The beauty of butterflies is unquestionably one of the inspirations for tribal tattoo design. This pattern captures the swooping lines of butterfly wings in a simple tribal graphic.
Tribal butterfly tattoo by Pat Fish
Viking Vegvisir Tattoo Design
The Huld manuscript, dated to 1860 but sourced from earlier traditional oral sagas, says: "Carry this sign with you and you won’t get lost in storms or bad weather, even though in unfamiliar surrounds." A permanent compass to keep the wearer on track. No Viking adventurer should be without it! This client is a follower of the old ways, and now wears this most potent of symbols proudly on his chest.
Viking vegvisir tattoo by Pat Fish
Fireman's Family Claddagh Tattoo Design
This claddagh tattoo needed to include many custom elements at the request of a fireman eager to show his loyalty to his profession, his ethnic background, and his family. We started with a subtle Maltese cross as a shield in the background, the traditional symbol of firemen. Then we added the shamrock and Irish ring of the claddagh, to include the traditional symbols for luck, love, and loyalty. Then inside the shield we put his wife's name, and on the sides the names of their children, thus bringing together all the family in one tribute. Then we put it on his ribs, a challenging spot.
Tribal Floral Tapestry Tattoo Design
Today I tattooed a woman who is a survivor of a brain hemangioma and a subsequent stroke that has caused her great challenges. It took her 5 years to come back for more tattoos, years of constant struggle. The new tattoo now graces her shoulder, beautifying the arm that is still healing, and giving her a shawl of flowers. I am so inspired by her persistence in fighting to regain mobility and strength, and proud to be able to make her feel more beautiful.
Tribal floral tattoo by Pat Fish