Tattoos are art, and though some people are ok with them being destroyed together with their bodies when they die, it doesn’t have to be that way. The National Association For The Preservation Of Skin Art (NAPSA) offers its members the opportunity to embalm and frame their tattoos when they die as gifts for their loved ones.

“As I had work completed on my back piece, art that I had invested over fifty hours of pain (or for some, pleasure), I began contemplating on the substantial investment, both in time and hours, I had put into my work,” wrote NAPSA founder and chairman Charles Hamm. “I personally founded NAPSA because I wanted to save my ink for my loved ones and to allow my tattoos to  declare who I truly am so others cannot define who I was.”

More info: savemyink.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (h/t: neatorama)

Mom

This tattoo was donated by NAPSA Chairman, Charles Hamm. It is a classic tribute to his mother using the iconic design of a heart and banner

Flower

The new school style refers to tattoos that are bold, bright and in-your-face. The designs for new school pieces are often contemporary and fantastical. New school tattoos utilize a wide array of colors that are well-blended and typically very eye-catching

Death Before Dishonor

Traditional tattoos consist of thick line work, dark outlines, solid colors and little shading. They are simple in design and use a limited color palette that typically consists of black, red, green, yellow, brown and/or blue. When it comes to the classic American tattoo, look no further than the traditional style

Biker

This tattoo belonged to Mark G., an inaugural NAPSA member. In Mark’s final days he received this tattoo, which represents him riding his bike to take off on his next adventure, and his philosophical position – “Fuck The World.” Mark sadly passed away in 2015, but this meaningful tattoo will surely carry on his legacy

Rose For Grandmother

When Erik found out his grandmother was in the hospital, he immediately approached his artist Chris Jacobs to create a hand tattoo to memorialize her. After Erik received the neo-traditional rose piece, his wife Candice distinctly remembers the image of Erik and his grandmother holding hands in the hospital

King Rig

Erik never wanted to exude cockiness, but he did want to evoke a sense of confidence. By receiving the Celtic spelling of the word “king” in a new school graffiti style, Erik could represent his confidence without it being too overt

Panda

Photo realism tattoos are created using photos as a reference. The artist uses a specific photo and replicates it on skin. Photo realism tattoos look identical to the artist’s photo reference

Marine Corps

This eagle, globe and anchor tattoo has a traditional feel to it while also incorporating simple line work. The artist opted for completing the piece in only black and gray tones. Tattoos with this imagery have a long, important history with the military

Anchor For Grandfather

Since Erik received one hand tattoo for his grandmother, he found it only fitting to receive a tattoo for his deceased grandfather on his opposing hand. When his grandmother saw this neo-traditional anchor tattoo she remarked on how she and her husband were “finally together again”

Gargoyle

This is an early rendition of realism using the tools and inks that artists at the time had at their disposal. Realism tattoos are realistic depictions of items, life forms or scenarios. With realism tattoos the artist also accurately replicates perspective, color, lighting and other details. This particular tattoo was preserved for one of NAPSA’s inaugural members, Mark G.

Wedding Vow

To signify their vows, Erik and Candice Turney both received identical wedding ring tattoos after their nuptials. Candice will no longer be alone in wearing her permanent ring as she can now also see Erik’s daily

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