American traditional, Western traditional or simply traditional[1]: 18 is a tattoo style featuring bold black outlines and a limited color palette, with common motifs influenced by sailor tattoos.[2] The style is sometimes called old school and contrasted with "new school" tattoos, which it influenced, and which use a wider range of colors, shading, and subjects.[1]: 61
Flash designs are often American traditional.[3]
Many old school motifs derive from tattoos popular among military service members, including patriotic symbols, such as eagles and American flags, along with pin-up girls.[2]
Other old school tattoo designs include:
Designs circa 1900–1945 by Clark & Sellers:
Tattoos and tattooing
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