by Anna Clarke | Apr 25, 2026
Don’t miss out on Portland’s premier pop culture convention this September! Rose City Comic Con is a fun, family-friendly 3-day celebration of comics, gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy, and every fandom in between.
About Comic Con
Portland’s premier pop culture event, Rose City Comic Con is produced locally with a weird and wonderful vibe unique to the Pacific Northwest. Now in its thirteenth year, the goal remains the same: to deliver a rewarding, memorable, laughter-inducing weekend.
While comic books and their talented creators remain the cornerstone of RCCC, fans of all ages can enjoy celebrity guests, video and tabletop gaming, cosplay, anime, science fiction, fantasy, and more.
Rose City Comic Con is produced by LeftField Media, a boutique event company made up of passionate fans and experienced convention organizers.
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
When Is Rose City Comic Con?
Sept. 11–13, 2026
Friday: 1 PM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday and Saturday programming runs until 10:00 PM.
by Anna Clarke | Nov 16, 2025
Mark your calendars! Saturday December 20th from 5PM to 10PM we are hosting a Solstice Eve Market here at the shop with tons of fantastic vendors including many of our artists! Come get your holiday shopping done and support local artisans all in one trip 🖤
Posts about individual vendors details coming soon, keep an eye out!
by Anna Clarke | Jan 17, 2024 | artists, Jake tong, Tattoo Styles, tattoos
Looking for an Anime Tattoo Artist?
In recent years, tattoos have evolved from being stigmatized art forms to widely accepted expressions of individuality and creativity. Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic culture, and alongside the eclectic and different, anime tattoos have emerged as a powerful trend in the world of body art. Anime, a style of animation that originated in Japan, has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Portland’s tattoo parlors are now bustling with enthusiasts seeking to permanently ink their favorite anime characters and symbols onto their skin. With this growing popularity of anime tattoos in Portland, let’s chat about their influence on pop culture tattoos, what makes them so special, and most importantly, how we can connect you with amazing Anime tattoo artists!
The Allure of Anime and Manga Tattoos
Anime is more than just animated shows and movies; it’s a form of art that inspires passion and devotion among its fans. It encompasses a vast array of genres, characters, and themes, providing endless possibilities for tattoo designs. Here are some reasons why anime tattoos have become so appealing in Portland:
- Personal Connection: Many anime fans develop strong emotional connections with their favorite characters and stories. Getting a tattoo of a beloved character or symbol can be a way to carry a piece of that world with them, a constant reminder of the impact it has had on their lives.
- Unique Art Styles: Anime is known for its diverse art styles, from the classic Studio Ghibli’s ethereal beauty to the bold lines and vivid colors of shonen and shoujo anime. These art styles translate well into tattoos, allowing for stunning and visually striking designs.
- Pop Culture Status: Anime has reached a level of mainstream recognition that transcends its Japanese origins. It’s not uncommon to see characters from popular anime series like “Naruto,” “Dragon Ball,” or “My Hero Academia” appearing in tattoo form in Portland and beyond.
- Nostalgia and Timelessness: Many anime series holds a special place in people’s hearts, serving as nostalgic reminders of their childhoods. Anime tattoos can evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless in their appeal.
The Influence on Pop Culture Tattoos
The rise of anime tattoos in Portland is not isolated; it reflects broader trends in the world of pop culture tattoos. Anime tattoos have made a significant impact in the following ways:
- Fusion of Styles: Anime tattoos often incorporate elements of traditional tattoo art, such as neo-traditional or watercolor techniques. This fusion of styles creates unique and visually captivating designs that resonate with both anime enthusiasts and tattoo aficionados.
- Breaking Stereotypes: Anime tattoos challenge stereotypes about the traditional tattoo culture, which has often been associated with rebellion and counterculture. They demonstrate that tattoos can be a medium for celebrating one’s interests, passions, and artistic appreciation.
- Cross-Cultural Appeal: Anime’s global reach means that fans from diverse backgrounds are getting anime tattoos. This cross-cultural appeal has contributed to the blending of different artistic influences in tattooing, enriching the art form.
- Collaborations: Tattoo artists in Portland frequently collaborate with clients to create custom anime-inspired designs. This collaborative process has led to a flourishing creative exchange between tattoo artists and their clients.
Where to Get Anime Tattoos in Portland
Portland boasts a thriving tattoo scene with numerous talented artists who specialize in anime tattoos. When considering getting an anime tattoo, it’s crucial to research and choose a reputable tattoo studio or artist. Look for reviews, portfolios, and recommendations from fellow anime enthusiasts to find the right artist who can bring your vision to life. In our Studio, we have several artists who can add your favorite characters to your tattoo collection. Jake Tong is an Artist with over 15 years of tattooing experience, he is well known at our shop for his anime tattoos and incredible color packing with his pieces.
Anime tattoos in Portland, Oregon, represent a fascinating intersection of art, pop culture, and personal expression. As the popularity of anime continues to grow worldwide, we can expect anime tattoos to remain a significant influence on the evolving landscape of pop culture tattoos. These tattoos not only celebrate beloved characters and stories but also bridge cultural gaps and inspire a new wave of creativity in the world of body art. Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or a newcomer to the world of Japanese animation, an anime tattoo in Portland can be a powerful and lasting testament to your love for this captivating art form.
by Anna Clarke | Jul 10, 2018 | Tattoo Styles, tattoos, Uncategorized
The American tattoo tradition is believed to have started during the American War of Independence, particularly among sailors. In those early days, U.S. sailors sought to mark their bodies with defining and distinguishable tattoos to avoid being mistaken for British soldiers, who often took unclaimed men into service. These tattoos served as a clear symbol of identity, helping sailors prove who they were and where they belonged. This necessity sparked the beginnings of a unique tattoo culture among sailors.
As sailors traveled the world, they encountered rich tattoo traditions in other lands, often choosing to get tattoos as mementos of their journeys or as reminders of their homes and loved ones. Over time, sailor tattoos grew to hold cherished meanings, becoming symbols of patriotism, protection, and personal milestones. These traditional designs carried deep significance, making each tattoo a reflection of the wearer’s life at sea.
Today, while the meanings behind these traditional images may not always be as concrete, there’s still something timeless and captivating about them. Many people choose American Traditional tattoos simply because of the way the designs speak to them. The bold lines, solid colors, and classic imagery are designed to endure, standing the test of time both in artistry and meaning.
Ships and Pirate Ships
An image of a fully rigged ship sometimes signified that the sailor has sailed around Cape Horn. Cape Horn is at the southernmost tip of South America where the waters are rough and stormy. Sometimes the ships were replicas of vessels the sailors sailed. A pirate ship could be symbolic for determination and adventure.
Anchors
The anchor symbolizes stability and steadfast strength. With the representation of steadiness and endurance, it is common for an anchor to have a loved one’s name draped around it. The image of a compass or nautical star is a representation of the North Star guiding the ship home.
Hula and Pin-Up Girls
A Pin-Up girl tattoo was often the only female a sailor may see while away. The old school pin up girls could imply the memory of a loved one back home. Tattoos of Hula girls usually represent that a sailor has been to the islands of Hawaii.
Mermaids
A mermaid often personified the love that a sailor has for the sea. The mermaid beckons the sailor to return to ‘his true mistress’, the sea.
Swallows
A swallow is a bird that is known for its long migrations and its safe return to home. It is common for a swallow to travel the long distance between the Americas, hence the symbolism in nautical tattoos of a ship that sails to a far away destinations and returns safely home. If a sailor were to die at sea, the swallows would carry his soul home to heaven.
Panthers
A black panther exemplifies prowess, bravery and courage.
Eagles
The American bald eagle is a true patriotic symbol representing honor, strength, intelligence and focus. All the characteristics a sailor would encompass.
Snakes
A snake is often tattooed in a coiled position, ready to strike. The snake is a symbol of power and potency, a warning to enemies.
Pigs and Roosters
Pigs and roosters were often transported in wooden crates. Often it is these passengers that survived a fallen vessel, protected by the cages they resided in the pigs and roosters had alarming survival rates. A pig on the right foot and a rooster on the left signified the ability to survive. This is symbolic for keeping the sailor from drowning.
Turtles
A shell-back turtle signifies that a sailor has crossing the equator while out to sea.
Skulls
Death fascinates, and ultimately comes for, us all. For this reason, skulls and other death related motifs are popular tattoo choices. Often this is a form of “memento mori”, or a reminder that everyone dies. For other who’s occupation bring them close to death at times, such as soldiers and sailors, it serves to represent a coming to terms with, or even warding off, the inevitable.
Hearts
A heart is symbolic of keeping loved ones close. Adding a name to your heart is a personalized way to honor your loves.
Daggers
A dagger represents a broken heart or a lost love.
Whether your tattoo symbolizes your patriotism, celebrates accomplishments at sea, serves as a protective charm, or is simply a design you love, tattoos remain as unique as the individuals who wear them. For inspiration, you can look to the legendary flash art created by Cap Coleman, Sailor Jerry, and Paul Rogers, the pioneers of American Traditional tattooing.
We’re passionate about these tattoos because they not only represent the roots of tattoo culture in America, but they also hold strong through the years. Their simplicity is deceptive—while they may look straightforward, it’s the skillful application that makes them so impactful. Bold lines, solid coloring, and beautiful whip shading make these designs stand out, looking great from a distance, up close, and for a lifetime.
At Anatomy Tattoo, we specialize in both custom and traditional tattoo designs. Whether you come in with a detailed sketch or just the beginnings of an idea, our talented artists will work with you to create a unique tattoo that fits your vision perfectly. If you’re seeking something specifically traditional, we also have a wall of flash designs ready to go!
Looking to get a traditional tattoo? Anatomy Tattoo has some phenomenal artists who are passionate about bringing these iconic designs to life.
Schedule your consultation or stop by the shop to discuss your tattoo ideas—we’d love to meet you and help bring your vision to reality!
