GROUP PHOTO ESSAY: ~SAN JOSE TATTOOS~

9 contributors tell us about their tattoos to commemorate San Jose.

Add your tattoo to the ~GROUP PHOTO ESSAY~!

​"I was born here and raised all over the eastside: Alum Rock and White, 28th and East San Antonio, the house behind the house sandwiched between the liquor store and the golf course on King and San Antonio, McKee and Capitol, the east foothills off Story, and a few other spots. I have a lot of love for the eastside, I've lived a lot of other places but this particular place has my heart. I've always wanted a SJ tattoo but could never decide on what to get, so finally I just decided on lettering. My partner did this stick&poke for me at my house, she watched a few youtube videos and just went for it." - A.J. Jones

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: Born & Raised Here

TATTOO ARTIST: See above!

"I got this when I was 21 to show my pride for San Jose and also based on the art work in the Know Your Rights album of The Clash." - Adam W.

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: Born and raised, now living away from the city.

​TATTOO ARTIST: unknown

"I got this back around 2007 maybe? In the years that I didn't live in San Jose, whenever I came back I'd have coffee with my family and talk. So the two went hand in hand for me." - Bryan Lopez

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: I was born here and grew up here. I moved away for college and a chunk of my 20s. I'm glad I left for a few years because it made me value what I love about it. I can't pinpoint what it is other than SJ is home :-)

TATTOO ARTIST: Sean Goldschlager ["The best kitchen tattooer I know."]

"I got this today! My friend Sherrise had the idea a few months ago, centering on the California poppy. Our friend Ben drew it and then tattooed her first. San Jose is my first love, and my heart swells with pride when I think about the strength of everyone who calls this place 'home.'" - Haley BG

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: hometown

​TATTOO ARTIST: Ben at Death Before Dishonor

"Started as a simple Friday the 13th piece but added the SJ to show the love I have for my city." - Luis Apolinar

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: My city, where I was born and raised. I love San Jose.

TATTOO ARTIST: Ivan Lomeli Instagram:@ivanlomelitattoo

"I got this tattoo with my best friend, Jess, last time she was home. It was my birthday present to her, and a gently reminder that she will always have reasons to love and come back to San Jose. And also a reminder to myself that even as this place changes all around me, San Jose is mine, it will always be ours in the histories we make here, and it is the sum of all the beautiful parts that brought me here 10 years ago. It toughened me, it softened me and it is where I became the person I wanted to be." - Otessa Crandell

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: The home that chose me.

​TATTOO ARTIST: Ben O'Hara at Death Before Dishonor, an incredibly talented and kind human being.

"Sonic Skateboards 1990s Sharks Logo. Sonic Skateboards was based in San Jose and put this logo on a skateboard graphic. I grew up skating San Jose and loving the Sharks. This is a twist on that Sonic Skateboards design by jason gallego." - Phil Ritti, Jr.

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: Made In San Jose.

​TATTOO ARTIST: jason gallego

"One rainy night driving down Santa Clara St I realized how much I love this city and how beautiful San Jose is to me. I wanted the beauty and love I have for San Jose to be with me Forever." - Sherrise G.

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: San Jose is my Home.

"Wanted something a little different than the traditional San Jose tattoo, so I got warrior goddess wearing a sharks head to remember to carry it wherever I go." - Theo Dominguez

SAN JOSE CONNECTION: Born and Raised