When thinking of tattoos, it can seem like there is an endless kaleidoscope of styles. That’s because, from culture to culture and century to century, new styles evolve and emerge. Traditional tattoo style is one of those timeless art pieces that don’t go out of style. While the popular images and the bold colors may seem like a popular trend, there is a whole history behind traditional tattoos that span back thousands of years. While the age-old cliche when it comes to tattoos is ‘do you want that on your body forever?’ In reality, getting a tattoo is an appreciation of an art form that started so long ago that the exact age is unclear.
Some of the most recognizable representations of traditional tattoos are those bold, brightly colored, pieces that include the ever-popular sailor tattoos. What may not be known is that these tattoos were the rage back in the 1700s.
A Connection to History
Getting a tattoo is more than something trendy, it is a connection to history that can be customized to tell a story or show off an individual’s personality. As with all art, tattoos reflect a deeper meaning; there’s more than meets the eye. One of the qualities that make tattoos so unique, is that there are so many different styles that differ from culture to culture.
Many of the classic images of skulls, anchors, colorful portraits, and swallows are part of classical nautical history. These pieces stand out more so than many forms of tattoos. Tattoos were a way for sailors to gain a sort of protection against their particular superstitions. The belief was that these tattoos would serve as a way to ward off spirits that could doom their journey at sea.
A Steady Increase in Popularity
Tattoos are one of those art forms that are timeless. While they’ve always been present, the tattoo’s popularity has steadily increased over the years. It is now more commonplace to see people with striking tattoos in all walks of life. For a while, the traditional style of tattoos became less popular, but over the past few years, they’ve got back into the spotlight once more.
Many tattoo artists prefer doing this style of tattoo because of the intricate designs and culture behind them. A tattoo artist that practices traditional tattoos can give insight as to the meaning behind each of the images, making a tattoo have a deeper meaning. A traditional tattoo has become a symbol of a connection to times long passed, meaning that history never fades.
What to Consider Before Getting a New Tattoo
When getting a new tattoo, what often goes overlooked is the need to look into more than just the reputation of the tattoo shop. To have the best tattoo experience finding an artist that takes into consideration the desired result and can provide ideas to enhance the design is extremely valuable. When deciding to get one of the oldest and boldest forms of tattoo art, finding a tattoo shop that specializes in traditional tattoos should be at the top of the list of criteria for selecting the right location.
Depending on whether or not the accuracy behind the meaning of the tattoo, having a tattoo artist that has practiced traditional tattoos can mean that clients don’t end up thinking their tattoo means one thing when it represents something else.
