American Tattoo Society Sets Up First Shop On Fort Liberty, Now Has 11 Nationwide

The largest military base in the world is finally home to its first-ever tattoo studio, as American Tattoo Society has opened up shop on Fort Liberty in North Carolina.

American Tattoo Society is based right here in Fayetteville, and is the only tattoo shop currently allowed to operate on military installations around the country. From its first shop on Yadkin Road in Fayetteville, the shop has grown massively, and now has 11 shops around the country, with nine of those on military installations.

"Ever since I was a little girl coming to the airfield to wait for my dad to come home from overseas I've loved (Fort Liberty)," owner and co-founder Nicole Harrell said in a news release. "It is very special to us to be able to bring tattooing to Fort Liberty, because this is our home, and these are our people."

According to the release, "The new location is at the Smoke Bomb Hill Mall and has 5 permanent artists with room for guest artists."

Ryan Harrell, owner and co-founder, told WUNC the idea came from learning that his father-in-law, an Army veteran, never had to leave the base to do things like shop or eat out because he had everything there.

"I didn't know about on-base life and to know that there's that many people on-base that never leave, or don't have the ability to leave, or maybe they're young [the] first couple years," he told WUNC. "I thought this would be an opportunity to be on-base and allow them to get tattooed, make it easy and accessible to them."

American Tattoo Society - which started in 2014 - now has locations in Fayetteville, NC; Fort Liberty, NC; Jacksonville, NC; Nellis AFB, NV; MacDill AFB, FL; Fort Bliss, TX; Travis AFB, CA; Fort Drum, NY; Fort Moore, GA; Fort Irwin, CA.; and JB Charleston, SC.

The shop is also well-known for establishing the large All-American Tattoo Convention held annually in Fayetteville. Their off-post location in Fayetteville also boasts being the largest tattoo studio in the country, as evidenced by their snazzy Tiktoks:

Some people get tattoos to show their personality and rock a unique style. Others see tattoos as a way to wear art on their bodies. Sometimes, it's all about the fun and excitement of getting inked on a whim. Tattoos can also be a way to bond with friends or tell stories about our lives and experiences. Plus, they're great conversation starters that help us connect with like-minded people.

When it comes to tattoos, finding the perfect artist and studio is crucial. This is because mistakes are quite common with tattoos. Whether it's a misspelled word, a design that didn't turn out as expected, or a tattoo artist's error, these blunders can be disappointing and frustrating. Poorly executed tattoos or ones that don't align with the client's vision can leave a lasting mark of regret.

There was even a show that dived into the world of bad tattoos, A&E's Bad Ink. The series featured tattoo artist and musician Dirk Vermin, who owns Pussykat Tattoo off the Las Vegas Strip, and his buddy and bandmate Rob Ruckus. Together, they embarked on a mission to track down people with regrettable tattoos and offered their expertise in transforming these less-than-stellar inkings through skillful cover-up work.

We all make mistakes. A mistake with a tattoo is a pretty big one, that keeps reminding you of your mistake. But here's the silver lining. Those mistakes can teach us some valuable lessons. Before you get tatted up, do your homework and research reputable artists whose work matches your style. And when you find the right one, make sure to communicate openly and trust their expertise. Working together, you can create a masterpiece that you'll proudly show off for years to come. Learn from others' mishaps and make informed choices that will make your skin art something you'll always cherish.

Here are the 6 most common tattoo mistakes.

One of the most prevalent mistakes is when a word or phrase is misspelled or improperly translated. It's essential to double-check the spelling and accuracy of any text before it becomes a permanent part of your body. Taking these precautions beforehand can help you avoid a misspelling or "lost in translation" mishap. Double-check the spelling of the words or phrases you want to include, verify translations if using a different language, seek the help of a professional tattoo artist experienced with text, review the stencil or design before starting the tattooing process, communicate clearly with the artist about your intended text, and take your time to ensure accuracy.

Sometimes, tattoos may not turn out as expected due to an artist's lack of skill or understanding of the design. This can result in blurry lines, uneven shading, or distorted proportions. To avoid tattoo design disasters, it's important to do your research. Take the time to find a reputable artist whose style aligns with your vision. Clearly communicate your ideas and expectations to ensure they understand your desired design. Request a consultation and ask for a mock-up to see a visual representation before committing. Trust the artist's expertise and advice while also considering their compatibility with your preferred style.

Choosing the wrong location for a tattoo can be a mistake. Factors like body shape, future plans, and professional considerations should be taken into account when deciding on the placement of your tattoo. Consider your lifestyle and future plans. Consult with your tattoo artist for their professional advice on placement that complements your chosen design and body shape. Use temporary tattoos or henna to test out different locations before committing.

People's tastes and interests evolve over time, and a tattoo that once seemed cool or meaningful may become a source of regret. There are a few common examples such as trendy or pop culture references which can lose their appeal over time. A romantic partner's name or portrait can become a painful reminder of past relationships. Tattoos featuring offensive symbols or controversial imagery might be something you regret later. It’s essential to carefully consider the long-term significance of a design before getting it permanently inked.

Getting inked on a whim, without taking the time to reflect on the design's meaning and long-term impact, increases the chances of future dissatisfaction. Tattoos are permanent, and what may seem like a great idea in the heat of the moment may lose its appeal or significance over time. By taking the time to make a meaningful and well-thought-out decision, you can minimize the chances of future regret and create a tattoo that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Neglecting proper aftercare can lead to complications and affect the final outcome of a tattoo. Following the artist's instructions and taking care of the tattoo during the healing process is important to maintain its appearance and ensure proper healing. Keep your tattoo clean using mild soap and water, moisturize with tattoo-specific ointments or fragrance-free lotions, resist the urge to pick or scratch the tattoo, protect it from the sun with sunscreen, avoid prolonged water exposure, wear loose clothing to prevent irritation, and steer clear of irritants like scented lotions.