American & Western Traditional Tattooing In Sydney
Characterised by bold, black outlines and solid, clean designs, the term “Traditional tattoos” refers to the style of tattooing propagated through Europe, the USA, and wider the Western world from the 1800’s onward. Gaining refinement and and their identifying characteristics in the early 1900’s, one can see the style solidify around a range of subjects like animals, flowers, women, skulls, daggers, and nautical imagery. This style is also often referred to as “old school” tattooing.
Traditional American tattoos (or “Americano”) flourished in the late 1800’s after sailors and soldiers would adorn their bodies with meaningful imagery to not only carry memories of loved ones and symbols of protection, but to mark their bodies in the event of losing their life during war.
Following the invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 by Samuel O’Riley, Traditional tattooing only increased in popularity among artists and clients alike. Within the first wave of hallmark Traditional tattooers include Amund Dietzel, Herbert Hoffman, Bob Shaw, Sailor Jerry, Don Ed Hardy, Bert Grimm, Lyle Tuttle, Maud Wagner, Stoney St Clair, and Jonathan Shaw, to name but a few.
Although American Traditional designs appear to be ‘simple’ in nature, there are a number of rules and guidelines to follow when designing a piece in this category, making it a specialty that can take years to hone and perfect. The colour palettes used are traditionally vivid colours that were thought to be the best at the time of creation due to lack of fading in the skin and the availability of pigments within the States.
Western traditional tattoo designs include a wide range of imagery including swallows, anchors, eagles, ships, snakes, gypsy women, big cats, roses and daggers. Among some of the most iconic American Traditional designs are the Rock of Ages, Pharaoh’s Horses and the Battle Royale, seen below as tattooed by Lighthouse Tattoo artists Johann Ingemar (link these to artist page), Norrie and Mark Lonsdale.
Norrie
Battle Royale
Norrie’s work here in Lighthouse Tattoo Sydney, is exactly as American Traditional tattooing should be; identifiable from across the street, with bold outlines and solid colour. Her favourite designs to tattoo are Bert Grimm tigers, roses and animals.
Beth Lonsdale
American Traditional
With a decade of experience tattooing in Sydney, including at Rozelles Hand in Hand, Beth brings a strong and creative approach to traditional tattoos. Her style blends classic western traditional with a love for fantasy-based imagery and bold, illustrative twists on traditional Japanese designs. Whether in color or black and grey, Beth's client-first mindset ensures a unique and personalized tattoo experience.
Mark Lonsdale
Rock of Ages
Mark is an incredibly versatile artist who has a solid background in Traditional tattooing ,among other styles. His aesthetic is clean and readable tattoos in both colour or black and grey. Mark’s Traditional work features beautiful artistry with a smooth shading technique and purposeful line work. His favourite Traditional pieces to tattoo are lady faces, angry felines and eagles, with a style reminiscent of the 1970’s onward.