These days hand tattoos, which were a no no for much of the old school world of tattoo, deploy stunningly vibrant variations of traditional tattoo work. The American traditional tattoo originated with the work of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, who took to tattooing after mustering out of the Navy. He eventually settled in Honolulu, Hawaii, which gave him access to...
Neck tattoos are truly unique, as they cannot be concealed even with clothes on. Whether this is a deterrent or attraction, there's no denying the eye-catching allure of a neck tattoo. Traditional neck tattoos have been worn by warriors, tribesmen, and sailors for centuries, each carrying their own meaning and correlation. For some the markings were intended to protect and...
Moving both alone and in packs, the wolf represents the journey we must all take to meet our true selves. For this reason, the wolf is a popular subject in traditional tattoo art. The wolf’s natural beauty and striking features are ideal for adapting into tattoo designs. The wild wolf is a very powerful symbol and often shown to be...
"So shines a good deed in a naughty world," penned Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, and the lantern has long held a synonymous correlation. The lantern is a provider of light, leading the way onward and pushing back against the darkness. One lantern held by a single person can light the way for many, and it is for this...
There's no denying the foreboding first impression of a scorpion. But beneath the almost alien-like exterior lies a complex beauty and nervy resilience worth exploring. Commonly associated with the astrological sign of Scorpio, the creature has long represented darkness, passion, solitude, treachery, and dangerous but irresistible passion. Until it finds a mate the scorpion lives in relative darkness and isolation,...
Feminine, beautiful and fragrant, flower tattoos have long been the purview of the fairer sex. Yet men are now opening up their hearts and minds to the idea of adorning their own bodies with traditional flower tattoos. Men who are drawn to the idea of flower tattoos embody a variety of characteristics. For example, the classic lotus tattoo. Men who...
It is often said that those who seek luck are afraid to take their destinies into their own hands. But who doesn't hope for a little luck once in a while? Our ancestors believed that the shape of a horseshoe could drive away evil spirits, as well as bring good fortune and fertility. Mimicking the crescent moon, horseshoes could protect...
With every minute we gain, we lose another. Time is the one thing that nobody has control over and everyone would like more of. Nothing represents that more than the traditional hourglass shape, a slow dripping reminder that nothing lasts forever. Do you chase the highs in life? Then you are possibly running from your own mortality. Or maybe you...
No matter whether you depict him in color or black and white, there is no doubt that Jesus is one of the most influential figures in history. He has shaped millions of lives, performed miracles, and inspired people to be the very best, and at times, worst, versions of themselves. Depending on your personal style, there are various ways to...
There are many reasons to choose a traditional bird tattoo--as many as there are designs to choose from, in fact. For the Audobon devotee, a realistic black-and-white ink rendering or bold avian illustration is a timelessly elegant and on-trend way to express one's love of nature, scientific study, and the fragile resiliency of creatures. The swallow, and to a lesser...
