Traditional (Old School) Tattoo Designs
Traditional American tattooing, also called 'Old School', is characterised by bold black outlines, a limited colour palette, and iconic imagery. Roses, eagles, anchors, daggers, and swallows are classic motifs. This style is renowned for its longevity, traditional tattoos age better than almost any other style.
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Traditional (Old School) Tattoo Tattoo, Data & Pricing
Pain level
Low to moderate
Session time
2-5h
Typical range per session
Ages well
Outstanding
Artist level
Well-understood by most artists
Average price by country
Based on verified artist rates. Small = palm-sized · Medium = A5 · Large = A4+
| Country | Per hour | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱Netherlands | €110-175 | €160-265 | €380-615 | €865-1405 |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | £95-150 | £140-230 | £330-530 | £750-1215 |
| 🇺🇸United States | $145-235 | $215-350 | $505-820 | $1150-1870 |
| 🇩🇪Germany | €95-150 | €140-230 | €330-530 | €750-1215 |
| 🇪🇸Spain | €65-105 | €95-160 | €225-370 | €520-840 |
| 🇦🇺Australia | A$130-210 | A$195-315 | A$455-735 | A$1035-1685 |
Estimates based on TatScout market data. Always get a personalised quote from your artist.
Best placements
Consider carefully
212 verified studios on TatScout
specialise in traditional tattoos worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is traditional tattooing?
Traditional (Old School) tattooing originated in American sailor culture in the early 20th century. It uses bold outlines, flat colour fills, and classic imagery that has stood the test of time.
Why do traditional tattoos age so well?
The bold lines and solid colour fills used in traditional tattoos hold up beautifully over decades. The style was essentially designed to last on skin.
What are classic traditional tattoo motifs?
Eagles, roses, anchors, swallows, daggers, hearts, ships, and pin-ups are iconic traditional motifs. Each carried specific meanings in sailor culture.
