Norman Collins, better known as Sailor Jerry, remains a pivotal figure in the history of American tattooing. His profound dedication to the craft and relentless pursuit of improvement cemented his status as a legend, and his signature “Sailor Jerry Tattoo” style continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves into the life and artistic philosophy of Sailor Jerry, exploring the elements that made his work so distinctive and influential.
Sailor Jerry was intensely passionate about tattooing, viewing it as a serious art form. He displayed considerable frustration towards artists he deemed imitators, labeling them “brain pickers” for copying his designs. This protectiveness extended to his clientele; he refused to work on clients who already bore tattoos from artists he did not respect, demonstrating his high standards and commitment to quality within the tattoo community. His dedication is further evidenced in his detailed letters to fellow tattoo artists. These correspondences reveal his deep knowledge and meticulous approach to tattooing techniques, covering everything from shading methods to achieving nuanced tones and textures, including innovative “crash” effects. Sailor Jerry’s drive for mastery is encapsulated in his personal motto: “I haven’t done my best yet, only my best so far,” reflecting his constant quest for artistic evolution within the sailor jerry tattoo tradition.
However, Sailor Jerry’s life extended far beyond the tattoo parlor. He was a man of diverse interests and talents. His maritime passion was evident in his role as captain of a three-masted schooner, which he used to explore the islands. Adding to his multifaceted persona, he hosted “Old Ironsides,” his own radio show on KRTG, where he shared his political views and recited his poetry. His self-taught electrician skills not only broadened his knowledge but also directly contributed to his tattooing practice through innovations in his tattoo machines. He was also a musician, playing in a jazz band, and a recognizable figure around town in his canary yellow Thunderbird and on his Harley Davidson. Even his death, triggered by a heart attack while riding his Harley, underscores his vibrant and unconventional life. Humorously, just a day before his passing, he joked in a letter to fellow tattoo artist Paul Rogers about concocting a bizarre remedy of “ground seahorse meat, pulverized ratshit, snake skin, lizard eggs, dried snails and dried bat skin” to test medical efficacy.
Sailor Jerry’s commitment to his art and legacy extended to the future of his tattoo shop. He stipulated that upon his death, his shop should be entrusted to his chosen protégés, Don Ed Hardy and Mike Malone (Rollo Banks). In a testament to his uncompromising vision, he instructed that if neither Hardy nor Malone took over, the shop was to be burned to the ground. Ultimately, Mike Malone assumed responsibility for the shop, continuing Sailor Jerry’s tradition for nearly 25 years. Sailor Jerry’s impact on tattooing, particularly the distinctive sailor jerry tattoo style, is undeniable. His dedication to quality, innovation, and the very soul of the art form, ensures his enduring influence on tattoo culture for generations to come.
