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Nikolai came to me looking for a Nordic tattoo sleeve…

Nikolai came to me looking for a Nordic tattoo sleeve earlier this year. . He is from California moving to the great state of Utah. So we did our initial consultations through Zoom. After chatting for a bit he told me some of the styles he liked and why. He had been planning this piece since he was just 14 years old. We decided on a direction with the major theme. Next, we we picked some tattoo dates; The 4th of July worked well, so we got it all scheduled. . . He came in for his initial drawing a few months ago so that I could get a tracing of his arm, and solidify my ideas. Then he let me loose with some trust. Due to some technical issues, he only got to see one sketch before the session. But that one sketch was enough…. an Epic Stag sleeve it was. . . I spent quite a lot of time on this design. It just flowed. I even got some input on the sketch from a trusted “mentor” that has made a major impact in my recent tattoo career. Based on those ideas, and art he suggested I research, I made a few additional changes, and added the serpent. . . The session block went very well; 3 days as planned. Ending on America’s Birthday just in time for him to run out and celebrate with his lovely girlfriend, who flew in from CA that afternoon to celebrate with fire in the sky out in the barren desert with the rest of the heathens. . . This project is a mix of a few Nordic styles, and some made-up bits, but I love the way it’s turning out. . . We’re hoping for another 2 day session-block to complete the intricate designs that are planned to fill the body and legs of the Stag and the bodies of the interwoven knot-work Wyrms surrounding the beasts feet. - Exciting stuff. . . This is just one of a dozen amazing Nordic Tattoos I am working on currently, and over the next 6 months. Nearly a full schedule. It’s taken a lot to get to this point, and it’s been worth every step. . . I would like to thank all of my amazing supporters, clients and mentors, both current and over the countless years past… I would not be where I am without you. . . #nordictattoo #jonpoulson #ancientmarks #pagantattoo #vikingtattoo

A tattoo by Jon Poulson at Aloha Tattoos in Murray, UT, posted on Jul 7, 2026.

by Jon Poulson

Studio

Aloha Tattoos

Murray, UT

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