Not Just Eagles and Swallows: Why Traditional Tattooing Works for Every Bird
We've all seen the classics. The eagle with its wings spread wide, the swallow heading home across the sea. They're the backbone of American traditional tattooing, and for good reason.
But the style was never really about the eagle. It's about the technique, and that technique works on pretty much any bird you can think of. Here at Sunset Tattoo, Gordy has been putting that to the test, and this collection of his recent work shows how much range traditional tattooing has.
Everything in traditional tattooing starts with the outline. Thick, confident line work gives a design a strong silhouette, so you can tell what it is from across the room. It also keeps the tattoo crisp as the years go by. Whether it's a cardinal on a branch or a pūkeko mid-stride, the line does the heavy lifting.
Traditional work is known for saturated, packed colour and a limited palette. Reds, greens, yellows and blues sit right next to each other and make each other pop. You can see it in the parrot's layered feathers and the cardinal's rich reds. Nothing gets muddy, and the colour stays punchy long after the tattoo has healed.
A bird is a gift for this style. Feathers and tail plumes can be simplified into repeating shapes and patterns that read clearly and look great. Scalloped wings, striped tail feathers and fanned plumes all turn into graphic details instead of fussy realism. It's the reason the swallow, the eagle and the pīwakawaka can all look so different and still belong to the same family.
Traditional isn't only about colour. Solid black and smooth whip shading give the eagle its weight and drama, with plenty of contrast and depth from very few tools. It shows that the style has just as much power without a single colour in sight.
The style is also flexible enough to make room for the birds and plants we see every day. Native birds like the pīwakawaka and pūkeko, alongside pōhutukawa blossoms and flax, sit comfortably in a traditional framework, and give a classic look a local twist.
Got a favourite bird, a native species, or something with personal meaning? Chances are it'll look great in traditional style. Get in touch with the team at Sunset Tattoo to book in with Gordy and talk through your idea.
Sunset Tattoo is the home of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated tattooists, and located on Karangahape Road (K Road). We specialise in timeless, professional tattoo styles such as Japanese, American/western traditional, fine line and black work. With a friendly team, a gorgeous studio and decades of knowledge we would love to help you with your next tattoo project. For more information, get in touch with us. Contact: info@sunsettattoo.co.nz / www.sunsettattoo.co.nz