home Medicines from A to Z In old school style. Tattoo in Old School style – photos, sketches, meaning

In old school style. Tattoo in Old School style – photos, sketches, meaning

The tattoo appeared at the dawn of the formation of the very principle of tattooing. Its origins go back to the 18th-19th centuries, when sailors adopted the tattoo culture from the natives they met.

Gradually, the symbolism underwent changes and acquired its original meaning. Modern old school is a direction for strong-willed and risk-taking seekers.

The list of symbols includes more than 1500 images. The style is unique and 100% recognizable.

Old school tattoo characteristic features of the style

Old school has a unique style. On the one hand, the drawings seem popular, simple and unsightly. On the other hand, applying an image and making it colorful is an art.

The applied drawings look a little humorous and deliberately representative. In such an expression one can see the roots of the origins of the style.

To find out what old school is, just look at the photos with sailors. The harsh conditions of many weeks of water crossings and the trials of the elements strengthen character.

Perception also undergoes transformation. Without humor and strong nerves, the sea can break a person. This is precisely the theme that old school tattoos reflect.

The characteristic features of the style are:

principle of application;
subject of images;
stylistics;
color selection;
unique font.

While on the ship, the sailor did not have access to complex devices. That is why the designs were stuffed with needles for darning clothes.

The paint was applied to a depth of 3 mm almost to the surface layers of the muscles. Modern technology more gentle. But the drawings are still full of elaborate colors and marine themes.

The idea of old school spread thanks to the fashion for vintage. Typical paints:

green
blue
black
red
orange
yellow
blue.

The colors have no tints or tints. The lines are drawn with a thick black edging. Gradients and penumbras are performed by the absence of color or a transparent background.

Dagger and rose tattoo

Meaning for men and women

Old school tattoos have the same set of symbols but different meanings for men and women.

Men's tattoos are addressed to inner strength, courage and the ability to resist fate. That is why among the sets of drawings there are many anchors, lighthouses, images of the shore, and birds.

The meaning of men's tattoos:

anchor - reliable, a symbol of St. Nicholas, the ability to withstand the blows of fate;
swallow - luck, knowledge of your path, strength not to stray from the right course;
hourglass - the power of time, “with age I become more reliable”;
lighthouse - the way home, the search for your path, which will end in success;
ship - home, family;
mermaid or female forms- fortune, favorite of fate;
- “I’m not afraid of death,” on you with death.

Women's tattoos are addressed to the personal qualities of the wearer. A stuffed rose means that the design signifies the power of attractiveness, fatal passion.

The old-school image of the rose was originally created by “port wives.” By the symbol on their shoulder or arm, sailors could identify from a multitude of women the one who was ready to warm them with her love.

Gradually, the original meaning faded into the background, leaving only the image of strong passion and love on the material level.

Another meaning of the rose says that the wearer will not allow herself to be pushed around. This is a strong and confident woman.

Ribbons and jewelry show that a girl or woman is fully aware of her attractiveness. A swallow on any part of the body means “bringing good luck.”

For a guy, an old school tattoo with a woman’s name is a reminder of his beloved. Many men, when going to sea, depicted objects or words that allowed them to remember their loved ones.

Not many people could afford to carry an image in the form of a miniature. But the pattern on the skin made it clear how seriously the relationship was with a loved one.

What is Old School style?

Old school style is a new trend in fashion, which appeared in 2004 thanks to the collaboration and inspiration of two people, the world famous fashion designer Christian Audigier and the legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy. Don Hardy founded the "Old School" style of tattoos by depicting simple drawings: roses, knives, swords, birds, semi- and naked girls, fire and revolvers, which were painted in bright colors. This kind of tattoo has become popular all over the world and is featured on the bodies of many celebrities and ordinary people. Audigier decided to release a collection of items featuring Hardy tattoos, which became popular all over the world among young people and formed a new trend - old school. The clothes of this brand are preferred by such celebrities as Shakira, Sylvester Stallone, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and others. If you are ready to experiment and try on a new bright image, then this style will suit you perfectly.

Cloth

Having gained fame all over the world, Hardy and Audigier, after the release of the first collection, decided not to stop there and continued to create new things. Thus, the variety of clothing in this style is very rich: sweatshirts, T-shirts, jeans, dresses, jackets, shoes and sneakers. The main thing in choosing is the original designs on Don Hardy’s clothes. Items produced by these two talented people are presented in both the men's and women's collections. So that the clothes do not distract attention from the “tattooed” print, their cut is simple and basic.

Props

When creating collections, the designer did not forget about accessories. Baseball caps, bags, caps, hats, gloves and belts will help you create a complete old-school look. Bringing millions in revenue, the collection began to be replenished with phone cases and perfumes that can become props for a photo shoot.

Makeup and hairstyle

If you are ready to fully enjoy the old school style, then you should apply a design in the form of a tattoo on the body; it can cover a large area of the skin, since the designs of this style are simple and have large shapes. For makeup, use black and bright colors such as red, yellow, blue and purple. Large black arrows, a clear contour of the eyebrows and red lipstick will highlight the old school style, one of a kind. The hairstyle can be anything, from loose, unkempt styles to perfectly styled curls, it all depends on the “character” of the photo shoot.

Poses for a photo shoot

The photo shoot can be held in a hotel and present the old school style in a sexy and flirty way. The shooting can also take place on the street, where you will appear in a bright, unique image. You can use both staged and hooligan poses, ironizing reality.

Images, examples of photographs in style Old School

Cost of an Old School photo shoot

How we do themed photo shoots

Services	Price
Rent a Photo Studio without our photographer You can come with your photographer or take photos yourself Minimum order 30 minutes/300 rub.	600r/hour
Photo session with our photographer in the studio The price includes studio rental (floor-length background, interior, props, etc.) Minimum order 30 minutes/1500 rub. General color correction of the most successful photos. (this is NOT detailed retouching) Designed for shooting no more than 2 people	RUB 2,900/hour
Photo session with our photographer on location Minimum order from 2 hours (only with prepayment!) Shooting with professional Canon photographic equipment Recording all footage to disk or your flash drive Designed for any number of people General color correction of the most successful photos. (this is NOT a detailed retouch)	2,500r/hour
Subject photography The cost is indicated for one item (the cost may increase to 300 rubles for particularly complex tasks) Minimum order of 20 items	100r
Stylist/makeup artist services The cost is indicated for one image (the cost may increase for particularly complex tasks). Hairstyle + 1000 RUR	RUB 2,900
Professional photo retouching Teeth whitening Skin rejuvenation/smoothing Elimination of skin defects (wrinkles, moles, Changing eye color A tan Removing glare from skin Body shaping (weight loss/gain)	300r/photo
Photo slideshow You can use any photos/videos/music Video duration no more than 12 minutes

Old school ("old school") is a traditional style in tattooing. It originated in the 19th century. There are rumors that a certain sailor was the first to get such a tattoo. Later this tradition spread among other sailors. On their tattoos they depicted everything that was connected with their lives.

Sailors went on voyages for a long time and got tattoos as a reminder of those who remained waiting for them on earth. These could be the names of loved ones, their faces. Work at sea was hard and dangerous. Tattoos were a kind of protection from all sorts of troubles. Gambling was common among sailors, so you could often see , on their tattoos. Nowadays old school tattoos are common among the most different people, and artists working in this style can be found in almost any tattoo parlor.

Old school style tattoos are characterized by bright and saturated colors and thick outlines. Tattoos in this style are not characterized by three-dimensional images, they are not distinguished by the realism of the depicted objects, and the correctness of the forms is also not very important for them. Old school is characterized by a marine theme: , sea, . They take us back to the origins of this style.

Often depicted. Such tattoos symbolize love and relationships. Lettering on old school tattoos are quotes or names of loved ones. Hands folded in prayer - all this is also used in old school tattoos as a kind of amulet that can protect against evil.

Tattoos remind us of death and the value of life. symbolize danger, cruelty, courage. Pin-up girls, girls in the form of the devil, and witches are often depicted. Also on tattoos in the old school style you can see razors and many other designs.

However, you should not pay too much attention to symbolism. If you used to invest in tattoos hidden meaning, but now they are made simply as decoration. You can attach special meaning to your tattoo, perceive it as a reminder of something important to you, or you can simply get a design you like.

Nowadays, old school tattoos are being beaten by those who like this simple and colorful style. They remind you of the sea, travel to distant countries and dangerous adventures. But despite its apparent simplicity, old-school style tattoos also require good technique. You shouldn’t trust just anyone to carry them out - find good master capable of making a high-quality tattoo.

Old school tattoo

"Old school" is a traditional style of tattooing in Europe and America, the history of which dates back to the end of the 19th century.

The most common designs in this direction are skulls, hearts, ribbons, angels, crosses, fire, flowers, anchors.

Such tattoos were often given to sailors, so it is not uncommon to see inscriptions with the names of people, names of memorable events, and sayings in “Old school”. These images are usually performed bright colors, framed by a thick black outline.

I would like to pay more attention to history and symbols:

Sailors were the first to revive the art and practice of tattooing in the West, as they were the first to visit the islands of Polynesia in Pacific Ocean and other countries in South-East Asia. Captain Cook, in his famous explorations of Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand, was the first to record and sketch the tattoos of the indigenous people in 1786. The word "tattoo" came to English language from the Tahitian word, "ta-ttou", which resembled the sound when Polynesians tattooed with their traditional Polynesian tools.
Life at sea was very harsh, and only the most strong men. The sailors, constantly at the mercy of the wind and sea and dependent on all the whims of Mother Nature, were very superstitious, and firmly believed that a tattoo would protect them from falling overboard, from the mouth of a shark, from a shipwreck. Tattoos of a certain type were made when crossing the equator, or when they rounded Cape Horn, when visiting the countries of the East, etc., common tattoos among sailors were sailing ships on the chest, as well as cannons on the loins of the body. Despite their riotous lifestyle, many of them completely tattooed prayers or other religious texts on themselves; this was supposed to remind them of piety and protect them from severe corporal punishment. And of course, many sailors at sea often thought about their families and girls whom they left in port, or even in several ports! Therefore, tattoos of mermaids and girls, hearts and names of loved ones, amulets - anchors, talismans - swallows and dolphins have always been popular with sailors and subsequently formed a whole layer in tattooing of the 19th-20th centuries - old school (OLD SCHOOL).

Anchor

The classic old-school design, one of the most popular tattoos in the West over the last two centuries, and with ancient symbolic roots going back several millennia, was considered a symbol to help one stay on track, about the ability to withstand winds and currents and remain oneself when under any circumstances. Anchor tattoos were tattooed on people closely associated with a maritime or naval career; this tattoo is especially close to sailors around the world, often performed after the first crossing of the Atlantic. Other synonyms for anchor are sailing ships, mermaids and other navigational symbols.

Martin

The swallow tattoo (the bird of happiness and good luck) shows the enduring popularity of the art of tattooing in sailing. Traditionally, a swallow is a tattoo that a sailor gets after traveling 5,000 nautical miles. For a sailor, a swallow symbolizes a safe return home, because the appearance of a swallow is “the first sign that land is nearby.” Swallows, as you know, travel long distances, making long flights across water spaces; during the flight they sat down to rest on passing ships, thereby signaling to sailors that land was close. After traveling 10,000 miles, a sailor could make a second bird on the second side of his body. A pair of swallows is a sign of a good trip.

Rock of Ages

(image of Jesus Christ, allegory) - classic tattoo. It served as a symbol of hope, protection and support, and was a kind of amulet and talisman, for example, for sailors. Having tattooed words such as "Hold on!" it instilled hope and faith in sailors and also served as an amulet. Other symbols showed that the sailor had crossed the Equator, rounded Cape Horn, or visited Far East, for example. Another version of tattooing a cross and/or an image of Jesus Christ was that a religious symbol tattooed on a sailor's back could mitigate the disciplinary (often corporal) penalty imposed, and such sailor would likely be punished less severely. Another popular tattoo that has been around for decades depicts a sailor or man kneeling in front of a cross carved from solid stone. Christian faith a person was often referred to as a stone, a foundation on which a virtuous life is built. This was based on the belief that a house or building was only as strong as the foundation on which it was built. The stone cross was known for a long time as the "Rock of Ages" or the sailor's cross.

Navigational star or compass rose

An ancient, and yet not at all outdated tattoo motif, known a century ago. The stars in the sky often served as a guide for sailors, especially the Northern or Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as the Southern Cross in the Southern. Sailors tattooed navigation stars because they relied on them, their lives depended on it, the stars were supposed to show the way home, and the sailors were very superstitious people and hoped that their star-shaped tattoos would serve as an amulet for a safe journey. Around the same time Starfish began to be indicated on compasses. At a later time similar stars began to symbolize life path, his search. They began to be made by those who want not to stray from the chosen path, thus the star became a guiding star - its image helped not to stray from the chosen path when a person was lost or scared. Later, such stars became symbols of reward, high encouragement, and a sign of distinction.

Star

Stars are often encountered as symbols, and in many cases of design, the specificity of such a symbol depends on the number of angles and also their direction. Like a light shining in the dark, the star is often considered a symbol of truth, spirit and hope. The star symbol embodies the concept of the divine spark within each of us. And their nocturnal nature encourages us to imagine the stars as a struggle against the forces of darkness and the unknown. Stars with a certain design have their own symbolism and meaning. The descending pentagram is where the upper ray of the star points downwards, supposedly imitating the head of a goat, and is considered a sign of the devil. The hexagram, or six-pointed star, is powerful symbol interaction of the Divine with the mortal, God with humanity. The Star of David got its name "Shield of David" from the legend that David carried a shield shaped like a six-pointed star in his battle with the giant Goliath. Also known as the Seal of Solomon or the Creator's Star, its six points represent the six days of the week, and its center corresponds to the Creator's day of rest. The septagram or seven-pointed star is a symbol of integration and everything mystical associated with the number seven. It is associated with the seven planets of classical astrology and with other sevenfold systems, for example, with the seven chakras in Hinduism. The octogram or eight-pointed star is a symbol of abundance and regeneration, and is associated with eightfold systems, for example, in Egyptian mythology, the eight primordial gods personified the forces of chaos. The nonagram or nine-pointed star is a symbol of achievement and stability, although it is the kind of stability that can change. The nonagram can also be associated with nine-fold systems, such as the nine Hindu chakras.

Razor

A tattoo design can symbolize many things, but they all carry the meaning of "sharp" (pointed, cutting, irritated, irritable, uncontrollable). The razor was often used as a suicide tool, synonymous with “cutting the veins.” The straight razor is a classic old school design that was often used as an accessory for cocaine use in the 70's and 80's. Just like brass knuckles, the razor pointed to the professions of people outside the law; it could symbolize depression, the explosive nature of a person, intemperance, and danger.

Hands in Prayer or Hands of an Apostle

If the famous medieval artist, Albrecht Durer, were alive today, he would become a rich man. The copyright to his drawing "Hands in Prayer" could have been sold for millions. It is believed that this was originally a sketch of the mayor of the city of Frankfurt praying. A later version of this painting appeared in another work by Dürer - the hands of an apostle standing in an empty tomb, looking up at the sky at the coronation of the Holy Virgin Mary. The original was destroyed by fire in 1729, however there are many copies that are as good as the sketch. Today this work of Durer is one of the most popular tattoo designs for all occasions, hands clasped in prayer continue to move people, their hearts and minds , especially when this image is supplemented and combined with various additions, such as a cross or rosary. It is often combined with hearts or the name of a loved one, and is applied as a remembrance of someone. Other additions can be in the form of text, requests or with wounds from crucifixion, fire can also be added.
Devil Woman

Devil Woman

Also known as a "fallen woman", a tattoo consisting of an image of a variety of vices, often a woman, holding a bottle of alcohol, cards, dice or other gambling paraphernalia. The motto of such a tattoo is: “Wine, Women and Song!”

Ribbons with inscriptions

- a plot can tell a lot, but there are times in life when a few well-chosen words can tell more than a picture. Each of us at least once remembered the exact time and place of those moments that are very dear to us, and have become something special, they make our heart tremble and beat faster! This is an integral and beautiful part human life. Sometimes, a few words can say it all. Word tattoos have been popular for a long time. For example, sailors tattooed words on their fingers. The most common ones were, for example, “hold on” on the fingers of one hand, and “quickly” on the fingers of the other, and served as protective amulets (meaning, to stay on the water, not to drown; to quickly get to a place, return home). “Love and hate”, “love and pain”, “life is difficult” - these are the tattoos that were popular on fingers in those years.

Heart

A tattoo in the shape of a heart, with a ribbon around the heart, or a scroll with an inscription across the heart - no explanation is needed here. Your paths with your once loved one may diverge, but the tattoo will remain in the same place. There is an aphorism among old schoolers: “Love lasts six months, but a tattoo lasts forever!” The heart tattoo is a classic old school design that can be seen as an inverted triangle that has become a symbol of all things feminine and is often used as an expression. romantic love. The heart is an eternal symbol of love, feelings and the very power of life for all humanity. Essentially, the heart is responsible for feelings and truth. We say "heartless" about a person who is unjust or extremely cruel. Friendship, courage, romantic relationships and emotional expression are also embodied in this symbol. The human heart occupies a central place in all religions of the world, and is recognized as a symbol of love, as well as the divine principle in man. Over time, it also became a symbol of mercy, piety and understanding. The designation of the heart is suitable for expressing love and joy, as well as for grief and unhappiness (broken heart). Also, the heart is a medieval symbol of Christ, sacrifice, especially in the Roman Catholic Church. The sacred heart shows the redemptive love of God as the source of illumination and happiness, hence the fire and thorns represent the thorned crown that was given to Christ (the crown of thorns) and the fire represents love and spiritual fervor - thus the image of the heart became a symbol of salvation and eternal life .The heart also symbolized the center of man. Not only was it the most significant physical organ, but it was also considered the seat of spirituality and the emotional center from which the love of the divine flowed. In the Gospels, Jesus talks about the heart representing love, humility and gentleness. Since this tattoo design is quite common throughout the world, hearts have become a very popular tattoo design, especially among women. In old school, such a motif is very often placed on the chest. A heart pierced by an arrow is a symbol for expressing directed energy, flow and penetration. Stars and hearts are a symbol of happiness and favorable opportunities. National flags in the form of a heart - a common old school motif in America - indicate Great love to country and patriotism. Hands holding a heart - represents a maternal or paternal type of love in the old school.

Rose

In the West, it represents the same thing as the Lotus in the East. A symbol of love, but a special love that is pure. Because of its beauty, scent and shape, it is the most perfect flower symbol. Of all the flower designs, the rose tattoo is still the most popular and most sought after. An interesting fact is that the rose is in almost the same demand among men as among women. The symbol of passion, chastity and purity reigns supreme among all flowers in the old-school world. A red rose speaks of love, while a rose without thorns means love at first sight. Yellow roses are an expression of joy, white roses are reverence and respect, pink roses are sympathy and admiration, orange roses are enthusiasm. In medieval times White Rose was a symbol of virginity. The red rose, of course, covers every kind of love - both sacred and romantic, the beauty, variety and graceful scent of the rose has inspired both ordinary people and artists, and even saints. According to the ancient Greek legend, a white rose was born at the moment when Aphrodite was born from sea foam (the white rose turned red later, when Aphrodite, in a hurry to meet Adonis, injured her leg on a rose thorn). There is also a legend about the origin of thorns: Rodanaz was very beautiful girl, and literally every man dreamed of taking her as his wife. But she was very proud, and believed that no mortal was worthy of her. One fine day, men forced their way into her house. The goddess Diana saw all this, and, angry at the pride of mortals, she turned Rodonaz into a rose and her fans into thorns.

Sexy girls or pinup girls/Bettie Page

Synonym for “Girls with a Perfect Figure” In 1955, Betty Page won the title of “Miss World Picture Girl” (Pin-up - a photograph of a beauty, a pretty girl in photographs for leisurely viewing). Betty is a common noun, an old-school image of a charming girl whose perfect beauty borders on a hint of disobedience and rebellion. The dark-haired girl became a living legend, a symbol of beauty and femininity, and continues to inspire subsequent generations of tattooists and tattoo fans everywhere, because a woman whose physical attractiveness is aimed at seduction and admiration never goes out of fashion. Initially, such pictures were produced exclusively for wall decoration, but later, tattoos with images of girls and movie stars became commonplace on the skin.

Panther

The largest and most ferocious feline in America, more fierce and dangerous than the tiger, lion or leopard. The panther/jaguar is independent and cunning, and is the only cat that can hunt in water. The panther/jaguar figures prominently in the mythology of most cultures in the South and Central America, and is present in the art and religion of all pre-Columbian civilizations. A very ancient and powerful totem. Many cultures found it very significant that panthers came in two colors - black and yellow (panther and jaguar are the names of the same animal, they differ in color) and believed that black Panther associated with the night sky and the moon, and the yellow panther (jaguar) with the sun and light. The panther/jaguar was often a symbol of shamans, people who could connect the conscious and unconscious worlds, who had access to the afterlife and the spirit world. Many thought that the panther was a kind of werewolf, capable of transforming itself at will into another image.

Lightning

Flashes of lightning, thunder - everyone is familiar with this formidable phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms. Is there a more exciting spectacle than lightning flashes, fireworks, electrical discharges, these flashes white and blue, like some kind of magic and something incredible, appears a few seconds before the sounds of thunder! On a cold, dark, rainy night, a flash of lightning made you see everything as if in daylight, but in a ghostly color. The most powerful symbol and just a godsend for a tattoo! Ancient people had many explanations for this natural phenomenon, and most myths tell about gods and other incredible mythological creatures who used lightning as a weapon. Ancient people were very impressed by the power and magic of lightning because the places where lightning struck became scenes of great destruction. Trees burned, the earth was scorched, rocks turned to sand. And if, unfortunately, a person was nearby, he died. For a long time lightning symbolized the power and wrath of the gods. The Greeks believed that Zeus himself, the father of all gods, who lives on Olympus, threw lightning. Lightning was a symbol of power, as well as a symbol of the vagaries of nature. Since lightning often accompanies rain and thunderstorms, it was also a symbol of abundance, because... rain was a necessary condition for the ripening of a good harvest. In Norse legends, Thor was the God of Thunder, and lightning was the sparks that flew when his mighty hammer of war struck his target. In the Bible, lightning accompanied the appearance of God. Lightning symbolizes the light of truth. The lightning bolt tattoo is popular in many Asian cultures. Lightning bolts are often used in traditional Japanese tattoos, such as the flying dragon.

Horseshoe

- one of the main old-school designs, the downward horns of a horseshoe were an amulet of protection and good luck. In a tattoo, a horseshoe can be depicted alone, or together with other images associated with luck, such as a game of dice or a game of cards, which are laid out in a winning combination, also next to a four-leaf clover. In many parts of Europe and North America, horseshoes are nailed down on the doors of barns and buildings, and depending on cultural and traditional beliefs, may be located in the lower position or upper position. In the case when the horseshoe is located in the upper position, it means like a bowl into which one can catch good luck. And if it was located downwards, it meant that it was as if all the bad luck had been poured out of the cup and would not stay in it for long. The horseshoe as a symbol of good luck began at a time when the first Catholics (Rome) put horses in it to protect their hooves from damage and pain. The Catholics built many roads to strengthen their empire (hence the expression "All roads go to Rome"), and horses were an integral part of the Roman transportation system. It was at that time that the horseshoe became a symbol of wealth, good luck and abundance.

Flame

In an old school tattoo it represents transformation, destruction, change, passion, a beacon of light and a beacon of knowledge, as well as a warning. Fire and flame were often used in religious rites and symbolism, since the smoke of the fire rose into the heavens and was associated with the wishes and requests of a believer. The ability to destroy made fire respected and feared. But fire can not only destroy, but also bring warmth and light to dispel the darkness. Fire and flame in torches, beacons, and candles represents a symbol of hope, light and knowledge. Fire is one of the four basic elements - including Earth, Water and Wind - and is also one of the basic five Chinese elements. In Hinduism, fire is one of the five sacred elements of which all living beings are composed, and is considered the eternal basis for sacred religious ceremonies. In Christianity, fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (purification) and is often used in descriptions of hell. Fire is also a symbol of temptation and sin, and Satan is often depicted surrounded by fire. In mythology, the Phoenix burns in fire and is reborn from its own ashes. Fire is a symbol of transformation and rebirth and represents the cycle of life.

Eight ball

This design may have several different meanings, and its symbolism depends on the context in which it is used. In general, the “eighth ball” ends the game of pool, but due to the rules of the game, pocketing the “eighth ball” in your shot automatically makes you a loser - you lose the game. And since many billiard halls were famous for their bad reputation(we can see this in some films, for example, in “The Hustler” with Paul Newman, and “The Color of Money” with Newman and T. Cruise), then the “eight ball” in the tattoo implies alcohol, drugs, gambling, women of the lung behavior, gambling, etc. Some people view the "eight ball" as giving them a chance, if they're lucky, everything will work out. This is the tattoo that hints at walking on the edge or testing fate. The term "eight ball" also carries a certain slang concept, such as a very dangerous combination of heroin and cocaine. If you had asked a dealer in the 60s and 70s in the USA for “coke for the eight ball” he would have understood exactly what dose you needed, thus the “eight ball” symbolizes the willingness to take risks and the possibility of success or failure, in other words “Life is gambling!"

Pigeon

The symbol of the holy spirit in some Christian interpretations and is often used to represent the Baptism of Jesus Christ, the most familiar episode from the Bible is the story of the Flood, when God told Noah to build an Ark and take on it a pair of every animal and bird. According to the Bible, during the flood, God sent torrential rains and the entire world was flooded. Only Noah and his family and the creatures on board the Ark survived the flood. After many weeks at sea, Noah freed first the Raven and then the Dove to fly to find land. The dove returned with an olive branch in its beak, and Noah and his family were very happy that the flood had receded. The dove has become a powerful symbol as a harbinger of hope. Others believe that the flight of the freed dove also symbolizes the exit of the soul.

Dolphin

The popularity of this motif is explained by the fact that for a long time there has been an invisible connection between humans and dolphins. Humans and dolphins have coexisted together for quite a long time, and even now, the more we learn about these creatures, the more we tend to believe that the dolphin carries some kind of divine spark that separates them from other animals. It has long been believed that dolphins serve as some kind of connection between the surface and underwater world. Swimming with dolphins, for example, helps children cope with various ailments, calms and helps people suffering from depression or nervous disorders. It's no surprise that the dolphin tattoo has become so popular.

Game of dice

Is the familiar numbered cube we all played with as children and is popular in many cultures around the world. Dice games, by their very nature, rely more on luck than skill. Like a tattoo, the game of dice is a metaphor for life: sometimes in life, as in gambling, it is more important to get a chance than to be talented, so the game of dice can be seen as a symbol of good luck. But at the same time, playing dice is often interpreted in a tattoo as one of the elements of gambling, and is often included in common human vices, including playing cards, drugs and alcohol, weapons, betting on the racetrack, racing and communication with women. behavior. The expression “rolling the dice” implies taking a risk in which the result will be completely unknown, which a person cannot control. This implies that the outcome of such a risk will depend only on fate and the chance given to the person. The well-known expression: “The die is cast” (an aphorism by Julius Caesar when crossing the Rubicon) means that a choice has been made, but the result is unknown.

Scull

Skulls are represented in almost all genres of tattoos: nautical themes (with crossed bones were depicted on pirate flags), old school, new school and even biomechanics... There is something mystical in the largest human bone, one look at the skull and we see that death stared at us from large dark empty eye sockets. It's no surprise that the skull is known throughout the world as a symbol of death. In many cultures, the symbol of the skull is a reminder of our own mortality, as the immortal Latin says, “Memento mori!” (memento Mori). William Shakespeare uses the skull to great effect: when Hamlet discovers Yorick's skull in the graveyard in the first scene of Act 5, he speaks directly to the skull. The physical object of a skull is used to symbolize the theme of human mortality and death presented in the game. In the end, none of us can escape death, and even Kings will be eaten by worms. In Christian art and culture, the skull has been presented as a symbol of eternity, repentance and human vanity and also a reminder of death. In medieval, religious paintings we can often see Adam with a skull placed at the feet of the Cross as a symbol of payment for sin. Ancient symbol a skull with a snake was a symbol of knowledge and immortality, denoting knowledge that survived death. Many Renaissance works feature skulls as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life. Historically, the skull was a popular symbol of triumph over an enemy, and a warning to people defeated in battle. Skulls served as trophies and a large number of skulls could have been piled up by the victors in in public places, as direct proof of victory over the enemy and a grim reminder of the losses of the vanquished. Today, the skull is as popular as in ancient times. In movies, games, literature, comics, and of course, tattoos, the skull continues to collect various symbolic meanings, since there is a huge creative field for the artist’s imagination.

Knife/Dagger

- These types of tattoo designs are popular in many different styles. A knife or dagger can be either an independent tattoo or part of a painting. Dry history: For example, the ancient Aztecs used special ceremonial daggers to cut out the still-beating hearts from their human victims, thereby paying homage to the gods. Such a dagger represented the fearsome and capricious power of the gods. Wherever sacrifice was practiced: in the Middle East, Babylon, Mesopotamia, Persia and many other cultures, knives were used to make sacrifices to the gods. The image of a knife, bloodletting and death are all intertwined. The ability to shed blood, the very essence of life, is an unusually powerful image and a very powerful symbol - the bringer of death. The knife/dagger is present in many military tattoos due to its use as a weapon, excellent for close combat due to its silent action. Many special forces include knives and daggers in their mandatory equipment. The symbolism of a knife or dagger in military designs is very similar to a sword tattoo, but with a less noble pedigree. A knife or dagger represents ferocity, speed, tenacity and death. As weapons, the knife and dagger have been known since ancient times, all knights and nobles carried daggers as weapons in addition to their spears and swords, therefore they were the last line of defense of a fighter and were used last - a kind of last chance. Since prehistoric times, the knife was considered the first tool in the human arsenal, it was used to skin animals, protect their homes, and for obtaining and cutting food, becoming better and better as humanity developed. Since the knife had many functions, and absolutely all men from different classes used them, gradually the handle of the knife/dagger began to be decorated with gold and jewelry, and over time it became an indicator of a person’s class. For reference, men, for example, began to shake hands when greeting each other to demonstrate that they were not hiding a dagger or other bladed weapon in their hands. Tattoos of knives and daggers are very popular in both old school and new school to this day - it symbolizes a willingness to accept measures, to be bold and fearless, ready to answer for the insult. A knife in the heart means betrayal in love, and often simply infidelity, and a skull pierced with a knife means a person risking his life, fully committed to his ideas. A skull with a knife in the teeth symbolizes action . We often see this in tattoos from the beginning of the century: skulls, demons, pirates - depicted with knives in their teeth, this is the clearest way to show: “I’m ready for anything!”

Cross

There is no more universal religious image or symbol than the Christian Cross. Religious symbolism is prominently featured in many genres of tattooing, both ancient and modern, and in fact it can be argued that all traditional tattoos among various peoples carry a strong spiritual element within them. The cross tattoo has been known for at least the past two centuries, sailors and merchants were tattooed with them, it is considered an old-school classic, and is still mega-popular among all segments of the population in many countries around the world. The cross itself is one of the oldest and most important symbols in the history of mankind - the vertical and horizontal lines representing Father and Mother Nature, the point of intersection of the two lines - the point of synthesis - represented those mystical and spiritual concepts that embraced the meeting of the material and spiritual in human existence. Of all types of crosses, the Roman or Latin cross is the most popular and unmistakable symbol of Christianity; it was on such a cross that Jesus Christ was crucified. One of the oldest crosses was placed in a circle. This so-called Solar Cross or Cross of the Wheel appeared in Europe, often carved into rocks or petroglyphs. They are also found in Asia, America and India. Since the cross has been used all over the world, it is not surprising that it has many meanings in many different cultures. Even before Christianity, the cross was the most common symbol throughout the world: in Scandinavia, in pre-Columbian America, China and Africa, it symbolized life and immortality, abundance, the union of heaven and earth, sun and stars (the four pointers symbolized North, South, East and The West or the four winds, the elements, not to mention the human form of the body) and was used as a protective symbol. Four thousand years ago, the Indian Cross was a symbol of everything good and auspicious for man. Such a cross was called the circle of life, denoting the ever-changing world around the unchanging Center of God. Later, thanks to Hitler, the swastika became a symbol of Nazi Germany and radically changed its meaning in the minds of most people. The Ankh Cross, unique because of its loop above the cross, came to be used in astrology as a symbol of Venus, and is still used today in biology to indicate the female gender. The ancient Egyptians used the hieroglyph ankh to symbolize regeneration, and it was later adopted by Christians to symbolize physical and eternal life. The Greek cross is mentioned in history ancient Greece three thousand years ago, today is recognized as a symbol of the Red Cross, being equal in all four parts.

Cherry

Fruits symbolize abundance, and deep red, ripe and juicy cherries are no exception. The cherry symbolizes chastity and purity as the fruit ripens on the trees. A picked cherry represents the loss of innocence and dignity. A bitten cherry is no longer a virgin. A cherry surrounded by fire speaks of an insatiable desire or passion.

Old School, or Old School, is a tattoo style that originates in XIX-XX 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 given a hidden meaning, sometimes understandable only to the owner himself. This could be the name of a place, an event, the names of people close to the navigator, and so on. But, like every style, the Old School has several characteristic features that are unique to it.

Regular tattoo in Old School style

All tattoos are made with very bright colors and outlined with thick black lines along the contour. Thanks to its catchy simplicity, Old School has become famous throughout the world, and almost every salon has a master working in this style. Over time, the drawings no longer have any meaning; you can simply fill in the drawing you like. But the main symbols of the Old School have become so popular that it is impossible not to think about their meaning. In this article you will get to know them.

When the question arose about what style to make the sleeves in, I chose old school tattoos without hesitation. The sketches amaze with their diversity, and the drawings easily combine with each other and form a single whole. Completely satisfied with the result!

Maxim, St. Petersburg

Anchor old school

A tattoo that is close to all sailors without exception. According to beliefs, it helps to always stay afloat, a sign of security, strength and hope for salvation. Traditionally, it was pinned after the sailor first crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Image of an anchor on the body in old school style

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, which cannot but rejoice. And this applies not only to the anchor; absolutely all Old School tattoos easily and organically coexist with each other.

Swallow in flight in old school style

I considered such a star a purely prison tattoo. But then I understood the symbolism better and realized that the prisoners simply took an already existing idea and rebuilt it in their own way. I like the concept, I’m thinking about where and how exactly to write this sign so that it doesn’t get confused.

Oleg, Murmansk.

Advice. To prevent a tattoo from being mistaken for being done in prison, you just need to add other old-school elements to it or simply do it in color. But even without this, prison stars are fundamentally different from sea stars both in the quality of execution and in the fact that they are pinned on the elbows, shoulders, knees or hands in a strictly symmetrical manner and change their meaning depending on the place of application. So there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Heart in old school style

One of the most "intelligent" fallen women in the old school style

Of course, a symbol of love. Often depicted together with a ribbon on which the name of a loved one is written. Stuffed on the chest, although this is not necessary. The heart is also used as a sign of the soul, vitality and high moral principles. IN this symbol Almost anything can be embodied: 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 humanity.

Fallen woman

This is how a heart is depicted in old school style

Depicts the vices common to almost all sailors. Women, gambling and alcohol. Depending on the main passion of the owner of the tattoo, the devilish woman holds a bottle, cards, dice or other things related to entertainment in her hands. Tattoos of girls in the Pin Up style, popular in the 50s of the twentieth century, are also close to this theme.

Feminine attractiveness will definitely never go out of style.

Cross old school

Square cross in old school style. Usually goes in combination with something, in this case with the inscription

Despite their wild lifestyle, the sailors did not forget about religion. Therefore, symbols such as words of prayer, quotes from the Bible and crosses were quite common. However, long before the advent of Christians, the cross was a symbol of immortality, protection and interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things in the world. The point of intersection of two lines is understood as a combination of the material and spiritual essences of a person, their dependence on each other and the inability of one to exist separately from the other.

The cross is the most recognizable symbol on Earth.

Panther old school

Old school panther grin. Usually the panther is depicted attacking with fangs and an open mouth

A cunning and dexterous animal, the only cat capable of hunting in water. In the myths of many cultures, it is a symbol of shamans who have access to other worlds, including the afterlife. There was an opinion that the panther was a werewolf, moving from one state to another. In fact, panthers come in two different colors, and tattoos with them have different meanings.

Black Panther is the patroness of the night and the moon.
The yellow panther, better known as the jaguar, is associated with bright sunlight and the sun itself.