New school (tattoo)
New school is a tattooing style originating as early as the 1970s and influenced by some features of
Origin
There are multiple accounts regarding how new school tattooing began. One account posits that California tattoo artists began experimenting with multiple design styles as early as the 1970s and included subject matter such as famous film actors, Disney characters, and even the USS Enterprise from Star Trek.[1] It is argued that during this time, new cultural designs came from the demands of customers, and less so from the inspiration of tattoo artists.[1]
Other accounts place the emergence of new school tattooing during the late 1980s
Characteristics
New school tattooing incorporates elements from many tattooing traditions including
In terms of subject matter, new school tattoos are not restricted to traditional subjects (such as hearts and eagles).[11] They feature fantastical subjects,[12] novel patterns, and generally allow for a great deal of customization.[10] However, old school subjects are commonly done in a new school style as a way of expressing homage or irony.[13]
Changes in artist secrecy
New school is also considered to represent a transition in artists' attitudes towards sharing information on their work and techniques.[14] The craft of old school tattoos was often protected by artists during the 1970s and 1980s for fear of losing business to competitors.[15] However, this also meant that innovation was stifled in the tattooing community. New school artists were more open with this information and pushing the boundaries of tattooing,[14] and explains why there is some tension between older and newer tattooers; regarding this transition, traditional tattooers remark that "tattooing has lost some of its charm," whereas newer tattooers consider this openness to be progressive.[15]
References
- ^ ISBN 0879725435.
- ^ ISBN 042515985X.
- ^ ISBN 978-1592577255.
- ISBN 978-1610690768.
- ^ a b DeMello 2014, p. 475.
- Inked Magazine. Quadra Media. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
- ISBN 978-1404218291.
- ^ Hukson, Mrs. "Camden Tattoo shop". Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ISBN 978-1471108617.
- ^ a b Libassi, Matt. "A Guide to Tattoo Styles". Fox News Magazine. FOX News Network. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
- ^ Levy 2009, pp. 38, 41.
- ^ Griffith, Matt. "Tattoo Styles and Trends". Skin Artists Magazine. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ISBN 0823224074.
- ^ a b Miller 1997, pp. 61–62.
- ^ ISBN 978-0786744831.