DATE: circa 2002-
ABSTRACT: Three binders of hand-drawn and duplicated tattoo flash and reference designs, compiled by an artist active in New York City beginning around 2002.
SCOPE: The flash designs and concept art are in the American Traditional style, which is characterized by thick black outlines and primary color palettes. This collection exhibits typical American Traditional iconography, including animals, nautical motifs, symbols of luck, women, and more. The collection also includes business cards for James Armstrong, Joe Dakin, Todd Gregg, Charley Ferlito, Jeff Delaney, and Derek Olivera of Walk the Line Tattoo Co. In Athens, Georgia.
HISTORY: This collection documents the first decade of legal tattooing in New York City, which began in 1997. Tattooing was illegal in the city for 36 years from 1961-1997.
EXTENT: 3 binders, over 200 sheets
ACCESS: This is collection M-687. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”
