Does traditional american tattoos hold up longer?

I was just reading the book "Tattoos from Japan to the West" and it has some pretty good information in there. One part in particular stuck in my head when an artist said the he used to do crazy new school style stuff, but he was then mentored by the greats, they sat him down and told him why he couldnt do that and he should stick to more traditional american style tattoos, because after a while (given the elements) you cant even tell what the tattoo is anymore. Where as, some of those traditional american sleeves can look good for 20+ years. Im sure that some of it has to do with how its put in, but were talking about design here. Using common sense he is saying, that a sleeve by a good traditional american artist, will hold up a lot better than sombody who uses more real, new school style colors? Feel free to give artists as examples. The reason I ask, is because this is a question I wonder about, but its also in a effort to educate the public as well (like Gabe was saying...IF, yall guys give me some good advice with experience) If what he is saying is true....Then.....well, it would make more sense in my opinion to get an old school style sleeve. Because not only do I dig that style, but it'll last super long. I have heard guys say that Japanese sleeves look really good for long periods of time, because of the way they flow and the use of a lot of black. All adivce appreciated. peace

go with what style apeases you and makes you happy and will 20 years down the road.new school or traditonial in my humble opion should look good for any length of time and this is where some of those trade secrets come in.choose your artist carefully resarch have patience (one of my bad areas i want it yesterday lol) if the tattoo is applied right then it will be there and look good for years to come.as far as element exposure well depends on element and climate and such keep your body healthy and strong proper diet and such and the ink will do fine again as long as it was done by someone that knows what they are doing with the stlye you are getting although a touch up is not totaly out of the question in later years hope it helps

Elrich, yea man thanks for the advice. I dig all styles of tattooing, and no Im not the same guy who posted that stuff about Michelle Wortmans tattoos, but I can understand where he is coming from (he was rude about it though) See unfortunately Im located in a area where people dont rock a lot of tattoos, nor is there any good tatto shops (there is only one shop, and it isnt that good) So I literally have to dig for all the information I can reguarding tattoos. I noticed a lot of people dont like information being gave out on the internet...and trust me, Ive tried talking to several guys and learning different methods about tattoos and/or talking to different cats on the internet. But...usually I get turned away. So...To me, digging for information is seraching on the internet (and books). In the book, I guess the renowned artist had to have a reason for saying what he said. Im oblivious to what he meant, but Im guessing it was because of how easliy the old school traditional stuff can be touched up, and if it is exposed to sun for 20 years, there isnt too much to stretch out and blend to make an uncomprehendible tattoo. Either that or.....maybe just the way it flows, or something...?? I can see why predominately black work may last longer, because it of course will resist fadeing a lot better than yellows and greens. I also keep hearing this talk about...."how the ink is applied"...now...call me crazy...but Ive been tattooed a lot, and I dont see a LOT of difference (or feel a lot of difference..?) ...but I can definitely tell some tattoos hold up better than others. Then again...I was just told the other day, that skin can only hold so much ink...so, its kind of a round-about game when your trying to figure this stuff out. I got more books on the way...but they are $$$ (especially Horiyoshi's) I would like to see more intelligent convo reguarding this subject. Peace.

well i hear ya there and belive me the trade secrets i hold to me i hold dearly and very close it wasnt easy for me to find some of these and ive still got a shit load to learn and one thing i do know is i dont really know shit.but every day is a learning and some are better than others.some days the ink and talent just flow from my heart and into the clients skin.other days i just hang a sign on the door gone fishing.ask gabe who he recomends in your area for work.ya may have to travel a bit but hell make a weekend out of it catch in some sights and a movie make it worh the while.im looking into some guest spots over in that area if i get over there we could hook up and at least have a cup of coffee and talk tattoo

Erlich.... Most Definitely man, I would love to kick it and absorb whatever knowledge your willing to give. Truth be told.....there is 2 cats that help me out a lot and I absorb when I go to get tattooed. The one with the most vital information, I just started getting tattooed by (we're working on a sleeve, and its like the third session...but he is definitely one of the coolest guys I know) He helps me out a lot.... Then there are some other cool guys at another shop that Im really cool with. All in all...your right, you gotta earn your key. But....I always love to cross reference, and like you said, Im impatient as hell. Im only 23, and Im on my way to having a half sleeve lasered off my left arm, starting over with some killer work by a super good tattoo artist who is well known and respected, I already have another sleeve in progress, I got a chest plate, half of my back, and on my way to getting my ribs tattooed. Hey erlich...You think its dumb to get all those tattoos now? If they are put in by all good artists, will they last? I know they say its how you take care of them, but my skin doesnt take good care of itself (it happens to get bimp acne bumps like cysts a lot...especially on my shoulders and chest and back...ribs, legs, and lower arms are fine.) Not to mention Im very physical and rambunctious. Of course the guys tattooing me say I'll be fine, but I wanted to hear another opinion. For example, I found the best way to let my skin heal after a tattoo, is to keep it moist for the first day or two, then just completely let it dry out and heal for the most part. It scabs up some....but it doesnt get all pooofy and nasty that way...like it has when I used ointments and stuff in the past. I figure, I can just always have it touched up....you know? Thanks again bro.