With the development of parlors and techniques, the complexity of the images and the public perception of tattooing started evolving, giving birth to other styles such as New School, Neo traditional, Realism, amongst others. Elements with their own symbolism (daggers, roses, dice).īecause there were limited amounts of tattoo options on flash walls (custom tattoos were not frequent back then) you probably have seen most of them.With time, the general american audience started shaping this style with elements that were meaningful to the culture and, for this reason, the following elements repeated over and over again: The technological development allowed the wider public to access the tattooing tradition (mostly associated with sailors, circus freaks and indigenous tribes). These tattoos became popular during the early 20th century alongside the development of the electric tattooing machines and flash walls (template drawings exposed on the walls of each parlor for clients to choose the design from). These tattoos mostly sought to preserve memories and mark achievements, resembling the Tribal styles in its genesis and purpose. This style encompasses the sailor’s traditions but isn't defined by it. Another example is the Sparrow, which was earned for every 5,000 nautical miles traveled (which is roughly a quarter of the earth's circumference).

For instance, tattooing a King Neptune meant you crossed the Equator. Also known as Traditional American, it derives from the sailors’ tattooing tradition which marked achievements at sea.

Tattoo doodle monster