These terrifying but undeniably awesome creatures of the deep have struck terror and fascination in the hearts and imaginations of the seafaring and landlubbing alike since time immemorable. Sharks are the ultimate symbol of our worst fears, of depths as black as midnight, and the coldness of the predators that await us. Sharks are creatures of force and dominance, a...
Old school swallow tattoos done in a traditional style have long been an incredibly popular choice for sailors and tattoo enthusiasts alike. For better or worse, gone are the days where one had to earn their nautical tattoos at sea. Back in the day, a sailor had to cross 5000 miles of ocean to earn a swallow tattoo. Wearing tattoos...
Traditions last for a reason. Traditional tattoos connect us to a lost past while maintaining a vibrant presence in an ever-changing art form. Before every intern with a nose ring had a lotus delicately inked on her back, tattoos were the province of those on the edges: sailors, soldiers, and outlaws. The clean lines and bold colors of old-school tattoos...
Some people are very specific in their tastes. So much so, they want their favorite brand or product with them forever. Luckily, there are tattoos for that! Jack Daniel’s whiskey is one such brand that people have an affinity for immortalizing in ink. When ink enthusiasts think traditional, they think bold, black outlines, a vibrant but restrained color palette, and...
There is nothing more enchanting or mysterious than the noble creatures who inhabit the sea, particularly the octopus. These enthralling animals have deep cultural and personal significance, which when added to their cool appearance, make them very popular ink choices. The captivating mysteries of the sea have fascinated people for millennia, just as have the untold depths people carry within...
A highly underappreciated tattoo, the lighthouse has been a long time favorite among fishermen, sailors, and people that reside near the ocean; though not very popular amongst other members of the tattoo community. This classic design deserves much more credit than it receives. The lighthouse can be manipulated into a multitude of different sizes, shapes, and colors; giving the design...
Snakes are often viewed through a mixed lens thanks to the role they play in many religious texts, particularly the Christian creation story. However, these elegant creatures have existed long before an author put the story of Adam and Eve to paper. In fact, their reputation was once held above many other creatures. Snakes are well-known for their ability to...
The skull is one of the most basic symbols that humans are hardwired to recognize. Humans can see faces in even small patterns of similar design, like simple shapes in nature. The human skull is a shape that not only connects instantly to human recognition, but it exemplifies death and peace all at once. The skull is often thought of...
The ship is a highly popular tattoo amongst both younger and older crowds these days. Although, in the old days, any form of a nautical tattoo was associated with fishermen or those serving on a ship in the navy. Today, the ship is traditionally worn by men, though it is certainly not considered a mainstream design any longer. Many ship...
The rose flower has long been a popular tattoo design for both men and women, ever since the 1930s. Most tend to believe the rose, a beautiful, bright flower, symbolizes beauty or is a representation of love. Sailors often received the rose tattoo to honor their loved ones, including a girlfriend they had to leave behind while on a trip...
