Est. 1979 Tattoo Ideas

Established in 1979, the art of tattooing has evolved significantly, with a vast array of designs and styles to choose from. If you're considering getting a tattoo or adding to your collection, exploring the rich history and diverse styles of 1979 tattoo ideas can inspire your next piece. Let's delve into the world of 1979 tattoo ideas, their origins, and popular styles.

an old school style tattoo design with the word boss in black and white ink on a white background

Tattooing in the late 1970s was heavily influenced by the counterculture movement, with a focus on personal expression and rebellion. This era saw the rise of various tattoo styles, each with its unique characteristics and symbolism. Let's explore two main topics: Traditional and Neo-Traditional tattoos, and their respective sub-styles.

the logo for estr'855 is shown in black on a white background

Traditional Tattoos

Traditional tattoos, also known as Old School or American Traditional tattoos, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These tattoos gained popularity among sailors and workers, who often used them to symbolize their travels, beliefs, and personal stories. Traditional tattoos are characterized by their bold outlines, vibrant colors, and simple, iconic designs.

a person with a tattoo on their arm that reads, twenty five seven seventy nine

Traditional tattoos often feature nautical themes, animals, pin-up girls, and classic symbols. They are typically placed on visible areas of the body, such as the arms, chest, and back.

Sailor Jerry Style

an old style logo with the word estr written in white on a gray background

Sailor Jerry, whose real name was Norman Keith Collins, was a prominent tattoo artist in the mid-20th century. His style, often referred to as "Sailor Jerry Style," is a sub-genre of traditional tattoos. It is known for its intricate, detailed designs and the use of bold, contrasting colors. Sailor Jerry's work often featured nautical themes, such as anchors, swallows, and pin-up girls.

Some popular Sailor Jerry-inspired tattoo ideas include:

Anchors with the words "Mom" or "Dad" to represent loved ones and home.
Swallows, which symbolize freedom and travel.
Pin-up girls, often depicted with bold, exaggerated features and vibrant colors.

the number seventy seven is written in black ink on a white background, and it appears to be an old english letter

Classic American Traditional

Classic American Traditional tattoos are another sub-style of traditional tattoos. They are characterized by their simple, iconic designs and the use of bold outlines and primary colors. These tattoos often feature symbols like hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs, as well as animals, eagles, and skulls.

Some popular Classic American Traditional tattoo ideas include:

the word 791 written in black ink on a white background

Hearts with the initials of a loved one or a significant date.
Eagles, which symbolize strength, courage, and freedom.
Skulls, often used to represent mortality or the passage of time.

Neo-Traditional Tattoos

the number seventy nine is written in black on a white background

an old school tattoo design with the letters b and d in black ink on white paper

an image of a rose with the number twenty four in it's center surrounded by leaves

an old school style tattoo design with the word'944'in black ink

the back of a person's stomach with a tattoo on it

an airplane is flying in the sky with black numbers on it's tail end

the number twenty seven is written in cursive writing

a man with a tattoo on his arm that has the number twenty seven in it

the number twenty eighty years with swirls and dots on white background, black and white illustration

the word hyr is written in black and white

an image of a table with the dates for each month

an old black and white photo with the number 799 on it's side

an old school style tattoo with the word boo in black and grey ink on a man's chest

a man's arm with roses and the word hope tattooed on it

an old style logo with the word 999 in it's center surrounded by leaves

the number fourteen seven in black ink on a white background, with an arrow pointing to it

Neo-Traditional tattoos emerged in the late 20th century as a modern take on traditional tattoos. They retain the bold outlines and vibrant colors of traditional tattoos but feature more intricate, detailed designs and a wider range of subject matter. Neo-Traditional tattoos often incorporate elements from other tattoo styles, such as Japanese and realism, resulting in a unique, hybrid aesthetic.

Neo-Traditional tattoos can feature a wide range of subject matter, from nature-inspired designs to pop culture references. They are often placed on larger areas of the body, such as the back, chest, and thighs, allowing for more detailed and intricate work.

Nature-Inspired Neo-Traditional

Nature-inspired Neo-Traditional tattoos feature plants, animals, and other natural elements rendered in the bold, vibrant style of traditional tattoos. These tattoos often incorporate intricate details and realistic shading, creating a striking contrast between the traditional and realistic elements.

Some popular nature-inspired Neo-Traditional tattoo ideas include:

Floral designs, such as roses, lotuses, and peonies, often depicted with detailed petals and vibrant colors.
Animals, like wolves, bears, and snakes, rendered with realistic features and traditional tattoo elements.
Nature-inspired symbols, such as trees of life, mandalas, and lotus flowers, which can hold personal significance and symbolism.

Pop Culture Neo-Traditional

Pop Culture Neo-Traditional tattoos incorporate elements from movies, music, and other forms of popular culture. These tattoos often feature iconic characters, symbols, and references rendered in the bold, vibrant style of traditional tattoos. Pop Culture Neo-Traditional tattoos allow individuals to express their personal interests and passions through their ink.

Some popular Pop Culture Neo-Traditional tattoo ideas include:

Movie and TV show references, such as characters from Star Wars, Marvel, or Game of Thrones.
Music-inspired tattoos, like album covers, band logos, or lyrics.
Pop art-inspired tattoos, which feature bold, colorful designs inspired by artists like Roy Lichtenstein or Andy Warhol.

In the world of 1979 tattoo ideas, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're drawn to the bold, iconic designs of traditional tattoos or the intricate, detailed work of Neo-Traditional tattoos, there's a style and subject matter that can speak to your unique personality and interests. As you explore the rich history and diverse styles of 1979 tattoo ideas, take the time to find the perfect design that tells your story and reflects your individuality. Happy inking!