Coy fish tattoo stencil

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” The same rule can be changed into “Don’t judge a person by its ink.” Getting some body art inked is probably one of the best ways for self-expression—be it a drawing in remembrance of your past beliefs, shenanigans or a minimal tattoo filled with deep meanings. No tattoo design is meaningless or ugly because there’s always something bigger behind it. At least to the person who chose the unique tattoo.

Getting a tattoo is a permanent commitment, an inseparable part of your identity. So, before getting inked, ask yourself what kind of tattoo reflects your authentic self. Luckily, plenty of tattoo designs defy time and passing trends. If you are looking for something bold, why not try old-school tattoos? We’ve got a bunch of traditional American tattoo ideas to inspire you.