3 Reasons You Should Get a Traditional Tattoo

This is part of a video series where I discuss advantages of various tattoo styles. In this video I specifically talk about American traditional tattoos and the benefits of choosing this style to wear on your body.
Topics discussed in the video include the longevity, legibility, and versatility of the traditional American tattoo style. It is a timeless tattoo style that has been around for almost a century in the United States, making it a solid all around choice for tattoo collectors.
For tattoo inquires, visit www.jameswithee.com/
To keep up with my latest tattoo work, follow @jameswitheetattoo on instagram.
Check out the other artists at my shop by visiting darkhorsetattooco.com/
Tattooers' work that is featured in this video include @kgibsontattoos, @mykechambers, @greggletron, @tiagoborgestattoos, and @davidrobinson78. These are all instagram handles. Check 'em out!

[@rect7840]

Another reason: Timelessness. Traditional never goes out of style.

[@JamesWithee]

Dave Brown good one and very true. Trad tattoos are like chuck taylors

[@whatisthis__95]

I came to the comments to write exactly that

[@Ralphlugo]

I’m with you in that one too.

[@CAVEMANsean]

Facts. Japanese and American traditional will always be cool as fuck

[@vincecantuba8274]

Also, BOLD will HOLD which is traditional tattoos' bread and butter

[@piternal5609]

When I read the title I immediately thought “bold will hold!”

[@cs-yn9vb]

Almost complete with a traditional sleeve myself. You were on point with what you had to say. Great vid James!

[@tanishia3020]

Wish more black people got traditional tattoos, i wanna see how the style looks on different skin tones

[@MyMy-mg5yv]

Same I really like traditional and neo traditional. It’d be nice to see how it holds up on darker skin

[@OrlandoSuave]

I'm Hispanic and I plan to get a bunch, I love em. But I have lighter skin tone.

[@kingpoep]

Im almost done with a whole sleeve w/ filler. Im soul brotha brown✊🏾

[@christophermichael5764]

I have traditional blackwork on my left arm. Traditional tattoos look great on melanated skin! I wish that there was more visibility with this. An overwhelming amount of Black celebrities ironically have bad tattoos. We want more visibility of traditional/neo-trad on public figures.

[@BlasianPrincess]

Dude! You been gone too long💯! Glad you're back with another great video✊🏽👍🏽✊🏽😊

[@JamesWithee]

i'm back! needed the break but making this video made me realize how enjoyable it is. i had forgotten after such a long time

[@recklessmermaid]

There is such a difference between an actual experienced tattoo artist explaining the art vs. a collector or enthusiast. I went from American Traditional being my least favorite style to seriously considering getting one! I think what sets your videos apart is how well you explain things...like, I knew the Bold will Hold adage and im aware of the positives, but i think this is the first video i've watched that actually lays out the different TYPES of traditional....most people show you a pic of a heart or a swallow and call it. Some of the tattoos you showed, i wouldn't even have considered traditional so you definitely opened up my eyes to the versatility of this style. I ESPECIALLY love that you gave us resources to learn more an find artists...i'll definitely follow that ig page and i cant wait for the next videos so i can follow pages that showcase those styles too!

[@JamesWithee]

reckless mermaid Your comment means a lot to me. Part of the reason I decided to start this channel is because I saw a lot of collectors on yt trying to explain shit that sounded silly from a professional perspective. I almost feel like it’s my responsibility to put out sound information so there’s at least one credible source of tattoo info on the Internet. Glad I could help shed some light on this style for you!

[@thomassantomartino7337]

it's good to see you back James. I have 21 tattoos now and they're all American traditional and I love them. I intend to get a full body suit done and they are all going to be American traditional. even the Japanese sleve I'm planning is going to be more in an American traditional style rather than the traditional Japanese.

[@alyssaschultz3503]

PLEASE do a video on single needle tattoos, I can't find a single aged photo of one and there's lots of myths about them i'd love to get cleared up by a tattoo artist

[@JamesWithee]

Alyssa Schultz I’ll tackle this one eventually. I have a lot of single needle tattoos on me and they’ve aged very well over the course of 12 or 13 years

[@kaiaalfhild3642]

@@JamesWithee I think she more means stuff like Romeo Lacoste shit that doesn't hold up

[@CL-fs3kt]

Pretty sure if it’s the look you’re going for and you get it done professionally you’ll be fine. I’ve seen people go to artists not familiar with that style, one of my friends tattoos started “falling off” as in it started scabbing and the artist didn’t penetrate the skin deep enough so the tattoo came off with the top layer during the scabbing. By artist, I think she just went to her friend with a gun. This is in NYC haha. Check the artist’s portfolio if they’ve done single needle

[@sithsabalisekhokosani1779]

Please make a video about Neo Traditional tattoos

[@grubhubguy9629]

My first and only tattoo is an American Traditional Clipper Ship. There’s a rope border around it, with an eagle perched on top and roses at the bottom. It’s awesome, I love it!

[@mizo9339]

Good to hear from you again brother, hope you’re doing well and sending you my best regards!

[@Ttrigg97]

I'm in the process of research into getting my first tattoo and your videos are soooo helpful !!! i didn't know about anything except for a general idea of what i want. You're videos are straight forward and simple.. i love it.. keep up the good work !!!

[@jpbungart9013]

Just got my first tattoo this pass weekend and I can’t wait to more

[@JamesWithee]

nice

[@ЖелязкоКуртев]

I am really glad that you are back, James! Your tattoo videos are the best.

[@Lizzie_rose56]

I nearly have my legs covered in patchwork traditional/neo pieces I can’t image wanted a different style now 😂 great Video as always

[@cloutlord9505]

Nice.... Can u make a vid on building a sleeve ,collecting piece by piece then putting in filter, I heard it’s cheaper this way.

[@JamesWithee]

hmm i might make a video about how to go about getting a sleeve. a lot of people ask about that. thanks for the suggestion

[@dougbutabi5085]

It's way cheaper if you go based off the artists personal flash, usually they will do their own flash for a flat rate which is a lot cheaper than the hourly. stack a few of these up on your arm and there you go. a sleeve for 1/2 price

[@MarkyMarq]

Clout LOrd For me personally it depends. There’s no expected time frame to finish a sleeve. I have sat for 2 hour sessions on my sleeve all the way to 5 hours sittings. It just depends on your tolerance and budget. I found it’s easier for me this way as I go to the same artist. If you build your sleeve and plan on getting pieces from different artist, you run the risk of varying rates from different artist which could end up being a lot more expensive in the end. But I don’t factor price too much when getting something so permanent. Just save accordingly and you’ll be fine.

[@cloutlord9505]

@Marq G yeah that’s sound good & yes I plan on staying wit one artist, that way he can blend the pieces the way he want , but idk jus got to stack up My chips I guess

[@HGQjazz]

It's costs LESS if you plan a sleeve up front with one artist that is used to doing sleeves. It'll look better too.

[@egutierrez0725]

So good to see you back I’m glad you covered this topic

[@ryanwsu4]

dude, james, you haven't done a video in a while. missed them man. you do the VERY BEST tattoo videos on youtube

[@ClosedCasketFuneraI]

This is my favorite tattoo channel so much good content to learn from keep up the good work.👍

[@Jones22_]

My man is back! 🙌🏽💯

[@KRO-222]

Another great video, great to see you back! 😃 ETA: Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@StefanoMaddalena]

I'm glad you're back!!! Now you could do a "3 Reasons You Should Get a Blackwork Tattoo" :D

[@shavanga]

Glad to see u back bro

[@ninives]

Glad I went with traditional for my first tattoo

[@Cass63450]

It's good to have you back in my video feed.

[@wumbo277]

I’m getting my sleeve full traditional and I’m so excited @marlette tattoo in la is THE SPOT

[@senormofeta6726]

Thanks, James. Good timing for my next piece.

[@heatherbaker3903]

Just love your videos, you break it down so well, so real, so easy to understand. Thank you.

[@BobasLife]

Traditional is my favorite I wanna piece a sleeve together with traditional tattoos. Timeless and Classic.

[@jonbaines5302]

Dope vid fam!! NEED a Neo Traditional tattoo video soon! I have a tattoo coming up next month!! 😂😂

[@2120musiclover]

He’s back! New background and all that! Nice!

[@JamesWithee]

yup i built a full videography studio in my house while i was away. i now have a whole room dedicated to art and filming :)

[@thatPUNKdude]

How do you think Neo-traditional will hold up over time? I really like the added detail that comes with neo-traditional while still being quite bold.

[@brettmyers4091]

All of my tattoos are American Traditional. Trends come and go but these are timeless

[@sethputnamsghost3820]

I have two actually and soon many more. Most of my next tattoos are gonna be traditional.

[@jefftaylor4997]

I do many tattoos and traditional has always sets the stage, their awesome

[@AndresMartinez-bp5bm]

Thanks for the tips man, I’m getting a traditional tattoo around my collarbone next month 👍🏼

[@JamesWithee]

Andres Martinez no problem buddy. Make sure u eat a big meal and get good sleep before u go cuz that area is very painful

[@bbqseitan7106]

Good luck! Just got my HOLD FAST with an anchor in between and that joint HURTED

[@TJ-vt6rt]

Good to see you back James.

[@laurenevans-white3868]

Great video! Very informative! All of your videos are! Wish I could get tattoos by you😔

[@WyldStyle.]

All of your videos are super informative and awesome, I really appreciate the work man!

[@JamesWithee]

thanks, i'll try to get more vids out asap

[@oliverbuddy6784]

I’ve missed ur uploads. Awesome vid man 🙏🏼

[@lukechernesky]

dude it’s been a hot min! love the vids keep it up!

[@TheGuideOfDota]

look at that like ratio babyyyy, welcome back

[@JamesWithee]

Haha gotta enjoy the zero dislikes while it lasts. There’s always someone that ends up mad

[@TheGuideOfDota]

@@JamesWithee where u been bro

[@JamesWithee]

Lukas Adamsson just got sucked into other activities and bought a new house so spent a lot of time moving in and setting up my crib. I’ll prolly make a vid explaining it all soon

[@TheGuideOfDota]

@@JamesWithee I see. I think your content can stand the test of time so no rush. Maybe just if you wanna ride the trending wave gotta upload more

[@nickjamshidi4126]

love your vids dude! you have a super natural way of speaking

[@Dude3275]

I am almost done my Trash polka sleeve... Hands down my favourite collection of tattoos. Wish the style was more popular!

[@JamesWithee]

i really love that style too. especially the stuff that the beuna vista tattoo club in germany puts out

[@Dude3275]

@@JamesWithee No doubt! they're on another level of artistry

[@Bonbon-C]

I really thought you stopped making YT vids... You are one of the few tattoo KZbinrs I respect and like.... So hooray another vid, from the master =D Thanks James =)

[@JamesWithee]

Bonbon C thx for that. I’ll try to get back on this train. New qna vid drop in two days

[@ericmitchell9331]

Great video post. It would be interesting to see similar posts with deep dives on different styles. Neo traditional, new school, realism, etc. These terms get thrown around, but it's tough to know what they all mean.

[@DallasStewartMusic]

Do Japanese Irezumi next

[@Lucols4]

The best style

[@Mikeelondono]

thank you for the respect of traditional tattoos

[@jamiedykes]

Jimmy snaz does amazing work

[@sweetbabyxcupcake]

Long time no see glad your back

[@ambi8822]

Welcome back!

[@Kpop_Metalhead]

Welcome vack!! We missed you man!!

[@nayQ123]

Can you do a video on linework tattoos? That’s the style I have for all of my tattoos, but along the way, I’ve had a few people refuse to do them because they said it doesn’t look right on the body. I’d like to hear your input on this style.

[@waystadtymphyndir7079]

Thank you James. I am hoping my Dad will join me while I get a couple of cover us, and get himself a traditional Navy Seabee Tat. He keeps fighting and I won't force him, but Mom and I think he should.

[@markibanez7215]

Hey James, day one fan here. Do you think my existing realistic tattoos will go along if i add in trad tattoos on the same arm?

[@XxRickelecxX]

Nice content dude! More power to you

[@samuraichamploo585]

You’re back!!

[@JamesWithee]

i am :D

[@Emily-jj2rj]

Love these videos and this channel!

[@JamesWithee]

thanks emily!

[@RainyBoyJohn270]

i have a question: should my traditional tattoo sleeve have the same color scheme or does it not matter? like will it look good if they all don’t have the same color schemes?

[@a2garage415]

Finally!

[@cazcreal]

If you want to have an advice of tattooing listen James he really know this Sh...it thanks James

[@chriscocoalminer3230]

My fave is black and grey realism

[@cmaecameron3066]

Are tattoos that look like stained glass pieces considered traditional? I was hoping to find out so I can start looking for an artist who can do/feel comfortable doing that kind of piece.

[@kevganhiga]

What's your opinion on mixing detailed blackwork with black traditional tattoos in a single arm? Have you seen people with that kind of tattoos sleeves or should I stick with a single style for each arm? Greetings from Perú. I like your videos.

[@nomo4u886]

What about Neo traditional tattoos do they also fall into that category?? That’s the type of tattoo style I want to get done.

[@MarkyMarq]

I have a traditional Japanese sleeve myself

[@jayfishandshoot7147]

Marq G nice sleeve

[@MarkyMarq]

Jay Fish and Shoot Thank you. It was done by Fran Massino @stayhumbletattoo

[@jayfishandshoot7147]

Marq G thanks for replying. I found them on Instagram and I love their work. I dont have any tattoos yet. May I ask what something like that costs?

[@HGQjazz]

Bert Krak, Chad Koeplinger, Ian Nolan...Greggletron Whitehead is doing more large scale traditional Japanese now.

[@eliquate]

Ok hasn’t started it but here are mine: they are dope. They are timeless. They last all your life. Did I win?

[@wrightsrrt871]

I like black and grey tattoos but makes since to get something that will hold up

[@maybeoneday2406]

Damn homie, you been gone too long! Good to see you back.

[@JamesWithee]

Maybe One Day I know it has, I fell off hard for a minute! I’ll make a video explaining why pretty soon here

[@teak7832]

He lives

[@JamesWithee]

lol for now

[@TheEmilianation]

BOLD WILL HOLD

[@alundavies8402]

Spot on

[@anti-satanpro-life8531]

Excellent video

[@jeniwatkins3297]

Great video!

[@bugzybjj9052]

Are you in canada or US?

[@assass7012]

His description in his bio says Arizona

[@spooky_lj]

Love your videos💜💜

[@billmorrison5908]

Love your content

[@sepehrkhalili-tari1896]

Can you make a video on neo traditional or new school?

[@JamesWithee]

Sepehr Khalili-Tari yes i will

[@reaperwarlordeso3902]

Iam big fan of your KZbin channel Keep it up

[@JamesWithee]

thanks! i think i'll be uploading consistently again after this one. i'll prolly make a vid explaining why i left for so long too

[@reaperwarlordeso3902]

@@JamesWithee your video happy on tattoo beacuse iam get my first tattoo so it go be a Japanese style tattoo as half sleeve

[@altinksart]

New school black gray neo Traditional tribal May top 4 tattoo styles

[@JamesWithee]

tribal > everything for sure lol

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

I did American traditional because I’m to lazy to just get sleeves and full panels, I’m just going to patchwork this bitch out till I’m covered

[@mattiacenacchi726]

use any software for noise reduction please.

[@Mcgturtle3]

Do Japanese next, pleaseeee

[@gnarrcan108]

1. They Last 2. You can get something you like instead of being a tryhard ab originality 3. THEY LAST

[@Randomvideos-do3gt]

Would it look weird if i got a traditional tattoo and later on got a different style of tattoo.

[@rapture_soon]

if its on the same limb yes

[@TheCrybabyOtaku]

Epic video

[@bosesimbusch3623]

hey james Withee I decided to get myself a traditional Polynesien all over the shoulder to half of the forearm. at the end of february i have my appointment and im freakin nervous but also excited haha

[@Bthast62]

Anyone know some traditional artists in Kentucky?

[@pth0047]

These tattoos make me feel patriotic. Love them!

[@ScamLikely9327]

Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy are the names you should be referencing when talking about American Traditional tattoos. They are two of the OGs whose work is still copied today.

[@lorenduran3347]

I like traditional tattoos I just feel like modern tattoos are better artwork traditional looks cool because of the color

[@rigdigwus]

it would help if you show photos of what you are talking about

[@santicardona6082]

Im a smart guy, I see a James Withee video, I click on it

[@ro7384]

I thought the title of this video was reasons to get a tribal tattoo. And I was like boy tell me 1 good fuckin reason I swear

[@JamesWithee]

Ro lmao it would just be me staring at the ceiling with cricket noises in the background

[@nightmarecollector827]

Damn, long time didn't see you

[@pitzjj3031]

japanese tattoos nextt!!!!

[@McC1928]

Check out Wayne Fredrikson If you like traditional tattoos

[@ddoperations2768]

Get whatever you want.

[@boydarkness12099]

japanese traditional please