Salmon Tattoo Photo #7415

The fish that fights upstream through rapids and waterfalls to complete its life cycle has become a universal symbol of perseverance, sacrifice, and returning to one's roots. Pacific Northwest Coast art and Celtic mythology both elevate the salmon to sacred status.

Achieving lifelike results in skin requires mastery of light, shadow, and color blending. Realistic tattoos often look three-dimensional, with subjects appearing to emerge from the skin surface.

Forearm tattoos benefit from a natural canvas that follows the arm's long shape. Designs can wrap around the arm or sit on the inner or outer surface, giving flexibility in how the tattoo is displayed.