Every tattoo shop in every city has a tattoo artist on staff who specializes in the Traditional style (aka American Traditional or Old School). For the unfamiliar, a Traditional tattoo is a distinct style characterized by bold, black outlines, a limited color palette (often red, green, yellow, and black) and easily recognizable imagery. Meanwhile, tattoo shops also maintain one or more Modern style tattooists on staff. While more loosely defined, the Modern style encompasses a wide range of styles that emphasize intricate detail, diverse techniques, and expanded color palettes. While seen as polar opposites, the two styles come together quite well, to logically be referred to as Modern Traditional tattoos.
A Modern Traditional tattoo is the term used to describe a style that builds upon the foundational elements of Traditional tattooing while incorporating modern techniques and artistic interpretations. Importantly, the style retains the bold, black outlines and limited color palettes of traditional tattoos but expands on them with finer details, softer shading, and a broader range of colors. Subject matter is also generally more diverse, evolving typical themes to include a wider range of imagery. Common subjects requested by clients who desire a Modern Traditional tattoo include but are not exclusive to the following:
- Modern evolutions of wildlife subjects that are associated with Traditional tattoos, such as birds (crows, eagles, sparrows), jungle cats (cheetahs, leopards, panthers, tigers), sea creatures (octopus, squid, sharks), and snakes/serpents.
- Skulls, skull-and-bones, and other pirate themes.
- Nautical themes such as anchors, compasses, lighthouses, and ships.
- Modern evolutions of “pin up girls” or “lady heads”.
- Modern evolutions of floral subjects that are associated with Traditional tattoos, such as chrysanthemums, lotus, poppies, and roses.
- Items/symbols of the era and decades that bridged the gap between Traditional style’s heyday (pre-1960s) and modern times. For example, late 1960s and early 1970s tattoos were heavily influenced by the counterculture movement and the rise of hippie culture, incorporating themes of psychedelic patterns, peace, love, and freedom. The era also expands into the 1980s, which is why you see Modern Traditional tattoo subjects such as boomboxes, roller skates, and cassette or VHS tapes.
Of course, a successful Modern Traditional tattoo is dependent upon the talent of a tattooist in addition to their passion for the hybrid-style. This is where Adrenaline Studios’ shop in the vibrant community of Mount Pleasant, Vancouver BC, comes in (get directions here). Our Main Street studio is home to Rad Carney, an expert tattooist who has produced a number of very impressive pieces that align with what you’re looking for.
Featuring Adrenaline Studios’ Modern Traditional Tattoo Artist, Rad Carney
Examples of Modern Traditional Tattoos
We could say more about Rad Carney’s work, but we know that you’d rather let photos of recently completed work do the talking. Check out Rad’s bio page, his portfolio via Instagram here, and have a look at a few select pieces below:
Whether you have a specific design in mind, or would like Rad or another one of our resident artist/s come up with a Modern Traditional tattoo for you, you will enjoy a FREE consultation at one of our Vancouver BC parlors. Reach out via your preferred form of contact via the options provided below.
TAP TO BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
CALL: 604-669-6800
(Vancouver locals and visitors)
Written By:
dnixon
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