Hey there, tattoo family! 🌙
Friday is winding down, and before I crash (because tomorrow is going to be a massive tattoo marathon!), I just had to share our latest fun project! 📸
A while ago, a great client came into the studio and basically challenged me: "I want my entire leg to look like the wall of an old salty dog's cabin!" ⚓ Translation: A whole leg sleeve of classic Old School (Traditional) tattoos!
We kicked things off with a little, proud Penguin. And now, he plays a game of "tattoo roulette" after every session, throwing out a new, perfectly random, and wonderfully charming idea. His leg is quickly becoming the most fun and vibrant "leg sleeve" I've ever worked on! 🥳
Check out some of the strange and wonderful characters that have found a home there! 👇
📜 Old School Symbolism: A Fun Guide! 🖤
The Penguin with a Heart: 🐧❤️
• The Meaning: This is the tattoo for anyone who isn't afraid to say: "I'm loyal, like a penguin!" (Yup, they're monogamous!). It’s a pure symbol of eternal love, commitment, and devotion. Plus, it's adorable. When he hugs that heart, he's basically saying: "Don't worry, I brought you a flower and I'll wait for you all winter!" 🥹
The Hourglass with a Skull (A.K.A. "Vacation in Hell") 🌴⏳💀
• The Meaning: This is a classic with a twist. "Time is slipping away, dude, so... chase the sunsets!" (That's the beach scene up top). The skull and sand are the classic reminder that life is fleeting, but the bright tropical beach screams: "Live it up while you still can!" It’s a powerful, colourful piece of philosophy right there.
The Running Rooster and Pig (The Sailor's Survival Team) 🐓🐷
• The Meaning: These two might look silly, but they are serious good luck charms! Sailors used to get them tattooed on their ankles because roosters and pigs were transported on ships in wooden crates. If the ship sank, those wooden crates, unlike metal, would float!
• The Moral: By tattooing them on your feet/ankles, sailors believed their legs, like the crates, would float and bring them safely back to land! 🗺️ A wonderfully wild piece of maritime humour and superstition. It's basically the best insurance policy against a shipwreck! 🚢
This project is pure joy. It’s bright, fun, stress-free, and every piece comes with a cool story. The client always leaves happy, and his leg is getting chattier with every new addition!✨
What’s the most ridiculous (but beloved) Old School symbol you’ve ever seen?Let me know!👇
Wishing everyone a great weekend (and make sure to wake up bright-eyed, like a rooster!) 😉
You can find more of my work at the link below:
https://www.instagram.com/ksena.morf_tattoo?igsh=YzBtbXE4NWkxOHh6