Norman Keith Collins (January 14, 1911 – June 12, 1973), known popularly as Sailor Jerry, was a prominent American tattoo artist in Hawaii who was well known for his tattoo designs.

From “Man's Ruin,” an image of a vixen in a cocktail glass surrounded by a dice, cards and dollar signs – to a picture of a bloody knife sticking though a heart with the words “Death Before Dishonor” – Sailor Jerry's tattoos dealt with issues that were at once practical and elemental.

Norman Keith Collins, better known by his nickname, Sailor Jerry, defined the style of American traditional tattoos. As a new artist, it’s important to understand Sailor Jerry’s legacy because his work is still impacting popular tattoo designs and practices today.

2023年9月12日 · The Sailor Jerry tattoo story runs incredibly deep and carries a rich history of renaissance featuring a colorful character that would tip the scales in new tattoo traditions.

Take a look at the Norman 'Sailor Jerry' Collins timeline & biography, outlining the key moments from his life & much more. Visit Sailor Jerry to learn more now.

2009年1月29日 · Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins (1911-1973) is considered the foremost American tattoo artist of his time, and defined the craft in two eras– BSJ and ASJ (before and after Sailor Jerry). Arguably, he did more for the ancient art of tattoo than most any other single person.

2024年8月11日 · A prolific artist, Sailor Jerry is known for his iconic flash designs, which include classic symbols such as pin-up girls, eagles, anchors, swallows, and snakes. These images, with their clear lines and vivid colors, have become the defining characteristics of …

In much the same way as the critically acclaimed cult film, Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, this limited edition, 128-page, hardbound book uses the life of Sailor Jerry as the conduit to deliver a visual ethnography of American tattooing.

But the real story of Norman Keith Collins — better known as Sailor Jerry — is way more epic than that. A true pioneer of American traditional tattooing, he blended bold, classic designs with Japanese art, cooking up a tattoo style that still shapes modern ink culture.

2023年12月14日 · Born on January 14, 1911, in the desert landscapes of Reno, Nevada, Jerry’s journey unfolds as a captivating tale of adventure, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the art of tattooing,...