# American Traditional tattoos in Seattle

> American traditional is a tattoo style built on bold black outlines, solid color fills and a limited palette of red, yellow, green and black. Rooted in sailor tattooing and refined by artists like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, it uses classic flash motifs such as roses, eagles, swallows and daggers, and it ages better than almost any other style.

- Also called: traditional tattoo, old school tattoo, Western traditional, Sailor Jerry style, flash tattoo
- Typical Seattle cost (palm-sized): $150–$500 (Flash is often priced flat. Custom palm-sized pieces usually take 1–2 hours.)
- How well it ages (1–5): 5
- Best placements: Outer forearm, Upper arm, Calf, Chest, Thigh
- Page: https://seattle-tattoo.org/styles/traditional

American traditional, also called old school or Western traditional, grew out of early twentieth-century sailor and circus tattooing. Its best-known figure is Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins (1911–1973), who tattooed in Honolulu and helped define the style's clean lines and vivid color. Shops sold designs off sheets of pre-drawn "flash," which is why so many traditional motifs, including anchors, swallows, panthers, pin-ups, hearts and daggers, are instantly recognizable.

The look is simple on purpose: heavy black outlines, black shading, solid fields of saturated color, and open skin around the design so it reads clearly from across a room. It suits people who want a timeless tattoo, collectors building patchwork sleeves one flash piece at a time, and first-timers who want something fast and durable. Seattle's working waterfront and fishing fleet make nautical flash a natural local fit, and flash days and walk-in specials often feature traditional designs.

Traditional earns an aging score of 5 out of 5. Every tattoo spreads a little over the decades. Bold outlines and fully packed color leave room for that spread without losing the design, which is the idea behind the tattooer's saying "bold will hold." A well-applied traditional piece usually stays readable for life, though bright colors still benefit from sunscreen.

## Defining traits

- Bold, consistent black outlines
- Solid, saturated color fills
- Limited palette: red, yellow, green and black
- Black shading with open skin between elements
- Iconic flash imagery

## Studios listing american traditional work

- [Cleopatra Ink Seattle](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/cleopatra-ink-seattle) — 1523 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 · (206) 699-2822 · https://www.cleopatraink.com/en/studios/seattle-tattoo-and-piercing-studio · Featured: Seattle Tattoo and Cleopatra Ink Seattle share ownership.
- [Liberty Tattoo Seattle](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/liberty-tattoo-seattle) — 2702 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 · (206) 656-3990 · https://www.libertytattooseattle.com
- [Slave to the Needle Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/slave-to-the-needle-tattoo) — 508 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117 · (206) 789-2618 · https://www.slavetotheneedle.com
- [True Love Tattoo & Art Gallery](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/true-love-tattoo-art-gallery) — 421 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 · (206) 227-3572 · https://www.trueloveart.com
- [Anchor Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/anchor-tattoo) — 5451 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 · (206) 784-4051 · https://www.anchortattoo.com
- [Black Dolphin Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/black-dolphin-tattoo) — 5228 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 666-4708 · https://www.blackdolphinseattle.com
- [Fenix Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/fenix-tattoo) — 87 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104 · (206) 623-1090 · https://www.fenixtattoos.com
- [White Lotus Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/white-lotus-tattoo) — 11064 Lake City Way NE #6, Seattle, WA 98125 · (206) 531-5436 · https://www.whitelotustattooseattle.com
- [Nightshade](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/nightshade) — 615 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 · (206) 556-4968 · https://www.nightshadeseattle.com
- [Not Occult Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/not-occult-tattoo) — 2018 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122 · (206) 457-3002 · https://www.notocculttattoo.com
- [Slave To The Needle](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/slave-to-the-needle) — 403 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 545-3685 · https://slavetotheneedle.com
- [Tiger Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/tiger-tattoo) — 1824 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202 · (509) 325-8265 · https://tigertattoospokane.com
- [Visualize Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/visualize-tattoo) — 625 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 · (253) 281-6012 · https://www.visualizetattoo.com
- [Absolute Body Art](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/absolute-body-art) — 10625 Pacific Ave S Suite E, Tacoma, WA 98444 · (253) 258-6329 · https://absolutebodyart.tacomalocal.net
- [Foundation Body Arts](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/foundation-body-arts) — 12926 Mukilteo Speedway Suite F6, Lynnwood, WA 98087 · (425) 512-9559 · https://foundationbodyarts.com
- [Living Skin Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/living-skin-tattoo) — 9118 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 · (509) 921-9000 · https://livingskintattoo.com
- [Ninth Tentacle Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/ninth-tentacle-tattoo) — 508a S 11th St, Tacoma, WA 98402 · (253) 414-8239 · https://ninthtentacletattoo.com
- [Sorry Mom Ink Tattoos and Piercings](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/sorry-mom-ink-tattoos-and-piercings) — 8120 Freedom Ln NE #102, Lacey, WA 98516 · (360) 522-7740 · https://www.sorrymomink.com
- [Black Flower Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/black-flower-tattoo) — 20015 Highway 99, Lynnwood, WA 98036 · (425) 263-9075 · https://www.blackflowertattoo.com
- [Destiny City Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/destiny-city-tattoo) — 762 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402 · (253) 267-5439 · https://destinycitytattoo.com
- [Ghostline Tattoo and Gallery](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/ghostline-tattoo-and-gallery) — 249 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337 · (360) 689-0568 · https://ghostlinetattoos.com
- [Iron and Gold Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/iron-and-gold-tattoo) — 705 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201 · (509) 326-6008 · https://www.ironandgoldtattoo.com/contact
- [TygerWolf Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/tygerwolf-tattoo) — 539 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402 · (206) 713-2006 · https://www.tygerwolf.com
- [Main Ave Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/main-ave-tattoo) — 22 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 · (509) 443-5088 · https://www.mainavetattoo.com
- [Auralite Art Collective](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/auralite-art-collective) — 205 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 · (509) 437-2122 · https://www.auraliteartcollective.com
- [Bulldog Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/bulldog-tattoo) — 3530 Martin Way E, Lacey, WA 98506 · (360) 350-0237 · https://bulldogtattooparlor.com
- [Spokane Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/spokane-tattoo) — 911 W Garland Ave, Spokane, WA 99205 · (509) 418-7400 · https://www.spokanetattoo.com
- [Artistry King Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/artistry-king-tattoo) — 5620 NE Gher Rd Suite 2, Vancouver, WA 98662 · (360) 718-2396 · https://www.artistryking.com
- [No Surrender Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/no-surrender-tattoo) — 12924 W Sunset Hwy, Airway Heights, WA 99001 · (509) 315-5953 · https://nosurrendertattoo.wordpress.com
- [Rabid Hands Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/rabid-hands-tattoo) — 4775 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 · (206) 618-1447 · https://rabidhands.com
- [Rolling Gypsy Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/rolling-gypsy-tattoo) — 13923 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444 · (253) 212-2098 · https://www.rollingypsytattoo.com
- [Electric Cobra](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/electric-cobra) — 4910 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 · (206) 261-3545 · https://electriccobratattoo.com
- [After Life Tattoo Company](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/after-life-tattoo-company) — 406 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington, WA 98233 · (360) 982-8900 · https://www.afterlifetats.com
- [Highmark Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/highmark-tattoo) — 2109 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036 · (425) 412-3864 · https://highmark.tattoo
- [Tattoo Asylum](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/tattoo-asylum) — 5225 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 · (253) 503-1058 · https://www.tattooasylum253.com
- [Nexus Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/nexus-tattoo) — 3320 E 4th Plain Blvd Suite G, Vancouver, WA 98661 · (360) 719-2597 · https://www.thenexustattoostudio.com
- [Spirit Flame Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/spirit-flame-tattoo) — 1002 NE Minnehaha St, Vancouver, WA 98665 · (360) 690-0091 · https://www.spiritflametattoo.com
- [Stay Marked Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/stay-marked-tattoo) — 160 NW Gilman Blvd Suite 418, Issaquah, WA 98027 · (206) 999-7017 · https://www.staymarkedtattoo.com
- [Story Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/story-tattoo) — 1051 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 820-0867 · https://www.storytattoo.com
- [Lucky No. 3 Tattoo Company](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/lucky-no-3-tattoo-company) — 121 N Tower Ave, Centralia, WA 98531 · (360) 807-0433 · https://luckyno3tattoocompany.com
- [Symbolic Tattoo Co.](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/symbolic-tattoo-co) — 3330 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301 · (509) 492-2088 · https://symbolictattooco.com
- [Carnation Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/carnation-tattoo) — 4473 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA 98014 · (206) 788-5345 · https://carnationtattoo.com
- [Paradox Tattoo Gallery](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/paradox-tattoo-gallery) — 19106 Wa-410, Bonney Lake, WA 98391 · (253) 750-4485 · https://www.paradoxtattoogallery.com
- [Towns End Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/towns-end-tattoo) — 921 Washington St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 · (360) 344-2450 · https://www.towns-endtattoo.com
- [Almanegra Tattoo Studio, Addictive Ink](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/almanegra-tattoo-studio-addictive-ink) — 2707 Bickford Ave, Snohomish, WA 98290 · (425) 387-3310 · https://www.almanegratattoo.com
- [Lotus Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/lotus-tattoo) — 1107 College St SE B, Lacey, WA 98503 · (360) 688-7361 · https://www.lotus-tat2.com
- [Lucky Dragon Tattoo Parlor](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/lucky-dragon-tattoo-parlor) — 5610 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 · (206) 588-0294 · https://luckydragontattooparlor.com
- [Stray Cat Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/stray-cat-tattoo) — 723 Avenue D, Snohomish, WA 98290 · (360) 217-7385 · https://straycattattoos.com
- [Top hat Tattoo and Top Hat Barber Shop](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/top-hat-tattoo-and-top-hat-barber-shop) — 10828 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 · (206) 457-8059 · https://www.tophattattooseattle.com
- [Strictly Irezumi](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/raijin-tattoo) — 8544 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 · (206) 782-0801 · https://strictlyirezumi.com

## Artists listing american traditional work

- [Aaron Hafemeister](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/aaron-hafemeister) — Tattoo artist · Emerald City Tattoos (Lake City, Seattle) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Geometric · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hfmystr.tattoos
- [Aidan Wright](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/aidan-wright) — Tattoo artist · Main Ave Tattoo (Spokane, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidanwrighttattoos
- [Alan](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/alan-tygerwolf-tattoo) — Tattoo artist · TygerWolf Tattoo (Tacoma, WA) · American Traditional, Blackwork, Illustrative · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alannguyentattoo
- [Ally Noel](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/ally-noel) — Tattoo artist · Olympia Tattoo Co. (Olympia, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allycnoel
- [Andrew Parker](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/andrew-parker) — Tattoo artist · Mammoth Tattoo Studio (Kirkland, WA) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmammoth
- [Bill Wang](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/bill-wang) — Tattoo artist · Main Ave Tattoo (Spokane, WA) · American Traditional, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billwang1
- [Brandon Jones](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/brandon-jones) — Tattoo artist · Unknown Tattoo Co. (Snohomish, WA) · American Traditional, Illustrative · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennybonesart
- [Cammeron Donnelly](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/cammeron-donnelly) — Tattoo artist · Supergenius Tattoo (Capitol Hill, Seattle) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Dotwork · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cammerondamnit
- [Charlie White](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/charlie-white) — Owner and tattoo artist · Stray Cat Tattoo (Snohomish, WA) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Realism, Color, Cover-Up · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbycharliewhite
- [Chris Winn](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/chris-winn) — Tattoo artist · Main Ave Tattoo (Spokane, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Realism, Script and Lettering · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswinntattoos
- [Circe](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/circe-electric-cobra) — Tattoo artist · Electric Cobra (Columbia City, Seattle) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Blackwork, Cover-Up · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circe
- [Codie Christel](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/codie-christel) — Apprentice tattoo artist · The Nova Expansion (Queen Anne, Seattle) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Dotwork, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codietattoo
- [Daniel](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/daniel-foundation-body-arts) — Tattoo artist · Foundation Body Arts (Lynnwood, WA) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Realism · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodminer
- [Doc Blackwolf](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/doc-blackwolf) — Tattoo artist · Rabid Hands Tattoo (Ballard, Seattle) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Color, Cover-Up · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artoftheblackwolf
- [George Long](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/george-long) — Owner and tattoo artist · True Love Tattoo & Art Gallery (Capitol Hill, Seattle) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Black and Grey, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgelongtattoo
- [Hannah Ashmore](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/hannah-ashmore) — Tattoo artist · Rabid Hands Tattoo (Ballard, Seattle) · American Traditional, Illustrative · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bugs.n.ink
- [Heysus](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/heysus-local-boy-tatau) — Tattoo artist · Local Boy Tatau (Vancouver, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Script and Lettering, Tribal, Chicano, Ornamental · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysus94
- [Janelle Quibuyen](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/janelle-quibuyen) — Owner and tattoo artist · Pink Peony Club (Bremerton, WA) · American Traditional, Tribal · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.tattoos
- [Javi](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/javi-andromeda-studio) — Tattoo artist · Andromeda Studio (Renton, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Chicano · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_imorales
- [Jordan](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/jordan-steadfast-art-collective) — Tattoo artist · Steadfast Art Collective (Kirkland, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Illustrative, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decadenttattoos
- [Joshua Paulino](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/joshua-paulino) — Owner and tattoo artist · Cosmic Tattoo (Centralia, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Realism, Illustrative · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuapaulinoart
- [Katie](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/katie-tygerwolf-tattoo) — Tattoo artist · TygerWolf Tattoo (Tacoma, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Black and Grey, Realism · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.ctattoo
- [Kingsley](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/kingsley-rabid-hands-tattoo) — Tattoo artist · Rabid Hands Tattoo (Ballard, Seattle) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Blackwork, Black and Grey, Script and Lettering · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrthlsstattoo
- [Konner O'Neall](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/konner-oneall) — Tattoo artist · Main Ave Tattoo (Spokane, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konner_tattoos_
- [Kristina Louise](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/kristina-louise) — Tattoo artist · Kristina Louise Tattoos (Wenatchee, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Realism, Illustrative, Cover-Up · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristina_louise_tattoos
- [Kyla Oyamot](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/kyla-oyamot) — Tattoo artist · Auralite Art Collective (Spokane, WA) · American Traditional, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylatattoos
- [Kylie](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/kylie-lions-paw-tattoo) — Tattoo artist · Lion's Paw Tattoo (Everett, WA) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylierex_tats
- [Luigi Viviescas](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/luigi-viviescas) — Tattoo artist · Auralite Art Collective (Spokane, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Blackwork, Black and Grey, Geometric, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luigitattoolife
- [Luna](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/luna-true-love-tattoo-art-gallery) — Tattoo artist · True Love Tattoo & Art Gallery (Capitol Hill, Seattle) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Blackwork, Black and Grey, Watercolor, Illustrative, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunatattooss
- [Mad Max Wallace](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/mad-max-wallace) — Tattoo artist · Top hat Tattoo and Top Hat Barber Shop (Seattle, WA) · American Traditional, Blackwork · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madmaxwallace
- [Mallory Bragg](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/mallory-bragg) — Tattoo artist · The Nova Expansion (Queen Anne, Seattle) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Blackwork, Black and Grey, Dotwork, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallotron
- [Manuel](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/manuel-local-boy-tatau) — Tattoo artist · Local Boy Tatau (Vancouver, WA) · Fine Line, American Traditional, Script and Lettering, Chicano, Ornamental · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/que.sera8
- [Marcus Solomon](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/marcus-solomon) — Tattoo artist · Cygni Tattoo (Tacoma, WA) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Script and Lettering · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusxtattoo
- [Mars Edidin](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/mars-edidin) — Tattoo artist · Mammoth Tattoo Studio (Kirkland, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Illustrative, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkyfruits
- [Matt Gutierrez](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/matt-gutierrez) — Tattoo artist · Lotus Tattoo (Lacey, WA) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi) · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittycatmatt
- [Maya](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/maya-foundation-body-arts) — Tattoo artist · Foundation Body Arts (Lynnwood, WA) · American Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi), Black and Grey, Realism · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayanorbergtattoos
- [Michaela Saranto](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/michaela-saranto) — Tattoo artist · Emerald City Tattoos (Lake City, Seattle) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Color · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaela.rose.tattoo
- [Mike](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/mike-sorry-mom-ink-tattoos-and-piercings) — Tattoo artist · Sorry Mom Ink Tattoos and Piercings (Lacey, WA) · American Traditional, Black and Grey, Realism · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miketaylortattoos
- [Mikel Kay](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/mikel-old-school-tattoo-piercing) — Tattoo artist · Old School Tattoo & Piercing (Bellingham, WA) · American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese (Irezumi) · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfkdoom
- [Miko Mueller](https://seattle-tattoo.org/artists/miko-mueller) — Tattoo artist · Destiny City Tattoo (Tacoma, WA) · American Traditional, Realism · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miko.tattooer

## FAQ

**Why do traditional tattoos age so well?**
Because the design is built for it. Thick black outlines and solid color give the ink room to spread slightly over the years without the image blurring, and the limited detail means nothing important gets lost. That's why decades-old traditional tattoos often still read clearly while fine detail work from the same era has softened.

**What is tattoo flash?**
Flash is a sheet of pre-drawn designs that a studio or artist offers ready to tattoo, usually at a set price. It started in American traditional shops, and many studios still hold flash days where you pick a design off the wall. Flash is usually cheaper and faster than a custom piece.

**Can you get a traditional tattoo in black and grey only?**
Yes. Many traditional designs work in black only, using solid black and black shading in place of color. They age just as well and suit people who prefer a monochrome look or want to avoid color ink allergies, which most often involve red pigment.

## Sources

- [American traditional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_traditional)
- [Sailor Jerry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_Jerry)
- [Body Art During World War II: From the Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Art Collection](https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/body-art-world-war-2-tattoo)