American Traditional · Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod

American Traditional tattoos on Cape Cod

Chris Soucie at Diamond Mind Tattoo.

Our American Traditional artist

Meet Chris

Looking for an American Traditional tattoo in Buzzards Bay or anywhere on the Cape? Chris Soucie is our traditional guy at Diamond Mind Tattoo, 53 Main St in Buzzards Bay, right by the Cape Cod Canal.

Chris has been tattooing since 2023. He started at 39, and he came to American Traditional through his love of vintage American subcultures from the 1940s and the old traveling circus art banners.

He loves the classics. Ships, flowers and animals are his favorite things to tattoo. He hand draws and paints a lot of his own flash, and he loves a custom piece too. Check his recent stuff on Instagram at @chris_soucie_tattoos and book on Square when you’re ready.

People come in from Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee, Bourne, Wareham, Plymouth and all over the Cape and South Shore.

About the shop All artists First tattoo guide

Chris Soucie

American Traditional, flash and custom

Check his recent stuff on Instagram and book on Square when you’re ready.

Book @chris_soucie_tattoos

Portfolio

Chris’s American Traditional work

Ships, flowers, animals and the classics, all by Chris. More on his Instagram.

Wizard with a starry hat and a crystal staff over a blue skull sun on the calf, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Wizard · Calf · Color Wizard with a starry hat and crystal staff over a blue skull sun, on the calf.

Pin-up style legs in black stockings with a red bow, inside a red scalloped frame on the thigh, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Pin-up legs · Thigh · Color Pin-up style legs in black stockings with a red bow, in a red scalloped frame, on the thigh.

Red lobster claw on the arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Lobster claw · Arm · Color Red lobster claw on the arm.

Cluster of blueberries with cute faces and green leaves on the upper arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Blueberries · Upper arm · Color Blueberry cluster with cute faces, on the upper arm.

Clipper ship under full sail with clouds and waves on the thigh, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Clipper ship · Thigh · Color Clipper ship with clouds and waves, on the thigh.

Japanese-style hannya mask inside a folding fan with clouds on the forearm near the wrist, black and grey tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Hannya mask · Forearm · Black & grey Japanese-style hannya mask inside a folding fan with clouds, on the forearm near the wrist.

Snarling gorilla head in pink, green, orange and teal with polka-dot shading on the arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Gorilla · Arm · Color Snarling gorilla head in pink, green, orange and teal with polka-dot shading, on the arm.

Red and pink peony with a bud and green leaves, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Peony · Color Red and pink peony with a bud and green leaves.

Pin-up woman in a stars-and-stripes dress holding an America 250 banner overhead on the leg, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Pin-up · Leg · Color Pin-up woman in a stars-and-stripes dress holding an “America 250” banner overhead, on the leg.

Vulture holding a skull with a blood drop, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Vulture & skull · Color Vulture holding a skull with a blood drop.

Skull in a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and a flower, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Skull cocktail · Color Skull in a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and a flower.

Cowgirl in a yellow fringed dress and hat with a rifle and holster, standing on a rock with flowers, on the upper arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Cowgirl · Upper arm · Color Cowgirl in a yellow fringed dress and hat with a rifle and holster, standing on a rock with flowers, on the upper arm.

Skeleton with a green snake and a staff, stars around it and a flaming skull at its feet, on the upper arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Skeleton & snake · Upper arm · Color Skeleton with a green snake and a staff, stars around it and a flaming skull at its feet, on the upper arm.

Acorns on an autumn oak leaf in red, orange and green on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Acorns & oak leaf · Forearm · Color Acorns on an autumn oak leaf in red, orange and green, on the forearm.

Cowgirl pin-up with a revolver, hat and red boots on the calf, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Cowgirl pin-up · Calf · Color Cowgirl pin-up with a revolver, hat and red boots, on the calf.

Pirate head in a purple polka-dot bandana with a knife in his teeth and a gold earring on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Pirate · Forearm · Color Pirate head in a purple polka-dot bandana with a knife in his teeth and a gold earring, on the forearm.

Hammerhead shark with seaweed on the lower leg, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Hammerhead shark · Lower leg · Color Hammerhead shark with seaweed, on the lower leg.

Steamship on teal waves with seagulls, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Steamship · Color Steamship on teal waves with seagulls.

Colorful snake with mushrooms growing from it on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Snake & mushrooms · Forearm · Color Snake with mushrooms growing from it, on the forearm.

Chain links in red, blue and white on the leg, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Chain · Leg · Color Chain links in red, blue and white, on the leg.

Snake head with a dagger above a rose and a skull on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Snake, dagger & skull · Forearm · Color Snake head with a dagger above a rose and skull, on the forearm.

Eye in a blue cloud with lightning bolts on the back of the hand, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Eye & lightning · Hand · Color Eye in a blue cloud with lightning bolts, on the back of the hand.

Horse head with a red and teal bridle on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Horse head · Forearm · Color Horse head with a red and teal bridle, on the forearm.

Dragon with a cartoon-style dog head in teal, pink and yellow on the forearm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Dog-headed dragon · Forearm · Color Dog-headed dragon in teal, pink and yellow, on the forearm.

Cowgirl pin-up with arms raised under a big hat, standing among cactus on the upper arm, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Cowgirl pin-up with cactus · Upper arm · Color Cowgirl pin-up with cactus, on the upper arm.

Rat smoking a cigarette above a classic-style cartoon mouse, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Smoking rat and cartoon mouse · Color Smoking rat and cartoon mouse.

Cartoon dog lifting a barbell made of two globes, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Cartoon dog lifting the world · Color Cartoon dog lifting the world.

Cartoon dog flying a red biplane with little yellow birds, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Cartoon dog in a biplane · Color Cartoon dog in a biplane.

Hand crushing a beer can, American Traditional tattoo by Chris at Diamond Mind Tattoo, Buzzards Bay — Hand crushing a beer can · Color Hand crushing a beer can.

See Chris’s work on Instagram

The style

What American Traditional is

It’s the classic tattoo look. Bold black outlines, a limited palette of solid colors like red, yellow, green and black, and heavy black shading. The designs are the old standbys: eagles, swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, ships, anchors, skulls and hearts.

It’s simple on purpose. Bold lines and solid color read clear from across the room and hold up over the years, which is why traditional ages so well. Chris says traditional looks good on any part of your body, as long as it’s just slightly oversized. On arms and legs, think about hand or palm size.

For Chris, it comes out of the 1940s. He loves vintage American subcultures from that era and the painted banners that hung outside traveling circuses, and you can see that old-school look in the designs he draws.

Plan it right

Flash or custom?

Both. Chris hand draws and paints a lot of flash. Many of his designs are traced from 100-year-old originals, some of the same ones your grandparents admired. Pick one off his sheets and book it.

He loves custom pieces too, because new ideas and points of view always stand out. Bring your idea and your references and talk it through with him.

Good to know

Before you come in

You have to be 18 with a valid photo ID. That’s the Bourne rule, no parental consent exception. The shop minimum is $100. Deposits are generally about half the price and go toward your tattoo. First tattoo? Check our first tattoo guide.

Chris’s advice: eat well the day before and have a healthy meal the day of. Carbs help, and drink lots of water. It helps your body power through the session and heal your new piece.

Appointments

How to book with Chris

Chris books on Square. Open our Square booking and pick Chris. He’s off Mondays. Want something off his flash? Pick a design and book. For a bigger custom piece, there’s a free 15-minute consult for medium and large work to go over size and price. Walk-ins when there’s time, call (508) 743-8462 after 10 AM. Coming from out of town? Use the travel form and pick Chris.

Book with Chris on Square

Good to know

American Traditional FAQ

Who does American Traditional at Diamond Mind?

Chris Soucie specializes in it. He’s been tattooing since 2023 and got into American Traditional through his love of 1940s American subcultures and old traveling circus banners. Tim does American Traditional too, as part of his custom work.

What is American Traditional?

Bold black outlines, a short list of solid colors, and classic designs like eagles, swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, ships and skulls. Simple on purpose, so it reads clear from across the room.

Do traditional tattoos age well?

That’s the big reason people pick it. Bold lines and solid color hold up over the years better than tiny detail. Keep it out of the sun and follow the aftercare and it’ll stay sharp a long time.

Where should I put a traditional tattoo, and how big?

Chris says American Traditional looks good on any part of your body, as long as it’s just slightly oversized. On arms and legs, think about hand or palm size.

What does Chris like to tattoo?

Ships, flowers and animals. He loves the classics.

Can I pick flash or bring my own idea?

Both. Chris hand draws and paints a lot of flash, and many of his designs are traced from 100-year-old originals. He also loves custom pieces, because new ideas and points of view always stand out.

Where can I see Chris’s work?

On his Instagram at @chris_soucie_tattoos. The shop account @diamond_mind_tattoo has more.

How do I book with Chris?

Book on our Square site and pick Chris. He’s off Mondays. Coming from out of town? Use the travel form and pick Chris.

How much does a traditional tattoo cost?

Price is size and time. The shop minimum is $100, which covers 30 minutes of tattooing. For medium and large pieces, there’s a free 15-minute consult to go over size and price.

Is there a deposit?

Yes. Deposits are generally about half the price and go toward your tattoo.

Do you take walk-ins?

When there’s time, yes. Call the shop at (508) 743-8462 after 10 AM to check. It’s a landline, so call, don’t text.

How old do I have to be?

18 with a valid photo ID. That’s the Bourne rule, and there’s no parental consent exception.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Chris says to eat well the day before and have a healthy meal the day of. Carbs help, and drink lots of water. It helps your body power through the session and heal your new piece.

How do I care for a traditional tattoo?

Same aftercare as any tattoo. Your artist will walk you through it, and the full notes are on our aftercare page. If it didn’t heal right, touch-ups are free. Sun damage isn’t covered.

Ready when you are

Book your traditional tattoo

Diamond Mind Tattoo · 53 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 · (508) 743-8462. Healing tips are on our aftercare page.

Open Square booking