Sailor Jerrys Tattoo Stencils

By Kate Hellenbrand

American tattoo master Sailor Jerry Collins of Hawaii is best known for his remarkable tattoo designs, blending the fluidity of Asian motifs into classic American tattoo imagery. Until now, most of Sailor Jerry's work has been controlled by a handful of collectors, seen only at museum or art gallery exhibitions or in short-run, self-published books. Here is a sizeable portion of Sailor Jerry's stencils, the newest tattoo collectible, spanning his tattoo career, from the 1940s to the early 1970s. The basic line work of hundreds of his staple and surprisingly beautiful designs--pin-ups, roses, bluebirds, hearts, and banners, and Jerry's infamous military/political cartoons. The stencils themselves were handcut in celluloid, vinyl or acetate sheets by the master himself for use during his day-to-day thriving tattoo trade in downtown Honolulu. They are, in the best sense, permanent tattoos carved in plastic, enduring through time. In their original condition, most carry residual charcoal dust from their last use. All are signed by Jerry with one of his several distinctive signatures. This is the only book of its kind--a workbook for artists, and a design catalog for folk art historians. The value of the stencils is included, along with descriptions of stencils and their usage and a glossary of tattoo terminology.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764315625
• ISBN13: 9780764315626
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.0" x 11.9"

Customer Reviews

Every tattoo artists sweet dream

I feel that every single tattoo artist,inspiring tattoo artist, or any kind of artists and even art historian should,must own this book. I will admit that when I read the first 15 pages cause thats all there is with any writting on. I had a tear in both my eyes. Every single page back to back is covered with Jerrys tattoo stencils. Also every page is in a very heavy duty paper and they are perforated so you can take each page out and laminate them and use in your shop or portfolio of flash to use for you customer/clients. Every page is full of history. I highly recomend this book and the otherjerrys stencil books they are a very big must have specialy for you buisness/shop you will be so excited to look at the tats not to mention the money you will make from the stencils. I noticed that every single Tattoo magazine has countless tattoos specialy the women are covered in this art. I recomend this book in a big way. You are very welcome for the big tip.

Must Have!

I was looking for Pin Up Art Styles and found it all in this book. All the styles are for men & women. When You go into a tattoo shop and look at all the art work on the walls and books; this book has it all summed up. This cool book has it all.

Great reference point

This is a solid collection of one of the most influential tattoo artists of our time; Sailor Jerry has shaped and inspired so many people out there. A great addition if you plan on creating ideas for your next piece or just as a reference point.

Tattoo designs - a real surprise

I purchased Sailor Jerry's tattoo designs books for my son, who is a very picky kind of guy when it comes to tattoo designs. He was really surprised and delighted with this book. It is really part of the history of the tattoo - specifically the designs popular for the "traditional" folks who always liked having tattoos when they weren't popular with the younger crowd they decorate today. Sailor Jerry's designs are still "in", and many artists have started their craft doing designs that Sailor Jerry created. To me, this is really a part of the history of art, whether you want to put it on your skin or not. We highly recommend this collection of designs for anyone who wants to see variety - not just the tribal stuff that one sees so much of today.

a must for any tattoo fan

This wonderful book not only includes the images of Sailor Jerry's celluloid stencils but also an overview of Sailor Jerry himself and the process and growth that the tattoo industry sustained under his keen eye. The stencil images are priceless and a true must for any true tattoo enthusiast or Sailor Jerry fan. As a bonus, the pages are perferated for easy tracing or even framing. A wonderful book.