New School Tattoos. In the previous article, we focused on the main characteristics of the old-school style.
Developed around the 1930s, thanks to Sailor Jerry, it returned to the fore in the 1970s among sailors, bikers, and punks, as a symbol of belonging to the group. It was from this style that a new current originated in the 90s, which is gaining more and more success among tattoo lovers, the New School.
What are the main characteristics of this style?
The subjects are generally the same as the old school but are revisited and almost exasperated to make them more modern. The extremely bright colors, the black demarcation lines even thicker and more marked. There is an almost total absence of shades and shading and almost phosphorescent pigments are often used, which strike the observer. There seems to be greater freedom in the New School tattoo, which is absent in the case of the old school, a style that is still very much linked to Sailor Jerry’s tattoos.
The old-school style is characterized by simple subjects since in the past the machines used for tattooing, as well as the pigments, were not of great quality and it was therefore risky to make complex tattoos. Furthermore, the tattoos were not made by skilled artists and choosing simple shapes guaranteed better results. The New School style, on the other hand, takes full advantage of the possibilities offered by the new equipment. For this reason, in some cases, nuances and meticulously cared-for subjects are observed. The chosen graphics are realistic and the style is reminiscent of the cartoon one. If you rely on an experienced artist, it will almost seem that your tattoo is “printed” on your skin.
What are the typical subjects of this style?
The typical subjects of the New School can be traced back to the world of the sea. As in the case of the old school style, anchors, swallows, mermaids, sailing ships and eagles represent the most chosen images. Another much-loved subject is the pin-up, a comely woman who shows her sensuality and populates the dreams of sailors far from home. What are the most suitable areas of the body for these tattoos? These are generally large tattoos. The most suitable areas of the body are therefore legs, arms, and the back.
