American Traditional tattoo artists
Where it comes from
American Traditional (also called Old School) grew up in port towns in the early 1900s, tattooed on sailors and soldiers. Artists like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins in Honolulu, Bert Grimm and Amund Dietzel set the rules that still define the style.
What it looks like
Bold black outlines, a small palette of red, green, yellow and black, solid color fill and simple shading. Classic images include eagles, swallows, anchors, roses, daggers, panthers, ships and pin-up girls.
What it represents
Each classic image carries a meaning: swallows for a safe return home, anchors for stability, eagles for freedom, roses for love, daggers for courage. The style also stands for tattoo heritage itself, built to stay readable for decades.
InkFinder Pro lists 1,100 American Traditional tattoo artists across the US. The cities with the most American Traditional artists are San Diego, CA, Portland, OR, Los Angeles, CA, Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. Search by city or ZIP to find American Traditional artists near you and see their work.
1,100 artists
American Traditional tattoo questions
What is American Traditional tattoo style?
Bold black outlines, a small palette of red, green, yellow and black, solid color fill and simple shading. Classic images include eagles, swallows, anchors, roses, daggers, panthers, ships and pin-up girls. American Traditional (also called Old School) grew up in port towns in the early 1900s, tattooed on sailors and soldiers. Artists like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins in Honolulu, Bert Grimm and Amund Dietzel set the rules that still define the style.
What do American Traditional tattoos represent?
Each classic image carries a meaning: swallows for a safe return home, anchors for stability, eagles for freedom, roses for love, daggers for courage. The style also stands for tattoo heritage itself, built to stay readable for decades.
Where can I find American Traditional tattoo artists near me?
Enter your city or ZIP on this page, or tap Near me, to list American Traditional tattoo artists closest to you with their portfolios.
Which cities have the most American Traditional tattoo artists?
San Diego, CA (57), Portland, OR (31), Los Angeles, CA (29), Tucson, AZ (23) and Phoenix, AZ (22).
Can I see a American Traditional tattoo design before booking?
Yes. Describe your idea in the free Design a Tattoo tool on InkFinder Pro and pick American Traditional as the style to get four designs to bring to an artist.