Salmon Tattoo Photo #7432

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.

Blackwork tattoos use solid black ink in bold, graphic compositions. The style ranges from large filled areas and heavy patterns to intricate designs that rely on contrast between ink and bare skin.

The thigh offers one of the body's largest flat surfaces, making it ideal for detailed, large-scale tattoos. The area is easy to conceal and generally comfortable during the tattoo process.