Ask AI: Who is the tattoo artist Sailor Jerry?

Sailor Jerry is the nickname of Norman Keith Collins (January 14, 1911 – June 12, 1973), an iconic American tattoo artist renowned for his influential work in traditional American tattooing. He is noted for his bold designs, featuring elements such as nautical themes, pin-up girls, eagles, and snakes, which have become staples in the tattoo industry. Sailor Jerry's career began early; he started off as a tattoo apprentice in Chicago in his teens, and his travels as a young man, including his time in the Navy, significantly influenced his style, incorporating many elements of Asian art into his designs. In later years, Sailor Jerry set up a famous tattoo shop in Honolulu, Hawaii, which served as a hub for servicemen during World War II. Beyond his prowess with ink, Sailor Jerry also contributed to the development of modern tattooing techniques, including innovations in pigments and needle formations. He was known for his high standards of sterilization and safety, which helped elevate the professional standards of the tattooing art form. Today, Sailor Jerry's legacy continues not only through his timeless designs but also through the Sailor Jerry brand, which includes rum and other merchandise inspired by his art.