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Sailor Jerry: The Father of Old School

Vintage image of Sailor Jerry at work, inking a client in a traditional tattoo parlor setting.
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Sailor Jerry, also known as Norman Keith Collins, holds a revered position as one of the founding figures of the Old School tattoo style. His profound influence and extensive body of work have solidified his status in the tattooing world. Are you curious to learn more about this remarkable artist?

Sailor Jerry tattooing in Hawaii

The Early Life of Sailor Jerry

Norman Keith Collins was born in 1911 in Reno, Nevada, USA, and his life was filled with various adventures right from his childhood. As a teenager, he embarked on a journey, leaving his home in search of a better future. He traversed the country by illegally riding freight trains and hitchhiking, which was a common practice during that era.

During his travels, he encountered a man named “Big Mike” from Palmer, who played a pivotal role in introducing him to the world of tattooing when he was still a young teenager. In the late 1920s, he crossed paths with Thomas Tatts, a renowned tattoo artist from Chicago. Through Tatts, he gained valuable knowledge and honed his skills in operating a real tattoo machine.

However, reaching this point was not an easy feat for Jerry. Tattoo artists were known for their secrecy, and it took considerable effort for him to gain proximity to this esteemed tattoo master, who had already achieved global recognition at the time. At the age of 19, Jerry made the decision to join the United States Navy, which marked the beginning of his exploration of art and tattoos as a means of personal and cultural expression.

After extensive travels as a sailor, Jerry finally chose to settle in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1930, where he established his first tattoo studio.

A Life-Changing Event

The attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II transformed the Hawaiian Islands into a military hub, attracting thousands of soldiers. This momentous event had a profound impact on Jerry’s life. Given his military experience, he adopted the pseudonym Sailor Jerry, which became his definitive identity. He set up his tattoo parlor in the vibrant Chinatown area, where soldiers indulged in raucous revelry before departing for war.

During these moments of celebration, many soldiers opted to get tattoos as a form of identification in case they perished in battle. Others chose tattoos as a tribute to their experiences on the battlefield, serving as a memento of their service. It was during this period that Sailor Jerry’s fame skyrocketed rapidly.

Certain tattoos carried symbolic meanings among sailors. For instance, getting a swallow tattoo after crossing over 5,000 miles (8,046.72 km) became a way for sailors to distinguish themselves. Anchors were also popular, representing a sailor’s crossing of the Atlantic or achieving stability in life. Additionally, the eagle, a prominent figure in American nationalist culture, gained popularity during this time, thanks in part to Jerry’s artistic contributions.

Consequently, tattoos began to signify not only life at sea but also became an emblem of patriotic recognition for those who had served in combat.

Pearl harbour attack

Innovations and Influences in Tattooing

In the early stages of his career, Sailor Jerry practiced hand-poke tattooing until he discovered the tattoo machine, which revolutionized his perception of tattoos and expanded the possibilities for diverse designs. Jerry displayed exceptional skill and expertise, continually refining his artistic tools by adjusting power supplies and the machines themselves.

He pioneered new approaches to utilizing tattoo machines and devised needle configurations that minimized damage to the skin. Moreover, he was one of the first tattoo artists to employ single-use, disposable needles, placing great emphasis on hygiene and safety measures. Jerry even introduced the use of an autoclave sterilizer, a hermetically sealed metal device that employs high-pressure steam to sterilize surgical instruments.

Notably, Jerry’s contributions extended to the realm of ink as well. Through numerous trials and experiments, he successfully developed a distinctive purple pigment that had a minimal negative impact on the skin.

The Sailor Jerry Tattoo Style

Sailor Jerry’s extensive travels throughout Asia and his fascination with Japanese culture greatly influenced his artistic approach. He skillfully merged elements from Western and Eastern traditions, forging a unique style that became his signature.

While residing in Hawaii, Jerry maintained connections with teachers he had encountered during his travels, including renowned Japanese tattoo artists and the Horis. Through these cultural exchanges, he incorporated advanced techniques such as water-based shading and perspectives into his artwork.

Over time, Jerry began crafting his own tattoos in a highly personalized manner, effectively inventing his own style through the fusion of Japanese Horimono and traditional tattooing. Many tattoo artists sought to emulate his designs, which often caused him frustration. He believed that artists like himself invested considerable time in their creations and found it unfair when others profited from their original work.

For those familiar with Japanese art in tattooing, the influence on Jerry’s designs is evident. Strong contours, distinctive shading techniques, and carefully chosen colors, combined with Jerry’s exceptional technical skills, ensured that these tattoos stood the test of time.

Additionally, Jerry perfected a style known as “Feminigraphics,” specifically tailored for young women from the islands.

Sailor Jerry art.

Beyond Tattooing: A Pioneer’s Legacy

Norman Keith Collins led a remarkably eventful life, leaving an indelible mark on the world of tattooing. Beyond being a talented tattoo artist, he possessed an insatiable quest for perfection and a deep-rooted love for his country.

His innovations and contributions revolutionized the perception and appreciation of tattoos, earning him the title of the father of the Old School tattoo style. In his honor, a distinctive style known as sailor tattoos emerged and gained widespread popularity.

Therefore, if you hold a fascination for tattoos, particularly traditional ones, it is essential to recognize that nearly everything in the realm of tattoo art owes its origins to Sailor Jerry’s pioneering spirit.