{"id":18347,"date":"2021-09-28T07:51:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=18347"},"modified":"2024-01-19T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T00:00:00","slug":"neo-traditional-tattoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/neo-traditional-tattoo\/","title":{"rendered":"40+ Neo Traditional Tattoo Design Ideas (Origin, Meaning and More)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When looking to get a new tattoo, many people do a little bit of homework regarding different tattoo styles out there. And there are dozens of different tattoo kinds and styles, so it can be pretty hard to make a decision. But, what we’ve noticed is that an increasing number of people are going for neo-traditional tattoos; a tattoo style that relies heavily on traditional tattooing, designs, motifs, and technique.<\/p>\n

Drawing inspiration from traditional American tattooing, as well as the tradition of tattooing art and craft, neo-traditional tattoos are a true homage to the brilliant art of tattoos and fresh ink.<\/p>\n

If you’re reading this, chances are you are as well interested in this tattoo style, so we’re pretty glad you’re also at the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a look at the origin of neo-traditional tattoos, what they mean and represent, as well as look at some of the best examples of neo-traditional designs. So, without further ado, let’s get started!<\/p>\n

Neo-Traditional Tattoos: Everything You Need To Know<\/h2>\n

How Neo Traditional Tattoos Came To Be – The Origin Story<\/h3>\n

Many seem to describe neo-traditional tattoos as a part of the New School tattoo style, or even say for them to actually just be traditional American tattoos. However, this couldn’t be any further from the truth.<\/p>\n

Professional tattoo artists and those knowledgeable in tattoo styles and history<\/a> will say that neo-traditional tattoos are simply designs done in line with the main tattooing rules and practices, focusing on common motifs and themes as well as clear presentation and clean lines.<\/p>\n

The origin of neo-traditional tattoos is closely tied to American traditionalism, a style of tattooing developed by sailors hundreds of years ago<\/a>. This alone can also be traced to the fact that hundreds of years ago, people traveled to the so-called ‘exotic’ islands and lands, where the indigenous communities were already getting tattooed for thousands of years.<\/p>\n

The sailors would also get tattooed during their journey. They generally went for motifs resembling their job or sea-related motifs, like their caps and clothes, fish, sea, boats, etc.<\/p>\n

However, the sailor culture would start disappearing in the 20th century, especially with the patent of the first electrical tattooing machine. Samuel O’Reilly patented the first tattoo gun, which would later become the staple for a modern tattoo machine. With this machine, people discovered new ways of tattooing, implementing finer lines, complex designs, shading, and even different colors. It was the beginning of the tattoo revolution in the West.<\/p>\n

As time went by, people started implementing designs that were close to the notion of being American. The traditional tattoos of the 1960s and 1970s included motifs like the American flag<\/a>, skulls, roses, guns, colors like red, white, and blue, etc. That is the era of true American traditionalism and traditional tattoos.<\/p>\n

It took us a long road to get here, but we’re here. From there, current tattoo artists draw attention to their neo-traditional approach and interpretation of what used to be the main tattooing style.<\/p>\n

But, What Exactly Is A Neo-Traditional Tattoo?<\/h3>\n

The best way to describe a neo-traditional tattoo or neo traditionalism is to say that it is an expansion of American traditionalism<\/a>. So, the style focuses mainly on the traditional tattooing practices of the 20th century, especially the years like the 1960s and 1970s. It is inspired by the traditional style of tattooing and pays homage to the true roots of American tattooing.<\/p>\n

How Can I Recognize A Neo Traditional Tattoo?<\/h3>\n

Because the designs are done by drawing inspiration from American traditionalism, neo-traditional tattoos can be recognized by the following characteristics;<\/p>\n