Nate Steir

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

After my divorce, I struggled a little with my mental health, relationships etc. I was in a dark place for so long and I needed something to remind me that I can make it through my struggles. I grew up in Japan, so I was very familiar with Japanese art. My father was in the military and we were stationed overseas. I knew that in Japanese art every symbol represented something. So everything on my sleeve tattoo represents something regarding life, its struggles, bravery, adversity and love.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

It would say that I have no control of what my future has in store for me, but once I understand how the flow of life works I could live my life in a more peaceful and harmonious way. Like the symbols on my arm life has deep meaning. Adversity, love, friendship, power, struggles, strength. Together it reminds us we’re alive.

What would you do with the $25,000?

It would help me to start my nonprofit dream on mental illness awareness for men. Society often times has us believing that men need to be strong & hide our feelings to be strong. I believe that it takes a strong man to actually share his feelings and express himself. I believe there would be less suicides for men going through dark times. If I could save one person from suicide, I would have accomplished my goal, but there are thousands that need our help. I just want to help others.