What is old school tattoo. Symbols and their meaning in OLD SCHOOL (Old School) tattoo style

Old School, or Old School, is a tattoo style that dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries in America and Europe. The founders of this still fashionable trend were sailors. Superstitious people, they believed that tattoos would bring them good luck and protect them from misfortune. Therefore, the drawings were given a hidden meaning, sometimes understandable only to the owner himself. It could be the name of a place, an event, the names of people close to the navigator, and so on. But, like every style, the Old School has several characteristic features that are unique to it.

Plain Old School Tattoo

All tattoos are made with very bright colors and are outlined with bold black lines along the contour. Thanks to its catchy simplicity, Old School has become famous all over the world, and in almost every salon there is a master working in this style. Over time, any meaning has ceased to be invested in drawings, you can simply fill in the drawing you like. But the basic symbols of the Old School have become so popular that one cannot help but think about their meaning. In this article, you will get to know them.

When the question arose about what style to make the sleeves, without hesitation, I chose old school tattoos. The sketches are striking in their variety, and the drawings are easily combined with each other and put together into a single whole. I am completely satisfied with the result!

Maxim, St. Petersburg

Old school anchor

A tattoo that is close to all sailors, without exception. According to legends, it helps to always stay afloat, a sign of security, strength and hope for salvation. Traditionally, it was pricked after the sailor first crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

The image of an anchor on the body in the style of old school

Did you know? It is noteworthy that the anchor can be combined with any other symbol. This flexibility is another feature of the Old School that cannot but rejoice. And this applies not only to the anchor, absolutely all Old School tattoos are easily and organically adjacent to each other.

Old school swallow in flight

I considered such a star to be a purely prison tattoo. But then I got a better understanding of the symbolism and realized that the prisoners simply took an already existing idea and rebuilt it in their own way. I like the concept, I am thinking about where and how to fill this sign so that it will not be confused.

Oleg, Murmansk.

Advice. So that the tattoo is not mistaken for being made in prisons, you just need to add other elements of the old school to it or just make it in color. But even without this, prison stars are fundamentally different from sea stars and the quality of execution, and the fact that they are pricked on the elbows, shoulders, knees or hands strictly symmetrically and change their meaning depending on the place of application. So there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Old school heart

One of the most "intelligent" fallen women in the old school style

Of course, a symbol of love. Often depicted along with a ribbon on which the name of a loved one is written. Stuffed on the chest, although not necessary. Also, the heart is used as a sign of the soul, vitality and high moral principles. Almost everything can be embodied in this symbol: romance, passion, friendship, courage, kindness, honor. Even the divine principle is present in the image of the heart, since it reflects the sacrifice of Christ in the name of humanity.

Fallen woman

Thus, the heart is depicted in the style of old school.

Depicts the vices common to almost all seafarers. Women, gambling and alcohol. Depending on the main addiction of the owner of the tattoo, the devil woman holds a bottle, cards, bones or other things related to entertainment in her hands. Pin Up style tattoos for girls, popular in the 50s of the twentieth century, are also close to this topic.

Feminine appeal will definitely never go out of style.

Old school cross

Old school square cross. Usually goes in combination with something, in this case with an inscription

Despite the riotous lifestyle, the sailors did not forget about religion. Therefore, symbols such as words of prayers, quotes from the Bible and crosses were quite common. However, long before the appearance of Christians, the cross was a symbol of immortality, protection and interconnection of all living and nonliving in the world. The point of intersection of two lines is understood as a combination of the material and spiritual essences of a person, their dependence on each other and the impossibility of the existence of one separately from the other.

The cross is the most recognizable symbol on Earth.

Panther old school

Old school panther grin. Usually the panther is depicted attacking with fangs and open mouth.

A cunning and dexterous animal, the only feline capable of hunting in the water. In the myths of many cultures, it is a symbol of shamans who have access to other worlds, including the afterlife. It was believed that the panther was a werewolf, moving from one state to another. In fact, panthers come in two different colors, and tattoos with them have different meanings.

• Black Panther is the patroness of the night and the moon.
• The yellow panther, better known as the jaguar, is associated with bright sunlight and the sun itself.

Video: tattoo artist fills a tattoo in the style of Old School

SKETCHES OF TATTOO OLD SCHOOL

Old school tattoo

"Old school" is a traditional style of tattooing in Europe and America, the history of which 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 in "Old school" with names of people, names of memorable events, sayings. These images are usually painted with bright colors, framed by a bold black outline.

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

The 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 exploration of the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand, was the first to record and sketch indigenous tattoos in 1786. The word "tattoo" came into English from the Tahitian word, "ta-ttou", which resembled the sound when Polynesians tattooed with their traditional Polynesian tools.
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 a tattoo would protect them from falling overboard, from the mouth of a shark, from shipwreck. Tattoos of a certain type were done when crossing the equator, or when they went around Cape Horn, when visiting countries of the East, etc., sailors' tattoos on the chest, as well as guns on the loin parts of the body, were common tattoos for sailors. Despite the riotous lifestyle, many of them tattooed on themselves completely prayers or other texts of religious content, this was supposed to remind of piety and protect from severe corporal punishment. And of course, many sailors at sea often thought about their families and the girls they left at the port, or even in several ports! Therefore, tattoos of mermaids and girls, hearts and names of loved ones, charms - anchors, talismans - swallows and dolphins have always been popular with sailors and subsequently formed a whole layer-trend in tattooing 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 stretching back several millennia into the depths of time, was considered a symbol to help you stay on track, about the ability to resist winds and currents and remain yourself with any circumstances. Anchors were tattooed for people closely associated with a naval 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 nautical symbols.

Martin

The swallow (bird of happiness and good luck) tattoo shows the enduring popularity of tattoo art in sailing. Traditionally, a swallow is a tattoo that a sailor makes 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 there is land nearby." Swallows, as you know, travel long distances, making long flights through water spaces, during the flight they sat down to rest on passing ships, thereby giving a sign to sailors that the land is 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 centuries

(image of Jesus Christ, allegory) - classic tattoo. It served as a symbol of hope, protection and support, was a kind of amulet and talisman, for example, for sailors. Having words tattooed like "Hold on!" instilled hope and faith in sailors and also served as an amulet. Other symbols indicated that a sailor had crossed the Equator, circled Cape Horn, or visited the Far East, for example. Another version of the cross and / or Jesus Christ tattoo was that a religious symbol tattooed on the sailor's back could mitigate the imposed disciplinary (often corporal) ) penalty, and such a sailor would probably be less severely punished. Another popular tattoo, known for many decades, depicts a sailor or a man kneeling in front of a cross carved out of solid stone. The Christian faith of man has often been referred to as the stone, the foundation upon which a 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 erected. The stone cross has been known for a long time as the "Rock of Ages" or sailor's cross.

Navigational star or compass rose

An ancient, and nevertheless, not at all outdated tattoo motif, known a century ago. The stars in the sky often served as a guide for sailors, especially the North or Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as the Southern Cross in the Southern. The sailors tattooed themselves the navigation stars, because they relied on them, their lives depended on it, the stars were supposed to show the way home, and the sailors were very superstitious people and hoped that their star-shaped tattoos would serve as an amulet of a safe 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 star - its image helped not to stray from the chosen path when a person was lost or scared. Later, such stars became symbols of awards, high rewards, and a sign of distinction.

Star

Stars are often encountered as symbols, and in many cases, the design of the specificity of such a symbol depends on the number of angles and also their direction. Like a light shining in the dark, the star is often seen as a symbol of truth, spirit, and hope. The star symbol embodies the concept of the divine spark in each of us. And their nocturnal nature prompts to imagine the stars as a struggle against the forces of darkness and obscurity. Stars with a specific design have their own symbolism and meaning. The descending pentagram is the case when the upper ray of a star points downward, supposedly 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 mortal, God with humanity. The Star of David got its name "Shield of David" from the legend that David had a shield in the shape of a six-pointed star in his battle 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 day of the Creator's 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, for example, with the seven chakras in Hinduism. The octogram or eight-pointed star is a symbol of abundance and regeneration, and is associated with eight-fold 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

Tattoo designs can symbolize many things, but they all carry the meaning of "sharp" (pointed, cutting, irritated, irritable, unrestrained). The razor has often been used as a suicide tool, synonymous with cutting 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, and it was divided into portions. Also, like brass knuckles, the razor pointed to the professions of people beyond the law, could symbolize depression, an explosive character of a person, intemperance, danger.

Hands in Prayer or Hands of the Apostle

If the famous medieval painter, Albrecht Durer, were alive today, he would become a wealthy man. The copyright for his "Hands in Prayer" drawing could have sold for millions. It is believed that it was originally a sketch from the praying head of the city of Frankfurt. A later version of this picture appeared in another work of Dürer - the hands of the 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 of Dürer is one of the most popular tattoo designs for all occasions, hands folded in prayer continue to thrill people, their hearts and minds. , especially when this image is complemented and combined with various additions, such as a cross or a rosary. It is often combined with the hearts or name of a loved one, and is applied as a memory of someone. Other additions can be in the form of text, requests or wounds from crucifixion, and fire can also be added.
Devil woman

Devil woman

Also known as the "fallen woman," a tattoo of many vices, often a woman with a bottle of alcohol, cards, bones, or other attributes of gambling. The motto of this tattoo is "Wine, Women and Song!"

Tapes with inscriptions

- a plot can tell a lot, but there are times in life when a few well-chosen words can give more than a drawing. Each of us at least once recalled the exact time and place of those moments that are very dear to us, and became something special, they make our heart flutter and beat faster! This is an integral and wonderful 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 ones were, for example, "hold on" on the fingers of one hand, and "quickly" on the fingers of the other, and served as protective amulets (meaning, stay on the water, do not sink; quickly get to the place, return home). "Love and hate", "love and pain", "life is difficult" - these are the tattoos that were popular on the fingers in those years.

Heart

A heart-shaped tattoo with a ribbon around the heart or a scroll with an inscription across the heart are unnecessary explanations here. Your paths with a once loved one may diverge, but the tattoo will remain in the same place. There is an aphorism among oldschoolers: "Love lasts six months, but a tattoo is forever!" The heart-shaped tattoo is a classic old-school design and can be seen as an inverted triangle that has become a symbol of the 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. Basically, the heart is responsible for feelings and truth. We speak of "heartless" about someone 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 unhappiness (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, which was put on Christ (a 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 the person. Not only was it the most significant physical organ, it was also considered a place of spirituality and an emotional center from which the love of the divine flowed. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of a heart that represents love, humility, and gentleness. Since this tattoo design is so prevalent all over the world, hearts have become a very popular tattoo motif, especially among women. In old school, this motif is very often placed on the chest. The heart pierced by an arrow is a symbol for expressing directional energy, flow and penetration. Stars and hearts are a symbol of happiness and opportunity. National flags in the form of a heart - a common old school motif in America - indicates a large love for the country and patriotism. Hands holding a heart - represents in old school a maternal or paternal kind of love.

the Rose

In the West, it personifies the same as the Lotus in the East. A symbol of love, but a special love that is pure. Because of its beauty, scent and shape, it is the most perfect flower symbol. Of all the floral designs, the rose tattoo is still the most popular and most sought after. An interesting fact is that the rose is in almost the same demand among men as among women. The symbol of passion, chastity and purity reigns supreme among all flowers in the world of old school. A red rose speaks of love, while a rose without thorns 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 scent of the rose has inspired both ordinary people and artists and even saints. According to the ancient Greek legend, the 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 with Adonis, injured her leg on the thorn of a rose). The legend about the origin of thorns is also known: Rodanaz was a very beautiful girl, and literally every man dreamed of marrying her. But she was very proud, and she believed that no mortal was worthy of her. One fine day, men forced their way into her house. All this was seen by the goddess Diana, and, angry with the pride of mortals, she turned Rodonaz into a rose, and her admirers into thorns.

Sexy or pin up girls / Betty Page

Synonym for "Girls with a Perfect Figure" In 1955, Betty Page won the title of "Miss World Girl in a Picture" (Pin-up - a photograph of a beauty, a pretty girl in pictures for leisurely looking). Betty is a common noun, in 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 generations of tattooists and tattoo fans everywhere, because a woman whose physical attractiveness is aimed at seduction, admiration never goes out of style. Initially, such pictures were produced exclusively for wall decoration, but later, tattoos with images of girls and movie stars became common on the skin.

Panther

The largest and most ferocious feline in America, more brutal and dangerous than the tiger, lion or leopard. The panther / jaguar is independent and cunning, and is also the only feline that can hunt in the water. The panther / jaguar figure prominently in the mythology of most cultures in the South and Central America, is present in the art and religion of all pre-Columbian civilizations. A very ancient and powerful totem. Many cultures found it very significant that panthers come in two colors - black and yellow (panther and jaguar are the names of the same animal, differ in color) and believed that the black panther is 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 connect 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 itself at will into another image.

Lightning

Lightning flashes, thunder - everyone is familiar with this formidable phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms. Is there a more spectacular sight than flashes of lightning, fireworks of discharges of electricity, these flashes of blue and white, 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 daytime, 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 myths tell about gods and other incredible mythological creatures who used lightning as a weapon. The ancients were very impressed with the power and magic of lightning, because the places where the lightning struck became scenes of enormous destruction. The trees were burnt, the earth was burnt out, the rocks turned into sand. And if, unfortunately, some 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 rain was a prerequisite for a good harvest. In Norse legends, Thor was the God of Thunder, and lightning was sparks that flew when his powerful hammer of war struck his target. In the Bible, lightning accompanied the appearance of God. Lightning symbolizes the light of truth. The lightning tattoo is popular in many Asian cultures. Lightning is often used in traditional Japanese tattooing such as a flying dragon.

Horseshoe

- one of the main designs of 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 coupled with other images associated with luck, such as dice or 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, they can be located in the lower position or the upper position. In the case when the horseshoe is located in the upper position, this meant like a bowl in which you can catch good luck. And if it is located downward, 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 a time when the first Catholics (Rome) shod horses in it to protect their hooves from injury and pain. Catholics built many roads to strengthen their empire (this is when the expression "All roads go to Rome" appeared), and horses were an integral part of the Roman transportation system. It was at that time that the horseshoe became a symbol of wealth, luck and abundance.

Flame

In old school, tattooing represents transformation, destruction, change, passion, a beacon of light and a beacon of knowledge, as well as a warning. Fire and flames were often used in religious rituals and symbolism, as the smoke of the fire ascended into the heavens and was associated with the wishes and requests of the believer. Destructiveness has made fire both respected and fearsome. But fire can not only destroy, but also carry warmth and light to dispel darkness. Fire and flames in torches, lighthouses, candles represent a symbol of hope, light and knowledge. Fire - one of the four basic elements - including Earth, Water and Wind - is also one of the five basic 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 (cleansing) and is often used in descriptions of hell. Fire are also symbols of temptation and sin, and Satan is often depicted surrounded by fire. In mythology, the Phoenix is ​​burned in flames and 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 symbology depends on the context in which it is used. In general, the "eighth ball" completes the pool game, but by virtue of the rules of the game, the "eighth ball" pocketed in your shot automatically makes you the loser - the party has lost. And since many billiard rooms were known for their bad reputation (we can see this in some films, for example, "The Hustler" with Paul Newman, and "The Color of Money" with Newman and T. Cruz), then the "eighth ball" in tattooing means alcohol, drugs, gambling, women of easy virtue, gambling, etc. Some people see the "eighth ball" as getting a chance, if you're lucky it will work out. This is the kind of tattoo that hints at edge walking or a test of fate. The term "eighth ball" also carries a certain concept in the jargon, for example, it is a very dangerous combination of heroin and cocaine. If you asked a dealer in the 60s and 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 success or failure, in other words, "Life is gambling!"

Pigeon

The symbol of the holy spirit in some Christian interpretations and is often used in the representation of 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 couple of each animal and bird. According to the Bible, during the flood, God sent torrential rains and the whole world was inundated. And only Noah and his family and beings aboard the Ark survived the flood. After many weeks at sea, Noah freed first the Raven and then the Dove to fly to seek land. The dove returned with an olive branch in its beak, and Noah and his family were overjoyed that the flood had receded. The dove has become a powerful symbol as a harbinger of hope. Others believe that the flight of the freed dove also symbolizes the exit of the soul.

Dolphin

The popularity of this motive 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 for a long time, and even now, the more we learn about these creatures, the more we tend to believe that the dolphin carries some kind of divine spark that separates them from other animals. Dolphins have long been thought to serve as some kind of link between the surface and the underwater world. Swimming with dolphins, for example, helps children cope with various ailments, calms and helps people suffering from depression or nervous disorders. It's no surprise that the dolphin tattoo has become so popular.

Game of dice

Is the familiar numbered dice that we all played as children, and is popular in many cultures around the world. Dice, 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 your 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 part of common human vices, including playing cards, drugs and alcohol, weapons, betting on the hippodrome, racing and communicating with women. behavior. The expression "throwing the dice" implies taking a risk in which the result will be completely unknown, which the person cannot control. This implies that the result of such a risk will depend only on fate and the chance given to the person. The well-known expression: "The die is cast" (Julius Caesar's aphorism 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 tattoos: nautical themes (with crossing 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. Unsurprisingly, the skull is known throughout the world as a symbol of death. In many cultures, the skull symbol is a reminder of our own mortality, as the immortal Latin says, "Memento mori!" (memento Mori). William Shakespeare uses the skull for greater effect: when Hamlet discovers Yorick's skull in the graveyard in the first scene of the fifth act, he speaks directly to the skull. The physical skull object is used to symbolize the theme of human mortality and death presented in the game. After all, none of us can escape death, and even Kings will be devoured by worms. In Christian art and culture, the skull has been presented as a symbol of eternity, repentance and human vanity, and as a reminder of death. In medieval, religious paintings, we can often see Adam with the skull placed at the feet of the Cross as a symbol of the payment for sin. The ancient symbol of the skull with a snake was a symbol of knowledge and immortality, denoting knowledge that survived death. Many Renaissance artwork depicts skulls as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life. Historically, the skull has been a popular symbol of triumph over an enemy, and a warning to people who have been defeated in battle. Skulls served as trophies and a large number of skulls could be piled 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 collect various symbolic meanings, since there is a huge creative field 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 painting. Dry history: For example, the ancient Aztecs used special ceremonial daggers to carve the still-beating hearts from their human sacrifices, thereby paying tribute to the gods. Such a dagger represented the awe-inspiring and capricious power of the gods. Wherever sacrifice was practiced: in the Middle East, Babylon, Mesopotamia, Persia, and many other cultures, knives were used to sacrifice to the gods. The image of the knife, bloodletting and death are all intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the very essence of life, is an unusually powerful image and a very powerful symbol of death. Knife / dagger is present in many military tattoos due to its use as a weapon, perfect for close combat due to its silent action. 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 ancestry. A knife or dagger represents ferocity, speed, tenacity and death. As a weapon, a knife and a dagger have been known since ancient times, all knights and nobles wore daggers as weapons in addition to their spears and swords, therefore they were the last line of defense of a fighter and were used last - a kind of last chance. the first tool in the human arsenal, it was used for skinning animals, protecting their homes, for obtaining and cutting food, becoming better and better as mankind develops. Since the knife had many functions, and they were used by absolutely all men, from various classes, 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 shaking hands, greeting each other to demonstrate that they were not hiding a dagger or other edged weapon in their hands. Knife and dagger tattoos are very popular in both old school and new school to this day - it symbolizes a willingness to accept measures, to be courageous and fearless, ready to answer for the insult inflicted. A knife in the heart means betrayal in love, and often just infidelity, and a skull pierced with a knife is a person who risks his life, fully committed to his ideas. A skull with a knife in his teeth symbolizes action. ... We often see this in tattoos of 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 shown in many genres of tattoo, both ancient and modern, and in fact it can be argued that all traditional tattoos among different peoples carry a strong spiritual element. The cross tattoo has been known for at least two past centuries, sailors and merchants were tattooed with them, it is considered an old school classic, and is still megapopular among all segments of the population in many countries of the world. The cross itself is 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 two lines - the point of synthesis - represented those mystical and spiritual concepts that embraced the meeting of the material and the 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 Cross of the Wheel 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, the sun and stars (four signs 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 above the cross, came to be used in astrology as a symbol for Venus, and is still used today in biology to indicate the female gender. The ancient Egyptians used the ankh hieroglyph to denote regeneration, and later it was 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 rich red, ripe and juicy cherries are no exception. Cherries symbolize chastity and purity as the fruits ripen on the trees. The cherry plucked represents the loss of innocence and dignity. A bitten cherry is no longer a virgin. Cherry, surrounded by fire, speaks of an unquenchable desire or passion.

The popularity of tattoo art is growing rapidly - more and more people of different ages apply tattoos to their bodies, putting their own meaning in them. Today, a body drawing can become for the owner both a talisman and 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 well-known styles is the traditional Old School. The old school is still very popular and offers many interesting, original tattoo options using this technique.

History of origin.

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

Distinctive features of the style.

Tattoos in this technique have their own specific characteristics 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 outlines, mostly black;
• simple, ordinary forms that do not differ in correctness and realism;
• not intricate, as simple as possible plots;
• nautical motives of the drawing that remind of the origins of the style.

Old School tattoo technique.

Of course, over time, the technique of applying a tattoo in this style has become better and has 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. Painting over the picture must be non-transparent 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. Bold, black outline adds organic contrast that looks perfect with such images. Old school tattoos 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 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 get an Old School tattoo?

Nowadays, this type of wearable designs 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 tattoo are the arms, legs, chest, shoulders, neck, ribs and abdomen, that is, all the prominent places. In addition, the "sleeve" in the Old school style is especially popular. Various color patterns in this technique all over the arm are very unusual and bright, such a "sleeve" looks stylish, original and will definitely not go unnoticed. If we turn to the origins, then earlier soldiers and sailors applied such tattoos mainly on the 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 use popular pictures such as:

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Old School style is an ageless classic in the art of tattoo, 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 sets the owner of such a tattoo from the crowd.

“Old school”(Old School) - a tattoo style 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.

Often sailors did tattoos, so it is not uncommon to see inscriptions in this style with names, names of great events, and quotes. These tattoos are done in bright colors that are framed by 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 exploration of the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and Zeeland, was the first to take notes and sketches of local tattoos. The concept of tattoos comes from a Tahitian word that sounded like the sound when the inhabitants got tattoos with their tools.

Marine life was harsh enough that only the strongest men survived. Sailors, being constantly at the mercy of the wind and the sea and dependent on the vagaries of nature, were superstitious and believed that tattoos could protect from 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 Eastern countries. Popular tattoos among sailors were sailboats, as well as cannons. Despite the riotous life, many tattooed prayers or texts of religious content, this reminded of piety and protected from corporal punishment. And of course, sailors often thought about the families and girls they left on the ground. Therefore, seafarers have always liked mermaid tattoos, hearts and names, various amulets, and this is how the direction in the tattoo of the 19-20 century - Old School - was formed.

Meaning of Old School Anchor Tattoo

Old School Tattoo - Anchor

Anchor- The 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, was considered a symbol that helps you stay on track. The anchor embodies the hope of salvation, safety, caution, reliability and strength. Anchors were painted 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. Old School Tattoo

Martin symbolizes good luck and happiness. Usually a swallow is a tattoo that sailors get after traveling, after having traveled 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 dry land is nearby. Swallows usually fly long distances, making flights over the water, during the flight they sat down to rest on ships, thus giving a sign to the sailors that the land is not far away. At ten thousand miles a sailor could stuff a new bird on the other side of the body. Two swallows tell us about a successful trip.

The meaning of Old School Heart tattoo

Heart of Old School

Heart
A tattoo in the form of a heart, with a ribbon near it, or a scroll with an inscription - explanations here will be superfluous. You can part with your loved one, but the tattoo will remain. Among admirers of the Old School style there is an aphorism: “Love lasts six months, and a tattoo - for centuries!” The heart tattoo is a classic Old School design and 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 speak of "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 as a source of illumination and happiness. Due to the fact that this symbol is very common on the planet, hearts have become a popular motif in tattoos. 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.

Old School Tattoo Ribbon With Inscriptions

Old School Lettering Ribbons

Tapes with inscriptions
The plot tells a lot, but there is a time in the life of every person when a few selected words can give more information than a drawing. Each person would at least once recall the exact time and place of moments that are dear and become something special. They make the heart flutter and beat faster! Sometimes, a few words can tell everything. 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 storyline.

The meaning of the Old School Razor tattoo

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 straight razor, the cocaine was divided into doses. Also, a razor can display depression, explosive nature.

The meaning of the Old School Rose tattoo

Old School Rose

the Rose in Western countries personifies the same thing as Lotus in Eastern countries. A symbol of love, but special, pure. Because of its scent, beauty and shape, 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, and a rose without thorns 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 scent have inspired people at all times. If you believe the myths, the white rose appeared at the moment when Aphrodite was born from the foam of the sea. Later, when Aphrodite was in a hurry to meet with Adonis, she hurt her leg on the thorn of a rose, the white rose turned red.
There is also a legend about the origin of thorns: Rodanaz was a beautiful girl, and all men dreamed of marrying her on themselves. However, she was proud, and thought that mortals were unworthy of her. Once the men entered her house forcibly. The goddess Diana saw all this, and, angry with the pride of men, turned the girl into a rose, and them into thorns.

Rock of centuries
A picture of Jesus Christ, an allegory - the classic version of tattoos. For sailors, for example, it symbolized hope, protection and support, was an amulet and talisman. The presence of phrases like, "Hold on!" gave hope and faith, and was also an amulet. Another version was that the religious symbol depicted on the back could mitigate corporal punishment, and such a sailor was less punished. Also common is a tattoo depicting a stone cross, or depicting a man or sailor kneeling in front of a stone cross. Often the Christian faith of people was referred to as a stone, the foundation upon 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- basic design in old school style. The horseshoe lowered down was an amulet of protection and good luck. In the image, the horseshoe can be displayed alone, as well as together with other images that are associated with good luck.
In many European countries and America, horseshoes are nailed to the doors of sheds and houses, and depending on cultural beliefs, they can be in the lower position or the upper position. If the horseshoe is in the top position, it meant a bowl where you can catch your luck. And if shown down, it meant failure poured out of a bowl that does not last long in it.
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 injury and pain. The Romans built many roads where horses were an important part of the empire's transportation system.

The meaning of Old School Pin-up tattoo

Old school pin-up

Pin-up- a synonym for "Girls with a good figure"
In 1955, Betty Page was named Miss Planet Girl in the Picture.
Betty is a common noun. In the design of old school - the image of a girl whose beauty borders on a hint of rebelliousness and disobedience. The girl has become a legend, a symbol of beauty and femininity, and inspires new generations of tattoo lovers, because a woman's attractiveness is aimed at seduction, admiration, and this never goes out of style.
Pin-up - a photo of a beauty, a pretty girl.

The meaning of the Old School Panther tattoo

Panther Old School

Panther Is a very ferocious feline. This animal is more cruel and dangerous than a tiger or lion. The panther is an independent and cunning animal, and also the only feline that is able to hunt in the water. The panther is featured in the mythology of many cultures in Latin and Central America. There is 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 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 another image.

The meaning of the Old School Woman Devil tattoo

Devil Woman Old School

Devil woman- also known as the "fallen woman". A tattoo that consists of a drawing of vices, often a woman with a bottle of alcoholic drink, cards, bones or other attributes of excitement and fun. Tattoo motto: “Song! Women! Wine!"

Cherry tattoo meaning

Cherry
Fruits and berries are symbols of abundance, and very red, ripe cherries are no exception. Cherries are considered a symbol of chastity and purity, as 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, speaks of great desire and passion.

The meaning of the billiard ball tattoo 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, the pocketed "8 ball" automatically makes you a loser. And due to the fact that many billiard rooms are known for a bad reputation, the "last ball" in a tattoo means alcoholic drinks, women of easy virtue, drugs, gambling.
Some people see it as a chance, if you're lucky, it will all come true.
8 ball is a tattoo that also hints at a test of fate, symbolizes the willingness to take risks and the possibility of success or failure.

The meaning of the Knife or Dagger tattoo

Dagger Old School

Knife or Dagger- Tattoo designs like this are famous in many styles. A dagger or knife can be made in the form of 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 out of human sacrifices, 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 designs, bloodletting and death are all intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the essence of life, is a powerful image and symbol that brings death. A knife or dagger has been famous since ancient times. Many knights and nobles wore daggers as weapons in addition to swords and spears, because daggers were the warrior's last line of defense and were launched at a kind of last chance. Since ancient times, the knife was the first tool in the arsenal of people, it was used to protect housing, mining and cutting food, becoming better and 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 of the Apostle's Hand

Hands in prayer Old School

Hands of the Apostle
Hands in prayer
If the famous artist of the Middle Ages, Albrecht Durer, was alive now, then he would be the richest man. The copyright for Hands in Prayer could have been sold for millions of dollars. It was originally a sketch from the praying head of Frankfurt. A later version of the painting appeared in another work of Dürer - the hands 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 mid-18th century, but there are many copies that are as good as the sketch. Now Dürer's work is the most popular in the design of tattoos for all occasions.
"Hands folded in prayer" are often combined with various additions. It can be tapes with inscriptions, just inscriptions with the names of your beloved and dear people, hearts, rosary beads, crosses. In most cases, "hands folded in prayer" are applied as a memory of someone.

The meaning of the tattoo Star of navigation or wind rose

Windrose Old School

Navigation star or wind rose- an ancient and not at all outdated motive, which is known more than a hundred years ago. The stars have often been a landmark, especially the North Star. The sailors drew navigation stars, because they often relied on them, life depended on it. The sailors were superstitious people and thought that their star tattoo would be an amulet of prosperity along the way. Around the same time, the starfish began to appear on compasses. At a later time, such stars became a symbol of the path of life, its search. They began to be made by those who wish not to go astray, so the navigation star became a guiding star - the image of a star helped not to go astray. Later, such stars became symbols of high encouragement and 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 to show the stars as a fight against darkness and obscurity. Stars with different designs have their own symbolism and meaning, their style depends on the number of angles and their direction.
You can read more about the symbolism of various stars.

The meaning of Old School Lightning tattoo

Lightning Old School

Lightning- lightning and thunder are familiar phenomena. Is there a more beautiful sight than flashes of lightning, fireworks of electricity, these flashes, like magic and something incredible, appear seconds before the thunder rolls! 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 about gods and incredible creatures who used lightning as a weapon. People were impressed by the power and magic of lightning, as the places where lightning struck were scenes of severe destruction. The trees were burning, the earth was burnt out, the rocks became sand. And if there was any person next to him, then he was dying.
For a long time, lightning has been 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 it rains and thunderstorms with lightning, it was a symbol of abundance, because rain is an important condition for the ripening of the crop.
Lightning tattoos are popular in most Asian cultures. Lightning is used in Japanese tattooing, in particular, when depicting a flying dragon.

The meaning of the Flame tattoo

Flame Old School

Flame Is transformation, destruction, passion, beacon of light and warning. Fire and flames were mainly used in rituals, because the smoke of the fire ascended into the sky and was associated with the wishes and requests of people. The destructiveness made fire respected. But fire can not only destroy, but also give warmth and light. Fire and flames are considered to be symbols of hope, light and knowledge. Fire is 1 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 spirit and is often used to describe hell. Fire is also a symbol of temptation and sin, and Satan is shown surrounded by fire.

The meaning of the dice tattoo

Dice Old School

Game of dice Is a well-known game with numbered cubes. Everybody 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 abilities 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, dice is considered a symbol of good luck. At the same time, dice is often interpreted in a tattoo as an element of gambling, and is part of human vices: alcohol, drugs, women of easy virtue, etc. The phrase “throwing the dice” means that you need to take a risk, where the result will be unknown, because a person cannot control it.

The meaning of the Skull tattoo

Skull Old School

Scull- skulls are presented in many tattoo genres: Asian theme, Old School, New School, Biomechanics and many others.
There is something mystical about the largest bone, looking at the skull, we see that death is staring at us with large empty eye sockets. Unsurprisingly, the skull is known as a symbol of death. The skull symbol in cultures is a reminder of mortality. The physical skull object is used to symbolize mortality in humans. As a result, none of us can escape death. In the art and culture of Christians, the skull is presented with 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 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

Old School Cross

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 cross tattoo has been known for at least the last two centuries; sailors and merchants have been tattooed with them. It is an old school classic, and a very popular symbol among many walks of life in all countries of the world. The cross itself is an ancient and important symbol in the history of mankind - vertical and horizontal lines that represent Nature, the intersection point of 2 lines - represented mystical and spiritual concepts that embraced the meeting of the material and 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, 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 Cross of the Hindus was a symbol of the good and prosperous for people. This cross was called the circle of life, meaning the changing world.

Tattoo art is one of the most popular forms of body decoration, which has dominated the hearts of millions of people for centuries and continues to remain at the top of popularity even in our time. Despite the fact that the masters are constantly working on the creation of new modern and realistic designs, traditional old school tattoos do not lose their relevance.

Old school style: origin story and description

Old school tattoos refer to the traditional American style, which involves the use of a limited color palette, bold black lines and unnaturalness.

Old school tattoos are designs painted blue, green or red. Also, there may be some shades of blues, purples, browns and yellows in addition to the common black. There are no restrictions on the size of pictures: both small and large pictures look great.

Famous artists who were highly regarded in the old school tattoo genre are Sailor Jerry, Amund Dietzel, Herbert Hoffman, Bob Shaw and Bert Grimm. Modern tattoo art draws heavily from the old school and uses it in new designs.

Ideas and sketches of old school tattoo

Eagle old school

The eagle is a symbol of American culture and stands for strength, freedom, loyalty and dedication. Most eagle tattoos are large enough to be applied alongside words, quotes, or other elements.

the Rose

The meaning that the old school flower tattoos carry is love or passion. Moreover, there are several variations of this design: a combination of a rose with names, inscriptions, a dagger, a skull, etc.

Girls

The pin-up figures of beautiful women, which were in high demand in the 1960s, greatly increased the popularity of this motif with their charming and feminine looks. Sexy old school girls are unconditionally attractive, but the more their images are more difficult to execute, and this requires more experience from the tattoo artist.

Anchor

This motive is appreciated not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its symbolic meaning. The tattoo means determination, faith and hope. Sailors used to tattoo anchors, believing that it would help them stay on track for the long time they would spend hiking away from their families. It is worth noting that the image of the anchor will look more harmonious when combined with a heart, birds, ropes or roses.

Compass

The image of this device means direction and helps the owner to determine the right path in his life that will lead him to achieve his goals. These tattoo designs are especially popular with sailors, travelers, adventure seekers and seafarers.

Images of chiefs and tribal symbols

These tattoos have a close relationship with tribal heritage, in addition to symbolic meanings associated with customs and traditions. The most common symbols used for tattoos are dream catchers, feathers, animals, natural elements, or the human form. Often, an old school sleeve tattoo is performed with these motives.

Old school Indian tattoos date back to the tribal culture of ancient times and are an important element of old school design.

Heart

Heart tattoos are associated with love, compassion and friendship. They are preferred to be applied to their bodies by people who want to express their feelings towards loved ones, for example, parents, children or friends. The most popular motifs are a heart with wings or inscriptions, as well as a pierced or broken heart.

These designs are the most common in the old school style.

Swallows

These tiny birds symbolize health, prosperity, loyalty, freedom, protection and strength. The old school swallow tattoo is a highly regarded old school design that was previously used by sailors as a sign of hope for a safe return home. Later, the swallow was considered a symbol of freedom among people released from prison. Gradually, this beautiful design became popular and went to the masses.

Swallows look great both in black and white and in color.

Owl

This bird symbolizes intelligence, knowledge, learning. Tattoo means obtaining secret knowledge, self-development, wisdom. The owl image is especially popular with girls and guys, as it helps to find the right direction in life.

Mermaid

The mermaid design means independence and playfulness, showcasing the grace and charm of this mythical creature. Initially, mermaids were a popular image among sailors who spend most of their lives at sea, but today these tattoos are in demand among women as well, as they look very original.

Dagger

Melee weapons can represent many things, but mostly symbolize danger, death and ferocity. There are many variations in this design: the dagger goes well with other elements, such as a skull, flowers or a heart.

Wolf

This predatory animal represents ruthlessness, bloodthirstiness and audacity. The old school wolf is commonly used to denote a lust for something important in life, such as wealth, success, or happiness. In some cases, a traditional wolf tattoo can symbolize that a person has gone through a difficult life situation. Panther, tiger and bear have similar characteristics.

Scull

The skull tattoo symbolizes the awareness and acceptance of death as inevitability, and also says that a person appreciates and enjoys life. Most often, the skull is applied to the forearm.

In addition to having a deep meaning, these tattoos boast a unique and globally recognizable look. In addition, body pictures are very versatile: they are perfectly located both on the leg or on the arm, and on another part of the body.

Male and female tattoo sketches

The photo below shows the best ideas for guys and girls. Perhaps any of the sketches presented will help you in choosing a future tattoo.