Sailor Jerry Tattoo Flash: Michael Malone Collection.

Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins (1911–1973) was a seminal figure in the history of American tattooing, renowned for elevating the craft through technical innovation, bold stylistic synthesis, and an uncompromising artistic ethos. Operating primarily out of Honolulu, Hawaii, Collins fused traditional American tattoo motifs—such as eagles, ships, and pin-up girls—with Asian influences, particularly Japanese design principles, creating a distinctive and enduring visual language. His contributions to the medium include the development of safer pigments, custom needle configurations, and a commitment to hygiene standards that helped professionalize tattooing in the mid-20th century. As both craftsman and cultural icon, Sailor Jerry played a pivotal role in transforming tattooing from a marginal practice into a respected form of American folk art.