Old School, or Old School, is a tattoo style that dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries in America and Europe. The founders of this still fashionable trend were sailors. Being superstitious people, they believed that tattoos would bring them good luck and protect them from misfortune. Therefore, the drawings were attached hidden meaning, sometimes understandable only to the owner. It could be the name of a place, event, the names of people close to the mariner, and so on. But, like every style, the Old School has several characteristic features that are unique to it.
Plain Old School style tattoo
All tattoos are done with very bright colors and are surrounded by bold black lines along the contour. Due to its striking simplicity, Old School became famous throughout the world, and in almost every salon there is a master working in this style. Over time, any meaning has ceased to be invested in drawings, you can just fill the picture you like. But the main symbols of the Old School have become so popular that one cannot ignore their meaning. In this article, you will meet them.
When the question arose in what style to make sleeves, without hesitation I chose old school tattoos. Sketches are striking in their diversity, and drawings are easily combined with each other and stacked into a single whole. Totally satisfied with the result!
Maxim, St. Petersburg
Anchor old school
A tattoo that is close to all sailors without exception. According to legend, it helps to always stay afloat, a sign of security, strength and hope of salvation. Traditionally, it was impaled after the sailor first crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
The image of the anchor on the body in old style cheekbone
Did you know? It is noteworthy that the anchor can be combined with any other symbol. Such flexibility is another feature of the Old School that cannot but rejoice. And this applies not only to the anchor, absolutely all Old School tattoos are easily and organically adjacent to each other.
Old School Swallow
I thought such a star is pure prison tattoos. But then I better understood the symbolism and realized that the prisoners simply took an already existing idea and rebuilt in their own way. I like the concept, I think about where and how exactly to fill this sign, so as not to be confused.
Oleg, Murmansk.
Tip. To prevent a tattoo from being taken in prison, you just need to add other elements of the old school to it or just make it in color. But even without this, prison stars fundamentally differ from the sea stars in the quality of execution, and in that they bite on the elbows, shoulders, knees or hands, are strictly symmetrical and change their value depending on the place of application. So there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
Old school heart
One of the most “intelligent” fallen women in the old school style
Of course, a symbol of love. Often depicted with a ribbon on which is written the name of a loved one. Stuffs on the chest, although this is not necessary. Also, the heart is used as a sign of the soul, vitality and high moral principles. Almost everything can be embodied in this symbol: romance, passion, friendship, courage, kindness, honor. Even the divine principle is present in the image of the heart, as it reflects the sacrifice of Christ in the name of mankind.
Fallen woman
This depicts a heart in the style of the old school
It depicts vices common to almost all sailors. Women gambling and alcohol. Depending on the main predilection of the owner of the tattoo, the devil woman is holding a bottle, cards, bones or other things related to entertainment. Close to this topic are pin-up style tattoos for girls, popular in the 1950s.
Old school (Old school, "old school") is a traditional style in a tattoo. It originated in the 19th century. Rumor has it that the first sailor to get such a tattoo was a sailor. Later this tradition spread among other sailors. On their tattoos, they depicted everything that was connected with their life.
Sailors for a long time went swimming and made tattoos as a reminder of those who remained to wait for them on the ground. It could be the names of loved ones, their faces. Work at sea was difficult and dangerous. Tattoos were a kind of protection from all sorts of troubles. Gambling was common among sailors, so their tattoos often showed. Nowadays, old-school tattoos are common among a wide variety of people, and masters working in this style can be found in almost any tattoo parlor.
Old school style tattoos are characterized by bright and saturated colors, thick contours. For tattoos in this style, volumetric images are not typical, they do not differ in the realism of the depicted objects, the correct shape for them is also not too important. Old school is characterized by a marine theme:, sea,. They refer us to the origins of this style.
Often portrayed. Such tattoos symbolize love, relationships. The inscriptions on old-school tattoos are quotes or names of loved ones. Hands folded in prayer
Tattoo Old School - a special style of tattoos that you need to pay attention to. The presented style appeared in the nineteenth century and was famous among Europeans and Americans. The most common images used in the old school are hearts, angels, crosses, anchors and the like.
Make a tattoo in the style of Old School
In the past, such wearable designs were worn mainly by sailors. That is why various, denoting so often are applied:
- names of famous people;
- great events;
- famous quotes;
- the names of their mistresses.
To apply the old school tattoo on human skin, bright colors are used, framed by black contours with bold tip. Sailors replenished the presented style with impressions, plot compositions, themes from many others, peeped in the countries that they managed to visit. Polynesian, Hawaiian, New Zealand cultures especially influenced this genre.
Old school tattoo sketches
In general, the fact that the sailors wore the described underwear images significantly influenced the choice of the main topics. Sailors had to overcome difficult trials, their life trials were as serious as possible and they needed protection from evil rock, misfortunes, bad fate.
As a rule, these people were very superstitious and tried to apply tattoos on their bodies that would become a talisman and a talisman.
Sometimes they made tattoos when they reached one or another point of sea voyage, crossed the equator, and visited some distant country. From those times, sailing boats, anchors, guns remained one of the most popular symbols in the style of old school. Interestingly, sailors often pierced sketches of prayer texts on their skin, even though their wild life was far from Christian concepts. We are talking about all the same superstitions.
Finally, the theme of the family was important, because the sailors for a long time went swimming, leaving their beloved girlfriends, wives and children on the shore. Many wanted to leave their images or the memory of them (in the form of tattooed names) impaled on the skin.
Today in such a wonderful style can not only sailors, but everyone. The images are unusual bright and outwardly beautiful and often it is the aesthetic component that turns out to be the main argument in favor of choosing this style.
"Old school"(Old School) - a tattoo style that previously existed primarily in Europe and America. The history of the style began at the end of the nineteenth century. The most popular in this direction were drawings of skulls, hearts, ribbons, angels, crosses, fire, flowers and anchors.
Often tattoos were done by sailors, so it is not rare in this style to see inscriptions with the names of local residents, the names of great events, quotes. These tattoos are made with bright colors, which are framed by a bold black outline.
Sailors became the first people to revive the art and practice of tattooing in Western countries, since they were the first to visit the islands of Polynesia and other states in the Southeast part of Asia in the Pacific Ocean. Cook in studies of the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and Zealand was the first to record and sketch the tattoos of local residents. The concept of tattoos came from the Tahitian word, which resembled the sound when residents made tattoos with their guns.
Sea life was quite severe, and only the strongest men survived. The sailors, being constantly dominated by wind and sea and depended on the vagaries of nature, were superstitious, and believed that tattoos could protect against falling overboard, from predatory animals, from the wreck of the ship. Some tattoos were made at the intersection of the equator, or at the intersection of Cape Horn, when visiting the Eastern countries. Sailing boats and guns were popular tattoos among sailors. Despite the wild life, many tattooed prayers or texts of religious content, it reminded of piety and protected from corporal punishment. And of course, sailors often thought about the families and girls they left on earth. Therefore, mermaids' tattoos, hearts and names, different amulets have always been liked by sailors, and this is how the direction of the 19-20th century tattoo - Old School.
Meaning Old School Tattoo Anchor.
Anchor - A standard old-school tattoo, the most popular in Western countries over the past centuries. It has ancient roots that go back thousands of years, was considered a symbol that helps not to go astray. An anchor represents the hope of salvation, safety, caution and strength. Anchors were painted by people who are closely related to marine work. This tattoo close to sailors around the world, often painted after the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
Meaning Old School Swallow Tattoo
Swallow symbolizes good luck and happiness. Usually a swallow is a tattoo that sailors do after traveling, after passing five thousand miles. For a sailor, this bird is a symbol of safe return home, since the appearance of a swallow is a sign that land is nearby.
Swallows usually travel long distances, making flights through the waters, during the flight they sit down to relax on ships, thus signaling to the sailors that the land is near. With ten thousand miles, a sailor could stuff a new bird on the other side of his body. Two swallows tell us about a successful trip.
Meaning Old School Heart Tattoo.
Heart
A tattoo in the form of a heart, with a ribbon near it or a scroll with the inscription - here the explanations will be redundant. You can part with your beloved, but the tattoo will remain. Among admirers of the old school style, there is an aphorism: “Love lasts for six months, and a tattoo - for centuries!” A heart tattoo is a classic old school style design, it can be seen as an inverted triangle, which has become a symbol of femininity, and is often used to express love. The heart is considered a symbol of love, feelings and the power of life for humanity. The heart is often identified with the soul, acts as a symbol of truth, conscience and moral purity. We say “heartless” about people who are unjust or very cruel. Friendship, courage, romance and emotional expression are embodied in this symbol. The heart occupies an important place in the religions of the planet, and is recognized as a symbol of love, as well as the divine principle. It is also a symbol of mercy, piety and understanding. In addition, the heart is a medieval symbol of Jesus, the sacrifice, especially in the Catholic Church. The sacred heart depicts the love of redemption for God as a source of illumination and happiness. Due to the fact that this symbol is very common on the planet, hearts have become a popular tattoo motif. In the old school, this motif is often painted on the chest. The heart pierced by the arrow is a symbol of the expression of energy, flow and penetration. National banners in the form of a heart - often speak of a patriotic personality.
Ribbons with inscriptions.
Inscription tapes.
The plot tells a lot, but there is a time in the life of each person, when a few selected words can give more information than a picture. Each person would at least once recall the exact time and place of moments that are expensive and have become something special. They make the heart flutter and beat faster! Sometimes, a few words can tell everything. Tattoos with words have been common for a long time, and now tattoo inscriptions are very popular. In those years, sailors depicted words on the fingers. The most famous were: “life is difficult”, “love and pain”, “love and hate”, “hold on” (do not drown, keep on the water) on the fingers of one hand, and “quickly” (quickly return home) to the other, served protective amulets.
Meaning of Old School Razor Tattoo.
Razor.
The design of a razor tattoo can symbolize a large number of things, but all of them are sharp, cutting, irritated, unrestrained. A razor was used as a suicide tool, a synonym for “cutting veins”. Danger razor is a regular old school design that was used by people who used cocaine in the seventies. Using a razor, cocaine was divided into doses. Also, a razor can display depression, an explosive character.
Meaning tattoo Old School Rose.
rose flower in Western countries it represents the same thing as Lotus in Eastern countries. A symbol of love, but special, pure. Due to its smell, beauty and shape, the rose is considered the most perfect symbol.
Of all the flower designs, the rose tattoo is both the most popular and sought after. An interesting fact is that the rose is in demand among men and women. A red rose tells of love, and a rose without thorns speaks of love at first sight. Yellow roses express joy, white - respect and respect, pink - admiration and sympathy, orange - enthusiasm. In ancient times, a white rose symbolized virginity. Variety of roses and fragrance inspired people at all times. According to myths, a white rose appeared at the moment when Aphrodite was born from the foam of the sea. Later, when Aphrodite, in a hurry on a date with Adonis, she wounded her leg on a rose thorn, the white rose turned into a red one.
There is also a legend about the appearance of thorns: Rodanaz was beautiful girl, and all men dreamed of reaping it on themselves. However, she was proud, and thought that mortals were not worthy of her. Once, men forcefully entered her house. The goddess Diana saw all this, and, angry with the pride of men, turned the girl into a rose, and them into thorns.
The value of tattoos Scala centuries.
Rock of centuries -
A picture of Jesus Christ, allegory - a classic version of tattoos. For sailors, for example, it symbolized hope, protection and support, was an amulet and a talisman. The presence of phrases like, "Hold on!" gave hope and faith, and was also an amulet.
Another version was that the religious symbol, which is depicted on the back, could mitigate corporal punishment, and such a sailor was less punished.
A tattoo depicting a stone cross, or depicting a person or a sailor kneeling in front of a stone cross, is also common. Often the Christian faith of people was mentioned in the form of a stone, the foundation foundation on which a virtuous life is built. It was based on the belief that the house was as strong as the foundation on which it was built. The stone cross is known as the "Rock of the Centuries."
The meaning of the horseshoe tattoo.
Horseshoe - The main design in the style of the old school. The horseshoe down was an amulet of protection and good luck. In the image, the horseshoe can be displayed alone, as well as together with other images that are associated with luck.
In many European countries and America, horseshoes are nailed to the doors of sheds and houses, and depending on cultural beliefs they may be in the lower or upper position. If the horseshoe is in the upper position, this meant a bowl where you can catch luck. And if it is shown down, it means failure poured out of the bowl, which does not stay in it for a long time. The horseshoe became a symbol of good luck, abundance and wealth in the time of the Roman Empire, when the first Catholics wore horses to protect the hooves from damage and pain. The Romans built many roads where horses were an important part of the transportation system in the empire.
Meaning of Old School Pin-up Tattoo.
Pin-up - synonym
"Girls with a good figure."
In 1955, Betty Page received the title "Miss planet girl from the picture." Betty is a household name, in the design of the old school - the image of a girl whose beauty borders on a hint of disobedience and disobedience. The girl has become a legend, a symbol of beauty and femininity, and inspires new generations of tattoo lovers, because the attractiveness of a woman is aimed at seduction, admiration and this never goes out of fashion. Pin-up - photo of a pretty girl.
Meaning of Old School Panther Tattoo.
Panther
-very ferocious beast of the cat family. This animal is more cruel and dangerous than a tiger or a lion. Panther is an independent and cunning animal, as well as the only feline that can hunt in water. The Panther appears in the mythology of many cultures in Latin and Central America, and in the art and religion of pre-Columbian civilizations. Many cultures have noticed that panthers come in several colors - black and yellow, and believed that the black panther is associated with the moon and night sky, and the yellow panther (jaguar) with the sun and light. This animal was a symbol of shamans who could unite the conscious and unconscious worlds that had access to the afterlife. Many believed that the panther was a werewolf, which was able to transform itself into a different image.
Meaning Old School Skull Woman Devil.
Devil woman
- also known as the "fallen woman." A tattoo that consists of a pattern of vices, often a woman with a bottle of an alcoholic drink, cards, bones or other attributes of excitement and fun. Tattoo motto: "Song! Women! Wine!"
Meaning of Cherry Tattoo.
Cherry.
Fruits are a symbol of abundance, and very red, ripe cherries are no exception. Cherry is considered a symbol of chastity and purity, as fruits ripen on trees. A ripped cherry was considered a loss of innocence. A bitten cherry meant a loss of virginity. Cherry, which is surrounded by fire, tells of great desire and passion.
The meaning of the tattoo is the eighth ball.
Eighth ball
- This design can have several meanings, and its symbol depends on the context where it is used. In general, “8 ball” finishes the game in the pool, but because of the rules of the game, a clogged “8 ball” automatically makes you a loser in your shot. And due to the fact that many billiard rooms are known for their poor reputation, the “last ball” in tattoos includes alcoholic beverages, women of easy virtue, drugs, and gambling. Some people see it as a chance, if you're lucky, it will come true.
8 ball - a tattoo that also hints at the test of fate, symbolize the willingness to take risks and the possibility of good luck or failure.
Meaning of a Tattoo Knife or Dagger.
Knife or Dagger
- Such tattoo designs are famous in many styles. A dagger or knife can be made as an independent tattoo, or be part of the picture. From the story of this symbol: The ancient Aztecs used ceremonial daggers to carve beating hearts from human sacrifices, thus rendering to the gods. The dagger represented the fear and power of the gods. Wherever sacrifice was used, knives were used to offer sacrifices to the gods. Knife drawings, bloodletting and death are all intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the essence of life, is a powerful image and a symbol that death brings. A knife or dagger has been famous since ancient times. Many knights and nobles carried daggers as a weapon in addition to swords and spears, because daggers were the last line of defense of a warrior and were launched at a peculiar last chance. Since ancient times, the knife was the first tool in the arsenal of people, it was used to protect housing, obtain and cut food, becoming better with the development of mankind. Due to the fact that the knife had a large number of functions, and all men used them from different classes, over time, the handle began to be decorated with gold and precious stones.
Tattoo knives and daggers are very popular old school and new school. Knife / Dagger is a symbol of willingness to take action, to be fearless and courageous, ready to answer for insult. Pirates, skulls with a knife or dagger in their teeth - symbolizes the determination of action, thereby showing us that the owner this tattoo, a decisive person, "ready for anything." The knife in the heart is infidelity, betrayal of love. A skull pierced with a dagger is a tattoo of a person who risks his life, a follower of his ideas.
The meaning of the Apostle's Hand tattoo.
Hands of the Apostle.
Hands in prayer.
If the famous artist of the Middle Ages, Albrecht Dürer, was now alive, then he would be the richest man. The copyright for the painting Hands in Prayer could sell for millions of dollars. Initially, it was a sketch from the praying head of Frankfurt. A later version of the painting appeared in another Dürer work - the hands of an apostle who stands in an empty grave and looks at the sky. The original version of the drawing was destroyed by fire in the mid-18th century, but there are many copies that are good, like the sketch. Now Durer's work is the most popular in tattoo design for all occasions. “Hands folded in prayer” are often combined with various additions. It can be ribbons with inscriptions, just inscriptions with the names of your beloved and dear to you people, hearts, beads, crosses. In most cases, “hands folded in prayer” are applied as a memory of someone.
Meaning of tattoo Star of navigation or wind rose.
Navigation star
or Rose of Wind
- An ancient and not outdated motive, which is known more than a hundred years ago. Stars were often a guide, especially the North Star. The sailors drew navigation stars, because they often relied on them, life depended on it. The sailors were superstitious people and thought their star-shaped tattoos would be an amulet of well-being along the way. Around the same time, a starfish began to be depicted on compasses. In later times, such stars became a symbol of life's journey, its search. They began to be made by those who wish not to go astray, so the navigation star became a guiding one - the image of the star helped not to astray. Later, such stars became symbols of high encouragement, rewards.
Meaning of a Star Tattoo.
Star
- A frequent motif in a tattoo. The symbolism of the star embodies in itself - the concept of a divine spark in each of us. And their nature prompts the stars to be shown as a struggle against darkness and obscurity. Stars with different designs have their own symbolism and meaning, their design depends on the number of angles and their direction.
You can read more about the symbolism of various stars.
Meaning of Old School Lightning Tattoo.
Lightning
- Lightning and thunder are familiar phenomena. Is there a more beautiful sight than lightning flashes, electricity fireworks, these flashes, like magic and something incredible, appear seconds before the thunder! At night, a flash of lightning made you see everything as in daylight. A powerful symbol and a godsend for tattoos! Ancient people had a large number of explanations for this natural phenomenon, and many myths tell of gods and incredible creatures who used lightning as a weapon. People were impressed by the power and magic of lightning, because the places where lightning struck were scenes of serious destruction. The trees burned, the earth burned out, the rocks became sand. And if there was any person nearby, then he was dying.
For a long time, lightning was a symbol of power and anger of the gods. The Greeks believed that lightning was thrown by Zeus, the father of the gods, who lives on Mount Olympus. Lightning was a symbol of power, as well as the vagaries of nature. Due to the fact that with lightning it rains and thunderstorms, it was a symbol of abundance, because rain is an important condition for ripening the crop.
Lightning tattoos are popular in most Asian cultures. Zippers are used in japanese tattooin particular when portraying a flying dragon.
Meaning of a Flame Tattoo.
Flame
- this is transformation, destruction, passion, a beacon of light and warning.
Fire and flame were mainly used in ceremonies, as the smoke of fire rose into the sky and was associated with the wishes and requests of people. Destruction made fire respected. But fire can not only destroy, but also give heat and light. Fire and flame is considered a symbol of hope, light and knowledge. Fire is 1 of 4 main elements. In Hinduism, fire is one of the 5 sacred elements that make up the beings, and is considered the eternal basis for religious ceremonies. In Christianity it is a spirit and is often used in describing hell. Fire is also a symbol of temptation and sin, and Satan is shown surrounded by fire.
The meaning of the pigeon tattoo.
Dove
Since ancient times, the dove has been a touching and romantic symbol of fidelity and love, peace and tranquility. In the Christian religion, the authority of the deep blue soared to sky-high heights and occupied the top of the divine pedestal there, since in the snow-white deep, believers represented the embodiment of the Holy Spirit. In mythology, the dove often plays the role of a heavenly messenger, bringing people hope, peace and tranquility. According to the Bible, during the flood God brought all his anger to people, sent heavy rains, and the whole world was flooded. And only Noah with the creatures aboard the Ark survived the flood. After long weeks at sea, Noah first released the Crow, and then the Pigeon, so that they would look for land. The dove returned to the ark with an olive branch in its beak, as a sign of God's grace and the guarantee of peace. So a dove with an olive branch in its beak became the universally recognized emblem of peace, hope and peace. White dove - A bright allegory of a pure, serene soul. In Japan and China, the dove as a symbol of peace and tranquility is still associated with longevity.
Meaning of Tattoo Dice.
Game of dice
- This is a well-known game with numbered cubes. Everyone played it in childhood, and it is very popular in all cultures of the world. When playing dice, they rely more on luck and luck than on ability and skill. As a tattoo, the game of dice is used in the form of a metaphor for life: sometimes in life, like in games, it is more important to get a chance, to “seize good luck” than to hope for talent and abilities. Therefore, the game of dice is considered a symbol of good luck. At the same time, the game of dice is often interpreted in the tattoo as an element gambling, and is part of human vices: alcohol, drugs, women of easy virtue, etc. The phrase "throwing dice" means that you need to take risk, where the result will be unknown, because a person can not control it.
Meaning of Skull Tattoo.
Skull
- skulls are represented in many tattoo genres: Asian themes, old school, news school, biomechanics and many others.
There is something mystical in the largest bone, looking at the skull, we see that death is staring at us with large empty eye sockets. It is not surprising that the skull is known as a symbol of death. The skull symbol in cultures is a reminder of mortality. The physical object of the skull is used to symbolize the mortality of people. As a result, none of us can escape death. In the art and culture of Christians, the skull is presented with a symbol of eternity, remorse and vanity, and also reminded of death. Historically, the skull was a well-known symbol of triumph over the enemy, and a warning to people who are defeated in battle. The skulls were trophies and many skulls could be stacked by winners in public places, so this was proof of victory over the enemy and a reminder of the losses of the vanquished.
You can also read about the meaning of the Skull tattoo.
Meaning of a Cross Tattoo.
Cross
- There is no universal religious symbol than the ordinary Cross.
Religious symbolism is shown in most tattoo genres, so it can be argued that all tattoos are among different nations carry a strong spiritual element. The cross tattoo has been known for at least the past two centuries, they have tattooed sailors and merchants. This is a classic of the old school, and a very popular symbol among many sectors of society in all countries of the world. The cross itself - an ancient and important symbol in the history of mankind - vertical and horizontal lines that represent Nature, the intersection point of 2 lines - represented mystical and spiritual concepts that encompassed the meeting of material and spiritual in human existence. Even before the advent of Christianity, the cross was the most common symbol on the planet: for example, in the Scandinavian countries, in America, China and Africa, it was a symbol of life and immortality, fertility, the union of heaven and earth, the sun and stars and was used as a protective symbol .
A few millennia ago, the Hindu Cross was a symbol of good and prosperous for people. This cross was called the circle of life, denoting a changing world. Later, the swastika became a symbol of Nazi Germany and radically changed its meaning in the minds of most people.
Cross Ankh (cross with a noose above the cross), used in astrology as a symbol of Venus, and is now used in biology, pointing to the female gender. The ancient Egyptians used the hieroglyph ank to mean regeneration, and later it was adopted by Christians to symbolize physical and eternal life.
The Greek cross, an equal cross in all four parts, is mentioned in the history of ancient Greece three thousand years ago, today it is recognized as a symbol of the Red Cross.
They say it was invented by sailors. What do men do for six months at sea, how not to get drunk and express homesickness in a new tattoo. Although tattoos were made earlier, as amulets from troubles and dangers, it was the old-school technique that most prevailed among sea wolves.
Thus, the old school tattoo style has become a separate genre in the art of painting on the skin. He is also called traditional style. Since such a technique appeared, it has become a tradition for sailors to depict on the skin something related to their work, as well as the names of their beloved people who remained on land.
Style features
Understanding the life and life of sailors, who are considered the ancestors of the old school, it is easy to imagine the style itself. Cards, bills, bones, portraits of mermaids, flowers often become the basis of images. As well as pistols, pigeons, skulls, knives, lightnings.
For this technique, the volume of drawings and the realism of the depicted objects are not characteristic, there are no halftones, no shadows. Very often in sketches, the emphasis belongs to inscriptions and quotes.
Typical of the old school - phrases located on tapes and in almost every sketch there is an old-school dagger tattoo. If speak about semantic load symbol - it is intended to remind of the death and significance of life. But today, old interpretations should not be given too much attention. Painting on the skin is just a decoration. We ourselves, of our own free will, can well give the tattoo a certain meaning, but we can generally perceive it only as a work of art.
The most popular old school tattoo designs
If the subject of anchors, swallows and masts is not very attractive, then try to move away from it in favor of fairy-tale characters. Often on the forearm of men, a phoenix is \u200b\u200bdepicted in an old school tattoo. The mysterious symbol of fire, passion and immortality, recreating himself from the dust. One thing can be said about the character of the owner of such a tattoo - this is an energetic person who does not know the fear of defeat. Such a symbol will make his master’s life brighter, more fiery.
So similar to the Firebird from fairy tales told in Russia. And many heroes would like to receive her pen. And not in vain! So, why not portray the immortal bird on your body.
Forearm clog bright colors, and many plot lines are interwoven into the picture. As a rule, the image does not carry a special deep meaning, and can even be impaled in memory of a vacation, sea and travel by water.
Men's old-school tattoo on the forearm, despite the seeming straightforward, should be trusted only by an experienced tattoo artist. There is not much space on the forearm where you can create a three-dimensional image and the master has to adapt the sketch to the features of your anatomy.
We can say that tattoos in the old-school technique are a flight of the soul: everything that you wanted to fill on the body can be placed in one composition, and no one will accuse you of bad taste. Moreover, often men are asked to repeat on their bodies the image of girls in the Pin-up style (translated as “a woman with a good figure”).
One of the first models that inspired such drawings was the famous Betty Page, who won the title Girl from the picture. In old school works, her name quickly turned into a common noun. The name Betty began to call all Pin-up girls, which symbolized beauty and rebellion. She also inspires a new generation of tattoo artists, because admiration for seductive beauties will never go out of fashion, we hope.
The relevance of the old school style
From the point of view of the artistic value of this direction, the tattoos of the old school practically did not change. It is difficult to be original here and often the sketches seem alike, the more valuable is the master who is able to revive the picture you have chosen.
What has changed significantly is equipment, paints and technology. Therefore, it is difficult for a modern person to imagine how such full-color and large-scale paintings could be pricked a hundred years ago.
