The world of the tattoo is forever expanding but the hype for the traditional tattoos remain the same. Norman Keith Collins created the famous Sailor Jerry tattoo for men with a vision. And now that design is an American staple. With their black lines and vibrant color palette, these tattoos are iconic for all the right reasons.
These tattoos are mostly seen on US sailors and military men as a nod to the nautical region and are believed to bring good luck. If you are someone to tell your story through a Sailor Jerry then you are at the perfect place. In this blog, we will talk about the tattoos that can adorn the canvas of your body and guide you home.
25 Sailor Jerry Tattoos For Men Designs and Meanings
Norman Keith Collins, professionally known as ‘Sailor Jerry’ was inspired by what he saw in Japan and Southeast Asia when he served the navy. He incorporated Japanese design into his style while the influence of Tatts Thomas was evident too. The style of the Sailor Jerry tattoos is now rich with symbolism and meanings.
From ships and anchors to swallow and pin-up girls, these tattoos have a plethora of symbolism. Returning home, what keeps you grounded, and femininity perfection are the popular meanings behind these inkworks. Take a look into these Sailor Jerry tattoos to learn more about them.
Traditional Sailor Jerry Tattoos
The tattoos or ‘Flash’ are a personal statement that can have the wearer’s story etched on the skin. But the traditional Sailor Jerry inkworks do have some common meanings. Bravery, protected objects, and the extremes of femininity are among them. The color theme is bold black lines with splashes of red, green, and yellow shading which makes the tattoos opulent.
1. Death Or Dishonor
The black and grey shading of the skull gives it more depth and the crimson heart adds a sinister appeal to it. This tattoo can be perfect for the neck of a man to adorn.
2. Matters
Anchor as a tattoo inspiration gives one hope that someone is waiting at home for them. This colorful tattoo coveys the same story in red, green, and yellow hue.
3. Cruella
The scenery of the tattoo is unique with the pin-up girl in a red wine glass. This tattoo can be a memorable piece for the arm of a man.
Sailor Jerry Tattoo Flash
The Sailor Jerry tattoo flash is actually a list of designs created by the famous Sailor Jerry himself. These designs are bold, colorful, and eye-catchy. The tattoos seem to be exotic and rebellious. These inkworks normalized tattoos among the natives of America and are now sought after by every tattoo enthusiast.
4. Witch of Shore
The pin-up girl here is inked with details and the sky blue, red, and yellow palette mesmerizes the onlookers. The chest of a man can be a good place for this masterpiece.
5. American Beauty
The American flag, the bald eagle, and the pin-up girl are the perfect combination for the US Navy. The detailing is on-point with the red and black shading.
6. Temptress
Temptation is one of the vices that can doom a soldier. This eerie yet elegant-looking tattoo can be a reminder that too much desire can be harmful.
Sailor Jerry Style Tattoos
Sailor Jerry created not just a style, but also a genre of tattoos. Today, modern tattooists are inspired by him and the enthusiasts love to adorn their skin with traditional inkworks. With every stroke of the tattoo gun, these tattoos tell the story of freedom, power, and love.
7. Nautical Swallow
This tattoo symbolizes freedom with its splendid tint and the red blossom adds more appeal to it. It will look ethereal on the shin of a woman.
8. Kraken’s heart
The tattoo gives a faux glass jar effect where our inner evil is trapped. The red and green shading of the devil is quite realistic and uncanny.
9. Stormy
Want a tattoo that will scream power and freedom? The realistically drawn eagle looks like it will jump on another prey after taking the skull. This tattoo is vibrant and breathtaking.
Nautical Sailor Jerry Tattoos
The maritime traditions are evident in the nautical Sailor Jerry tattoos. It is the proof of living trials and getting triumphs. Norman Collins created the genre with his own philosophy. The deep meaning of each one of these tattoos has traces of Haw ai and American culture that made them more sought-after.
10. Marauder
Red and green as the main colors while doing the shade with yellow gives the tattoo a golden-hour glow on the skin. One can customize the text on it and make their unique little piece.
11. Davy Jones
Although Sailor Jerry is famous for vibrant colors, the dark black theme goes extraordinarily well contrasting the skin. This tattoo is great for the hand of a man.
12. Mermaid’s Song
The luscious mermaid is inked with primary colors and a thin black linework. With the anchor, it can remind us of the root behind all the luxuries.
Sailor Jerry Mermaid Tattoo
The mermaid is the mystery of the sea that all men crave a glimpse of. As a tattoo design, it blends feminine aura with oceanic enchantment and captures the onlookers. This is also a reference to the experience of a seafarer. The mermaids are typically inked with the image of pin-up girls to carry the Hawaiian theme.
13. Glitter & Gold
The mermaid is inked with a curvy body and the long yellow ponytails give an anime effect. The shading on the scales is on point with turquoise green and purple.
14. Sea Siren
This tattoo can be a reminder not to forget what waits at home. The alluring mermaid symbolizes desire and also a threat to the outcome of it.
15. Celestial Queen
The cinematic image of the tattoo goes well with the vivacious tints and the moon adds an ethereal charm to it. It conveys the power of feminity and motherhood.
Sailor Jerry Tattoos Style
Norman Collins chose the moniker Sailor Jerry and created tattoos that are classic now. These tattoos are pretty simple with solid color fill and no background. It brings out the spirit of the adventurous journey on the sea and makes a canvas of history for the person who wears it.
16. Madame Mariner
Though the tattoo is basic, it captures the heart with the light shadings of red, green, and yellow. The blush and pouty lips are inked so prettily that one can’t help but fall in love with it.
17. Twin Flame
The twin swallow tells the tale of courage and the flowers give us hope. This tattoo is better placed on the neck of a man to add some sensitivity to it.
18. Danger
If you look closely, you can see the slight maroon shading on the black theme of the girl. A woman’s thigh can be the ultimate place to ink this tattoo.
Sailor Jerry Pin-Up Tattoo
The pin-up term was popularised during World War two when soldiers would pin gorgeous images of girls on their bunks to get a dose of motivation. As a tattoo for a sailor, it is the only feminine touch they would feel during their time away. And Sailor Jerry made it timeless.
19. Mi Amore
This tattoo gives a vintage vibe with the greyish shading and a broach flower. The eye of the woman holds a secret and her soft features give some timeless allure.
20. Mythical Starlet
Source : tattooalemaoUndoubtedly this is a peculiar tattoo with the body divided into boxes as if it’s a magical show. The color choice is impeccable and it encapsulates the mystery of life to the bystanders.
21. Moxie
This tattoo features seduction while outlining the danger of it. The red wine looks surprisingly real and the pin-up girl amidst makes it all ethereal.
Sailor Jerry Eagle Tattoo
The bald eagle is the national symbol of America. Incorporating it with the tattoo creates the American spirit and also the patriotism of every soldier. It is also a symbol of power and courage. The outstretched wings and the sharp talons give a warning to the enemy to not mess with us.
22. Winged Falcon
Sunset with the vicious eagle sets a banner of threat to the attackers. The shading with the black looks mysterious contrasting the red sun.
23. Fury
The minimalistic black and white eagle adds mythical appeal and one can customize it with their beloved’s name. This tattoo can be placed on the chest of the man.
24. Golden Grasp
This tattoo has a slightly red and murky yellow tone with a blackish shade and pointy lines. The sharp talons set off a caution to the foe to not cross with the bearer.
Meaning of Sailor Jerry Tattoos
Sailor Jerry tattoos can have a myriad of meanings. The artistry is simple but the symbolism is deep like the ocean. It can mean stability, guidance, and safe returns. It can mean both the navigation of life and the sea. But the main storyteller is the people who wear it and their own stories.
25. Aphrodite
This can be the modern version of a pin-up girl with a crochet hat. The eyes are vicious and whisper the story of danger and adventure.
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Sailor Jerry Anchor Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Mom Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Shark Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Ship Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Hawaii Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Swallow Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Hand Tattoos
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Sailor Jerry Panther Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Skull Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Tattoo Designs
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Sailor Jerry Chest Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Dagger Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Dragon Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Jesus Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Octopus Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Snake Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Butterfly Tattoo
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Sailor Jerry Flower Tattoo
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Conclusion
Sailor Jerry created the classic Sailor Jerry tattoos for men and that started a new chapter for tattoo enthusiasts. People with a nick for traditional things can be mesmerized by designs easily. Navy or the commoners, everyone can adorn these splendid pieces and flaunt them to look trendy.
If you found the one to start your new chapter as well then we congratulate you. Remember to do the tattoo in a well-known salon and take efficient aftercare. Never stop learning about old legends nor stop adventures! We bid you well.
FAQ
Was Sailor Jerry a real person?
Yes! Sailor Jerry is the moniker of the well-known tattoo artist Norman Keith Collins who created the timeless Sailor Jerry tattoos. These tattoos are the insights of his philosophy and his maritime life.
What is a sailor’s tattoo based on?
They are based on the nautical life and the adventures of it. The roots are old school with a rich maritime culture and many tattoo enthusiast loves the symbolism of it.
Who are pin-up girls?
Pin-up girls are basically glamorous images of women that can be found on the covers of magazines or albums. The intention is to pin up the image on walls or publications. However, tattoo artists started drawing pin-up girls for the soldiers who stay away from home to help them remember what they are fighting for and their loved companions who are waiting at home.
