What makes a good traditional American tattoo?

Strong outlines, limited color palette, classic subjects. The design needs to read clearly at a distance and hold up as it ages. Traditional American tattoos age better than most styles because the fundamentals are built for longevity.

Do you do traditional American flash?

Yes. Flash is available for walk-ins. If you see something you want on the flash page just bring it in. Custom traditional work starts with a conversation first.

How long does a traditional American sleeve take?

A full traditional sleeve is typically 20 to 40 hours depending on complexity and how much custom design work is involved. Most sleeves take several months to a year to complete at a comfortable pace.

What traditional American subjects do you tattoo?

Eagles, panthers, roses, anchors, ships, daggers, swallows, snakes, wolves, pin-ups, skulls, tigers. Classic motifs done properly. Custom designs built around the same foundations.

Where is Remington Tattoo in San Diego?

Remington Tattoo is at 3009 Myrtle Ave in North Park, San Diego 92104. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 7pm.

Traditional American Tattoos San Diego by Chris Cockrill

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I've been doing traditional American tattoos in San Diego at Remington Tattoo in North Park since 2015. The style goes back to the early days of tattooing in America. Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, Percy Waters, Norman Collins. Bold outlines, flat color, classic motifs. Eagles, roses, anchors, daggers, panthers, ships. Designs that were built to last and still do.

Walk-ins are welcome for smaller traditional pieces. Flash is available. Larger custom work and sleeves start with a consultation, which are complementary.

traditional american swallow tattoo done in north park

Traditional American gypsy and rose sleeve tattoo by Chris Cockrill at Remington Tattoo

Traditional American frog and mushroom tattoo by Chris Cockrill

Traditional American sleeve tattoo at Remington Tattoo North Park San Diego

Traditional American tall ship forearm tattoo by Chris Cockrill

Traditional American owl chest tattoo by Chris Cockrill at Remington Tattoo

Traditional American owl tattoo with sugar skull by Chris Cockrill

Traditional American sugar skull and rose tattoo by Chris Cockrill

Traditional American vase floral tattoo by Chris Cockrill

traditional american lady head tattoo with swallows and cigarrette

sailor jerry stlye rose on a knee don in northpark

Traditional American sleeve tattoo by Chris Cockrill

Traditional American Tattoos in San Diego

Traditional American is one of the most copied styles in tattooing and one of the hardest to do well. The rules look simple. Bold outlines, flat color, classic subjects. But the reason the old work still holds up is not the rules, it is the decisions inside them. Placement, proportion, how the design sits on the body. I also do Japanese tattoos and black and gray work at Remington Tattoo.

Strong outlines, limited color palette, classic subjects. The design needs to read clearly at a distance and hold up as it ages. Traditional American tattoos age better than most styles because the fundamentals are built for longevity.
Yes. Flash is available for walk-ins. If you see something you want on the flash page just bring it in. Custom traditional work starts with a conversation first.
A full traditional sleeve is typically 20 to 40 hours depending on the complexity and how much custom design work is involved. Most sleeves take several months to a year to complete at a comfortable pace.
Eagles, panthers, roses, anchors, ships, daggers, swallows, snakes, wolves, pin-ups, skulls, tigers. Classic motifs done properly. Custom designs built around the same foundations.
Remington Tattoo is at 3009 Myrtle Ave in North Park, San Diego 92104. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 7pm.

Come In

Remington Tattoo is at 3009 Myrtle Ave in North Park, San Diego. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 7. Walk-ins welcome for smaller traditional pieces and flash.

Set Up a Consultation