Ever see a tattoo that just feels like a classic? Chances are, you’re admiring an American Traditional tattoo.

With its bold lines, vibrant (but often limited) colours, and iconic imagery, this style has a powerful history and a look that’s instantly recognizable and undeniably cool!

Let’s take a walk through the shop and through the good old days of this style.

Maud Wagner and Lyle Tuttle’s portraits, among others, hang in the hall – stories for another day – and nervous laughter travels toward us as we head to the back of the studio.

The hum of tattoo machines, not guns, my friend, never guns, fills the air like songbirds singing their morning tune.

There are tattoo artists setting up their stations, clients deciding on placement, and a couple of friends hanging out for moral support, Oh My! It is buzzing in here today!

Come, have a seat on the couch with me and let’s chat about some American Traditional tattoos!

A Quick Dip into History: The Roots of Old School American Traditional Tattoos

The Old School American Traditional tattoo style has a fascinating history, deeply intertwined with American sailors and soldiers in the early to mid-20th century.

Pioneers like Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, Bert Grimm, and Don Ed Hardy (in his early days) were instrumental in defining and popularizing this look.

Let’s zoom in on of the popular greats that you have probably heard of!

A wayward man, Sailor Jerry train hopped while learning to tattoo. He eventually landed in Chicago and met Gib “Tatts” Thomas who showed him how to use a tattoo machine, say it with me now, friends, machine not gun, before joining the navy.

The love he had for ships is evident in his designs; you can never take the sail out of the sailor.

Once retired from the Navy, he settled down in Hawaii, making even more of a name for himself tattooing sailors and the likes on Honolulu’s Hotel Street.

Enthralled by Japanese tattooing culture, Sailor Jerry was able to further hone his craft from Japanese masters called Horis.

A blend of west meets east created the signature Sailor Jerry style tattoos and paved the way for the classic yet timeless style that is American Traditional.

What Exactly IS an American Traditional Tattoo? A Recipe That is Tried and True

American traditional tattoos have a distinct essence to them that is unmatched and unmistakable. Three simple ingredients to make one of the greatest tattoo styles of all time.

But how do these elements make American traditional stand out so much? We’re glad you asked!

We happen to have the recipe 🙂

• 1 Cup of Bold Linework – Bold, black lines help the tattoo hold it’s original shape and keeps it looking striking long after it’s healed. Bold will hold is a saying for a reason!

• 3 Tablespoons of Contrasting Colours – Artists were working with a limited colour palette back then, and although we have endless choices today, American traditional has stayed its course. Yellow, red, green and sometimes blue are used to create eye-catching works of art.

• A Dash of Iconic Imagery – The imagery of American traditional tattoos is deeply rooted in war-time sailor culture but also greatly influenced by Japanese culture. These highly stylized designs include – but aren’t limited to – pin-up girls, eagles, dragons, daggers, roses, nautical stars, ships, snakes, and swallows. Did we mention that there are a lot of designs with daggers going through something?

Though simple, this combination became highly effective and popular. These days, it’s being both preserved and re-imagined by artists around the world.

Each one has made this recipe their own, and it’s quite enjoyable to try them all!

Sadly, though, while we can eat unlimited cookies, we only have so much skin to spare. But that’s a problem for another day!

Why We Still Adore American Traditional Tattoos Today <3

Decades later, the American Traditional tattoo style is as popular as ever, and for good reason!

• Timelessness: These designs have truly stood the test of time. What looked good in the 1940s still looks fantastic today.

• Readability: They heal well and age gracefully. The strong outlines, simple design, and solid colours ensure the tattoo remains clear and striking over the years.

• Versatility: While the motifs are classic, artists today continue to innovate within the style, offering fresh takes on beloved designs.

• Personal Expression: The symbolic nature allows for a lot of personal meaning, even with common imagery.

Inspiring American Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Well, now you probably want one of these classics! Looking for some American Traditional tattoo ideas? The well of inspiration is deep! Here are some perennial favorites and what they often symbolize:

• Eagles: Freedom, strength, patriotism.

• Anchors: Stability, hope, a safe return (popular with sailors).

• Swallows: Representing travel and the return home (sailors traditionally got one after traveling 5,000 nautical miles, and another at 10,000).

• Roses: Love, beauty, passion. Often seen with daggers to represent the duality of life.

• Daggers/Knives: Bravery, protection, sacrifice, or sometimes betrayal (often piercing a heart or skull).

• Daggers/Knives: Bravery, protection, sacrifice, or sometimes betrayal (often piercing a heart or skull).

• Hearts: Love, devotion, often with banners for names.

• Skulls: A memento mori (a reminder of mortality), or sometimes symbolizing overcoming a great challenge.

• Snakes & Panthers: Often representing power, agility, and primal instinct. Panthers are frequently done in a crawling or striking pose.

• Pin-Up Girls: A tribute to femininity, beauty, and sometimes a reminder of loved ones back home.

• Ships: Adventure, new beginnings, and navigating life’s challenges.

Getting Your Own Trad Tattoo

If you’re captivated by the American Traditional tattoo style, the most important step is finding an artist who specializes in it. Look at their portfolios, see if their interpretation of the style resonates with you, and have a good chat/consultation about your ideas.

Whether you prefer the original or the upgraded traditional tattoo, you have no shortage of options for artists, including several at our shop. And because the right tattoo for you is more important to us than getting another client, we’ll help match you with the right artist – even if they’re not at our shop.

We’re always here if you have questions 🙂

Ink ya later!

P.S. If you’re reading this in July, you’re just in time to jump in on the vintage tattoo month promotion! Flash and custom ideas both qualify – see details in our app (Mama Tried in the app store) or on our socials (@mamatried.tattoosmith)!