REMEMBERED IN INK
More than just reference material, the Nordic Tattoo Collection is a gallery of brilliant artwork designed for tattoo artists, collectors, and anyone seeking Nordic tattoo ideas with depth, symbolism, and authenticity.
REAL INK, REAL ARTISTS
These books unveil selections from globally renowned tattoo artists, each bringing their unique touch to historical symbols, characters, and narratives. Each tattoo featured in these pages is a completed work, often large-scale and deeply symbolic. Examples you’ll see:
- Nordic sleeve tattoos in Ringerike and Urnes styles
- Intricate Nordic rune tattoos woven into bind runes or spell staves
- Norse mythology tattoos featuring gods like Odin, Freyja, and Thor
- Celtic spirals, Pictish beasts, and other early European motifs
- Full body and back pieces, chest panels, hand tattoos, and ritual designs.
What unites all these works is their connection to ancestral art, brought to life on skin.
FOR TATTOO ENTHUSIASTS & ARTISTS
These volumes are ideal for:
- Tattoo clients seeking Nordic tattoo ideas and real-world examples
- Professionals looking to explore what’s possible with Nordic tattoo designs
- Collectors, pagans, and historians interested in the modern interpretation of ancient symbolism
- Anyone wanting to connect with artists who specialise in Viking Nordic tattoo designs.
Each artist featured is listed with direct contact details, making it easy to find someone whose work resonates with your vision.
STYLES REPRESENTED
This collection spans a wide range of historical and regional styles:
Salin Style
Also known as Style I, this is a Germanic Iron Age style that predates the Viking Age but influenced early Nordic art. Geometric animals, sharp lines, gripping claws, and body parts formed from ribbon-like patterns.
Borre Style
Ring-chain motifs, dense, symmetric knotwork, stylised gripping beasts.
Jelling & Mammen Styles
Fine detail, plant motifs mixed with animal forms, delicate curves and spirals.
Ringerike Style
Slender beasts, vine-scrolls, gripping paws, elegant symmetry.
Urnes Style
Graceful, intertwined animals with almond-shaped eyes and long tapering bodies.
Celtic Interlace
Classic linework from British and Irish sources
Runic Magic
Bindrunes and stave marks as seen in Nordic symbol tattoos
The tattoos showcased in this collection reflect a range of techniques used by professional artists working in historical styles. Expect to see bold blackwork, precise linework for knot and beast motifs, detailed dotwork shading, and occasional handpoke work created with ritual intent. Some artists use illustrative or realism-based techniques to bring mythological scenes and deities to life with striking clarity. Others take a modular (patchwork) approach, building symbolic tattoos piece by piece. Each method is chosen for aesthetic impact and how it carries the weight of Nordic symbolism and story onto skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are these tattoo design books?
Not in the traditional sense. These are books showcasing completed tattoos, not line art or flash. They’re ideal for inspiration, study, and discovering artists working in traditional styles.
Can I copy the tattoos in the book?
We strongly advise against copying tattoos directly. These are finished, personal works. Instead, use the books to discover styles you like and contact the artist for a custom piece.
Are the artists contactable?
Yes. Each featured artist includes their name, studio, and contact info. If you see work you admire, you can reach out to that artist directly.
Do the books explain Nordic tattoos and meanings?
Some artists include notes, but the focus is on visual documentation. If you’re looking for detailed meanings or background, we recommend pairing with one of our Viking art books or rune guides.
Are these only for Norse styles?
No. While Norse tattoos are a central theme, the collection also includes Celtic, Pictish, and other Nordic artwork traditions from across early Europe.
Can I use this to plan a Nordic sleeve tattoo?
Absolutely. You’ll see real examples of Nordic sleeve tattoos, which can help you visualise composition, flow, and scale.
Why should I buy a book from the Nordic Tattoo collection?
By buying any of these books, you’re directly supporting the growth of the Viking and historical European tattoo community. When Isar Oakmund began tattooing in this style, it was a niche corner of the industry — now it includes over 150 artists and continues to expand. Your support helps fund not just the book itself, but also artist promotion, tattoo events, and ongoing efforts to make this genre accessible and sustainable for future generations. Thank you for being part of it.
