Salmon Tattoo Photo #7443

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.

By placing thousands of tiny dots at controlled spacing, dotwork artists achieve smooth gradients and intricate patterns. This labor-intensive method gives tattoos a unique texture that stands apart from traditional line-based work.

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.