
The 3 main attributes of Old School Tattoos are:
- Bold, Black Outlines
- Limited Color Palette
- Iconic Imagery and Symbolism
Traditional old school tattoos, also known as American traditional or Western traditional tattoos, are a style of tattooing that originated in the early 20th century. They are characterized by bold black outlines, bright primary colors, and simple yet iconic imagery. This style has roots in the tattoo culture of sailors, soldiers, and other working-class individuals, often with designs that were meant to be bold and easily recognizable..

Traditional tattoos often feature classic symbols such as anchors, hearts, skulls, swallows, and roses. These motifs are rich in personal and cultural meaning, representing themes like love, strength, freedom, and protection.
Traditional tattoos are known for thick black outlines and simplified imagery, often with minimal shading. The designs are made to be clear and easily recognizable from a distance, ensuring they age well and maintain their impact over time.


These tattoos use bold primary colors like red, yellow, blue, and green, with black being the dominant color. The shading is minimal, and the colors are flat, making the tattoos visually striking and long-lasting.
Old school tattoos, also known as traditional tattoos, are a timeless style of tattooing characterized by bold black outlines, a limited color palette, and iconic, simplified designs. They typically feature primary colors like red, yellow, blue, and green, with minimal shading. The designs often include symbols such as anchors, skulls, swallows, hearts, and roses, each carrying deep cultural and personal meaning. These tattoos were popularized by sailors and military personnel, emphasizing themes like love, strength, freedom, and defiance. With their clear, striking visuals and enduring appeal, old school tattoos remain a classic and influential style in modern tattoo culture.