By Margo Moritz
Do you wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to San Francisco? You can do better than that. These folks have a love and pride for the city so strong it inspired them to ink a lifelong expression on their bodies.
Artists: Cecilia AltaMirano, Sam McWilliams
Shop: Warlock Tattoo, Tuesday Tattoo
Growing up with a military dad, Elly was uprooted a bunch as a kid, moving around from city to city. Once she landed in San Francisco, Sutro Tower was almost always visible. It became a reminder of the home she found here.
Artist: Joey Armstrong
Shop: Seventh Son
Stuart travels a lot. He tattooed the Golden State of California with a heart over San Francisco on his inner left arm so the city would always be close to his heart
Artist: Gordon Combs
Shop: Braindrops, Seventh Son
Julie was born and raised in San Francisco, and was homeless for several years during her teens. She would ride and sleep in Muni buses as a haven from the cold streets, and the drivers would let her stay and sometimes even give her food. Muni became a temporary home for her, so she gives back her love with her tattoo.
Artist: Tony Vau
Shop: Championship Tattoo (Redding, CA)
Connor was born and raised in east Texas. His tattoo represents starting his life over when he moved to San Francisco four years ago.
Artist: Shannon Archuleta
Shop: Braindrops
Christina’s tattoo represents her newfound independence since she moved to San Francisco six years ago. The state bird and flower also show her love for California.
Artist: Carl Hallowell
Shop: Immaculate Tattoo (Mesa, AZ)
Jeff grew up in Texas but has lived in San Francisco for 12 years. He got his tattoo to pay tribute to his adopted home. As the cofounder of Munidiaries.com, Jeff should get a Muni tattoo stat.
Artist: Joey Armstrong
Shop: Seventh Son
A native San Franciscan, Chris has many memories connected to the landmarks on his arm. He grew up in a Victorian house (the original start of the tattoo) and has spent a lot of time at Candlestick Park.
Artists: Reno, Dave Bobrick, Spider
Shop: 415 Tattoo, One Shot Tattoo
Matt is a native San Franciscan and wanted to show his love and pride for the city.
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This story originally ran in Volume 4 of The Bold Italic magazine “Obsessions.”
