Tattoo Designs for Nick
Phoenix and Solar System
POSITION: Left arm
DESCRIPTION: I started tattooing Nick in 2020, when he first reached out about getting a full sleeve. He came to me with just a few references to give a general sense of style and mood, but beyond that, he gave me a lot of freedom and, most importantly, he trusted my artistic decisions. He allowed me room to explore, to interpret, and to create. In my experience, those are the best prerequisites for a great tattoo: a large canvas, trust in the process, and creative freedom.
We chose a concept that was rich in symbolism and personal meaning. At the core of the sleeve is the solar system, planets and the sun: symbolic of the humbling realization that planet Earth is just a tiny speck in the vastness of the universe, and of our place within something so much greater. Placed at the center of the sun is a human eye. The eye represents presence and awareness, a reminder to be fully here in the moment.
Here is a picture taken during Nick’s first session, showing the tattoo in progress:
We also incorporated a phoenix, rising in movement across the arm. The phoenix is one of those timeless symbols that carries so much weight: rebirth, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence. Just like stars and suns, which burn out and new ones are born, we too go through phases of death and renewal—sometimes inwardly, sometimes outwardly. Finally, we brought everything together with geometric elements, placed to frame the overall design and tailored to flow with the natural lines of Nick’s anatomy.
The project took several sessions. As anyone who's gotten a full sleeve or other large scale tattoo knows, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But Nick showed up every time with patience, endurance, and an openness to the unfolding process. That kind of energy makes all the difference. Watching the sleeve come to life, layer by layer, was deeply rewarding: not just artistically, but also in the connection and exchange formed with Nick over hours of talking and getting to know each other.
Humanity / Technology
POSITION: Chest
DESCRIPTION: For this part of the project, Nick wanted to explore the theme of transcendence. He had spent some time reflecting on the era we’re living in: that strange in-between moment where we’ve arrived too late for the age of exploration and conquest, and a bit too early for full-scale space travel. But what we are approaching is something equally transformative: a time when humanity may live significantly longer, and an AI revolution that is reshaping nearly every aspect of life. He asked for my won thoughts on the topic and to visualize them in a design.
The core of the design centers around that idea: our evolving relationship with quickly developing technology and the unfolding AI revolution. The main elements are a human hand and a robotic hand, symbolizing humanity and technology not as opposing forces, but as collaborators. Humanity and AI / technology should not be one trying to replace the other. Rather, when approached with intelligence and intention, these two can co-exist, co-create, and go hand-in-hand and co-create—one enhancing the other.
I’ve seen a lot of depictions that borrow from Da Vinci’s The Creation of Adam, swapping out Adam and God for humanity and AI / technology. But that particular imagery never resonated with me because I feel the message isn’t right. To me, the meeting of these two is about co-creation, not one giving life to the other.
At the center of the composition, between the hands, we placed an eye surrounded by rays of light. This represents creation itself: the burst of energy and potential that can arise from the meeting of humanity with technology. The eye, as always, carries a sense of presence and awareness, and is a striking focal point that draws attention.
The right side of the composition is mechanical: it features the robotic hand and background elements inspired by circuit board textures, representing AI and technological advancement. In contrast, the left side (because it is closer to the heart) is fully human, organic, and alive, with textures reminiscent of roots.
I really love the horizontal orientation across the chest and how it creates this grounded sense of symmetry while still allowing for asymmetrical movement. The whole composition feels balanced, but not rigid. It breathes.
The elements and geometric accents flowing into the neck go really well with the natural anatomy and movement of the body, accentuating it. It has both boldness and delicacy.
For Inquiries, please feel free to reach out via contact@danielmeyertattoo.com
I look forward to work with you on your next story.
