The Symbolism Behind Classic Tattoo Designs (Pt.3)

Myron Phoebus Ampatzis

15 Ιουλ 2025 • 4 min read

Artist: Vasso Lowbrow Style: Old School (Traditional) • Blackwork

Every time we come across a Classic Tattoo, it stirs a familiar feeling inside us. There's a certain power in these images — a force shaped by years of tradition, culture, and self-expression.
Traditional, or Old School, tattoos aren’t just a nod to the past — they’re a way of breathing new life into symbols that have already written their stories on the skin of thousands.

This time, we’re diving a little deeper, beyond the bold colors and clean lines, into the emotions, beliefs, and fragments of identity that lie beneath the ink.

Dragon Tattoo

**Artist:** Dane tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Stoy Junx **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

Power, wisdom, and protection — dragon tattoos have deep Asian roots and gained popularity thanks to sailors who traveled across Asia. Even today, they remain one of the most sought-after designs among tattoo lovers.

Tiger Tattoo

**Artist:** George Thirst **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Fontas Cast **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

Tiger tattoos often symbolize strength, courage, and fierce determination. A perfect choice for those with unbreakable willpower who never back down...

Traditional Lady Head Tattoo

**Artist:** Kiser Junx **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Billie **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Black & Gray

Femininity, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Sailors used to wear these as reminders of the woman or lover waiting for them back home. Still romantic — and still cool — to this day.

Anchor Tattoo

**Artist:** Vasso Lowbrow **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Broy tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

In the life of a sailor, the anchor is their most reliable object, making it the perfect symbol of stability. Often paired with a banner and dedication to a loved one.

Eye of the Storm Tattoo

**Artist:** Moch Tattoo **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Dane tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Black & Gray

Inner peace doesn’t depend on external chaos. A design for those who stay calm through the storm and don’t let life’s turbulence shake them.

Lighthouse Tattoo

**Artist:** Alex the tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) •Traditional Japanese • Black & Gray | **Artist:** Batter Tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Black & Gray

A guide in the dark, a symbol of hope and direction during tough times. Perfect for those who look for “the light” when they feel lost.

Dice - Playing Cards - Gambling Tattoo

**Artist:** Coolass kid tattoos **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Sasquatch **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

Risk, luck, and living on the edge. This one represents those who live life on their own terms and aren’t afraid to go all in.

Western Tattoo

**Artist:** Billie **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Dimitris V Tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

Cowboys, cowgirls, Native Americans, and all things wild and Western — these tattoos express a love for freedom, adventure, and for some, a deep connection to American heritage.

Owl Tattoo

**Artist:** Dane tattooer **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color | **Artist:** Vasso Lowbrow **Style:** Old School (Traditional) • Color

The owl symbolizes wisdom, perception, and transformation. As nocturnal creatures, they see deeper than most, undisturbed by the “darkness” that surrounds them.

Download Inkjin to discover the most rad Traditional tattoo designs or to send your own idea to your favorite artists and make the tattoo of your dreams a reality!

The Inkjin Team