5 Characteristics of an American Traditional Tattoo
5 Characteristics of an American Traditional Tattoo
A unique art style in itself, the American traditional tattoo has long held its own in parlors across the country. Here are the 5 most common characteristics.
Are you stuck choosing a tattoo?
Then consider the American traditional category. These tattoos have a visible presence in the world of ink, marked by specific themes and styles. Striking and meaningful, this type of tattoo might be the best for you.
You might not be fully aware of everything this genre of tats has to offer. Even if you know about the traditional USA style, it’s worth reading a brief refresher.
In a world with hundreds of potential tattoo designs, it’s important to know how to distinguish between the different choices. Here’s what you should know about American traditional.
1. Intense Themes
These tattoos are not for the faint-hearted. The images take an emotion or thought and push it to the maximum.
Check out this example of a tattoo. When you see it, you can’t help but immediately recognize it: it’s a skull. What that skull means to you could change depending on your interpretation.
But the point is that anything is on the table when you get a tattoo in this style: death, love, anger. They don’t always pay attention to the politeness of a situation.
That doesn’t mean you can’t show happiness with these tattoos, or that you have to be dark. In fact, more explicitly happiness is often encouraged. The difference between these and skin ink images of a more abstract, flowery persuasion is their recognizability.
They’re meant to look like something that the viewer will immediately recognize. The point is to reflect a reality in your life or in the world around you.
2. Realism
Given how crystal clear the messages behind these tattoos can be, it makes sense that the genre tends to stick to a realist theme.
One way to think about this point is to contrast other styles of tattoos. Think about this tattoo–what does it show? It’s not unrecognizable, but pizza with alien heads in it is a pretty unique idea, at least on this planet.
An American traditional tattoo usually sticks to images that are more reflective of real things. That’s why flowers, snakes, and faces usually appear in a non-abstract way. Getting this kind of tattoo means you probably will choose an image that is in some way iconic or easily recognized by a viewer.
That doesn’t mean the images always reflects something that looks exactly like a photograph. Often, this style is marked by a certain style of ink and design.
3. Clear Definition and Sharp Lines
Given the realist tendencies of these tattoos, it makes sense that they would be drawn with the sharp lines and contrasts that often define our world.
These tattoos have clear cuts and curves. The detail of every image is striking–how else could you show resemblance to something in the real world?
Check out how different these abstract tattoos seem from the average American traditional image. They’re not exactly confusing, but they seem to come from someone’s imagination, as opposed to their memories or sight.
That doesn’t mean these tattoos are limited by a reality restriction. In fact, it’s allowed the genre to make its own styles.
4. A Choosy Color Palette
If you know a thing or two about tattoos, then you know there are a lot of color options on the table. When getting a new tattoo, you can choose everything from rainbow schemes to white ink.
It makes sense that American traditional tattoos have carved out a unique spot along the color spectrum. Usually, these tattoos stick to a set group of colors: green, red, yellow, and a whole lot of black.
Generally, you’re not going to see a wild move away from these colors. That selection doesn’t mean that these tattoos are boring. Oppositely, the similar color schemes of these images have forced people to come up with increasingly unique images over the years.
That’s why, throughout history, these tattoos have been groundbreaking, both in the realm of tattoos and in culture in general.
5. Living History in American Traditional Tattoos
No matter what image you end up choosing, any image within this genre will stand out. There’s a rich history of tattoo pioneers within this genre changing the game for everyone else.
Take Sailor Jerry, also known as Norman Keith Collins. Originally from Nevada, fifty years into his life he was settled in Hawaii and dolling out original tattoos to his customers.
His legacy is printed all over this tattoo category. As time went on, he began to explore new frontiers of tattoos, earning a reputation for printing out unique images of importance on his customers. Some of those images nowadays that are associated with him include snakes, monkeys, and eagles.
Sailor Jerry is just one of many tattoo pioneers who have learned this tattoo style and helped to spread it throughout the country and world. This style began with the popularization of tattoos in the U.S. in general, meaning its journey through time reflects American culture.
It’s at once a representation of the fight to allow tattoos in American culture and a symbol of American culture itself. Its resistance or patriotism, depending on how you look at it–if not both at the same time.
When you zoom out in that historical context, you understand the meaning of the American traditional tattoo that could potentially be on your body.
The Right Kind for You
Having an American traditional tattoo puts you in unique company in the world of tattoos. You could look at the situation from different perspectives.
On the one hand, there is a wide range of celebrities who are tatted in the traditional American style. Have you seen Adam Levine’s tats? They’re a quite dense array of American ink.
Knowing that Maroon Five’s singer has this brand of tat might float your boat. Or, it might make the whole thing less appealing. If you’re not into celebrity status, don’t worry–plenty of normal people have these tattoos, too.
Looking for more information on your favorite tattoos? If you want more info or are looking to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team. We can help you out.
What are you waiting for?
You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
New School Tattoo
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
Characterized by a more cartoon-ish style, the new school tattoo has exploded in popularity starting in the 70s. These traits characterize this unique style.
Tattoos come in a wide variety of styles, ranging in color patterns and overall design features. Many people choose a tattoo based on significant events in their lives, and sometimes just for fun.
Depending on your tattoo style preference, it can be difficult to choose just one. That’s why tattoo artists commonly promote different styles and designs. They are constantly drawing, coloring and practicing their craft to better influence followers.
Don’t get stuck with a tattoo that doesn’t represent you or your tattoo artist at their best. Choose a new school tattoo, instead.
Here, we discuss the different features of a new school tattoo so that you can make an educated decision on your new tattoo design style.
Bright Color
Perhaps the most influential characteristic of a new school tattoo lies in the color schemes. They are bright and undeniably non-traditional.
New school tattoo colors differ from old school tattoos in the use of the color palette and the skin.
Old school tattoos or traditional and neo-traditional tattoos use one part color, one part black or grey, and the other part skin. New school designs borrow from this style, but with bolder and brighter elements.
This type of design generally includes colors like ultra light blue, deep lime green and different shades of purple. They’re extremely colorful no matter what subject you choose.
3-D Shading
Another feature that you will find in a new school tattoo includes the use of 3-D shading. There is a heavy influence in how the shading interacts with the skin that creates the three-dimensional effect.
New school tattoos tend to be more un-realistic overall and this can be found throughout the shading techniques.
Your tattoo artist may use different techniques to create drastic effects that allow the tattoo to stand out and make an impression.
Heavy Outlines
One of the characteristics in a new school design that compares with an old school tattoo is the use of heavy outlines. This influence is important to the design features of a new school tattoo in order to incorporate classic elements of tattoo culture.
The use of heavy outlines adds to the color sensation of these pieces because of the grand contrast.
Two Categories
Because of the use of bright colors, 3-D structure shading and heavy outlines, a new school tattoo looks like or represents cartoons and graffiti art.
Cartoon
One of the ways to easily define a new school tattoo is to recognize any cartoon-like qualities.
Cartoon tattoos are increasingly popular because the demand is growing for basic tattoos that represent more than the art itself. Subjects are often fantastical with novel patterns and include much room for customization.
These designs incorporate color on a grand scheme.
Graffiti
Because this art is exaggerated significantly, it also tends to reflect characteristics of graffiti art. Details within the subject are not realistic and might include jagged edges.
Many graffiti style tattoos have themes from hip-hop culture. They are not restricted to traditional characters or subjects.
Images of this nature are typically more abstract and easy to customize. Popular subjects include aquatic scenes and horror movie characters.
The imagery in graffiti tattoos is a little more restricted in the use of colors, in comparison to cartoon tattoos.
Bubble Letters
Whereas old school tattoo designs use scripted or block lettering, new school tattoos are more inclined to bubble lettering.
Letters are enhanced with the use of the heavy outlining and shading techniques to make your color pop.
Design features using bubble letters creates a lasting effect on your tattoo that will not soon go out of style.
Unlike the jagged edges found in graffiti tattoos, bubble letters fit well with cartoon art or word-only phrases and words.
Artists
Many tattoo artists are becoming more open about their art in contrast to past decades when these same artists were more secretive with their work for fear of competition.
These days, more artists are sharing their techniques and different ideas with a more relaxed form. This art has created a more diverse selection of artistry among those that are collaborating and designing new school tattoo designs.
Some artists are becoming increasingly popular, showcasing their creative energy and artistic execution in styles that recognize your skin as the ever-changing, beautiful canvas that it is.
Free Style
This tattoo design doesn’t just cater to your artistic side. It also relates to your creative energy and ability to think outside the box. There are a lot of different concepts and mediums involved in this tattoo style. It only depends on what you can think up.
Some fans of this style focus strictly on cartoon characters while others might use club affiliated designs or straight graffiti art. The whole idea is to be as bold as possible.
Many tattoo artists appreciate the freedom of subject and technique that comes with this style of tattoo art. They are also better able to serve their customer’s ideas in true form.
Getting Your New School Tattoo
Getting a new tattoo is not for the faint of heart. Choosing a design takes time and finding the right artist to help you isn’t always easy.
Select a favorite cartoon character and have your artist incorporate a selectively graffiti-like shading structure. Or let the artist decide for you!
If you’re interested in a new school tattoo, get on board and give us a call. We have specialized artists and years of experience. You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
Pros and Cons of White Ink Tattoos
Are you in love with the white ink tattoo trend? Here are some things to know if you are considering getting one.
If you think white ink tattoos are something new, think again. R & B recording artist Rihanna, made a statement back in January 2012 with a tattoo made with semi-permanent white ink.
Although the design faded after several weeks it caught the eye of many of her fans.
Fast-forward five years and tattoos made of white ink is trending. People are excited about the look and intricate designs. Some even see them as an alternative when working in an environment that isn’t tattoo friendly.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to consider. Deciding on a tattoo design comprised solely of white ink is no different. The most important question — will anyone be able to see it?
We’ve done some research for you. Keep reading to learn some of the pros and cons of this unique tattoo option.
Are They Difficult to Achieve?
Let’s be frank. White ink tattoos are not for amateurs. I will reiterate this several times. You need a skilled tattoo artist who has expertise in all white tattoos.
There is no other way to put it. Because you are using one color it is hard to mask imperfections. When that one color is white the larger the design the bigger the margin for error.
If you are doing a small design that is only a couple of inches in size, people may not notice the tattoo. Some may even think it’s the residuals of a childhood accident.
These may be the most difficult to pull off. Is it worth it to get a tattoo and then have to constantly explain it’s a tattoo?
Does Skin Tone Matter?
Tattoos are the art of creating designs using ink that is inserted under the skin. One would think that white ink under darker skin may not be easily detectable.
The truth is people with darker complexions have found as much success with white ink tattoos as those with paler skin tones. It’s not so much about the skin tone, but the expertise of the tattoo artist.
Tattoo artist experienced with white ink will be able to mix other light hued colors to perfect the white ink. By doing so, a blend is created to help highlight the white under darker pigmentation.
Regardless of the color of your skin, white ink tends to fade over time. What remains of the tattoo is what people tend to judge. Based on images of lighter skin complexions, the tattoo can be seen as a geometrical work of art.
For darker complexions, the faded tattoo can be unnoticeable or mistaken as a scratch or scar.
The trick for darker skinned individuals is to have the tattoo retouched several times to add contrast. When done right, you end up with seriously dope white ink tattoos.
Do White Ink Tattoos Keep Their Color?
As mentioned above, tattoos have a tendency to fade over time. Whereas most tattoos aren’t nearly as vivid after a few weeks, tattoos done with white ink have a different effect.
Simply put, the tattoo may appear colorless a month later.
Some people have reported that their tattoos have changed from white to yellow, beige and even pink. Exposing white ink tattoos to any kind of sunlight is what causes the yellow discoloration.
Using inexperienced artists unfamiliar with white ink can cause other issues. For example, using colored stencils can create unintended color patterns if it comes into contact with the white ink.
Tattoo stencils are made from carbon paper. What would be worse than not having a pure white tattoo? Having a tattoo with hints of blue.
The Difference Between White Ink and Ultraviolet (UV) Ink?
Nothing says bold and beautiful like adding a UV component to your white ink tattoos.
During the daytime, no one can see your tattoo. Head to the club and under black lighting, your tattoo comes to life. Sounds cool? This effect means injecting additional chemicals into your skin to produce the glow-in-the-dark reaction.
Since UV ink has not been tested for the purpose of tattoo art, it is difficult to determine how an individual’s body will react.
When done right and absence of any allergic reaction, UV ink tattoos can be breathtaking. If you are not the party-goer and won’t be coming under any black lights, this isn’t for you.
Remember, regular white ink will mostly be used for your tattoo. If a tattoo artist recommends UV white ink, ask questions.
Like regular tattoo ink, UV ink also fades over time and is known to break apart.
White Ink vs. Henna
The most compelling white ink tattoos are those with intricate lace designs. Some people may confuse them with the popular henna tattoos. Please note these are two separate art forms.
Henna is a temporary dye that is produced from the Henna plant. They only last for several weeks and are a brownish color with a hint of orange.
Although white ink has been said to fade, it is still a permanent tattoo that requires ink to be injected into the skin. Even if you can no longer see the ink, the design is still noticeable in the pattern of your raised skin.
The only true comparison of the two is the designs. Henna tattoos are usually elaborate works of art. They contain lace patterns, scrolls, and other interesting features.
The same can be said for trending tattoo styles used for white ink tattoos.
If you choose this route, know that tattoos of this nature can look distorted and unattractive if the artist makes the slightest mistake. The last thing you want is an infection or scarring from a botched tattoo job.
Consult the Experts
After reading this blog you should have a better understanding of white ink tattoos.
These tattoos are not for everyone so you want an artist who will sit down with you and give an honest assessment.
If you live in the Las Vegas area and looking for a tattoo artist, visit Visit our Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo shop and meet our team. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality custom tattoo art.
Classic Black and Grey Tattoos
Black and Grey Tattoos are a time-tested trend that never goes out of style. Read this and know everything you want to about the style before getting inked.
When you’re planning your tattoo, it’s easy to want to go as bold as possible. You want something bright and eye-catching, with as many colors as your artist can offer, right?
Not necessarily! Sometimes, a little less is a lot more. Black and grey tattoos more than hold their own when it comes to standing out.
And while tattoo color is all about personal taste, we’ll run through the reasons that you should consider going greyscale for your next tat.
How Black and Grey Tattoos Are Made
We all know how you make grey from black, right? Just add a bit of white. With tattoo ink, though, it’s not quite that simple.
While black ink’s composition is pretty standard for tattoos, making grey shades is where things get a bit more complicated.
Some tattoo artists prefer to dilute the black ink with water, which allows them to create exactly the shade they want. Other artists use grey ink and black ink together.
Sometimes, artists will also use a bit of white ink to really maximize the contrast and make certain details pop.
Greys that are made from diluting black ink tend to fade more quickly than grey ink. However, grey ink is a lot more difficult for a tattoo artist to use, and doesn’t always give the artist the same flexibility.
So now that you’ve got the lowdown on how they work, what makes them a great choice for your next tattoo?
Black and Grey Inks Are Easy On the Skin
One of the big advantages of black and grey inks is that they tend to cause fewer allergic reactions than colored inks. This means it tends to cause less irritation or other issues during the ink session or in the days after.
If you are concerned about allergies, you can always talk to your tattoo artist. They can give you the lowdown on what’s in their inks. That way, you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.
Plus, unlike color, black ink shows up well on all skin tones. A black and grey tattoo always stands out.
Easier Removal and Less Fading
Of course, no one gets a tattoo thinking that they are going to get it removed. But if you’re a little nervous about the permanence, it may help to know that black ink (along with green and blue) tend to be the easiest to have removed.
Black and grey tattoos also tend to fade less than color inks. They are way less prone to sun damage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, black and grey is a safe choice.
Since they don’t fade as much, this means that you wouldn’t have to touch your tattoo up as often.
The simplicity of black and grey also means that it is easier to modify your tattoo if you want to change things up. You could even add some color later!
Greyscale Tattoos Work Great For Realism
One of the greatest advantages of black and grey tattoos is how great they make realistic art look. Like a tasteful black and white photograph, with a skilled artist, these tattoos can look absolutely stunning. The black and grey color scheme adds a level of drama and sophistication that is hard to match!
Your tattoo artist is able to shade with grey, almost as though they were drawing with a pencil. This means they can make very realistic images. They can stunningly capture the details of an image, whether that is the fur on a dog or the many petals of a rose.
They work especially well for serious, meaningful images like memorial tattoos. Your tattoo artist can bring out a beautiful, timeless portrait of your loved one in black and grey.
Black and Grey Tattoos Compliment Color Tats
Do you already have a couple color tattoos? Or maybe you’ve got a couple ideas in the works?
Depending on your personal tastes, lots of different, colorful tattoos can look a bit busy or complicated. (Though that’s not to say we haven’t seen some great looks with more colors than the rainbow!)
A great black and grey tattoo can ground your more colorful pieces, bringing out the best in both of them.
Simple and Small Tattoos Pop With Black and Grey
Black and grey tattoos are an especially great choice when you are looking for something small. A small tattoo can be striking when the color scheme is kept simple. That way, your message comes across clearly in the small space.
Patterns are also powerful in a black and grey color scheme. Whether the pattern is geometric, tribal, or anything in between, the simplicity of black and grey make a powerful statement.
Geometric patterns are particularly popular at the moment. Their simplicity suits a black ink style perfectly!
Black and Grey Tats are Easier for Beginners
Are you thinking of getting your first tattoo? Black and grey ones are a great way to dip your toe in the lake, so to speak.
That’s because getting black and grey ink tattoos usually take less time than color ones. So, if you are nervous about how long you’ll be sitting in the chair and how much it will hurt, a shorter appointment will certainly make things easier.
Another bonus? Not using color for your tattoos also tends to cost less.
Choosing to Go With Black and Grey
Are you thinking about getting black and grey for your next tattoo? With the many benefits, from cheaper cost and less fading, they are a practical choice.
But a tattoo should be much more than practical. The many benefits aside, we’ve fallen in love with black and grey tattoos for their style and sophistication. They can offer beautiful realism and sophisticated shading. You can go bold with patterns. Plus, they keep small tattoos looking clean and clear.
If you’ve thought long and hard about it and decided black and grey is the way to go, it’s time to find an artist whose style matches your idea. Reach out, and we can work together to create the tattoo you’ve always wanted.
Visit your local Skin Factory Tattoo shop in Maui or Henderson
Handwriting tattoos: what you need to know
Handwriting tattoos: what you need to know. These handwriting tattoos can be beautiful, classy and versatile. This tattoo style is becoming increasingly popular among individuals wanting a permanent reminder of someone important to them or a tribute to a loved one.
Most tattoo artists will be able to scan handwritten text and replicate it exactly on the skin. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind when considering this tattoo style.
1. Size matters. Tattoo lines will expand slightly as the ink settles into the deeper layers of the skin. If the letters in your handwriting sample are written in cursive or are close together, they may bleed into one another if the tattoo is too small. If you are concerned about the potential of bleeding, talk with your tattoo artist about enlarging the handwriting sample.
2. Choose your audience. Script and handwriting tattoos are meant to be read—but by whom? Consider whether you want this tattoo to be a personal message to yourself or a message to the world. This will help you determine tattoo placement. Remember—the script will look backwards in the mirror.
3. Be specific. When attempting to recreate your handwriting or the handwriting of someone you love, it’s important to get it right. Be clear about what you want and ask your tattoo artist for advice about the size, placement and style that will best preserve the text exactly as it was written.
If you are interested in a handwriting or other type of tattoo, contact us to schedule an appointment or to get more information about the services we offer. To learn more about the Skin Factory Tattoo brand click on your local tattoo shop.
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