Last week was the birthday of one of the most iconic tattoo artists to ever grace the tattoo industry. The 14th January was Norman Keith Collins’ birthday. More famously known as Sailor Jerry, Collins made his mark on the tattoo industry in the early 1900s. Sailor Jerry is known to be one of the most prominent and influential tattoo artists in the industry. Even years after Collin's era, tattoo artists are still widely referencing his work today, immortalising Collin's name in the tattoo world, and carrying on his legacy.
Sailors have typically adorned lots of old school tattoos throughout history. When you think of sailors, you may associate them with having lots of traditional tattoos, like swallow, nautical stars, and anchors. Sailor Jerry's work typified this style of tattooing and it was a common thing for sailors to have tattooed on them, but what do they all mean? Sailors could be quite a superstitious bunch, and a lot of their tattoos had a symbol of luck behind them, which was needed as they’d spend their lives out at sea.
Last week was the birthday of one of the most iconic tattoo artists to ever grace the tattoo industry. The 14th January was Norman Keith Collins’ birthday. More famously known as Sailor Jerry, Collins made his mark on the tattoo industry in the early 1900s. Sailor Jerry is known to be one of the most prominent and influential tattoo artists in the industry. Even years after Collin's era, tattoo artists are still widely referencing his work today, immortalising Collin's name in the tattoo world, and carrying on his legacy.
Sailors have typically adorned lots of old school tattoos throughout history. When you think of sailors, you may associate them with having lots of traditional tattoos, like swallow, nautical stars, and anchors. Sailor Jerry's work typified this style of tattooing and it was a common thing for sailors to have tattooed on them, but what do they all mean? Sailors could be quite a superstitious bunch, and a lot of their tattoos had a symbol of luck behind them, which was needed as they’d spend their lives out at sea.
Peter Nelson, Lord Nelson Tattoos
Karl Fletcher, Fleckys Tattoo Studio
