano Second after their migration too other far off areas.

How to Choose Traditional Tattoos Expert

After selecting the type and design of tattoo you want, you must find and choose a traditional tattoos expert who is best in the field and matches your requirements.

You Can Follow These Tips While Selecting One:

Budget
It is important to have a proper budget before looking for traditional tattoos artist. Since getting inked is a crucial decision owing to its permanency, it is recommended to get it done from a reputed artist even if the charges are slightly more than you wished instead of getting unsatisfactory and disappointing results from a cheap parlor.

Expert and Certified
Ensure that the tattoo artist is experienced in his field and is certified to practice. You can do so by asking for his license and any proof of apprenticeship from a well-known tattoo artist.

Sample of Work
Choose a tattoo artist who provides a sample of designs of traditional tattoos as well as an album of work done on previous clients that would ensure the skill of the artist.