Tattoo Design for Matt
Explorer
POSITION: Right Thigh
DESCRIPTION: Matt, from Phoenix, came to me wanting a thigh piece representing his love for adventure, exploration, and travel. He had three core elements he hoped to incorporate: mountains inspired by the Grand Tetons, which he has a personal connection to; something from space (think planets, stars, gravity) as a symbol of the ultimate journey; and the chemical structures for dopamine and adrenaline, reflecting both his career in pharmacy and the feeling he chases when he travels. He told me that he has always been drawn to geometric tattoos, especially those with a balance of symmetry and controlled chaos, and he resonates deeply with the idea of “journey before destination,” a guiding quote from one of his favorite authors. He also specifically appreciated the fine-line detail in my work.
Based on his direction, I created a design centered around an astronaut suspended above a mountain range. Behind the astronaut is a black hole, since a black hole is the ultimate destination when it comes to (space) travel and exploration. It is also giving the piece even more of a cosmic, weightless atmosphere. Geometric patterns (lines, grids, arcs) radiate outward, suggesting movement, navigation, and the structure beneath exploration itself. They also help create flow and emphasize the natural lines of the body. The chemical structures for dopamine and adrenaline are placed within the geometric framework of the design so they feel both symbolic and embedded in the visual language of the piece. The mountains form the grounding element at the bottom, while layered triangles and angular shapes below them create a sort of geometric reflection or mirror image of the mountains while adding depth to the tattoo.
The result blends realism and abstraction: mountains, space, chemistry, geometry, and the idea of travel all converging into one cohesive narrative. The composition reflects Matt’s connection to adventure and the belief that the journey — whether in this world or into the unknown — is just as important, if not more, than the destination.
For Inquiries, please feel free to reach out via email: contact@danielmeyertattoo.com
I look forward to working with you on your next story.
