Star old school what does it mean. Old school tattoo, getting to know the old school. Women's tattoos in the style of Old School

Despite the fact that old school tattoos appeared almost 200 years ago, this genre is still popular today. The first old school tattoos adorned the bodies of sailors and most often they were bright images of skulls, anchors, hearts, mermaids or birds with a clear outline. The sailors were quite superstitious and believed that the body pattern protected them from the elements and falling overboard. And although old school tattoos have changed over time, they have their own distinct features that do not allow such a pattern to be confused with any other genre. We will introduce you to this style and show you beautiful old school tattoos for girls.

Features of a tattoo in the old school style

The name of the style old school is translated as “old school”. Old school tattoos are always bright and concise. When creating them, the master does not aim to achieve realism or detail in the drawing.

Tattoos in this genre have a number of features:

• The plots of old school tattoos are often uncomplicated and very monotonous. Sketches most often have a marine theme, but girls usually stuff roses, ribbons with inscriptions, anchors, hearts, animals and birds.
• Old school tatto is always very contrasting. A bold black outline of the drawing helps to achieve this.
• Elements inside the contour are usually filled with bright colors. Basic old-school colors: red, blue, green, yellow. The pigment is clogged tightly.
• Classic tattoos in this genre look flat, they have no shadows and volume. Modern masters are increasingly adding subtle details to their work, drawing shadows and using a wider color palette of paints to make the drawings more expressive and interesting.

If an old school tattoo was performed by a professional using high-quality pigments, over time the drawing will not fade, will not float and turn into an unintelligible spot, but will remain clear and bright.

The origin of the old school

The founder of the style is considered the American Norman Collins. The great tattoo artist is better known as Sailor Jerry. Norman served in the Navy, and therefore the theme of marine tattoos was close to him. After the service, he opened his own tattoo studio in Honolulu, in the lobby of which Romeo, a pet monkey, met visitors. Collins was a big fan of Asian painting and created a completely new style in his salon, combining traditional tattooing and multi-color Asian techniques.

Sailor Jerry worked as a tattoo artist almost all his life and was among the first to get tattoos in disposable gloves. Norman shared his sketches with tattooing friends, of whom he had many. He sent them in letters to all corners of the world, which is why the old school tattoos of most masters are similar. Sailor Jerry called his competitors “bastard scratchers” and his business cards were decorated with the words “my work speaks for itself.”

Old school tattoos today are performed by many masters around the world. This technique is considered not very difficult, and the whole process of creating a tattoo does not take much time, which explains the popularity of the style.

Location of old school tattoos on the body

The place for tattooing in the old school style can be chosen arbitrarily, but usually these are open areas of the body: hands, neck, shoulders, legs. This technique is widely used in the creation of . Drawings made in this genre are saturated, and each element of the “sleeve” is well read thanks to a clear outline.

Themes and plots of old school tattoos

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the most popular tattoos in this style and their meaning:

• Anchor. Such a tattoo was very symbolic for the sailors, it helped to achieve their goals, despite the oncoming winds and currents. The anchor is considered a symbol of security and balance.
• Martin. This symbol brings good luck, it is especially popular with girls. with the image of a swallow are usually stuffed on the lower back and collarbone. For sailors, a swallow meant a safe return home, because when they saw a swallow, the sailor understood that there was land nearby.
• Roses. Often on tattoos made in this style, there is a rose. In interpreting the meaning, the color of the flower itself is important: a yellow rose means joy, a red one means love, and a white one means respect.

Russian folk old school

Classic American old school tattoos depicting eagles, sailboats and flowers are undoubtedly popular with young people in our country. But lately there has been a trend of Russification of the old school tattoo. Increasingly, purely Russian motifs began to appear in the plots of the drawings, for example, for girls, these are images of matryoshkas and Khokhloma, and men's plots are samovars, portraits of heroes, the image of a hammer and sickle. Sometimes an ornament in the Slavic style is added to the traditional picture, and then the tattoo takes on a completely different meaning.

The popularity of tattoo art is growing rapidly - more and more people of different ages put tattoos on their bodies, putting their own meaning into them. Today, a wearable pattern can become for the owner both a talisman and a memory, as well as a stylish decoration. In addition to the image itself, the style in which the tattoo is made plays a huge role. One of the most popular and famous styles is the traditional Old School. The old school is still very popular and offers many interesting, original tattoo options in this technique.

History of occurrence.

This style appeared a long time ago - at the end of the 19th century. The first carriers were sailors from Europe and America, who during their travels saw amazing drawings on the bodies of native Hawaiian and Tahitian tribes. Having adopted this tradition for themselves, the sailors also began to decorate their bodies with drawings. Most often these were peculiar amulets, ribbons with inscriptions, images of wives, mothers or beloved girls, memorable dates and names, hearts, mermaids, ships, cannons, skulls, flowers, angels, women, anchors and many other pictures that had a special meaning. for every sailor. Over time, tattoos in this technique have become increasingly popular. Later, the very first tattoo parlor appeared in Honolulu's Chinatown, where you could get a tattoo in the Old School style. The former American sailor Norman Keith Collins, or as he was also called Sailor Jerry, became the owner of the salon and the master. During his travels, he gained new knowledge and boundless love for this art form. At that time, mostly soldiers and sailors came to him. In our time, Jerry the Sailor is considered the founder of the Old School style.

Distinctive style.

Tattoos in this technique have their own specific features that make it easy to recognize and distinguish them from any others. The main features of the Old School style are:

• saturated, bright colors - most often blue, red, green, yellow, orange;
• thick and clear dark contours, mostly black;
• simple, ordinary forms that do not differ in correctness and realism;
• not intricate, as simple as possible plots;
• marine motifs of the drawing, which remind of the origins of the style.

Technique for performing Old School tattoos.

Of course, over time, the technique of applying a tattoo in this style has become better and moved to a new level. However, as in the old days, the master first draws the outline of the drawing, and only then begins to fill it with paints. The coloring of the picture must be opaque and as dense as possible. Shadows are acceptable, but the color transitions are quite sharp. Such pictures are noticeable from afar and attract attention, because they turn out to be very juicy and colorful, saturated. A bold, black outline adds an organic contrast that is perfect for these types of images. Tattoos in the Old School style are durable - they do not fade over time, do not lose their color, clarity and do not blur. But only on condition that the tattoo is made with high-quality materials and a qualified specialist. Tattoos in this technique require special skill, they are not as easy to perform as it might seem at first glance.

Where is the best place to apply an Old School tattoo?

Nowadays, this type of wearable drawings can be applied anywhere - this is the personal choice of each person and there is no particular rigor here. However, the most successful places for an Old School style tattoo are the arms, legs, chest, shoulders, neck, ribs and stomach, that is, all prominent places. In addition, the "sleeve" in the style of Old School is especially popular. A variety of color drawings in this technique throughout the arm is very unusual and bright, such a “sleeve” looks stylish, original and definitely will not go unnoticed. If we turn to the origins, then before soldiers and sailors applied such tattoos mainly on their arms, chest and stomach. Although even then there were those who adorned almost the entire body with them.

Popular old school images and their meaning.

Drawings once invented by sailors, as well as sketches of the first tattoo artists, have retained their relevance and popularity to this day. Modern connoisseurs of the old school style still enjoy popular pictures, such as:

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Old School style is an ageless classic in the art of tattooing, which remains relevant at any time. Despite the large selection of other modern styles, the old school remains a popular and sought-after technique that makes the owner of such a tattoo stand out from the crowd.

“old school”(Old school) - a style of tattoos that used to exist mainly in European countries and America. The history of the style began at the end of the nineteenth century. The most popular in this direction were drawings of skulls, hearts, ribbons, angels, crosses, fire, flowers and anchors.

Sailors often made tattoos, so it is not uncommon to see inscriptions with names, names of great events, and quotes in this style. These tattoos are done in bright colors, which are framed with a bold black outline.
Sailors were the first people to revive the art and practice of tattooing in Western countries, as they first visited the Pacific islands of Polynesia and other states in Southeast Asia. Cook, in his explorations of the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and Zealand, became the first to make notes and sketches of tattoos of local residents. The concept of tattoos comes from a Tahitian word that was reminiscent of the sound when the inhabitants made tattoos with their tools.

Sea life was quite harsh, and only the strongest men survived. Sailors, being constantly at the mercy of the wind and the sea and dependent on the whims of nature, were superstitious and believed that tattoos could protect against falling overboard, from predatory animals, from the wreck of a ship. Some tattoos were done while crossing the equator, or when crossing Cape Horn, when visiting the Eastern countries. Sailboats and cannons were popular tattoos among sailors. Despite the wild life, many tattooed prayers or texts of religious content, this reminded of piety and protected from corporal punishment. And of course, the sailors often thought about the families and girls they left behind on land. Therefore, mermaid tattoos, hearts and names, various amulets have always been liked by sailors, and this is how the direction in the tattoo of the 19-20th century was formed - Old School.

Meaning of Old School Tattoo Anchor

Tattoo Old School - Anchor

Anchor- a standard old school tattoo, most popular in Western countries over the past centuries. It has ancient roots that go back hundreds of years into the depths of time, it was considered a symbol that helps not to go astray. The anchor represents hope for salvation, safety, caution, reliability and strength. Anchors were drawn by people who are closely associated with maritime work. This tattoo is close to sailors around the world, often drawn after the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

The meaning of the Old School Swallow tattoo

Martin. Tattoo Old School

Martin symbolizes good luck and happiness. Usually a swallow is a tattoo that sailors get after a journey, after traveling five thousand miles. For a sailor, this bird is a symbol of a safe return home, since the appearance of a swallow is a sign that land is nearby. Swallows usually fly long distances, making flights through the water, during the flight they sat down to rest on the ships, thus giving a sign to the sailors that the land was not far. When traveling ten thousand miles, a sailor could stuff a new bird on the other side of the body. Two swallows tell us about a successful journey.

Old School Heart Tattoo Meaning

Heart of Old School

Heart
A tattoo in the form of a heart, with a ribbon next to it, or a scroll with an inscription - here explanations will be redundant. You can part with your loved one, but the tattoo will remain. Among the admirers of the Old School style there is an aphorism: “Love lasts six months, and a tattoo lasts for centuries!” The heart tattoo is a classic old school design that can be seen as an inverted triangle that has become a symbol of femininity and is often used to express love. The heart is considered a symbol of love, feelings and the power of life for humanity. The heart is often identified with the soul, acts as a symbol of truth, conscience and moral purity. We say "heartless" about people who are unfair or very cruel. Friendship, courage, romance and emotional expression are embodied in this symbol. The heart occupies an important place in the religions of the planet, and is recognized as a symbol of love, as well as the divine principle. It is also a symbol of mercy, piety and understanding. In addition, the heart is a medieval symbol of Jesus, the sacrifice, especially in the Catholic Church. The sacred heart depicts the love of redemption for God, the source of illumination and happiness. Due to the fact that this symbol is very common on the planet, hearts have become a popular tattoo motif. The heart pierced by an arrow is a symbol of the expression of energy, flow and penetration. National banners in the form of a heart - often speak of a patriotic personality.

Tattoo Old School ribbon with inscriptions

Old School Slogan Tapes

Ribbons with inscriptions
The plot will tell a lot, but there is a time in every person's life when a few chosen words can give more information than a picture. Every person at least once would remember the exact time and place of moments that are precious and have become something special. They make the heart flutter and beat faster! Sometimes, a few words can say it all. Tattoos with words have been common for a long time, and even now tattoo inscriptions are very popular. In those years, sailors depicted words on their fingers. The most famous were: “life is difficult”, “love and pain”, “love and hate”, “hold on” (do not sink, stay on the water) on the fingers of one hand, and “quickly” (quickly return home) on the other, served protective amulets. Well, now the ribbon with the inscription is a great addition to any Old School plot.

Old School Razor Tattoo Meaning

old school razor

Razor
A razor tattoo design can symbolize a large number of things, but they all carry the meaning of sharp, cutting, irritated, unrestrained. The razor was used as a suicide tool, synonymous with "cutting the veins". The straight razor is a common Old School design used by cocaine users in the seventies. Using a dangerous razor, cocaine was divided into doses. Also, a razor can display depression, an explosive character.

Old School Rose Tattoo Meaning

Old School Rose

Rose in Western countries it represents the same as the Lotus in Eastern countries. A symbol of love, but special, pure. Because of its scent, beauty and form, the rose is considered the most perfect symbol.
Of all the flower designs, the rose tattoo is both the most popular and sought after. An interesting fact is that the rose is in demand among men and women. A red rose speaks of love, while a thornless rose speaks of love at first sight. Yellow roses express joy, white - reverence and respect, pink - admiration and sympathy, orange - enthusiasm. In ancient times, the white rose symbolized virginity. The variety of roses and the fragrance has inspired people at all times. According to myths, the white rose appeared at the moment when Aphrodite was born from the foam of the sea. Later, when Aphrodite, in a hurry to meet Adonis, she hurt her leg on a rose thorn, the white rose turned into red.
There is also a legend about the origin of thorns: Rodanaz was a beautiful girl, and all men dreamed of marrying her to themselves. However, she was proud, and thought that mortals were unworthy of her. One day, the men entered her house with force. The goddess Diana saw all this, and, angry at the pride of men, she turned the girl into a rose, and them into thorns.

Rock of Ages
A picture depicting Jesus Christ, an allegory is a classic version of tattoos. For sailors, for example, it symbolized hope, protection and support, it was an amulet and a talisman. Having phrases like, “Hold on!” gave hope and faith, and was also an amulet. Another version was that the religious symbol, which is depicted on the back, could mitigate corporal punishment, and such a sailor was less punished. It is also common to have a tattoo depicting a stone cross, or depicting a person or a sailor kneeling in front of a stone cross. Often the Christian faith of people was mentioned in the form of a stone, the foundation-foundation on which a virtuous life is built. This was based on the belief that the house was as strong as the foundation on which it was built. The stone cross is known as the "Rock of Ages".

The meaning of the horseshoe tattoo

Old School Horseshoe

Horseshoe- the main design in the old school style. The horseshoe lowered down was an amulet of protection and good luck. In the image, a horseshoe can be displayed alone, as well as together with other images that are associated with good luck.
In many European countries and in America, horseshoes are nailed to the doors of barns and houses, and depending on cultural beliefs, they can be in the lower position or the upper one. If the horseshoe is in the upper position, this means a bowl where you can catch good luck. And if shown down, it meant bad luck poured out of the bowl, which does not stay in it for a long time.
The horseshoe became a symbol of good luck, abundance and wealth during the Roman Empire, when the first Catholics shod horses to protect their hooves from damage and pain. The Romans built many roads where horses were an important part of the empire's transportation system.

Meaning of Old School Pinup Tattoo

old school pin-up

pinup- a synonym for "Girls with a good figure"
In 1955, Bettie Page received the title of "Miss planet picture girl".
Betty is a household name. In the design of the old school - the image of a girl, whose beauty borders on a hint of disobedience and disobedience. The girl has become a legend, a symbol of beauty and femininity, and inspires new generations of tattoo lovers, because the attractiveness of a woman is aimed at seduction, admiration and it never goes out of fashion.
Pin-up - a photo of a beauty, a pretty girl.

The meaning of the Old School Panther tattoo

Panther Old School

Panther- a very ferocious animal from the cat family. This animal is more cruel and dangerous than a tiger or a lion. The panther is an independent and cunning animal, as well as the only feline that is able to hunt in water. The panther appears in the mythology of many cultures in Latin and Central America. There are in the art and religion of pre-Columbian civilizations. Many cultures have noticed that panthers come in several colors - black and yellow. Believing that the black panther is associated with the moon and the night sky, and the yellow panther (jaguar) is associated with the sun and light. This animal was a symbol of shamans who could unite the conscious and unconscious worlds, who had access to the afterlife. Many believed that the panther was a werewolf who was able to transform himself into a different image.

Old School Tattoo Meaning Devil Woman

Devil Woman Old School

devil woman– also known as the “fallen woman”. A tattoo that consists of a pattern of vices, often a woman with a bottle of alcoholic drink, cards, dice, or other attributes of excitement and fun. The motto of the tattoo: “Song! Women! Wine!"

Cherry Tattoo Meaning

Cherry
Fruits and berries are symbols of abundance, and very red, ripe cherries are no exception. Cherry is considered a symbol of chastity and purity, as the fruits ripen on trees. A plucked cherry was considered a loss of innocence. A bitten cherry meant the loss of virginity. Cherry, which is surrounded by fire, tells of great desire and passion.

Tattoo Meaning Billiard Ball 8

Billiard ball 8 Old School

eighth ball– this design can have multiple meanings and its symbol depends on the context where it is used. In general, the “8 ball” ends the game in the pool, but due to the rules of the game, a pocketed “8 ball” automatically makes you a loser. And due to the fact that many billiard halls are known for their bad reputation, the “last ball” in the tattoo means alcoholic drinks, women of easy virtue, drugs, gambling.
Some people see it as getting a chance, if you're lucky, everything will come true.
The 8 ball is a tattoo that also hints at the test of fate, symbolizes the willingness to take risks and the possibility of good or bad luck.

The meaning of the tattoo Knife or Dagger

Dagger Old School

Knife or Dagger– such tattoo designs are famous in many styles. A dagger or knife can be made as an independent tattoo, or be part of the picture.
From the history of this symbol: The ancient Aztecs used ceremonial daggers to carve beating hearts from human victims, thus paying tribute to the gods. The dagger represented the fear and power of the gods. Wherever sacrifice was used, knives were used to make sacrifices to the gods. Knife drawings, bloodletting and death are all intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the essence of life, is a powerful image and symbol that brings death. The knife or dagger has been famous since ancient times. Many knights and nobles carried daggers as weapons in addition to swords and spears, so daggers were a warrior's last line of defense and were used at a kind of last chance. Since ancient times, the knife has been the first tool in the arsenal of people, it has been used to protect housing, extract and cut food, becoming better with the development of mankind. Due to the fact that the knife had a large number of functions, and all men from different classes used them, over time, the handle began to be decorated with gold and precious stones.
Knife and dagger tattoos are very popular in Old School and New School. The knife/dagger is a symbol of readiness to take action, to be fearless and courageous, ready to answer for an insult. Pirates, skulls with a knife or dagger in their teeth - symbolizes the determination of action, thereby showing us that the owner of this tattoo, a decisive person, is “ready for anything”. A knife in the heart is infidelity, betrayal in love. A skull pierced with a dagger is a tattoo of a person who risks his life, an adherent of his ideas.

The meaning of the tattoo Hands of the Apostle

Hands in Prayer Old School

Hands of the Apostle
hands in prayer
If the famous artist of the Middle Ages, Albrecht Dürer, was alive now, he would be the richest man. The copyright for the painting "Hands in Prayer" could sell for millions of dollars. Initially, it was a sketch from the praying head of Frankfurt. A later version of the painting appeared in another work by Durer - the hand of the apostle, who stands in an empty grave and looks at the sky. The original version of the drawing was destroyed by fire in the middle of the 18th century, but there are many copies that are good, as is the sketch. Now Durer's work is the most popular in tattoo design for all occasions.
"Hands folded in prayer", often combined with various additions. It can be ribbons with inscriptions, just inscriptions with the names of your beloved and dear people, hearts, rosaries, crosses. In most cases, "hands clasped in prayer" is applied as a memory of someone.

The meaning of the tattoo Star of navigation or wind rose

Rose of the Winds Old School

navigation star or Rose of Wind- an ancient and not outdated motif, which has been known for over a hundred years. The stars were often a guide, especially the North Star. Sailors drew navigational stars, because. they often relied on them, life depended on it. The sailors were superstitious people and thought that their star-shaped tattoos would be an amulet of well-being on the way. Around the same time, the starfish began to appear on compasses. In later times, such stars became a symbol of the life path, its search. They began to be made by those who wish not to go astray, so the navigation star became a guiding one - the image of the star helped not to go astray. Later, such stars became symbols of high encouragement, awards.

Star Tattoo Meaning

Old School Stars

Star- a common motif in a tattoo. The symbolism of the star embodies the concept of the divine spark in each of us. And their nature prompts us to show the stars as a struggle against the darkness and the unknown. Stars with different designs have their own symbolism and meaning, their design depends on the number of angles and their direction.
You can read more about the symbolism of various stars

Old School Lightning Tattoo Meaning

Lightning Old School

Lightning Lightning and thunder are phenomena familiar to everyone. Is there a more beautiful sight than flashes of lightning, fireworks of electricity, these flashes, like magic and something incredible, appear seconds before thunder! At night, a flash of lightning made you see everything as in daylight. A powerful symbol and a godsend for a tattoo! Ancient people had a large number of explanations for this natural phenomenon, and many myths tell of gods and incredible creatures who used lightning as a weapon. People were impressed by the power and magic of lightning, as the places where the lightning struck were the scenes of severe destruction. The trees burned, the earth burned out, the rocks became sand. And if there was any person nearby, then he was dying.
For a long time, lightning was a symbol of the power and wrath of the gods. The Greeks believed that lightning was thrown by Zeus, the father of the gods, who lives on Mount Olympus. Lightning was a symbol of power, as well as the vagaries of nature. Due to the fact that lightning comes with rain and thunderstorms, it was a symbol of abundance, because. rain is an important condition for the ripening of the crop.
The lightning bolt tattoo is popular in most Asian cultures. Lightning bolts are used in Japanese tattoos, in particular, when depicting a flying dragon.

Flame Tattoo Meaning

Flame Old School

Flame is transformation, destruction, passion, beacon of light and warning. Fire and flame were mainly used in rituals, because. the smoke of the fire ascended into the sky and was associated with the wishes and requests of the people. The ability to destroy made fire respected. But fire can not only destroy, but also give warmth and light. Fire and flames are considered a symbol of hope, light and knowledge. Fire is one of the 4 main elements. In Hinduism, fire is 1 of the 5 sacred elements that make up beings and is considered the eternal basis for religious ceremonies. In Christianity, it is a spirit and is often used when describing hell. Fire is also a symbol of temptation and sin, and Satan is shown surrounded by fire.

The meaning of the tattoo Dice

Dice Old School

Game of dice is a well-known numbered dice game. Everyone played it as a child and it is very popular in all cultures of the world. When playing dice, they rely more on luck, luck than on ability and skill. As a tattoo, the game of dice is used as a metaphor for life: sometimes in life, as in games, it is more important to get a chance, to "grab your luck", than to rely on talent and ability. Therefore, the game of dice is considered a symbol of good luck. At the same time, dice is often interpreted in tattoos as an element of gambling, and is part of human vices: alcohol, drugs, women of easy virtue, etc. The phrase “throw the dice” means that you need to take a risk, where the result will be unknown, because a person cannot control it.

Skull tattoo meaning

Skull Old School

Scull- skulls are represented in many tattoo genres: Asian themes, Old School, New School, Biomechanics and many others.
There is something mystical in the largest bone, looking at the skull, we see that death is staring at us with large empty eye sockets. No wonder the skull is known as a symbol of death. The symbol of the skull in cultures is a reminder of mortality. The physical object of the skull is used to symbolize the mortality of humans. In the end, none of us can escape death. In the art and culture of Christians, the skull is presented as a symbol of eternity, repentance and vanity, and also reminded of death. Historically, the skull has been a famous symbol of triumph over the enemy, and a warning to people who are defeated in battle. Skulls were trophies and many skulls could be stacked by the victors in public places, thus it was proof of the victory over the enemy and a reminder of the losses of the vanquished.
You can also read about the meaning of the skull tattoo

Cross tattoo meaning

Cross Old School

Cross- there is no universal religious symbol than the usual Cross.
Religious symbolism is shown in most tattoo genres, so it can be argued that all tattoos among different nations carry a strong spiritual element. The tattoo in the form of a cross has been known for at least the last two centuries, they were tattooed by sailors and merchants. This is an old school classic, and a very popular symbol among many walks of life in all countries of the world. The cross itself - an ancient and important symbol in the history of mankind - the vertical and horizontal lines that represent Nature, the point of intersection of 2 lines - represented mystical and spiritual concepts that embraced the meeting of the material and the spiritual in human existence. Even before the advent of Christianity, the cross was the most common symbol on the planet: for example, in the Scandinavian countries, in America, China and Africa, it was a symbol of life and immortality, abundance, the union of heaven and earth, sun and stars and was used as a protective symbol .
Several millennia ago, the Hindu Cross was a symbol of good and prosperous for people. This cross was called the circle of life, denoting the changing world.

old school tattoo

"Old school" is a traditional style of tattoos in Europe and America, whose history begins at the end of the 19th century.

The most common in this direction are such drawings as skulls, hearts, ribbons, angels, crosses, fire, flowers, anchors.

Often sailors made such tattoos for themselves, so it is not uncommon to see inscriptions with names of people, names of memorable events, and sayings in "Old school". These images, as a rule, are executed in bright colors, framed by a bold black outline.

I would like to pay more attention to history and symbols:

Sailors were the first to revive the art and practice of tattooing in the West, as they were the first to visit the islands of Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean and other countries in Southeast Asia. Captain Cook, in his famous explorations of the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand, was the first to record and sketch the tattoos of the natives in 1786. The word "tatu" came into English from the Tahitian word, "ta-ttou", which was reminiscent of the sound when Polynesians tattooed with their traditional Polynesian implements.
Life at sea was very harsh, and only the strongest men survived. The sailors, constantly at the mercy of the wind and the sea and dependent on all the whims of mother nature, were very superstitious, and firmly believed that the tattoo would protect them from falling overboard, from the mouth of a shark, from a shipwreck. Tattoos of a certain type were made when crossing the equator, or when they went around Cape Horn, when visiting the countries of the East, etc., sailors had common tattoos on their chests, as well as cannons on the sirloin parts of the body. Despite the riotous lifestyle, many of them tattooed prayers or other texts of religious content completely on themselves, this was supposed to remind them of piety and protect them from severe corporal punishment. And of course, many sailors at sea often thought about their families and the girls they left in the port, or even in several ports! Therefore, tattoos of mermaids and girls, hearts and names of loved ones, amulets - anchors, talismans - swallows and dolphins have always been liked by sailors and subsequently formed a whole layer in the tattoo of the XIX-XX centuries - old school (OLD SCHOOL).

Anchor

The classic old school design, one of the most popular tattoos in the West over the past two centuries, and has ancient symbolic roots going back several millennia, was considered a symbol to help you stay on track, about the ability to resist winds and currents and be yourself with any circumstances. Anchors were tattooed by people closely associated with a maritime or naval career, this tattoo is especially close to sailors around the world, often performed after the first crossing of the Atlantic. Other synonyms for anchors are sailing ships, mermaids, and other navigational symbols.

Martin

The swallow tattoo (bird of happiness and good luck) shows the steady popularity of tattoo art in navigation. Traditionally, a swallow is a tattoo that a sailor gets after traveling 5,000 nautical miles. For a sailor, a swallow symbolizes a safe return home, because the appearance of a swallow is “the first sign that land is near.” Swallows, as you know, travel long distances, making long-distance flights through water spaces, during the flight they sat down to rest on passing ships, thereby giving a sign to sailors that the land was close. After traveling 10,000 miles, a sailor could make a second bird on the other side of his body. A pair of swallows is a sign of a good trip.

Rock of Ages

(image of Jesus Christ, allegory) - a classic tattoo. It served as a symbol of hope, protection and support, was a kind of amulet and talisman, for example, for sailors. The presence of tattooed words, such as, for example, "Hold on!" instilled hope and faith in the sailors and also served as an amulet. Other symbols showed that a sailor had crossed the Equator, rounded Cape Horn, or visited the Far East, for example. ) penalty, and such a sailor would probably have been less severely punished. Another popular tattoo, known for many decades, depicts a sailor or a person kneeling in front of a cross carved from hard stone. A person's Christian faith has often been referred to as the stone, the foundation upon which the virtuous life is built. This was based on the belief that a house or building was only as strong as the foundation on which it was built. The stone cross has been known for a long time under the name "Rock of Ages" or sailor's cross.

Navigation star or wind rose

An ancient, and yet, not at all outdated tattoo motif, known a century ago. The stars in the sky often served as a guide for sailors, especially the Northern or Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as the Southern Cross in the Southern. Sailors tattooed navigation stars for themselves because they relied on them, their lives depended on it, the stars were supposed to show the way home, and sailors were very superstitious people and hoped that their star-shaped tattoos would serve as an amulet for a prosperous journey. Around the same time, the starfish began to appear on compasses. At a later time, such stars began to symbolize the path of life, its search. They began to be made by those who want not to stray from the chosen path, thus, the star became a guiding one - its image helped not to stray from the chosen path when a person is lost or scared. Later, such stars became symbols of awards, high promotion, and a sign of distinction.

Star

Stars are often encountered as symbols, and in many cases the specifics of such a symbol depend on the number of angles and also their direction. As a light that shines in the dark, the star is often seen as a symbol of truth, spirit, and hope. The symbol of the star embodies the concept of the divine spark in each of us. And their nocturnal nature encourages us to imagine the stars as a struggle against the forces of darkness and the unknown. Stars with a certain design have their own symbolism and meaning. The descending pentagram is the case when the upper ray of the star points down, allegedly imitating the head of a goat, and is considered a sign of the devil. The hexagram, or six-pointed star, is a powerful symbol of the interaction of the Divine with mortals, God with humanity. The Star of David got its name "Shield of David" from the legend that David had a shield shaped like a six-pointed star in his fight with the giant Goliath. Also known as the Seal of Solomon or the Star of the Creator, its six peaks represent the six days of the week, and its center corresponds to the Creator's day of rest. The septagram or seven-pointed star is a symbol of integration and everything mystical associated with the number seven. It is associated with the seven planets of classical astrology and with other sevenfold systems, such as the seven chakras in Hinduism. The octogram or eight-pointed star is a symbol of abundance and regeneration, and is associated with eightfold systems, for example, in Egyptian mythology, the eight primordial gods, personifying the forces of chaos. The nonagram or nine-pointed star is a symbol of achievement and stability, although this is the kind of stability that can change. Also, the nonagram can be associated with ninefold systems, such as the nine Hindu chakras.

Razor

A tattoo design can symbolize many things, but they all carry the meaning of "sharp" (pointy, cutting, irritated, irritable, unrestrained). The razor was often used as a suicide tool, a synonym for "cutting the veins". The straight razor is a classic old school design that was often used as an accessory to cocaine use in the 70s and 80s, they were divided into portions. Also, like brass knuckles, a razor pointed to the professions of people beyond the bounds of the law, could symbolize depression, the explosive nature of a person, intemperance, danger.

Hands in Prayer or Hands of the Apostle

If the famous medieval artist, Albrecht Dürer, were alive today, he would be a rich man. The copyright for his drawing "Hands in Prayer" could be sold for millions. It is believed that initially it was a sketch from the praying head of the city of Frankfurt. A later version of this painting appeared in another work by Dürer - the hand of an apostle standing in an empty grave, looking at the sky at the coronation of the Holy Virgin Mary. The original was destroyed by fire in 1729, however, there are many copies that are as good as the sketch. Today, this work by Dürer is one of the most popular tattoo designs for all occasions, hands folded in prayer continue to excite people, their hearts and minds , especially when this image is completed and combined with various additions, such as a cross or a rosary. It is often combined with hearts or the name of a loved one, and applied as a memory of someone. Other additions may be in the form of text, requests or wounds from crucifixion, fire may also be added.
devil woman

devil woman

Also known as a "fallen woman", a tattoo consisting of many vices, often a woman, with a bottle of alcohol, cards, dice, or other gambling paraphernalia. The motto of such a tattoo: "Wine, Women and Song!".

Ribbons with inscriptions

- A story can tell a lot, but there are times in life when a few well-chosen words can say more than a drawing. Each of us at least once remembered the exact time and place of those moments that are very dear to us, and have become something special, they make our heart tremble and beat faster! It is an integral and beautiful part of human life. Sometimes, a few words can say it all. Word tattoos have been popular for a long time. For example, sailors tattooed words on their fingers. The most common were, for example, "hold" on the fingers of one hand, and "quickly" on the fingers of the other, and served as protective amulets (in the sense of staying on the water, not drowning; quickly get to the place, return home). “Love and hate”, “love and pain”, “life is hard” - these are the tattoos that were popular on the fingers in those years.

Heart

A tattoo in the shape of a heart, with a ribbon around the heart, or a scroll with an inscription across the heart - explanations are superfluous here. Your paths with the once loved one may part, but the tattoo will remain in the same place. There is an aphorism among oldschoolers: "Love lasts six months, but a tattoo is forever!" A heart shaped tattoo is a classic old school design, it can be seen as an inverted triangle that has become a symbol of all things feminine and is often used as an expression of romantic love. The heart is an eternal symbol of love, feelings and the very power of life for all mankind. In fact, the heart is responsible for feelings and truth. We say "heartless" about a person who is unfair or extremely cruel. Friendship, courage, romantic relationships and emotional expression are also embodied in this symbol. The human heart is central to all religions of the world, and is recognized as a symbol of love, as well as the divine principle in man. Over time, it has also become a symbol of mercy, piety and understanding. The designation of the heart is suitable for expressing love and joy, as well as for grief and misfortune (broken heart). Also, the heart is a medieval symbol of Christ, the sacrifice, especially in the Roman Catholic Church. The sacred heart shows the love of redemption for God as a source of illumination and happiness, therefore, fire and thorns represent the crown with thorns that was put on Christ (crown of thorns), and fire represents love and spiritual fervor - thus, the image of the heart became a symbol of salvation and eternal life .The heart also symbolized the center of man. Not only was it the most significant physical organ, it was also considered the seat of spirituality and the emotional center from which love for the divine flowed. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of the heart representing love, humility, and gentleness. Because this tattoo design is so common all over the world, hearts have become a very popular tattoo motif, especially for women. In the old school, such a motif is very often placed on the chest. A heart pierced by an arrow is a symbol for expressing directed energy, flow and penetration. Stars and hearts are a symbol of happiness and opportunities. love for the country and patriotism. Hands holding a heart - represents the maternal or paternal kind of love in the old school.

Rose

In the West, personifies the same as the Lotus in the East. A symbol of love, but special love, which is pure. Because of its beauty, scent and form, it is the most perfect flower symbol. Of all the flower designs, the rose tattoo is still the most popular and the most sought after. An interesting fact is that the rose is in almost the same demand among men as it is among women. The symbol of passion, chastity and purity reigns supreme among all the flowers in the old school world. A red rose speaks of love, while a thornless rose means love at first sight. Yellow roses - an expression of joy, white - reverence and respect, pink - sympathy and admiration, orange - enthusiasm. In medieval times, the white rose was a symbol of virginity. The red rose, of course, covers every kind of love - both sacred and romantic, the beauty, variety and graceful fragrance of the rose has inspired both ordinary people and artists, and even saints. According to an ancient Greek legend, a white rose was born at the moment when Aphrodite was born from sea foam (the white rose turned red later, when Aphrodite, in a hurry to meet Adonis, hurt her leg on a rose thorn). The legend about the origin of the thorns is also known: Rodanaz was a very beautiful girl, and literally every man dreamed of taking her as his wife. But she was very proud, and believed that no mortal was worthy of her. One fine day, the men broke into her house by force. The goddess Diana saw all this, and, angry at the pride of mortals, she turned Rodonaz into a rose, and her fans into thorns.

Sexy or pinup girls/Bettie Page

Synonymous with "Girls with a perfect figure" In 1955, Betty Page won the title of "Miss World girl from the picture" (Pin-up - a photograph of a beauty, a pretty girl in photographs for leisurely looking at). Betty is a household name, in the old school - the image of a charming girl, whose perfect beauty borders on a hint of disobedience and disobedience. The dark-haired girl has become a living legend, a symbol of beauty and femininity, and continues to inspire the next generation of tattoo artists and tattoo fans everywhere, because a woman whose physical attractiveness is aimed at seduction, admiration, never goes out of style. Initially, such pictures were issued exclusively for wall decoration, but later, tattoos with images of girls and movie stars became commonplace on the skin.

Panther

The largest and fiercest feline in America, more vicious and dangerous than a tiger, lion, or leopard. The panther/jaguar is independent and cunning, and the only feline that can hunt in the water. The panther/jaguar figures prominently in the mythology of most cultures in the South and Central America, and is present in the art and religion of all pre-Columbian civilizations. Very ancient and powerful totem. Many cultures found it very significant that panthers come in two colors - black and yellow (panther and jaguar - the name of the same animal, differ in color) and believed that the black panther was associated with the night sky and the moon, and the yellow panther (jaguar) - with sun and light. The panther/jaguar was often a symbol of shamans, people who could bridge the conscious and unconscious worlds, who had access to the afterlife and the spirit world. Many thought that the panther was a kind of werewolf, capable of transforming himself at will into another image.

Lightning

Flashes of lightning, thunder - everyone is familiar with this formidable phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms. Is there a more spectacular sight than flashes of lightning, fireworks of electricity discharges, these flashes of white and blue, like some kind of magic and something incredible, appear a few seconds before the sounds of thunder! On a cold, dark, rainy night, a flash of lightning made you see everything as if in daylight, but ghostly color. The most powerful symbol and just a godsend for a tattoo! Ancient people had many explanations for this natural phenomenon, and most of the myths tell of gods and other incredible mythological creatures who used lightning as a weapon. Ancient people were very impressed with the power and magic of lightning, because places where lightning struck became scenes of great destruction. Trees were burned, the earth was scorched, rocks turned into sand. And if, unfortunately, a person was nearby, then he died. For a long time, lightning symbolized the power and wrath of the gods. The Greeks believed that Zeus himself, the father of all gods, who lives on Olympus, throws lightning. Lightning was a symbol of power, as well as a symbol of the vagaries of nature. Since lightning often accompanies rain and thunderstorms, it was also a symbol of abundance, as it rain was a necessary condition for the ripening of a good harvest. In Norse legends, Thor was the God of Thunder, and lightning was the sparks that flew when his mighty war hammer hit his target. In the Bible, lightning accompanied the appearance of God. Lightning symbolizes the light of truth. The lightning bolt tattoo is popular in many Asian cultures. Lightning bolts are often used in traditional Japanese tattoos, such as the flying dragon.

Horseshoe

- one of the main designs of the old school, the horseshoe horns lowered down were an amulet of protection and good luck. In a tattoo, a horseshoe can be depicted alone, as well as in combination with other images associated with luck, such as a game of dice or a game of cards, which are laid out in a winning combination, also next to a four-leaf clover. In many parts of Europe and North America, horseshoes are nailed on the doors of sheds and buildings, and depending on cultural and traditional beliefs, can be located in the lower position or the upper one. In the case when the horseshoe is located in the upper position, this meant as a bowl in which you can catch luck. And if it is located down, it meant that, as it were, all the failure was poured out of the bowl and would not linger in it for a long time. The horseshoe as a symbol of good luck began at the time when the first Catholics (Rome) shod horses in it to protect their hooves from damage and pain. The Catholics built many roads to strengthen their empire (the expression “All roads go to Rome” was coined then), and horses were an integral part of the Roman transportation system. It was at that time that the horseshoe became a symbol of wealth, good luck and abundance.

Flame

In the old school, a tattoo represents transformation, destruction, change, passion, a beacon of light and a beacon of knowledge, and also a warning. Fire and flame were often used in religious rites and symbolism, as the smoke of fire ascended into the heavens and was associated with the wishes and requests of a believer. The ability to destroy made fire respected and feared. But fire can not only destroy, but also bring warmth and light to dispel darkness. Fire and flames in torches, beacons, candles represent a symbol of hope, light and knowledge. Fire is one of the four basic elements - including Earth, Water and Wind - is also one of the main five Chinese elements. In Hinduism, fire is one of the five sacred elements that make up all living beings and is considered the eternal basis for sacred religious ceremonies. In Christianity, fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (purification) and is often used in descriptions of hell. Fire is also a symbol of temptation and sin, and Satan is often depicted surrounded by fire. In mythology, the Phoenix burns in fire and is reborn from its own ashes. Fire is a symbol of transformation and rebirth and represents the cycle of life.

eighth ball

This design can have several different meanings, and its symbolism depends on the context in which it is used. In general, the "eighth ball" completes the game of pool, but due to the rules of the game, pocketing the "eighth ball" in your stroke automatically makes you a loser - losing the game. And since many billiard halls were known for their bad reputation (we can see this in some films, for example, in "The Hustler" with Paul Newman, and "The Color of Money" with Newman and T. Cruz), the "eighth ball" in tattoos imply alcohol, drugs, gambling, women of easy virtue, gambling, etc. Some people see the "eighth ball" as getting a chance, if you're lucky, everything will work out. This is the kind of tattoo that hints at walking on the edge or a test of fate. The term "eighth ball" also carries a certain concept in jargon, for example, it is a very dangerous combination of heroin and cocaine. If you asked a dealer in the 60-70s in the USA "coke for the eighth ball" he would understand exactly what dose you need, thus the "eighth ball" symbolizes the willingness to take risks and the possibility of good or bad luck, in other words "Life is gambling!"

Pigeon

The symbol of the holy spirit in some Christian interpretations and often used to represent the Baptism of Jesus Christ, the most familiar episode from the Bible is the story of the Flood, when God told Noah to build the Ark and take on it a pair of each animal and bird. According to the Bible, during the flood, God sent heavy rains and the whole world was flooded. And only Noah and his family and the creatures aboard the Ark survived the flood. After many weeks at sea, Noah released first the Raven and then the Dove to fly in search of land. The dove returned with an olive branch in its beak, and Noah and his family were very happy that the flood had receded. The dove has become a powerful symbol as a harbinger of hope. Others believe that the flight of the liberated dove also symbolizes the exit of the soul.

Dolphin

The popularity of this motif is explained by the fact that for a long time there has been an invisible connection between humans and dolphins. Humans and dolphins have coexisted together for a long time, and even now, the more we learn about these creatures, the more inclined we are to believe that the dolphin carries some kind of divine spark that separates them from other animals. It has long been thought that dolphins serve as some sort of link between the surface and underwater worlds. Swimming with dolphins, for example, helps children cope with various ailments, calms and helps people suffering from depression or nervous disorders. It is no surprise that the dolphin tattoo has become so popular.

Game of dice

It is the familiar numbered dice that we all played as children and is popular in many cultures around the world. Dice games, by their very nature, rely more on luck than skill and skill. Like a tattoo, dice is a metaphor for life: sometimes in life, like in gambling, it is more important to get a chance, to "grab luck by the tail" than to be talented, so dice can be seen as a symbol of good luck. But at the same time, dice is often interpreted in tattoos as one of the elements of gambling, and is often included in common human vices, including playing cards, drugs and alcohol, weapons, betting on the hippodrome, racing and communicating with women of the lung. behavior. The expression "rolling the dice" implies taking a risk in which the outcome will be completely unknown, which a person cannot control. This implies that the result of such a risk will depend only on fate and the chance given to a person. The well-known expression: "The die is cast" (the aphorism of Julius Caesar when crossing the Rubicon) means that the choice has been made, but the result is unknown.

Scull

Skulls are represented in almost all genres of tattoo: nautical theme (with crossed bones were depicted on pirate flags), old school, new school and even biomechanics ... There is something mystical in the largest human bone, one look at the skull, and we see that death stared at us from large dark empty eye sockets. No wonder the skull is known throughout the world as a symbol of death. In many cultures, the symbol of the skull is a reminder of our own mortality, as immortal Latin says, "Memento mori!" (memento Mori). William Shakespeare uses the skull to great effect: when Hamlet discovers Yorick's skull in the graveyard in the first scene of Act 5, he speaks directly to the skull. The physical object of the skull is used to symbolize the theme of human mortality and death presented in the game. In the end, none of us can escape death, and even the Kings will be eaten by worms. In Christian art and culture, the skull has been presented as a symbol of eternity, remorse, and human vanity, as well as a reminder of death. In medieval, religious paintings, we can often see Adam with a skull placed at the feet of the Cross as a symbol of the wages of sin. The ancient symbol of a skull with a snake was a symbol of knowledge and immortality, denoting knowledge that survived death. Many renaissance works showcase skulls as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life. Historically, the skull has been a popular symbol of triumph over the enemy, and a warning to people defeated in battle. Skulls served as trophies and a large number of skulls could be stacked by the victors in public places, as direct evidence of victory over the enemy and a grim reminder of the losses of the vanquished. Today, the skull is as popular as it was in ancient times. In movies, games, literature, comics, and of course tattoos, the skull continues to garner a variety of symbolic meanings as there is a huge field of creativity for the artist's imagination.

Knife/Dagger

- Similar tattoo designs are popular in many different styles. A knife or dagger can be either an independent tattoo or part of a picture. Dry history: For example, the ancient Aztecs used special ceremonial daggers to carve still-beating hearts from their human victims, thereby paying homage to the gods. Such a dagger represented the fearsome and capricious power of the gods. Wherever sacrifice was practiced: in the Middle East, in Babylon, Mesopotamia, Persia and many other cultures, knives were used to offer sacrifice to the gods. The image of a knife, bloodletting and death - all this is intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the very essence of life, is an unusually powerful image and a very powerful death symbol. Many special forces include knives and daggers in their mandatory equipment. The symbolism of a knife or dagger in military designs is very similar to a sword tattoo, but with a less noble lineage. The knife or dagger represents ferocity, speed, perseverance and death. As weapons, the knife and dagger have been known since ancient times, all knights and nobles carried daggers as weapons in addition to their spears and swords, therefore they were the last line of defense of the fighter and were used last - a kind of last chance. Since prehistoric times, the knife was considered the first tool in man's arsenal, it was used for skinning animals, guarding their homes, for extracting and butchering food, becoming better as mankind developed. Since the knife had many functions, and absolutely all men from various classes used them, gradually the handle of the knife / dagger began to be decorated with gold and jewelry, and over time it became an indicator of the class of a person. For reference, men, for example, began to shake hands, greeting each other to demonstrate that they were not hiding a dagger or other edged weapon in their hands. Tattoos of knives and daggers are very popular in both old school and new school to this day - it symbolizes the willingness to accept measures, to be bold and fearless, ready to answer for the insult. A knife in the heart means betrayal in love, and often just infidelity, and a skull pierced with a knife means a person risking his life, completely committed to his ideas. A skull with a knife in his teeth symbolizes action . We often see this in tattoos from the beginning of the century: skulls, demons, pirates are depicted with knives in their teeth, this is the clearest way to show: "I'm ready for anything!"

Cross

There is no more universal religious image or symbol than the Christian Cross. Religious symbolism is prominently displayed in many genres of tattooing, both ancient and modern, and in fact it can be argued that all traditional tattoos among various peoples carry a strong spiritual element. The cross tattoo has been known for at least the past two centuries, sailors and merchants were tattooed with it, it is considered an old school classic, and is still mega-popular among all segments of the population in many countries of the world. The cross itself - one of the most ancient and important symbols in the history of mankind - vertical and horizontal lines representing Father and Mother Nature, the point of intersection of the two lines - the point of synthesis - represented those mystical and spiritual concepts that embraced the meeting of the material and spiritual in human existence. Of all the types of crosses, the Roman or Latin cross is the most popular and unmistakable symbol of Christianity, it was on such a cross that Jesus Christ was crucified. One of the oldest crosses was placed in a circle. This so-called Solar Cross or Wheel Cross appeared in Europe, often carved into rocks or petroglyphs. They are also found in Asia, America and India. Since the cross has been used all over the world, it is not surprising that it has many meanings in many different cultures. Even before Christianity, the cross was the most common symbol throughout the world: in Scandinavia, in pre-Columbian America, China and Africa, it symbolized life and immortality, abundance, the union of heaven and earth, sun and stars (four pointers symbolized North, South, East and West or four winds, elements, not to mention the human form of the body) and was used as a protective symbol. Four thousand years ago, the Indian Cross was a symbol of all that is good and auspicious for man. Such a cross was called the circle of life, denoting the ever-changing world around the unchanging Center of God. Later, thanks to Hitler, the swastika became a symbol of Nazi Germany and radically changed its meaning in the minds of most people. The Ankh cross, unique because of its loop over the cross, came to be used in astrology as a symbol of Venus, and is still used today in biology to indicate female gender. The ancient Egyptians used the hieroglyph ankh to represent regeneration, and it was later adopted by Christians to symbolize physical and eternal life. The Greek cross is mentioned in the history of ancient Greece three thousand years ago, today it is recognized as a symbol of the Red Cross, being equal in all four parts.

Cherry

Fruit symbolizes abundance, and deep red, ripe and juicy cherries are no exception. The cherry symbolizes chastity and purity as the fruits ripen on the trees. The plucked cherry represents the loss of innocence and dignity. A bitten cherry is no longer a virgin. Cherry, surrounded by fire, speaks of an insatiable desire or passion.

The popularity of tattoos is currently only increasing. Despite such a rather painful and expensive pleasure, an increasing number of people prefer to decorate their bodies with a bright picture that will not disappear over time. Tattoos have a fairly large number of styles. All of them differ from each other in the thickness of the contour, the palette of colors used, and the technique of execution. The old school style is still recognized as one of the most popular. A tattoo made using this technique is very difficult to confuse with anything and attribute to another category. It has a lot of distinctive features that immediately catch the eye. So, what is this tattoo technique?

A bit of history

This style is American in half with European origin. It originated in the 19th century. The first owners of tattoos of this style were sailors. As a rule, for them, such a pattern on the body was associated with some memorable event or person. Direct knowledge of the tattoo came to sailors from Polynesia, whose islands are located in the Pacific Ocean. The first sketches of such decorations on the bodies of the local population were brought by Captain Cook after exploring Tahiti, Hawaii, and Zeeland. However, those drawings were very different from modern ones.

Main motives

The tattoo in the old school style has pronounced distinctive features. First of all, the motives of the drawing are strictly observed. Since the first owners of this kind of tattoos were sailors, the subjects related to sailing on ships were taken as the basis for the sketches. Drawings very often depict various waves, charming women, anchors, crosses, mermaids, roses (exactly these flowers). Various inscriptions and quotes are also widely used, and they can be done in any language. More often, masters perform stars and hearts with daggers in this technique. Old school tattoo "sleeves" have also become common. What is it? The arm from the wrist to the end of the shoulder is completely covered with drawings, between which, as a rule, there is no free space, that is, the tattoo turns out to be one-piece. At the same time, it can consist of separate sketches that the master connects to each other. "Sleeve" is made in the same style. The old school technique in this case is very popular. "Sleeves" are bright, clear and saturated.

Technique

The main distinguishing features of these tattoos are as follows. Bright simple colors are used (black, red, blue, white, green). The coloring becomes dense, opaque. But color smooth transitions, shadows are possible. In general, the drawing is far from realism, but very juicy and bright. The contrast is added by a wide black outline. This is a prerequisite for the old school style. A tattoo, as a rule, does not lose its brightness over time, does not lose clarity and does not blur into a spot (unless, of course, it was performed by a qualified master with high-quality materials).

The best places to apply

There is no particular rigor in choosing the location of the picture in this case. Basically, tattoos of this style are made in prominent places - for example, on the arms, chest, wrist, abdomen, calves, ribs. The last option is the most painful, as there are many nerve endings, and the skin is close to the bones. The same goes for the wrist. But the shoulder is the most painless option for a place to get a tattoo. In principle, you can make a similar drawing anywhere. It's not that important. The main thing is the meaning that is invested in the tattoo. There are also general ideas about the meaning of such drawings. However, it should be remembered that today a tattoo is perceived solely as a beautiful picture on the body, nothing more.

Old school tattoo: meaning and meaning

Consider the most common motives. The classic version is the anchor. In the West, its popularity has been at its height for a couple of hundred years now. And the symbolism of such an image is very ancient. Its roots will go deep into history for about two millennia. Such a symbol was considered a real guiding star protecting sailors. Old school tattoo with an anchor helped not to stray from the intended course and clearly follow the chosen goal. Another meaning of such a pattern is to always remain yourself, steadfastly withstand all oncoming winds and currents.

The second, no less successful and popular plot for an old school tattoo is a swallow. In this case, it turns out to be a little cartoonish. This bird brings good luck and happiness to its owner. Ladies make them, as a rule, in the collarbone area, on the back or near the ankle. However, old school tattoos for men are also often created based on images of pretty swallows. True, maybe not so colorful and feminine. As for the same sailor, he will make such a tattoo only if he passes 5000 on the water. For him, the swallow symbolizes a safe return to his native shore. After all, this bird is a sure sign that the land is somewhere nearby. Two swallows are perceived as a successful journey.

Quite often, old school tattoos had religious significance for their owner. A prime example is the Rock of Ages. It is considered a real classic in Christian allegory. These are hopes, protections and supports. It is believed that such a tattoo served as a talisman for a sailor. Very often, such a pattern was combined with some inscriptions like "Hold on!". This was supposed to support a person in a difficult situation and inspire faith in the best.

Old school rose tattoo is another interesting point of the style in question. She is a symbol of special pure love, passion, but also chastity. The color joy plays a huge role, white - respect and reverence, orange - joy. The red rose, of course, is associated with love in all its manifestations.

Choosing a master

The person to whom you are going to entrust your precious body must be a real professional. These have diplomas of completed studies, very often an art education, as well as a rather voluminous portfolio (examples of previously completed work). If the master refuses to draw a sketch for you on his own (even for a fee), you should be wary. Try to make tattoos exclusively in salons where a contract is previously concluded in writing. This will save you from further problems in the event of a poor-quality drawing.

How to care

An old school tattoo needs exactly the same healing method as all other drawings applied with a needle under the skin. After the end of the session, the master will apply a special film compress to you so that you can safely get home. The film will not allow clothes to stick to a fresh pattern and cause discomfort. In the early days, the tattoo will ooze with ichor. It must be rinsed off carefully with warm water. This should be done as moisture builds up. After washing, it is necessary to apply a thin layer of a special ointment to the tattoo. The master himself will tell you the name. In no case do not scratch the drawing, do not peel off the top layer that is peeling off on your own, do not sunbathe, do not visit the solarium, do not drink alcohol!