American traditional tattooing is a style that emerged in the early 20th century, heavily influenced by sailors and the military. It is characterized by bold, black outlines, solid colors, and minimal shading. Designs often feature iconic imagery such as eagles, skulls, roses, anchors, hearts, and ships. The style emphasizes simplicity and clarity, with a focus on symbolism and strong visual impact. American traditional tattoos typically use a limited color palette—primarily red, green, yellow, black, and sometimes blue—contributing to their bold, graphic appearance. This style has remained a staple in the tattoo world due to its timeless, classic appeal.