Old School

Old school tattoos belong to the older styles and are characterized by patriotic symbols. Hearts, daggers, guns, roses or ships are associated with the Old School style. Motifs such as flags or military symbols became especially popular during World War I and World War II, when they symbolized the hope for peace and the desire for an end to war.

Sailor Jerry as a pioneer of the Old School Revolution

The reason for the eye-catching motifs is mainly because the tattooing techniques of that time were very different from today's ones. The quality of the machines and the ink was not particularly good, the motifs were kept simple and striking, so that they still looked like something after a long time. Colors were also not as intense in the past as they are today due to lack of options, and the choices were limited. As a result, real old schools often look a bit drab. Shading and transitions are eschewed in contrast to New School.

From seductive mermaids to classic roses

Many of the distinctive motifs in this style have their own unique and individual meanings, which is precisely why they are such a popular choice for tattooing. The rose is a true classic and represents true love that you are either still hoping for or have already found. Heart tattoos usually include script banners, which are offset with a name. Thereby "Mom" or the name of the partner are quite high in the course. Old sailing ships represent freedom and a spirit of adventure in the one who wears them. Some may know the myth of the mermaid who attracts ships with her beauty to make them crash on the rock she sits on. Therefore, such a tattoo represents the danger of seducing a woman and its feminine energy. Another popular motif is the dagger, which is supposed to symbolize justice, war and death.