Traditional vs. Neo-Traditional

Some people see life in clean lines and simple colors. For them, Traditional tattooing feels natural — bold, straightforward, nostalgic, no extra noise. But most of us know life doesn’t stay simple for long. Neo-Traditional gives us room to show the depth and emotion, in the color palette that real experience brings. (Tattooing101 has a solid breakdown if you want to see the contrast in action. Tattooing 101 Neo Trad)

This weekend I attended the For Love of Country Gala at the Aviation Museum on Ford Island. The hangar still carries the pock marks of bullet holes from the Japanese strafing runs on December 7th, 1941 — real scars from a historic fight. Inside that same space stood the men and women, heroes, who lived through that morning and the days, weeks and years that followed. Being in their presence while honoring those who never returned hits with a weight you don’t easily shake off.

The philanthropic side of the night mattered too. The funds raised went directly to JROTC cadets — young men and women who were there with us, watching us honor the heroes who paved the way, and seeing themselves reflected as the next generation of warriors. Past and future standing in the same room, under the same roof that witnessed history… that’s powerful.

That energy pushed me to create a Neo-Trad flash of a fighter plane from that era — a small tribute to the courage, grit, and sacrifice of those heroes who flew into danger with none of the advantages we have today.

If any of this resonates with you — the history, the symbolism, or the style — reach out to Honor and Ink™. We’d love to help you design a custom piece that carries your story with the same depth and intention.