In the field of tattoos, there are a large number of different variations of images. Today we are going to talk about one of the long-standing styles of tattooing - OLD SCHOOL (hereinafter referred to as oldskool). It is one of the most popular styles in contemporary tattoo art. Despite the fact that this technique of tattooing dates back to the nineteenth century, today it is very popular and in demand. Initially, old-school tattoos were popular in America and Europe, but soon this attractive style won tattoo lovers around the world.
History of Oldschool Tattoos
There is a legend that for the first time European sailors saw colorful old-school tattoos on the bodies of natives living on the islands of Polynesia. The sailors' delight had no limits, they were conquered by the beauty and colorfulness of the natal drawings. And it is believed that the founder of the technique oldskul was an American sailor. It was he and his team began to apply bright tattoos, which later became popular among all sailors.
Old School tattoo technique
The American style of old school tattoo, also called traditional, is characterized by flat images. Tattoos are applied in a dense layer. Masters create a thick black outline of the image. Popular colors: green, red, blue, yellow. During the birth of this style, it was important for people to get a symbolic drawing on the body before going to the front or sailing. The tattoos were done quickly, so they did not show shadows or fine details.
The main theme of old-school tattoos
The main theme of oldskool tattoos is considered everything directly related to the sea and sailors. This can be images of a ship, anchor or swallow. Often for the oldskool tattoo use images of seagulls, roses, hearts, skulls, mermaids, etc. In general, the oldschool tattoo is the images, symbolism and imagery preferred by sailors. Sketches of tattoos in this style are characterized by a bright richness of colors and clear black lines of the outline of the picture. Oldskool tattoos are recognizable due to their simplicity, but they do not lose their appeal, beauty and a certain charm.
Popular old skool tattoos
Anchor
Anchors and seafaring gear take center stage in Old Skool tattoos. This symbol combines religious overtones and strength of spirit. The shape of the anchor resembles a cross, indicating faith, and the steel of which it is made, a strong character.
Swallow
Swallows are not uncommon on old-school tattoo designs. Sailors put them on their bodies in honor of every 5,000 miles traveled. It is considered a good omen to see a swallow while out at sea. It symbolizes a calm voyage and a quick return. To this day this bird is a symbol of good luck and hope.
Cross
Religious signs are in reverence among old-school tattoos. The most popular element is the Rock of Ages, a stone cross depicting Jesus. This is a tattoo that mariners used to put on their backs to reduce corporal punishment. The second relevant tattoo in those days was an image of a sailor kneeling in front of a cross.
Compass
A compass is the best friend of every sailor. This symbol is used in tattoos as a sign of purposefulness. It is believed that the compass on the body helps you find your way in life and achieve your goals faster.
Stars
Sailors relied on the stars on every voyage. They showed them the way and lit the way. On their bodies, men would depict a constellation or a large star. Today this drawing is also a symbol of protection and guidance. Just as the star served as a guide for the crew then, so today it guides people. The star is called a representation of truth, power and the divine spark.
The old-school tattoo is a gun.
The image of a gun has long been ambiguous. At first glance, a gun is considered a dangerous firearm, but the tattoo with the image of a gun is often chosen for herself by the gentle sex. A gun that is tucked behind a bold and beautiful garter will tell of a playful and fun disposition. Still, the tattoo of a gun on the girl's body, even with various additions in the form of flowers, ribbons and patterns, says that the owner of such a tattoo will not always be nice, if necessary, it is easy to defend themselves.
Photo review of modern old-school tattoos
Today, despite the old technique, oldskul tattoos are popular, mesmerized by their beauty and originality of the figure. Colorful and bright images of mermaids, ships, roses, helmets and skulls are very popular among men and women. Traditionally, the tattoo in this style is performed not very large in size, so the appropriate place of application is the hand. Depending on the size of the chosen sketch, you can place the tattoo on any part of the arm, up to doing a sleeve tattoo. Although where to apply tattoo in the style of oldschool, you decide and everything will depend on the desire and flight of fancy.
Oldschool style is characterized by thick black contour lines, simple bright colors and simplicity and brevity of the image. But that's not stopping old-school style tattoos from becoming more popular today.
Panther tattoo: what is the difference between a black and a yellow animal
Usually, when it comes to the panther tattoo, people imagine a black animal - Bagheera, from the famous tale of Mowgli. But there is also a yellow panther - although it is actually a jaguar.
By the way! The panther in reality is a large spotted predatory animal of the feline family, the leopard.
But still in the art of tattooing this animal, depicted exactly in yellow colors, is also perceived as a panther. What is the symbolism of these two animals?
- The black panther. It is said to patronize the forces of the night. It is a good hunter. But not just a hunter, but even a killer. In many Asian countries the legend says that the panther is the only animal that can resist the dragon and even defeat it. Except for the Chinese - there they are sure that even a panther is not capable of fighting a dragon.
- Yellow panther. This animal is directly associated with the sun, its bright and warm light. It is interesting that not so long ago wealthy Africans (the nobility) kept jaguars as pets.
