Tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they are deeply personal stories, artistic expressions, and lasting testaments to our lives and passions. For many, these intricate designs are as much a part of their identity as any cherished possession. But what happens to this artwork when the wearer passes away? Kyle Sherwood and his father Michael, a mortician team in the US, recognized the profound significance of tattoos and founded Save My Ink Forever to offer a unique service: preserving tattoos from deceased loved ones as enduring memorials. We spoke with Kyle to understand the inspiration and process behind this increasingly popular way to honor a loved one’s legacy.
The Inspiration Behind Tattoo Preservation
Kyle explained that the idea stemmed from understanding the deep connection people have with their tattoos. “Families often struggle with traditional memorials,” he noted. “An urn or a headstone with just a name can feel impersonal.” Tattoos, however, are intensely personal. They are visual narratives etched onto the skin, often representing significant life events, beliefs, or relationships. For many, the thought of these meaningful artworks being buried or cremated felt like losing a vital piece of their loved one.
He drew a compelling analogy to the art world. “Some tattoo artists are modern-day Michelangelos,” Kyle asserted, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in tattooing. “Yet, their masterpieces are often lost when the wearer dies. You wouldn’t burn or bury a Picasso, so why should these incredible works of art be lost forever?” This perspective underscores the value of tattoo preservation as a way to recognize tattoo artistry and extend the legacy of both the wearer and the artist. He also pointed to historical precedents of memorialization, such as Victorian hair necklaces or saving baby teeth, to contextualize the human desire to preserve tangible pieces of loved ones.
The Process of Preserving Tattoos
The Sherwoods meticulously honed their preservation technique. Kyle revealed their innovative practice method: “We actually paid for people to get tummy tucks. They would get tattoos on the skin to be removed, and then donate that skin to us to practice on in exchange for the operation.” This dedication to perfecting their craft demonstrates their commitment to providing a high-quality and respectful service.
So, how does the preservation process work for families wanting to memorialize their loved one’s tattoos? Kyle clarified that pre-planning isn’t always necessary. “Sometimes families reach out after a death has occurred,” he explained. The crucial step is timely notification. Save My Ink Forever needs to be contacted within 48 to 72 hours of death. This timeframe allows them to manage the necessary paperwork and guide the funeral home through the initial steps. Refrigeration of the body delays natural processes, allowing for tattoo excision either before or after embalming. They provide funeral homes with detailed instructions and kits, including instructional videos, to ensure the tattoo removal is done correctly and respectfully. The excised tattoo is then shipped to Save My Ink Forever for the preservation process, which takes approximately three months to complete to archival standards.
Panda tattoo preserved by Save My Ink Forever, showcasing detailed artwork.
What Happens After Preservation?
Once preserved, the tattoo is returned to the family, framed to museum quality with UV protective glass. Kyle described the transformation: “It looks more like parchment. You can’t tell it’s skin unless you have something obvious that takes the shape of the person, like a full back piece and sleeves.” This durable, art-like piece can then become a central part of a home memorial, hung alongside photographs, or displayed as a unique piece of art. Save My Ink Forever has preserved tattoos of all sizes, from small, delicate pieces to extensive full-body suits, each holding immense personal value.
Stories Behind the Ink
Kyle shared some poignant examples of tattoos they’ve preserved, highlighting the deeply personal narratives behind them. One particularly touching memory was of a father’s handprint tattoo. “A man passed away and had the handprint of his young child tattooed on him,” Kyle recounted. “His wife felt preserving this would be a precious keepsake for their child, a tangible reminder of their father’s love.” Another example involved matching frog tattoos shared by a mother and daughter, symbolizing the mother’s sobriety – a testament to shared journeys and personal milestones. These stories illustrate how tattoos are often imbued with profound meaning, making their preservation a powerful act of remembrance.
Example of a dog portrait tattoo preserved by Save My Ink Forever, resembling parchment.
Opening Conversations About Life and Legacy
Kyle believes that tattoo preservation can play a role in shifting societal perspectives on death and dying. “Death has long been a taboo subject,” he observed, “and tattoos themselves were once considered taboo.” By merging these two formerly taboo subjects, Save My Ink Forever is prompting new conversations about how we remember and honor the deceased. For those grieving, having a preserved tattoo can be a significant comfort. “People like the idea that it helps their loved one’s story live on,” Kyle explained. “Seeing the tattoo triggers positive memories, and that’s symbolic, because our loved ones live on through our memories.” In a time of loss, these tangible reminders can be incredibly helpful in the grieving process.
Global Reach of Tattoo Memorialization
While based in the US, Save My Ink Forever serves families internationally, including the UK. Kyle outlined the process for international clients: “Families can email us to start the conversation. We discuss pricing and logistics, then coordinate with the local funeral home.” They provide comprehensive support, sending instructions and kits to funeral professionals worldwide, ensuring that geographical distance is not a barrier to preserving these meaningful artworks.
Save My Ink Forever logo and branding, promoting tattoo preservation as a unique memorial for loved ones.
Preserving tattoos of dead loved ones offers a unique and deeply personal way to keep their memory alive. It transforms body art into lasting memorials, celebrating individuality, artistry, and the enduring power of love and remembrance. To learn more about this service, visit the Save My Ink Forever website or follow them on Instagram @savemyink4ever.
