Traditional Tattooing on the South Shore
Since we opened at 1644 Chemin de Chambly in Longueuil, traditional tattooing has remained one of Archipel's most popular styles. We call it "old school", "american traditional" or simply "Trad": it's the style of the sailors of the 1940s-50s, soldiers, bikers and, today, of all those who want a tattoo that pops, tells a story and spans the decades without taking on a wrinkle.
Why Trad is eternal
The secret to its longevity?
Ultra-thick black lines (2 to 4 mm) prevent blow-out even after 50 years of age
Limited but ultra-saturated palette: bright red, emerald green, lemon yellow, navy blue
100% solid filling, without fragile gradations
Simple, symbolic motifs: anchor = stability, rose = love, swallow = 5000 miles travelled, Mom heart = filial respect, dagger = courage.
The result: a tattoo that remains legible and colorful even as the skin ages or tans.
The 10 most inked Trad flashes ...?
Classic rose + dagger
Swallow with custom banner
Refuse to Sink" marine anchor
Sacred flaming heart
Retro pin-up, Sailor Jerry style
Panther head grimacing
"Hold Fast" on the fingers
Swallow + arrow
Rock of Ages
Nautical star (shoulder or chest)
How a Trad project works
Free consultation (in studio or via DM Instagram)
Choose from one of our flash walls or create a custom Trad-style motif.
Drawing validated the same day (we adjust the size and placement on your skin)
Express session: 90% of parts completed in 1 to 3 hours
Free touch-ups for life if a blow-out occurs (extremely rare)
Maintenance: Trad forgives almost everything
SPF 50+ sun cream mandatory as soon as healing begins (red and yellow fade otherwise)
Daily moisturizing for the first 3 weeks
What's next? You can almost forget you have a tattoo, it stays beautiful all by itself.
FAQ - Traditional tattooing at Archipel
Walk-ins possible? Yes, every day! Trad accounts for over 70% of our walk-ins.
How much will it cost in 2025? Small flash (5-8 cm) → $140-200 Medium (10-15 cm) → $280-450 Large piece → hourly rate $200-220
Does it hurt? Less than fine line or realism: the lines are fast and straightforward.
Can Trad be done in pastel or washed-out colors? No. For us, Trad remains true to its codes: saturated colors, bold lines, zero compromise.
