Old School Tattoo History and Motifs

What are Old School Tattoos?

Old School tattoos contain particular elements – which when missed often places the tattoo in a different category. The designs are simple and two dimensional. Their lines are black and bold and are heavily saturated with primary colors – red, yellow and blue. There is often little to no shading within the design and if the design consists of lettering, it must be clean, straight up and down, and have serifs. The tattoos are intended to look like drawings. Though the designs are often simple, they are difficult to pull off because of the strict rules old school style tattoos follow. This style of tattoo holds up well over time, and often holds significant meanings and motifs.

How did Old School Tattooing Begin?

Old School Tattoos, also referred to as American Traditional or Western Traditional, is the foundation of tattoos in the western world. Though tattoos were found across North America before Old School’s height, tattoos reached its heyday when World War II began. Primarily the marks of sailors, Old School tattoos were pioneered by Norman Collins. Often referred to as Sailor Jerry, his shop was located close to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. WW2 brought thousands of sailors to the island, and they began frequenting Sailor Jerry’s shop. From here, the artform really began to take off across the western world.

Old School Tattoo Meanings and Motifs

American Traditional tattoos usually carried significant meanings and motifs for the sailors who had them. Below are some of the most prominent design choices of the time, and the meanings behind them.

Swallows

Swallows were one of the most common tattoo designs among sailors – and they had various meanings and motifs. The barn swallow travels far and wide and always returns to it’s home. Sailors used the swallow as symbolism of their safe return home. At the beginning of a sailor’s journey, he would get a swallow tattoo. Upon their safe return, the sailor would add a second swallow. This showed a safe return.
In addition, swallows tattooed on sailors represented one had travelled over 5000 nautical miles. Placement of the swallow also provided different context as well. If there is swallow a on the back of one’s hand, it often represented his ability as a fist fighter. Two swallows on the chest were a safeguard for the sailor’s soul, believing these swallows would carry their soul safely to heaven.

Anchors

Anchors represented stability – grounding the vessel, a secure object among the sea. Often sailors used these anchors as reminders of their strength within the storm, and to be strong through unpredictable challenges in their lives. It is not uncommon to find names underneath the anchors, representing a secure relationship and reminder of loved ones while away at sea. There is also evidence that anchors represented sailors who’d crossed the Atlantic Sea, like a badge of honor.

Eagles

Eagles are another design pioneered by Sailor Jerry. He believed they represented the idealization of America. Often depicted with the American flag, tattoos of eagles represented courage and to never back down to anyone. They represent intelligence, values honor, and are fierce and iconic. In addition, it contains motifs of masculinity, power, dominance and strength.

Ships

Ships were common themes amongst sailors, because they are metaphors for moving through life. Life is full of danger and adventures, and therefore the ship is a reminder to navigate through with grace and courage. They represent independence, courage, honor and strength. Ships were also seen as good luck charms among the crews which provided safe return home.

Dragons

Sailor Jerry who was the first westerner to learn from Chinese and Japanese tattoo artists. Therefore, he led the charge of dragon tattoos in the West. For sailors, the dragon represented their time served in Asia. A golden dragon represented one’s navigation beyond the International Date Line – the imaginary line which defines the boundary between one day and the next.

There are many more themes and motifs to the Old School tattoo style. It is clear, nearly 100 years later, this form of art shows no signs of slowing in popularity. The style looks good on any skin tone because of its bold outlines, heavy saturation of primary colors, and minimal shading. These attributes also allow for the tattoo hold up well over time, with minimal fading and blow outs. Though they appear simple, it takes a talented artist to pull of all the rules of old school tattooing.

Sources:

American Traditional Tattoos: History, Meanings, Artists & Designs (tattmag.com)

American Traditional Tattoo Guide (With 100+ Inspiration Tattoos) – Tattoo Stylist

The International Date Line (timeanddate.com)

150 Old School Tattoo Ideas (Ultimate Guide, October 2022) (thestyleup.com)

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