American traditional

American traditional, Western traditional or simply traditional[1]: 18  is a tattoo style featuring bold black outlines and a limited color palette, with common motifs influenced by sailor tattoos.

[2] The style is sometimes called old school and contrasted with "new school" tattoos, which it influenced, and which use a wider range of colors, shading, and subjects.

[1]: 61 Flash designs are often American traditional.

[3] Many old school motifs derive from tattoos popular among military service members, including patriotic symbols, such as eagles and American flags, along with pin-up girls.

Designs circa 1900–1945 by Clark & Sellers:

Old school tattoo designs on tattoo artist Amund Dietzel
Tattoo design with a naval theme, c. 1900–1945