Sailor Jerry Tattoos

Sailor jerry tattoos Sailor tattoos allude to a type of tattoo that was mostly worn by sailors. These “Old school” tattoos were really popular among the sailors, depicting images such as swallows on either side of the chest, girls in sailor hats or pairs of dice. This style became popular in the earlymid 20th century, being typified by Sailor Jerry. A period of time, these tattoos failed out of style, but then they became even more popular among the young adults. Sailors or non-sailors. This growth can be seen in the apparition of nautical designs, in fashion and out of it. The style is thought to originate from the European sailors, from James Crook’s crew after he arrived in the Pacific. This tattoo was popular because it helped sailors identify with a few attributes. Many other cultures use tattoos as an identification method: Chinese, Japanese and Pacific Islanders. The sailors tattoo developed into a unique form and on its own. The crew of James Crook came across the tribe of Maori and decided to leave with tattoos as souvenirs of their visit. After this experience, the tattoo became pretty popular. In spite of its growth, in 1900 the United State government said that anyone with an “obscene” tattoo is not allowed to enter the navy. The name of Sailor Jerry comes from a tattoo artist named Norman Collins. He used to tattoo all sailors. During the Second World War in Hawaii there were a lot of marines and sailors just about to ship off. Norman Collins was there to tattoo every one of them. His talent and skills were famous and he is famous for making tattoos and art in America. His popularity almost destroyed him. The Government made him quit tattooing, after 20 years of doing it.

Classic sailor jerry tattoos          

Bottles of boozes Wildcats Snakes The “aloha” monkey Birds of prey Swallows Motor heads and pistons Nautical stars Weapons Dice

SWALLOWS Swallows were used to indicate that a sailor has sailed 5000 miles and they are also associated with the idea of return. The symbolism of the return finds roots in 2 ideas. The first was that the swallow's famous migration pattern, always returning home to San Juan Capistrano. Second, it was believed that if a sailor dies at sea, birds carry his soul home to heaven.

ANCHORS At sea, the anchor is the most secure object in a sailor's life, making it the perfect representation of stability. This is why you'll often see them decorated with "Mom" or the name of a sailor's lover (the people who are dearest to them). Anchors have become popular within general tattoo culture over the years, but the symbolism is still the same. It's a reminder of what keeps you grounded and steady. SHARKS Sailor Jerry had a different attitude towards sharks, considering them inhuman with a relentless ferocity that's impossible not to be awed by. Unlike Jerry's panthers, snakes, and other animals, his sharks seem less about taking the powers of the shark by the person carrying the tattoo and more about forces that must be overcome. In this way, they become a special symbol of courage, will and determination. DRAGONS Jerry deeply admired the work of Japanese tattoo masters and was the first Westerner to have a relationship with them. Yet he was also determined to beat them at tattoos. Jerry's dragons, clearly of Asian nature, formed these conflicting attitudes. They’re more like exotic ghosts than living beings. DEATH A tattoo is one of the few indelible decisions we make in life, representing a commitment to your dying day — this is one reason death themes are important. Back in the Ancient days tattoos belonged to adventurers, mercenaries, basically people that had come to terms with death (“Death Or Dishonor”). Getting a tattoo with this theme requires a big decision. HAWAII After World War II, Jerry remained on his beloved Hawaiian Islands for the rest of his life. He loved its beauty and exoticism and that it was as far away as he could get from the world. After he had to quit his daily job, he started viewing the world as a screwed-up place, devoid of honor and conviction. In his vision Hawaii were looking like paradise, a vision that transferred into his tattoos: he is famous for his hula girl and his incredible sceneries.

MILITARY

Being in the service isn't just a job, it's an epic chapter of life. The soldiers become like brothers. They watch out for each other. One decision can change your life or end it. This intensity develops an appetite for ink, for tattoos that commemorate a fallen comrade, that link a man to his platoon, flight crew, or ship and that declare a particular credo. SNAKES The snake represents potency and power. Unlike panthers, which are usually described in mid-action, snakes are typically shown coiled and ready to strike, showing an evil part, misfortune and potential brawls. Sailor Jerry's favorite snake to ink was a King Cobra. PANTHERS Panthers are usually inked as totems of boldness and virility, sometimes also symbolizing a connection to the nature. Sailor Jerry's panthers are particularly ferocious and masculine – drawn with red, often bloody claws, open jaws and occasionally in the company of a naked woman. In Jerry’s vision the woman was always a redhead. LUCKY 13 In the art of tattoos there is a long tradition regarding fears. Sailor Jerry's Lucky 13 motif is probably the most famous set of tattoo designs that flip a bad luck symbol on its head. This tattoo is picture as a 13 with a cat on it. We all know that 2 negatives equal a positive. This series brings out Jerry’s humor. EAGLES Eagles are symbols for America, representing honor, boldness and intelligence. Sailor Jerry, as a patriot who was acutely aware of the shortcomings of his country, thought the Eagle to be a symbol of his idealized America. A country that stands with courage in front of its enemies and backs down for no one. Jerry's eagles are fierce and iconic, often associated with the flag. PIN-UPS Pin-ups represent the ideal and extremes of femininity — from maidenly perfection to vixen-ish temptation. On the sea, the inked tattoo would be the only feminine figure the sailor would see for months. Jerry revived the pine-ups, applying his bold style, creating the most icon pin-ups in the world.

SHIPS For a sailor, the ship represents the place that they go to work for, but also equals adventures and unseen lands. Sailor Jerry was very passionate about his boats. He held master papers on every major vessel. He used to draw them too. And very accurate I might add. HEARTS Being gone on the see for so long, sailors had to come up with a way of keeping their loved one closer to their heart and minds. Thus Jerry used to tattoo a heart and a name on the heart on sailors. It could have been “mom” or a special girl’s name. Even to this day, this practice is very loved by sailors and civilians. NAUTICAL STAR The nautical star represents the North Star, which was used by sailors to keep track of their movement. Inking this on their skin is supposed to keep a sailor on the right track, guide them home to the people they left PIG AND ROOSTER The legend says the pigs and the roosters where kept on the ship in wooden cages. When the ship flooded, their cages started to float. Their survival rate was incredible big. The superstition has it that a sailor would tattoo a rooster and a pig on each leg for good luck. SHELLBACK Like a ship at full mast, a shellback tattoo showed a sailor's experience at sea. Once a sailor crossed the equator, he earned the right to get a turtle inked on his body. The longer someone had spent at sea, the more tattoos they would have to show off. Sailor Jerry has been very famous for its art, how passionate he was about it and how despite all the obstacles he encountered, he would always find a way to practice the thing he loved the most. He was a stand-up guy and a brave man. You can get one of his tattoos on your arms or the pig and the rooster if you believe in superstitions. If you miss someone or you’ve lost someone, I say go with the heart. These are practical ideas to choose from. This way you will do Sailor Jerry a solid and remember his work. If you feel like editing it a bit for your taste, I would recommend you to choose a different style. Jerry’s style was so unique and he put so much passion in these tattoos, that it would be a shame to ruin them. Keeping them intact and as they were is the greates tribute you can bring to Sailor Jerry.