Category: Sailor Jerry

1911-1973 Traveled as a merchant seaman and worked in shipyards. Tattooed in Chicago Moved to Honolulu in the 1930’s Sailor Jerry did some of the best tattooing of his generation.  Urban legend sways many today think he invented the old school design aesthetic.  The truth is he was continuing a tradition, and represented the style’s…

Jan 16 1971.  “…the only shade I ever use on roses is on the tiny interior corners… 7 needle line with center needle pulled back to make a hollow six…  Now that I’m magging the black and color with a long soft stroke, I don’t worry about the competition.” April (May?)3, 1971.  “Got a single…