Keep It Classic: The ‘Sailor Jerry’ Tattoo
Thinking about a Sailor Tattoo ? When deciding what you want your next tattoo to look like, whether it is your first or an addition to an existing work of body art. Choosing a style can be difficult. With so many options available, a classic type of body art has the potential to be your most viable choice. The clean line work, rich use of color, and charming subject matter makes the Sailor Jerry tattoo style distinct, popular, and timeless.
Origins
Born Norman Collins. This Navy veteran was nicknamed “Sailor Jerry” by his tattoo patrons in Pearl Harbor during World War II. He singlehandedly created a counterculture by inking young servicemen who would otherwise be considered clean-cut and conservative. He also used revolutionary and effective tattoo gun designs, sterilization precautions, and the usage of purple ink. Jerry’s style, now coined as “old school” still influences modern tattoo artists in American and worldwide, perhaps more than ever.
Distinguishable Characteristics
Sailor tattoos are easily distinguished by their simplistic, crisp outlining contrasting with dramatic color saturation. Minimalistic shading is also a prevalent characteristic.
Common Subjects
The most common subjects represented in traditional Sailor Jerry tattoos are sparrows, pin-up girls, dagger-skewered hearts and scroll banners. In addition countless coastal-inspired objects such as anchors, nautical stars, and ships in full sail. Although these items are typically seen in a Sailor Tattoo, any subject can be tweaked to accommodate this style.
To learn more about this and other tattoo styles, how to select a Las Vegas tattoo artist, and how to book an appointment contact us any time. Since 1995 the Skin Factory has been the go to place in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada for all types of tattoo style. If you are unsure about a first tattoo, pop by and talk with one of our friendly tattoo artists.
Sailor Tattoo – A blog by the Skin Factory Tattoo & Body Piercing shop in Las Vegas
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
Cover Up Tattoos
Fixing a Bad Tattoo, Cover Up Tattoos
Cover Up Tattoos by the Skin Factory, the best Las Vegas Tattoo Shops. Sometimes, what seems like a good idea in the moment doesn’t stand the test of time. If this has happened to you with a tattoo, there are two options. One option is to find someone with laser tattoo removal expertise. The other option is to cover up the existing tattoo with something more tasteful or fitting. Here are three things to keep in mind when considering a tattoo cover-up.
Experience – Cover Up Tattoos
Creating a cover-up tattoo is more difficult than working with clean skin. Because of this, it’s important to find a tattoo artist who has experience with cover-ups. You need someone who can assess the area and existing tattoo to determine the best way to design, place, and ink the new tattoo.
Size – Cover Up Tattoos
Simply put, the new tattoo will be bigger than whatever hiding beneath it. A larger design makes it easier to mask the old tattoo and will also give you more possibilities; the bigger the artwork, more detail can be put into it. Your artist will be able to help you choose an appropriate style and size.
Colors – Cover Up Tattoos
Deep colors like blues, browns, and blacks do a good job of concealing old tattoos because the darker (and more vibrant) the new tattoo, the better it will be at masking the old tattoo. In some instances, if your existing tattoo is very dark, it may be necessary to schedule a few laser removal sessions prior to the cover-up. This will ensure that your cover-up is completely successful.
The Effectiveness of Cover Up Tattoos
The effectiveness of a cover up depends on the size, colors, and shape of the existing tattoo, but a skilled tattoo artist can help you find a design that works best with the existing tattoo without compromising your vision for what the new art will look like. If you regret your first tattoo, we can help give you something new to be proud of, or help you get rid of it completely. Contact us to schedule a consultation to work with one of our Las Vegas Tattoo Artists. Call 702 435 1149.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
Say ‘I Do’ With a Wedding Ring Tattoo
Wedding Ring Tattoo? So, you’re going to get married and you want your wedding to be special. Maybe you aren’t planning on turning it into a rock concert, but still, you want something to stand out and be different.
If you want to stick to a more traditional venue but still want something unique to you and your fiancée, how about swapping traditional rings for tattooed wedding rings?
There’s a lot to love about tattooed rings – for one thing, you’ll never have to worry about accidently dropping one down the drain – but the best thing about tattooed rings is how personalized you can make them. Tattoo fans have tied the knot with everything from skulls to Pokémon balls; the only limit is your own creativity. Here are just a few ideas for designing your own custom rings:
Wedding Ring Tattoo – Basic Bands
If you like the idea of tattooed rings but still want something traditional, you can do a basic wedding band. There are still plenty of design options to choose from with these bands, but if you want to keep it simple then a classic wedding band is the way to go.
Wedding Ring Tattoo – Initials
Incorporating you and your partner’s initials can be done in all kinds of ways. Some couples like to have the letters stand alone, while others weave them into a meaningful design (Celtic knots with the initials in the center, for example).
Wedding Ring Tattoo – Matching Items
Another cool idea is to use different but related objects as ring tattoos. Some examples of this are a lock and key, a tree and a bird, or different musical notes. If there is an object that has a special meaning to you and your fiancée, you can incorporate that into your design.
The possibilities for ring designs are endless, and the result will be romantic work of art that will last a lifetime. Have questions about Las Vegas tattoo artists, body piercing, or laser tattoo removal? Contact us for more information!
Wedding Ring Tattoo. A Skin Factory Tattoo & Body Piercing Blog post
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
How to care for my new tattoo?
- Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will clean the area, apply ointment, and cover it.
- You should leave the tattoo covered for 4-6 hours. This is to protect your tattoo from airborne bacteria.
- After sufficient time, carefully remove the tattoo covering and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, unscented liquid antibacterial soap. Use your hands to rub the tattoo, do not use a washcloth, loofah, or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria and irritate the tattoo.
- Pat your new tattoo with a clean, dry, soft towel. Do not rub the tattoo, as this may cause some irritation.
- Allow the tattoo to air dry for a few minutes, allowing it to breathe and any excess moisture to evaporate.
- Apply a non-scented, water based ointment such as A&D to the tattoo. Make sure to apply only a very thin layer that’s just enough to make the tattoo shine and rub it in gently until it’s absorbed by skin. It is very important that you do not apply too much, as you do not want to suffocate the tattoo.
- Continue applying the ointment after each time you wash the tattoo, at least twice a day, for 3 to 5 days or until the tattoo starts to peel. When this happens, you can switch to a regular, fragrance free lotion.
- Do not use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline. They are too heavy and may clog the pores, causing breakouts on the tattoo. They can also draw the ink from the tattoo to the surface of the skin, causing the tattoo to fade before it’s even fully healed.
- Continue to wash and moisturize your tattoo twice a day until it is fully healed. This initial healing will take up to two weeks. During this time, you can expect the tattoo to start peeling or flaking, somewhat similar to a sunburn. Some colored skin may come away as the tattoo peels. This is completely normal, so please do not panic!
- Do not peel, scratch, or pick at your new tattoo, no matter how tempting it may be!
- You should avoid swimming in a pool or soaking in a bathtub until your tattoo is fully healed.
- Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 3 to 4 weeks. After your tattoo is fully healed, you will still need to protect your tattoo by wearing a good sunscreen. This will prevent your tattoo from fading in the sun, keeping the colors true for longer.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
