New School and American Traditional Tattoos

New school is considered the latest tattooing style which originated back in 1972. While it is new school, some of its features are clearly influenced by old school tattooing used in the US. The style consists of mainly heavy outlines, exaggerated depictions of the focal subject, and use of vivid colours. The new school style of tattooing mainly represents a step towards openness.

Origin of New School Tattooing

While there are multiple accounts about how new school tattooing started, one account states that an artist in California began experimenting with different styles in styles in the 70s. The art depicted actors, Disney characters, and various other aspects of popular culture. It is widely argued that it was during this time that many new cultural designs stemmed from growing demands by customers and less of it was inspired by the tattoo artists themselves.

However, there are accounts that place new school tattooing in the late 1980s, and then the 90s. Marcus Pacheco is often recognised as someone who popularised this technique of tattooing.

American Traditional Tattoos

The roots of American traditional tattoos can easily be traced back as far as the late 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the 60s, when a former sailor Norman Collins opened up his tattoo parlour in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Collins had studied Japanese tattooing from many old masters and learned traditional American tattooing from Gib Thomas in Chicago. During his time, Collins was able to develop his own unique style and iconography, which is still associated with traditional tattoos in America to this day. Many of the flash sheets used today carry his style and many of his original designs. The simple colour palette coupled with bold outlines allowed artists to knock out many tattoos at great speed.

Old School Meets New School

New school tattooing is often considered to be better than old school mainly because new is always better than old. In the tattooing industry, the choice between the two is a personal one. Today, there are specialists like our own Travis and Jake who can do both old and new school. Plus, you have a selection of different designs from which to choose.

Regardless of style, the important thing is to get a tattoo that best reflects your personality. After all that’s what a tattoo has always been about, whether it be a traditional American tattoo or a new school one.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

 

*(Tattoo shown above done by Primitive’s artist Travis)

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Appointments enquiries open: tattoo@primitivetattoo.com

Appointment enquiries:
Primitive Tattoo
146 Barrack St, Perth

0402 030 592

Looking for a unique and the best tattoos in Perth? Come see Primitive Tattoo in Perth.

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