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Traditional (Old School) Tattoo — Artists, Ideas & Inspiration

Traditional (Old School) tattoos are characterised by bold black outlines, a limited but vibrant colour palette, and iconic imagery like anchors, roses, and eagles. This style has roots in Western tattooing history.

InkLocate's Australian library catalogues 464 traditional (old school) tattoo photos from 250 studios, each tagged by subject and placement. Australian traditional (old school) artists most often tattoo floral, animal, skull and rose designs, most commonly placed on the forearm, upper arm and calf.

299 studios across 12 cities in Australia · 464 photos in library

Recent Traditional (Old School) Work

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A traditional style rose tattoo on the back showcases vibrant colors and classic linework.
Heart & Soul Tattoo
A classic traditional style tattoo featuring a rose and heart with custom lettering for a sentimental design.
Heart & Soul Tattoo
A charming traditional style tattoo of a cat with a bowl of Tabasco.
Heart & Soul Tattoo
A vibrant traditional tiger tattoo with a stylized knife design on the chest.
Justin Acca Tattoo
A detailed traditional heart tattoo with floral accents on the forearm.
Skye Shepherd Tattooing
Two matching cat tattoos with a vintage pin-up style.
Stone Heart Body Art
A vibrant Japanese dragon tattoo with intricate details and dynamic movement.
Ten-Ten Tattoo
A detailed traditional style tattoo featuring a rose and butterfly with a knife design.
Frankston Tattoo
A vibrant traditional panther tattoo with striking red eyes adorns the forearm.
Frankston Tattoo
A vibrant traditional tattoo featuring a welder and snake with striking colors.
Frankston Tattoo
A traditional style tattoo depicting an angel and child with nautical elements.
Broken Arrow Tattooing
A vibrant traditional tattoo featuring a stylized eye and lips with star accents.
House of Daggers Tattoo
A detailed panther tattoo in a traditional style is showcased on the forearm.
House of Daggers Tattoo
A vibrant depiction of dancing skeletons engulfed in flames, showcasing a unique blend of traditional and dark art styles.
House of Daggers Tattoo
A detailed traditional lion skull tattoo on the upper arm.
Melbourne Tattoo Studio
A detailed traditional style portrait tattoo on the head showcases intricate linework and shading.
Vintique Tattoos
A detailed traditional style portrait tattoo featuring a woman in a cowboy hat with snake and script elements.
Vintique Tattoos
A vibrant traditional lighthouse tattoo with floral and compass elements adorns the calf.
Vintique Tattoos
A detailed traditional style tattoo featuring a floral design and vintage clockwork elements on the forearm.
Sailors Devil Tattoo
A detailed traditional style tattoo of a skull and knife on the forearm.
Sailors Devil Tattoo
A vibrant traditional style tattoo featuring a rose and knife design on the calf.
Sailors Devil Tattoo
A vibrant traditional heart tattoo with daggers on the calf showcases skilled linework.
Sailors Devil Tattoo
A vibrant traditional floral tattoo with a cloudy background adorns the forearm.
Gooney Toons Tattoo Artist
A vibrant traditional tattoo featuring a matryoshka doll with skull and clock elements.
Hidden City Tattoo
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Top-Rated Traditional (Old School) Studios

Find Traditional (Old School) Artists by City

Melbourne(9)Surfers Paradise(4)Cairns City(4)Mermaid Beach(5)Collingwood(3)Shepparton(4)Newtown(4)Palm Beach(3)St Kilda(4)Preston(3)Canberra(3)Pialba(3)

What is Traditional (Old School) Tattoo?

Traditional (Old School) tattoos are characterised by bold black outlines, a limited but vibrant colour palette, and iconic imagery like anchors, roses, and eagles. This style has roots in Western tattooing history.

Whether you're getting your first tattoo or adding to an existing collection, choosing the right traditional (old school) artist is essential. Look for artists who regularly showcase traditional (old school) work in their portfolio and have strong reviews from previous clients. InkLocate lists 299 studios across 12 Australian cities that specialise in this style.

Traditional (Old School) Tattoo FAQ

What is traditional (old school) tattoo?

Traditional (Old School) tattoos are characterised by bold black outlines, a limited but vibrant colour palette, and iconic imagery like anchors, roses, and eagles. This style has roots in Western tattooing history.

How much does a traditional (old school) tattoo cost in Australia?

Traditional (Old School) Tattoo pricing depends on the design's size, complexity, and the artist's experience level. Smaller pieces may take one session while larger work like sleeves can require multiple sittings. Contact studios directly through InkLocate for personalised quotes — most offer free consultations to discuss your design.

How do I find a good traditional (old school) tattoo artist?

Look for artists who regularly showcase traditional (old school) work in their portfolio. Check that their existing pieces show consistent quality, clean execution, and a style that matches your vision. InkLocate lists 299 studios across 12 cities and catalogues 464 traditional (old school) tattoo photos from 250 studios — read reviews and compare portfolios to find your ideal match.

What subjects suit traditional (old school) tattoo?

Across InkLocate's Australian library, traditional (old school) artists most often tattoo floral, animal, skull and rose designs, most commonly placed on the forearm, upper arm and calf. Browse the photos above to see how Australian artists interpret each of these in traditional (old school).

How long does a traditional (old school) tattoo take?

Session time depends on the design's size and detail level. A small traditional (old school) piece might take 1-2 hours, while larger or more complex work can require multiple sessions over several weeks. Your artist will provide a time estimate during the consultation.

Related Styles

Neo TraditionalJapanese (Irezumi)ChicanoSleeve