Traditional swallow tattoo in Turin
The sailors' little bird: a simple, readable subject that also works small.
- Style
- traditional
- Artists
- Gaia Leone, Alessandro Damilano
- Price
- from €80
- Walk-in
- subject to availability
The swallow is, together with the anchor, one of the simplest and oldest symbols of traditional tattooing. In seafaring tradition it is tied to travel and to coming home, and its design, all wings and forked tail, reads at a glance.
How it is done in traditional style
The strength of the swallow is its silhouette. In traditional the body is black, with blade-like wings and a few red or white details; the scene is built around it:
- With a rose or flowers, which balance the figure and make it more decorative.
- With a banner and a word, a short phrase that acts as the tattoo’s signature.
- In black and grey, with more solid black, or in colour, with a red chest.
It suits the arm, forearm and ribs, and works both on its own and as a filler between other tattoos.
Who tattoos it at Hardtimes
Traditional is the style of Gaia Leone, who has been tattooing since 2008, and of Alessandro Damilano. Look at the work above and below.
How to book
Through the contact page or in the studio, Via Buniva 4: free quote, and for a small subject like this you can also try walk-ins. Visiting from abroad? See getting a tattoo in Turin as a visitor.
Who tattoos it
Frequently asked questions
What does the swallow mean?
In seafaring tradition the swallow is tied to travel and to coming home: according to tradition, sailors had one tattooed after a certain number of miles at sea. Today people choose it for the same sense of travel, or simply for the shape.
Is it suitable for a small tattoo?
Yes: it is a compact subject with a recognisable silhouette, and it works even at small sizes. A swallow with a rose or a banner with a word needs a little more space.
How much does it cost?
Tattoos start from €80. The quote is free and depends on size and detail.