Check out these old school, traditional tattoos! The kind that sailors scratched into their body, old fashioned designers, etc.

Traditional Tattoos

20.Dancing Lady

Let’s begin the countdown with something rather voluptuous because nothing says tradition like a gorgeous woman wearing a colorful, skimpy outfit and with a peacock feather as a hairpiece for good measure. I mean, how can you go wrong with that? A timeless beauty such as this dancing lady deserves to be immortalized in an equally timeless tattoo like this one. With bold, heavy lines and vibrant, solid colors that can be seen from across the street, this traditional tattoo is a surefire headturner.

19.Traditional Nautical Ink

It would be a complete disgrace if I don’t include this traditional maritime tattoo on the list since marines and sailors are widely regarded as the pioneers of Western tattooing. This countdown would be a complete sham without at least one of such designs. But it’s not the only reason why it’s being featured here. It’s just magnificently done plain and simple. The lines are dark and heavy and the shading is impeccable. This nautical black and grey tattoo above is as ‘old school’ as you get and you know what they say, ‘old school’ is the best school.

18.Traditional American

A swallow, a compass and a flower; yup, that’s a quintessential traditional American tattoo. It’s as American as baseball or American pie and as delightful and timeless. The colors in this tattoo are loud and solid–you can’t miss it even from a mile away. OK, that’s a bit hyperbolic but it’s not that far from the truth really because it’s not only the colors that are eye-catching but the strokes as well. The lines and curves are so heavy and audible that you can’t take your eyes off of it. This traditional American tattoo is unmistakably awesome.

17.Hearty Traditional Tattoo

This traditional tattoo is so hearty that it lightens up my mood every time I see it. It has a very calming effect on me. It makes me warm and fuzzy inside, like that feeling that you get after  getting a hug from a long lost friend–however cheesy that sounded. And it sure helps that the colors are ultra sharp and vivid and the lines are clean and solid. Plus the fact that it has a succinct positive message written across the heart. This, right here, is the ultimate ‘feel good’ traditional tattoo.

16.Pinup and Pearl

This too, has all the trappings of a traditional tattoo: Heavy, dark strokes, tight, simple colors, a pin-up and a clam with a pearl. This design harkens back to the golden age of nautical ink and old school tattooing as a whole–when such skin art was still enjoyed exclusively by a chosen subculture. It’s not to say that it doesn’t translate well today. This traditional tattoo has such a timeless appeal that it can be appreciated by anyone regardless of era, generation and social status.

15.Butterfly Skull

How can you not love this traditional tattoo? I mean, look at those strokes and color saturation! The lining is ultra-clean and solid and the colors are bright and striking that it would seem like it’s a computer printed sticker at first glance. Fortunately it’s not because it’s so much better than any mechanical art there is. It has depth and unmistakable character that can grab your attention in an instant. This traditional tattoo is the embodiment of love at first sight.

14.Mum Tattoo

Awww, this is so sweet and fluffy–like eating a bag of marshmallows. This traditional tattoo, no matter how simplistic it is, is delightful in every sense of the word. Not only is it well- intentioned, but the design and execution are strikingly sweet but not cloying. There’s just enough sentimentality in it that makes it less melodramatic and needy yet more sincere and genuine. This traditional tattoo is the perfect example of less is more. Anyone who disagrees is dead inside. 🙂

13.Catnip

You don’t have to be a cat lover or perhaps catwoman to appreciate this tattoo. Firstly, the lining is strong and hefty and the colors, though minimal and disproportionate, are superbly blended together. If you look at the design by part or by each element, it kinda doesn’t make sense. But in its entirety, if you look at the bigger picture (forgive the pun), the image is poignantly beautiful and strikingly dramatic. Truly, this is a traditional tattoo that requires a few looks to be thoroughly appreciated and understood.

12.Anchor Love

This traditional nautical tattoo might just be a couple tattoo but that doesn’t matter. It looks heartfelt and passionate. And the messages on top and at the bottom depict a kind of love that is boundless and fearless. The kind that doesn’t cower away from life’s stormy and troubled waters. The kind that is enriched by challenges and adventure. The elements of the design are simplistic yet potent and when all is said and done, that’s all that matters–stylistically and contextually.

11.The Owl

What’s better than a swallow traditional tattoo? An owl! Don’t get me wrong, I like swallow tattoos as much as the next guy but owls are more majestic and mysterious creatures. For one thing, they’re considered to be the king of the birds of the night. Secondly, they’re known for their wisdom and knowledge. And, lastly, in some cultures, it’s seen as a mystical creature that can communicate with the spiritual world. Whether you’re superstitious or not, this traditional owl tattoo would surely strike your fancy. It’s a technical and stylistic masterpiece; something that the real and spiritual world can truly appreciate.

10.Mermaid Tattoo

This traditional mermaid tattoo is not just old school, it is, by all accounts, too cool for school. From the placement to the lining, color saturation to the shading and then the concept itself; it just screams perfection. If ever the story about mermaids luring sailors to their deaths were indeed true, I think this design is the perfect paradoxical representation of the bearer of doom. So beautiful and delicate yet oh so deadly. This traditional mermaid tattoo is to die for.

9.Swallow Compass

This is by all means not the most original traditional tattoo out there as far as the concept is concerned but in the grand scheme of things, especially in the execution department, this is one of the most remarkable of its kind. OK, where do I begin? The strokes are exceptional–there’s not a single line or curve that’s out of place. And the colors are just out of sight. Every hue or tint is purposeful. In short, this is an outstanding traditional tattoo through and through.

8.Roses are Red

I don’t like to repeat myself but I can’t stress this enough: “Less is more!” I might as well mark this as exhibit b. Nothing much is happening in this design, it’s as simple as you can get. But it doesn’t mean that it’s less appealing. If something is done with utmost care and precision just like this traditional tattoo in question, it can be fascinating regardless of how straightforward the design concept is. The colors and lining are enough to entice even the staunchest of skeptics. I rest my case.

7.Traditionally Cute

This is a classic maritime tattoo with a feminine twist but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? It’s actually cute and harmless. It’s not really gratuitous and excessively done that it loses its essence or gravitas. This tattoo, above anything else, is more like a gift that keeps on giving. Just look at how the polka dot ribbon is incorporated into the anchor; just charmingly exquisite. It is actually healthy to get in touch with your feminine side every once in a while and this tattoo is a beautiful excuse.

6.Helicopter Dad

This traditional tattoo is dedicated to all the helicopter dads out there because quite frankly, that’s how parenting should be done. If you love someone, especially your own flesh and blood, you tend to become overprotective. That’s completely understandable and you shouldn’t apologize for it. And what a better way to express such uncompromising love than through an equally uncompromising tattoo. This piece is so skillfully done from top to bottom and everything else in between that it’s beyond words.

5.Hands, Flowers and Heart

This traditional tattoo is mesmerizing whichever way you look at it. Everywhere you look, there’s undeniable beauty. From the gorgeously tattooed flowers to the magnificently illustrated hand, dazzlingly crafted bleeding heart to the placement, yes the brilliant placement of this piece of art. It’s a well-thought of and brilliantly-executed tattoo. The lines are solid and clean and the color saturation is expressively sharp. I mean what more could you ask for? This is just undeniable and anyone who says otherwise is a bloody liar!

4.Swallow Ship

This is a quirky and campy combination that’s why I included it on the list. I love trippy, simplistic traditional tattoos because they say so much with very minimal visuals. And this traditional swallow ship tattoo is no different. The swallow design in a historical sense was used by sailors to show off their sailing experience and a safe return to their hometowns. And the ship, well that’s pretty much self-explanatory. It’s somewhat redundant so it’s twice as fun and twice as meaningful.

3.Full Back Crack

This is a very extensive and expertly done traditional full butt I mean back tattoo. If it wasn’t for the conspicuous butt crack, this piece would have made it to the top. Just look at those bold, heavy lines and bombastic color saturation. Those are impressive to say the least. And the equally audacious line that’s tattooed across the back that says, “Death Before Dishonor” is a sight to behold. Just don’t look further down because you’ll be inadvertently staring at the dark, narrow abyss that is the butt crack. Now that is a dishonor!

2.Immersive Anchor

One word: Immersive! This is when the concept and execution come together in one spectacularly hypnotic piece. There’s not a single element in this traditional tattoo that I don’t like. The colors are expertly blended together that it almost looks like it pops right out of the skin. I can’t even begin to describe how splendid the line work is because it’s undoubtedly head and shoulders above anything else that I’ve seen from this genre. This tattoo looks so tasty that you almost wanna eat it!

1.Living Canvas

And now, the best of the best, the king of the hill if you will of traditional tattoos is…Drum roll please…This guy! The living and breathing canvas for anything and everything traditional tattoo related. And it’s for obvious reasons. He’s got everything covered. From birds of prey to skulls, nautical to patriotic and even Native American inspired, he’s got it and then some. Even if the piece is quite extensive, the elements are strategically placed so that they  won’t clash with each other. It’s a testament that quality and quantity can co-exist. And for that, you Sir are our number one traditional tattoo skin. Here’s a standing ‘o’ and a slow clap for all your troubles.