Who We Are
Northern Black started with Isar Oakmund, a Danish tattooist based in Whitley Bay, England, who's spent years specialising in Nordic and historical art. If you've sat in his chair, you'll know his real skill isn't just the artwork itself, it's how he reads a body. He designs with your natural shape and movement in mind, not against it, so the piece looks like it was always meant to be there, whatever your body type. That same care and attention shows up in everything else we make too.
We're small and family-run, which we're genuinely proud of. There's no big corporate machine behind this, just people who love this history and want to treat it with respect. Every design you'll find here, on a book, a pendant, a print, started as a sketch in Isar's own hand.
What We Care About
Getting it right matters more than getting it fast. A lot of what's sold as "Viking" is really just symbols slapped together that never belonged in the same era, let alone the same design. We do the research so you're not just buying a look, you're buying something true. And if we ever slip up, we'll own it and fix it.
We build things to last. Our materials are sourced with care. We'd rather make one thing well than ten things half-heartedly, and we think you can tell the difference.
We know what we stand for. Norse history and its symbols have been dragged through some ugly places by people who twist them for hate. We won't be quiet about that. If you're here because you love the craft, the culture, and the real story behind it, welcome home.
How do you make sure the history is accurate?
Lots of reading, cross-checking, and a fair bit of stubbornness. Isar researches each motif, rune, or symbol before it ever becomes a design, so you're not just getting art, you're getting something grounded in real Norse and Viking Age history.
Are your books good for beginners, or more for tattoo artists?
Both, honestly. Whether you're a client looking to understand your own tattoo, an artist wanting accurate reference material, or just someone who loves this history, our books are built to be genuinely useful rather than decorative.
Can I use your designs for my own tattoo?
Our books and flash sheets are made with exactly that in mind, so yes. If you want something more specific or personal, that's where working directly with Isar for a custom piece comes in.
What do Elder Futhark runes actually mean?
Each of the 24 runes in the Elder Futhark carries its own meaning, sound, and history, and they weren't just decorative, they were a working alphabet. Our Runes, Sigils & Bindrunes book breaks each one down individually, along with how bind-runes (combinations of runes) were actually used.
Are Viking tattoos historically accurate if they use runes?
Not automatically, no. A lot of "Viking tattoos" online mix runic alphabets, later folklore symbols, and modern invented designs into one piece, which isn't accurate to any single time period. Our design books separate Elder Futhark runes, bind-runes, and later Icelandic material clearly, so if accuracy matters to you, you know exactly what you're choosing.
How can I stay updated on new releases or events?
The best way is following @northernblack or @isar.oakmund on Instagram, or signing up to our email list, where we've also been known to share the odd free design (like our corrected Vol 2 Yggdrasil/Vegvisir piece) with subscribers.
Why should I trust Northern Black over other Viking or Norse brands?
We'd never tell you not to shop around, but here's what we can promise: everything is hand-drawn by Isar, backed by real research, and made with care rather than rushed out to chase a trend. We'd rather earn your trust slowly than oversell you quickly.
Do you do anything outside of the online shop?
We do. We host the Jorvik Tattoo Moot in York, bringing together historical tattoo artists from around the world, Viking re-enactors, music, and family-friendly activities. It's one of our favourite parts of the year, and a chance to meet a lot of you in person.
Why did you start using print-on-demand for some apparel?
Mainly for you, honestly. These items are produced by facilities within your own country, which means faster, cheaper, and more reliable shipping compared to sending everything from the UK. Less time in transit, fewer customs headaches, and no compromise on the design itself.
Is it disrespectful to get a Viking tattoo if I'm not Scandinavian?
It's a question we get a lot, and there's no single right answer, but we'd say it comes down to intent and understanding. Getting a symbol because you've genuinely engaged with the history and meaning behind it is very different from grabbing whatever looks cool online. That's part of why we put so much research into our books, so you can make an informed choice either way.
To dive deeper into Norse mythology, symbolism, and what’s happening behind the scenes at Northern Black, explore our blog
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