Sailor Jerry American Traditional Tattoos: A Timeless Artform

Born in 1911 in Reno, Nevada, Norman Collins, better known as Sailor Jerry, is widely considered one of the most influential tattoo artists of all time. After a short stint in the Navy, Sailor Jerry opened a small tattoo parlor in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he began to hone his craft. He was inspired by the American Traditional style of tattooing, which had its roots in the nautical and military world of the 1940s and 50s. He also took inspiration from Japanese tattooing, which he studied extensively.

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