Author Archives: joejoe - Page 22

Tanamo’s Game

Tanamo Tattoo

Tanamo tattoo. Tanamo went by this name in high school and it stuck. Tanamo got the tattoo at age 19. That was almost 20 years ago. Stars were added just to fill the tattoo in.

Shotgun Halo Tattoo

Shotgun Halo tattoo: This tattoo is from a song’s lyric.  The song this tattoo comes from is Tanamo and their wife’s song.

Sailor Jerry Tattoo

Sailor Jerry tattoo: Tanamo just likes Sailor Jerry and got this Friday the 13th tattoo.

DH Tattoo

DH Tattoo: Initials of Tanamo’s name.

Chun Li Tattoo

Chun Li tattoo: Street Fighter is Tanamo’s main game.

Allman Brothers Eat A Peach Tattoo

Allman Brothers Eat A Peach tattoo. This was Tanamo’s father’s favorite album.

 

A 24 mile walk that only lasted 18 miles

FitBit Walk Status FitBit Walk Status FitBit Walk Status

One of my life dreams is to walk across the entire U.S. It seems like an amazing adventure. I’ll stop in places and maybe sleep on the road or in cheap hotels/hostels, and meet lots of interesting characters.

Last weekend, I asked my 71-year-old mom to join me for a nearly 30-mile-walk to an Indian restaurant. I was looking at this walk as a small test of what my cross-country walk would be like.

I work out almost every day, but I did not train specifically for this walk.

Mom and I started walking at 6:45 a.m. I saw an amazing sunrise. We stopped a couple of times on the trip. The longest stop was a 30 minute break for lunch. The temperature was great. I did not fully realize it when the sun went to the west side of the sky. Just kept walking. As the day progressed, we realized we might not make it the full 30 miles. We did not want to walk in the dark. We called it at like 4:30 p.m., 8 miles away from the Indian restaurant. My mom did not want to walk anymore. She’s hard-core for a 71-year-old, but she has limitations. I was walking on pure stubbornness, because I was tiring as well.

As the walk progressed, I began to question my dream of walking across the United States. 25 miles, which is really the maximum distance I could walk in a day, doesn’t seem like enough miles to accomplish. This doesn’t leave me enough time for adventures. I was thinking I could add in hitchhiking,  But I don’t think anybody would pick me up — no one wants to pick up a 200-pound hitchhiking man carrying a backpack.

I began questioning if I could do this walk across the U.S., which led me to despair. I started considering a 150-mile test walk, but that just didn’t seem fun, anymore.

My girlfriend gave me an idea of purchasing a used electric car, driving it to each of the lower 48 states, and then walking 30 miles in each state. I am wondering if I could do this with an electric minivan. If I do this, here are my goals for each state:

  1. Train in 10 martial arts schools
  2. Hike 20-30 miles
  3. Interview 30 people on tattoos
  4. Visit the top 10 tourist attractions

I also am looking at options for low-cost housing. I could potentially use Planet Fitness for intermittent workouts and showers.

Dinosaur eating Bambi

Weird thing we saw on the walk

I will update as I come up with more ideas, or as I test things out.

Please advise if you have any ideas!

A Key to the Sun and Moon

Spade Tattoo

Spade tattoo. This was Durin’s first tattoo. Durin got the tattoo in New York with their best friend. They were on the L train, and decided to get tattoos at the spur of the moment. Durin’s friend got a club tattoo. Durin got a spade. Durin really likes spades. One of their meanings s the first leaf of the tree of Yggdrasil, the tree of life. Another meaning is associated with the earth goddess Gaia, as a shovel. Because of these meanings Durin feels really connected to spades.

Key Tattoo

Key tattoo. This was Durin’s second tattoo. It was a stick and poke that Durin’s friend Ted did. Durin really liked this tattoo. Durin has always loved keys ever since they were a kid. Durin is also ironically really bad at opening things.

Triple Goddess Tattoo

Triple Goddess Tattoo. Durin felt this tattoo paired really well with their key tattoo. Durin got this tattoo shortly after getting the key tattoo. It kind of feels like the key is opening the moon. That or a very veiled Lord of the Rings reference. This would be like in the Hobbit when the moon shines on the key hole. Durin also really loves the triple goddess. Durin is obsessed with the moon and has a really strong connection with the moon. The triple goddess also symbolizes the maiden, the mother, and the crone. These are kind of archetypes that you see cross-culturally. Durin really loves mythology, and earth goddess symbology.

Sunflower Heart Tattoo Sunflower Heart Tattoo

Sunflower Heart tattoo. This is an anatomical heart. Durin purposefully got the heart in grayscale. Durin has had a lot of struggles with grief and depression. The tattoo is a symbol of rebirth and death. Durin’s mom passed when they were 10. Their mom’s favorite flowers were sunflowers. The tattoo is a symbol of grief, but also new life coming out of that grief. The tattoo is of a moon flower. Durin loves the dichotomy of the sun and moon. Durin plans on growing sunflowers and moon flowers in their garden.

Painful Friendships

Rose Tattoo

Rose tattoo. This was Kunórodon’s first tattoo. It started as a small rose with a butterfly at the top. It was just some crap they pulled off the wall. Kunórodon was like “I am going to do this.” Kunórodon was terrified of needles. Kunórodon’s ex was holding their hand during the process. Kunórodon remembers it feeling like somebody hit the mute button. Kunórodon’s ex was talking to them, but they could not hear their ex speak. Then it hit Kunórodon and they were like “stop I don’t know what is going on.” The artist was very nonchalant. The artist tapped them and said, “it’s ok, it’s just your body going into shock.” Kunórodon then threw up.

Under the single rose is a tattoo that once said, “JACS.” It stood for 4 friend’s names. They  went to high school together, and went through their early 20’s together. Then, they had a falling out. The color for the tattoo also started to fall out. Kunórodon felt they wanted to expand and change the tattoo. Kunórodon did four roses with lots of thorns to represent the beauty and the pain that comes with friendship.

Rose Tattoo

Rose tattoo. This started as a rose from a t-shirt a friend had purchased for them when Kunórodon was 14. Kunórodon was broke, and their parents would not have anything to do with them. Kunórodon had no clothes so a friend bought them a shirt with this rose on it. The tattoo used to have her son’s name in it. They decided it was inappropriate to have son’s name in that location on their body and so they got the name covered up.

Domino Tattoo

Domino tattoo. Kunórodon and their ex got this matching tattoo on their 5th anniversary. The pieces add up to 5.

Never Broken Tattoo

Never Broken tattoo. Their marriage dissolved a year later. Kunórodon got into an abusive relationship. Kunórodon’s partner ended up trying to kill them. Kunórodon moved in with their brother. He gave Kunórodon money to get a tattoo. Kunórodon got a tattoo that said “never broken” because all though this person tried their best. Kunórodon is still a very strong spirit.The tattoo is on Kunórodon’s wrist. 1 Year and 11 months after getting it, Kunórodon broke their wrist.

Wesley in Norse Runes Tattoo

Wesley spelled out in Norse Runes. Wesley is Kunórodon’s son’s name. Kunórodon got this one and the cover up of his name in the rose concurrently.

Deathly Hollows Tattoo

Deathly Hollows Tattoo. It is a Harry Potter tattoo and it represents The Deadly Hollows. Kunórodon loves the series. Kunórodon loves what the symbol represents: Equality and Acceptance. It means a lot to Kunórodon.

Daisy Tattoo

Daisy tattoo. This tattoo is a work in progress. It did not heal properly. Kunórodon had a really close friend out in Colorado Springs who was a third generation Mexican. Very big into motorcycles. He was a phenomenal person. Earlier this year he was struck while on his motorcycle. He was pinned under the vehicle for 5 hours before he passed away. Kunórodon got the phone call 2 a.m. Kunórodon called a friend over who is a witch. She is an angel of death, an EMS person who helps people pass on. She has that connectivity, that energy. Kunórodon told her what was going on that she had to come and light the fire. She comes we do a blessing over the fire. Within 10 minutes of her being present, he shows himself. He is in the form of the “happy now cry later” mask. He was floating in front of her taunting her in his playful loving manor, trying to get a rise out of her. He did not even know Kunórodon was there yet. Kunórodon started chuckling saying hey he is present. At that point he lifts the mask and his energy shifted towards Kunórodon. He sees Kunórodon’s sorrow, and presents himself in the form of a daisy with bright yellow colors. He said, “you have blow me away, you have to say goodbye. With every exhale you will blow your sorrow away.” Kunórodon did it and it took two breaths. Kunórodon watched the petals float away in the wind. The tattoo of the daisy is Kunórodon’s memory of him, and they are going to carry that with them forever.

Infinity tattoo

Infinity tattoo. This is a shared tattoo with two other friends. It means friends forever. We each picked a different area on were to have it tattooed. Kunórodon thought it would be a simple one line infinity. Kunórodon was the last one to get the tattoo. Kunórodon was also the worst one to get the tattoo. Where Kunórodon got the tattoo has a lot of nerves for them. It was incredibly uncomfortable. My partner at the time had to sit on me. At one point Kunórodon’s body was reacting so severely. The artist had to stop because he was laughing so hard. This was due to the fact that Kunórodon’s toes had cramped up so bad they were throwing up West Side gang signs. The ink fell out on quite a few spots so Kunórodon had to go back and get it touched up. The original artist was not present his friend was. The new artist did not know what he was doing. That is why there is a crazy gray line around the whole thing. What makes it funny is Kunórodon’s friend had to lay on Kunórodon this time. Kunórodon’s friend was laying on them so hard they thought they were going to bruise them.

Love Endorse Norse Runes Tattoo

Love Endorse Norse Runes Tattoo. Myrmidon’s partner has the same tattoo. The tattoos spells out “love endorse” using the Elder Furthark. It was found from a pendant. The pendant was found in ancient times with a couple embracing. They wanted it because it symbolizes the trials and tribulations from their past relationships. They both look forward to having love in their lives. Its a good mantra to have for any married couple. Love endorse no matter what your doing.

Ebates – Earn Cash!

ebates

If you click on this link and join, I will get a reward!

Other sites pay more, but I still use Ebates.

Here is why I enjoy using Ebates:
* I only use Ebates with the Chrome extension. If you take a long time to pick what you are going to buy, most sites will try to kick out the referring site reward. The Chrome extension will see this, and allow you to reset the connection so you still get the reward (or discount).
* Ebates will send you a check, even if it’s a tiny amount. One of my checks was for $3.58. It’s not a ton of money, but I don’t spend that much online. It is an easy way to get a discount on stuff you would buy anyway.
* It’s like adding a coupon without have to look for one.

If you have a site you like more than Ebates, let me know in the comments what you use. Also let me know how much money you have gotten back.

Myrmidon’s True North

Cross Of Lorraine Tattoo

Cross Of Lorraine tattoo. A symbol Myrmidon used for the last military unit they were in. Myrmidon was in special forces as a warrant officer. Myrmidon’s unit was in the ground invasion and also carried on missions in Iraq. Myrmidon’s unit wanted an emblem to rally behind. The symbol is called the “Cross Of Lorraine” and it has a skill on top.  This was Myrmidon’s first tattoo.

Ægishjálmrm (Helm of Awe) Tattoo Norse Compass Tattoo

Ægishjálmrm (Helm of Awe) and Norse Compass Tattoos. The Helm of Awe is the protection against evil. The other is a compass, some say to true north. It will help point you to the true way you need to go.

Valknut Tattoo

Valknut Tattoo.  This is for Odin’s Slain.

Trojan Horse Tattoo

Trojan Horse tattoo. This is the tattoo for the unit Myrmidon was in for the majority of their military career: Tenth Special Forces Group. The Trojan Horse was their symbol. The green background denotes the special forces, and each group has a different color background.

Love Endorse Norse Runes Tattoo

Love Endorse Norse Runes tattoo. Myrmidon’s partner has the same tattoo. The tattoos spells out Love Endures using the Elder Furthark. It was found from a pendant. The pendant was found in ancient times with a couple embracing. They wanted it because it symbolizes the trials and tribulations from their past relationships. They both look forward to having true love in their lives. It’s a good mantra to have for any married couple. Love Endures, no matter what else happens in your lives.

Gebo – The Seventh Rune

Gebo is the seventh rune in the Elder Futhark. Gebo is phonetically ‘G”.  Gebo is in Freya’s Aett, which is the first Aett. Gebo is said to be connected to Gefion or Gefn. It is also noted as an air element so could also be connected to Odin. As Gefion is the goddess of agriculture, and connected to Frigga. I will at first lean towards her. I may be proven wrong at the end of the month.

Gebo is said to be the gift rune. The Norse idea of gifting was more of an exchange. A ring could be given as a gift. Accepting the ring noted that you were loyal to the giver. However it would not be required to be equal value. An easy way to see this is with a pot luck. It was understood that giving meat was of higher value, while bring what you could is what is expected. Asatru is about connecting, not separating. What you give is what you get.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem:
Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one’s dignity;
it furnishes help and subsistence
to all broken men who are devoid of aught else.

In readings it could mean. Please note this is all based on the question asked:
Face Up:
balance your people
self sacrifice
fair exchange
what is it worth
you will get something out of it
It could be about the relationship connection
you will get something back

Face down:
Friend not worth time
not getting what you deserve
you are being taken advantage of
this will not be easy, of course it could be really easy also.

End of month:
I will say I really enjoyed Gebo. Was really interesting I got this in December. Very much a balancing rune. Truly what you give is what you get. It will help enforce a balance.
 

 

All of the Colors in a Story

Story Tattoo

Story tattoo. The dots on the far right are an asteroid belt doing down, then in the middle the asteroid belt is going up. This is spinning around a gas giant (purple planet).

Some asteroids are lonely and far apart from others. Some are closer and feel good. Each of them are effected by the rotational effect of the gas giant, which has the gas clouds.

The tree is clean. It has all the basic elements of life. It is a basic class-M planet.

The far left is a star in 3 parts. The heavier material is hotter and a darker color. This could also be like the Mayan calendar with three wheels spinning within each other.

In the tattoo are the 3 basic requirements of a solar system from an article Bao read: a star, a gas giant that swoops up all that is ejected in the early life of the solar system. The gas giant creates a force field between the star allowing the class-M planet to be created. Then all the heavy material condenses into a class-M planet.

Bao wanted each color of the rainbow in the tattoo.

Bao got the tattoo in 2009. Bao was near the end of their master’s degree at Chapel Hill. Bao drew this tattoo one morning, and decided they wanted to tell stories. Bao thought, “If I got a tattoo of that and didn’t publish a novel where magic users live and are heroic on this planet, then I would be saddled with a dumb tattoo.” It’s been 9 years, and Bao has written 3 novels, and deleted 3 hundred-thousand word novels back into the oblivion. When Bao throws away a rejected novel, new “novel” thoughts come to them. Now Bao is writing a series of 24 tiny tales based on the runes of the Futhark. Bao is hoping that the tales will stick. The novel Bao meant to write when they created this tattoo has not stuck. It’s a garden path and it’s going to take many left and right turns…

Old Man Finds a Wanderer

Uruz Tattoo

Uruz Tattoo

Ansuz Tattoo

Ansuz Tattoo

Eihwaz Tattoo

Eihwaz Tattoo

Gothi was in the army until almost age 30 without any tattoos. Gothi was in the infantry as a combat arms MOS. Their job was to kill people and blow shit up. Not having a tattoo is rare in this group. Gothi resisted getting one for a long time, because there wasn’t a good reason. Gothi knew many people that were inked for reasons with no real meaning behind it, and some just because they liked the idea of having a tattoo. Gothi did not want to be that guy. Then, one day, Gothi started looking into the runes. Gothi had been involved in esoteric/mystic stuff as a teenager. For some reason after 8 years of being spiritually dead in the water in the army, the runes spiked Gothi’s interest. Gothi decided to get some runes tattoos.

Gothi settled on the runes Uruz, Ansuz, and Eihwaz. For Gothi, these stand for body, mind, and soul. Gothi admits this is kind of simplistic. Uruz for the body, Ansuz for mind, and Eiwaz for soul. Gothi ended up getting them tattooed from a kid in the barracks, because it was a cheap and simple design. After Gothi got these done, they did feel different. Gothi says, “everything I read said the runes work by themselves. The runes have power on their own without your involvement.”

Gothi went to airborne school because they got into special operations. Gothi was moving into a whole new mindset. One of the requirements was Gothi had to go to jump school. During this time, Gothi was reading about the runes. Gothi said “In order to understand the runes you should understand Norse mythology. You have understand the Norse gods because they are linked with the runes. The best way to find that knowledge is from modern practitioners.” Gothi figured there was a wiccan coven somewhere that was dedicated to the Norse. Gothi stumbled across Asatru, Steve McNallen, the AFA, and Edward Thorsson. Gothi read about the whole spectrum of politics. That is all Gothi did during airborne school. Gothi did airborne school during the day and read about Asatru in the evening. The idea of connecting to Gothi’s ancestors became a primary concern. This connected everything Gothi cared about: spirituality, toxic masculinity, war, and being better then the other guy. Killing the enemy and drinking their blood. There was a way to fit all of that in Asatru. It fit there. It was not a bastardized version of hermetic or Christianity where Gothi was supposed to turn the other cheek. There was a purpose behind it all and it all came together. The idea stuck. Gothi started meditating everyday at airborne school. Gothi would wake up 2 hours early before anything else to mediate and think about the gods.

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) Tattoo

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) Tattoo

Vegvisir (Norse Compass) Tattoo

Vegvisir (Norse Compass) Tattoo

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) and Vegvisir (Norse compass) tattoos. Gothi got these tattoos because they wanted the effects. Gothi believed in the power of the runes. Even without a deep understand of what the runes meant. “I have it a little better now, but at the time I did not.” Gothi had accepted the idea the runes would work even without fully understanding them. Gothi stated “I did not have to power them. The power was inherent.” Once again, after getting the tattoos, Gothi felt different. Things changed. Gothi came home and within 3 days of me being stationed at home, Gothi started meditation again regularly. Gothi then reached out to Odin. Gothi always had a feeling if they called out to one of the Pagan gods they would answer, unlike the desert god, who is to big and ephemeral to deal with petty human concerns. When Gothi called to Odin there was a presence, and Gothi was not alone. It was real and Gothi was scared. What if Gothi had fucked up what if this is not the old man, Gothi had no way of checking ID. After a bunch of thinking and soul searching, and reaching out, Gothi determined they had in fact gotten the attention of the old man. Everything changed after that. Gothi accepted the presence that was there waiting everyday. Gothi felt a power they had never experienced before.

Valknut Tattoo

Valknut Tattoo

Shortly afterward, Gothi got the Valknut tattoo with the rune ring. Once again they felt different.

Thor's Hammer with Ravens Tattoo

Thor’s Hammer with Ravens Tattoo

Thor’s hammer with ravens tattoo. A year later, Gothi move to North Carolina. Gothi’s buddy’s wife was giving tattoos in exchange for donations. Gothi got a Thor hammer with two ravens. It is the least spiritual tattoo they have.

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd tattoos: About a year after that, Gothi entered the seiðr trance. Gothi found out they were going to be a seiðr whether they liked it or not. Gothi placed their hands in the Web of Wyrd. Gothi knew what they were doing and what was happening. Gothi commemorated this with the Web Of Wyrd tattoos on each of their wrists. Both as a reminder of what they had done, and as a focus for when they do it again.

Gungnir with Hagalz, Othila, and Mannaz Tattoo

Gungnir with Hagalz, Othila, and Mannaz Tattoo

Gungnir with Hagalaz, Othila, and Mannaz tattoo. With in a week Gothi felt they were marked. Gothi said they were hanging by the tree. Gothi felt they had been marked by the spear and would never again be the same. This started without Gothi’s choice. Gothi does not always like it, it was scary. Gothi got this tattoo with Hagalaz, Othila, and Mannaz. Hagalaz was to commemorate the death of what Gothi was. Mannaz was to point out what Gothi is going to become. Othila was for the path Gothi is going to take to get there, inline with their ancestors.

Teiwaz Tattoo

Teiwaz Tattoo

Teiwaz tattoo. Shortly after that during Gothi’s daily mediation, Gothi experienced the seiðr trance for the first time with none of the usual preparation it takes to get there. It has not happened like that may times, as it normally take effort and intention. Gothi was shown a lot of things. Gothi was offered a choice. When Gothi was offered this choice they took an oath. The oath was very heavy, and had very significant consequences. In order to commemorate the oath and to remind themselves of what it is they agreed to, Gothi got the Tyr rune tattoo. This if for Githi to remember what they agreed to and to draw power from that agreement.

A Clean Story is Written

Quill Pen Tattoo

Quill Pen tattoo. Dominion got the quill pen because they are a screenwriter. Dominion was driving with their ex-fiance, and going through the conundrums they always go through: career, and life. Dominion was always trying to figure out the exact path they are on. Dominion’s ex turned to them and said “you’re a writer just write.” Dominion said they didn’t really think about it then. It was about 10 years ago, but here they are writing. It may be screenwriting, novels, or various other projects. No matter what, the story comes first. Dominion got this tattoo to remind myself of that. It was their first tattoo. This is the only tattoo that they have paid for.

V with Vegetation Tattoo

V with Vegetation tattoo. Dominion is a vegetarian. This tattoo goes along with the X on the left hand. Most people with straight edge tattoos get both the left and right hand tattooed. Dominion wanted to showcase their clean life as being a vegetarian.

Straight Edge Tattoo

Straight Edge tattoo. This is for straight edge: no drugs, no alcohol.  The clouds behind the X is poison. Dominion is planning on getting this one fixed. It’s some purple and some orange. The artist is an amazing artist. Dominion told him what they wanted. The artist said it wasn’t really the artist’s style. Dominion asked him to try anyway. Dominion learned not to ask an artist to do designs outside of their style.

Ghost Face Tattoo

Ghost Face tattoo. This is the mask from Scream. Wes Craven is one of the people that influenced Dominion a lot in their career. When Wes Craven passed away, Dominion decided to get this tattoo. Dominion’s little sister’s name is Sidney. She was named after Sidney Prescott from Scream. The mask means a lot to Dominion.

Bragic Tattoo

Bragic tattoo. Bragic is the Youtube name for Dominion’s mentor. Bragic taught them what to do in the movie business. Dominion and Bragic did not go down the same path. Bragic is one of, if not the most famous skateboard directors in the world. Bragic is the king of the B-roll move. Dominion wanted to remind themselves of his teachings, so they got a tattoo of his name. Dominion did not tell him they got this tattoo. Bragic saw the tag on Instagram and might not have been thrilled about it.

Hercules Knot Tattoo

Hercules Knot tattoo. A Hercules Knot in Greece means united, love, loyalty, and devotion. Dominion said  they say never got a tattoo for a partner. Dominion is polyamorous and there is usually at least one woman in their life. Sometimes Dominion has more then one partner. Dominion got this tattoo it was their promise for love, devotion, and loyalty to the one or ones that Dominion has in their heart. Instead of just getting a partners name or wedding band tattooed, Dominion wanted to show love and unity does not always have to be marriage. It is anybody that Dominion loves and is loyal to.

Tetragrammaton Tattoo

Tetragrammaton tattoo. The Hebrew Tetragrammaton is the unspeakable unpronounceable name of the lord. In Hebrew text, when you see the Tetragrammaton, you are never supposed to attempt to pronounce it. Above it was the word for lord and that was what you were supposed to say. Dominion has a very diverse belief structure. Dominion was raised Christian Baptist, then eventually discovered paganism and Wicca. The beautiful part of paganism to Dominion is you get to choose your own deity/dieties and belief structure. What you truly believe and not just what you are told. Dominion always found comfort, strength, and love in belief and faith. This is who some would call the lord, either be it Judaism or Christianity. When Dominion says the lord they mean the almighty creator. This is who the Christians would say is god who came back. This is without disrespect to Christianity. Dominion states they believe in Jesus. Dominion’s love and devotion is to the almighty power. The one that has created us all. That is who Dominion has the greatest relationship with. Dominion wanted to get the Tetragrammaton tattooed as it is a representation of their love and devotion towards the Alpha and the Omega.

YouTube Tattoo

YouTube Tattoo. Dominion gets a lot of questions about this one. Specifically when they are in any type of entertainment situation. When Dominion went to a studio in LA they lost their minds over it. Dominion went to a studio that creates YouTube content. Everybody had to pause their work and come out to the lobby to look at the person with the YouTube tattoo. Dominion got the tattoo because they started their career on YouTube. All Dominion wanted to be was a YouTuber. Dominion achieved this back in 2011. Dominion decided to move on to pursue film-making, and having a profession career in that. Dominion stepped away from YouTube. YouTube was where Dominion got their start, and why they are who they are. Dominion got the YouTube tattoo as a symbol of their love and aspiration of where they came from. Having Bragic tattooed which was Dominion’s mentors name, Dominion really has two YouTube tattoos.

Additional Stories

The Quill Pen, the X, Hercules knot and Bragic tattoos: The artist is same tattoo artist for all of these tattoos. At first Dominion did not know this. When Dominion went to the tattoo artist to get their first tattoo, Dominion went to a random tattoo shop in Fayetteville, NC. Dominion got the tattoo and paid the guy for the tattoo. Years later, Dominion started working on films and made a friend. This friend has a shop and is a tattoo artist. The artist name is Mister E at Cherry Blossom tattoos. Dominion became friends with and started doing work for him. They started trading work for tattoos. One day Dominion is on this old photo album web site, and sees a picture of themselves getting their first tattoo. At that point it meant every tattoo Dominion had at that time were done my Mister E. Dominion sent him the picture and said, “Did you know you did my first tattoo?” Mister E said, “I had no idea. I do remember that quill pen. I remember when you came in that it looked familiar.”  Dominion can say all of their tattoos have been done by friends. Except for the YouTube tattoo.

The ghost face and the V were done by Joel Macias at Chop Shop Tattoos.

As for the YouTube tattoo, Dominion’s ex fiance left them after 6 years for a tattoo artist. After about 7 months they decided to hash things out. Dominion said they would give the artist a video for their shop and the artist would give Dominion a tattoo. The artist gave Dominion the tattoo, and Dominion never talked to the artist again. Dominion said, “The tattoo didn’t turn out that great, and the artist did not get their video.”