Recently, the Threadless crew decided to take team bonding to a whole new level. We visited Code of Conduct Tattoo in Chicago’s South Loop, where we swapped printing tees for inking skin. That’s right—we chose our favorite submissions from our Flash Tattoo Design Challenge to make a lasting impression on ourselves, literally. This challenge was a nod to the iconic styles that have defined tattooing for ages, drawing submissions from independent artists all over the globe.
For our ink-and-needle escapade, tattoo wizards Jaime Navarro, Jake Ames, and Michal Grebosz took our chosen designs and masterfully transformed them into body art. Stay tuned as we roll up our sleeves to showcase these epic ink jobs and reveal why we chose to carry these designs with us to the grave.
Jake’s Pick: “Eternal Snooze” by LXROMERO
“I chose ‘Eternal Snooze’ because asking for just five more minutes to live feels just as comically serious as asking mom for 5 more minutes of Zelda before dinner time.”
Jake, Threadless Founder & CEO
Rafi’s Pick: “Tiger Girl” by Bragans
“I went with ‘Tiger Girl’ because I’m a sucker for that traditional style. And now I have a tattoo with tattoos. How meta is that?”
Rafi (Me, Author of This Post)
Lance’s Pick: “A Knife” by LXROMERO
“I chose ‘A Knife’ by Lucho as a homage to our dog, Knives. Plus, it’s just super cute and edgy at the same time.”
Lance (AKA WEARECAREFUL)
Becca’s Pick: “Caba-Ribbit” by LXROMERO
“We are both just fancy ladies. She spoke to me.”
Becca
Josh’s Pick: “Sempre.Al Dente” by Sustici
“To honor my wife Erin and Thanos, who both believe in pasta ‘perfectly balanced as all things should be.’ Sempre al dente.”
Josh
Lucho’s Pick: “Landscape” by LXROMERO
“I chose my own design because I wanted artwork from an artist I respect and admire.”
LuCHO (AKA LXROMERO)
Anna Lisa’s Pick: “Thank You” by Moongerm
“The apathetic smiley face on the plastic bag just made me feel so seen. It makes me chuckle. Moongerm is the best.”
Anna Lisa
Big thanks to the incredible artists who submitted to our Flash Tattoo Design Challenge, and shout out to our friends at Code of Conduct Tattoo who imprinted these designs on our skin. Want to wear flash tattoos in a less permanent way? Check out our Flash Tattoo Design Challenge Collection, where you can find these designs and more on your favorite merch, from tees to everyday mugs. Get inked, without the commitment, at Threadless.
Also, follow Code of Conduct Tattoo, Jaime Navarro, Jake Ames, and Michal Grebosz on Instagram to see their killer work!
