Nathan Strickland

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo was inspired by my second family with the fire department. It is a red firefighter Maltese cross with the number 80 on it. I was in Recruit Class 80 for the Arlington County Fire Department and the bonds I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned through this job has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The tattoo commemorates the bonds I’ve formed along the way and the coworkers and patients that have made a lasting impact on my life.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink would talk about the people I hold close to my heart and how the ink represents them. My cardinal would speak about my mother and great grandfather. Stone Cold Steve Austin would tell you about the nights my dad shared watching wrestling while I was growing up. My ice cream cone would tell you about the summer days spent in Michigan with my grandparents. My cactus would speak to the relationship I have with my other set of grandparents and my fondness for the desert that they live in.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would continue to add to my collection of ink by traveling around the world to different artists I admire. I have a deep respect for the Japanese style and would love to add that to my collection. I want to add a couple of pieces by Jimmy Snaz as watching him on Ink Master developed my love for the art form. I also want to add a couple more portraits to my collection and some lettering.