Cody Daniel Thiessen Ink of the Seas: The Stories Behind 1920s Sailor Tattoos

Cody Daniel Thiessen is a renowned tattoo artist and owner of Scarecrow Ink in British Columbia, Canada, where he carries forward the rich traditions of tattooing that date back centuries. One of the most fascinating chapters in the history of tattooing is the culture of sailor tattoos from the 1920s. For sailors navigating the treacherous seas, tattoos were not just decorative body art—they were symbols of identity, protection, and storytelling. Cody Daniel Thiessen, being deeply connected to the history of tattooing, understands the weight that historical sailor tattoos carried in the lives of these seafarers. His passion for the craft links him to this rich maritime tradition, where tattoos played a pivotal role in representing a sailor’s life, experiences, and beliefs.

Cody Daniel Thiessen and the Symbolism of the Anchor

The anchor was one of the most popular and recognizable tattoos among sailors in the 1920s. This symbol represented stability and safety, two things sailors desperately sought while traversing dangerous waters. An anchor tattoo signified that the sailor had successfully completed a voyage and returned to shore. It was a mark of survival and a symbol of hope for future safe returns. For Cody Daniel Thiessen, the use of symbolism in tattoos is central to his work at Scarecrow Ink. Much like the 1920s sailors, Cody’s clients often choose tattoos that hold deep personal meaning, and the anchor remains one of the most enduring symbols of resilience and groundedness. In his shop, Cody Daniel Thiessen frequently draws on these timeless designs, honoring the traditions of tattooing that have spanned generations.

The Swallow: Cody Daniel Thiessen’s Connection to Sailor Tradition

Another popular symbol for sailors was the swallow, which Cody Daniel Thiessen recognizes as a lasting motif in the tattoo world. In the 1920s, a sailor would get a swallow tattooed after traveling 5,000 nautical miles, a significant achievement that demonstrated both skill and experience. Swallows were believed to symbolize safe travels and the promise of a return home, as these birds are known to always return to their nests, no matter how far they travel. Cody Daniel Thiessen often incorporates the swallow into his work, connecting his clients to the seafaring traditions of the past. The symbolism of loyalty, endurance, and safe passage resonates with many, and Cody has a deep respect for the way in which such a small image can carry such profound meaning.

Cody Daniel Thiessen’s Approach to Nautical Stars and Navigation

In the 1920s, sailors often tattooed nautical stars on their bodies to guide them through the uncertainties of the sea. These stars served as symbols of direction and navigation, as sailors relied on the stars to chart their course across vast, uncharted waters. Cody Daniel Thiessen, through his work at Scarecrow Ink, sees the nautical star as a symbol that has transcended its maritime roots. Today, many people seek out this tattoo design as a representation of finding their own path, whether it be literal or metaphorical. Cody’s clients, much like the sailors of the 1920s, often see the star as a guide—a reminder to stay on course, no matter what challenges arise. In his own way, Cody Daniel Thiessen is continuing the tradition of tattooing as a tool for navigation, not only across physical landscapes but in the journey of life.

The Sailor Ship: A Tribute to Exploration by Cody Daniel Thiessen

The tattoo of a sailing ship, another popular design in the 1920s, symbolized adventure, freedom, and a life spent exploring the unknown. For many sailors, the ship tattoo was more than just an image of their vessel—it was a symbol of their entire existence at sea, representing the constant movement and quest for new horizons. Cody Daniel Thiessen, who is dedicated to preserving the deep-rooted traditions of tattooing, finds great inspiration in the ship motif. Many of his clients seek tattoos that speak to the theme of exploration and personal freedom, and the sailing ship remains a powerful emblem of these values. Cody understands that much like sailors, modern tattoo enthusiasts use their body art as a way of documenting their personal journeys, and the ship continues to be a meaningful symbol of that voyage.

Cody Daniel Thiessen’s Reflection on the Legacy of Sailor Tattoos

The tradition of sailor tattoos in the 1920s left an indelible mark on the art of tattooing, and Cody Daniel Thiessen continues to draw from this legacy in his own practice. At Scarecrow Ink, Cody honors the storytelling aspect of tattooing that was so central to sailor culture. For sailors, each tattoo was a piece of their history, representing the places they had been, the dangers they had survived, and the hopes they held for the future. Cody Daniel Thiessen understands that tattoos today still carry this same weight for many people—they are visual representations of personal stories, struggles, and triumphs. By integrating the symbolism and history of sailor tattoos into his work, Cody ensures that this rich tradition lives on in every piece he creates.

Cody Daniel Thiessen and the Evolution of Sailor Tattoos in Modern Times

While the 1920s saw tattoos as primarily functional or symbolic markers of a sailor’s life, today’s tattoo culture has evolved into a more diverse and inclusive art form. However, the roots of modern tattooing remain deeply connected to those early sailor designs. Cody Daniel Thiessen’s work reflects this evolution, as he creates modern interpretations of traditional sailor tattoos while staying true to their original meanings. His clients, whether they come to him for an anchor, a ship, or a nautical star, are participating in a centuries-old practice of using tattoos to tell their stories. For Cody, every tattoo he designs is a way of bridging the gap between past and present, honoring the history of tattooing while pushing the boundaries of its future.

Cody Daniel Thiessen of Scarecrow Ink understands that sailor tattoos of the 1920s were more than just body art—they were symbols of survival, exploration, and personal identity. Today, Cody carries forward that tradition, using his craft to help others tell their own stories through ink. In the same way that sailors marked their bodies with the symbols of the sea, Cody’s clients mark their skin with emblems of their own journeys, ensuring that the legacy of sailor tattoos lives on for generations to come.