A Tattoo Should Tell a Story — Yours.
I’m Mike Poindexter, a Norfolk-based tattoo artist serving Sailors, Marines, and locals across Hampton Roads. At Poindexter Tattoos, every tattoo honors your service, your soul, and the traditions that shaped tattooing itself.
Whether it’s a custom design built from scratch or a classic flash piece inspired by legends like Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy (with my own unique twist), your tattoo will be safe, meaningful, and something you’ll be proud of for life.
Located near Naval Station Norfolk and NAS Oceana, I proudly serve Sailors, Marines, military families, and locals across Hampton Roads.
Custom Tattoos & Classic Flash: Both Respected Here
Some clients arrive with a clear vision. Others prefer to browse designs until something clicks. Both are valid paths to an incredible tattoo.
At my Norfolk studio, you can choose:
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Custom tattoos built around your story, milestone, or memory.
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Classic flash tattoos — timeless Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy designs that shaped tattoo culture, especially for Sailors. These aren’t “cookie-cutter” tattoos — they’re iconic.
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Modified flash tattoos that blend tradition with your personal details, ensuring no two pieces are ever the same.
If you’re not sure what you want, I’ll guide you. Many first-time clients start with flash art for inspiration, and together we adapt it into something meaningful and uniquely yours.
Sailors returning from deployment at Naval Station Norfolk
Men & Women stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach
Military families in Chesapeake who want tattoos with meaning
Locals across Hampton Roads who connect with my original artwork
Who I Serve in Hampton Roads
Whether you’re choosing a tattoo built around your journey or one from my personal portfolio, the promise is the same: you’ll never walk out with something you don't love.
Local Pride, Global Stories
Hampton Roads is unique — home to the world’s largest Navy base, a proud Marine community, and families who sacrifice alongside their service members.
From Norfolk’s working waterfront to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront to Chesapeake’s neighborhoods, this region is full of stories worth telling.
My role is simple: to turn those stories into tattoos you can carry forever.
Military-Trusted & Local to the Bases
Being minutes away from Naval Station Norfolk and serving the NAS Oceana community, I work with Sailors and Marines every week
I understand Navy tattoo regulations, so you’ll never leave with placement that risks your career.
I’m not just “tattooing Sailors.” I’m creating art that respects your service, your rules, and your pride.
Priority Booking for Returning Sailors
After deployment, time is tight. You don’t want to spend weeks waiting for an opening.
That’s why I offer priority booking for returning Sailors.
If you’ve just stepped off the ship, I’ll find you a spot — so you can mark your milestone when it matters most.
Safe, Licensed, and Professional
Cleanliness isn’t optional.
My studio is sterile, licensed, and hospital-grade when it comes to safety.
I use single-use needles, premium inks, and strict cleaning protocols.
When you sit in my chair, you can focus on the art, not the risks.
HOW IT WORKS
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Consultation
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Design
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Tattoo Session
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Aftercare
What I Hear Every Day
When Sailors and locals reach out, their frustrations are usually the same:
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“I want something meaningful, but I don’t know who to trust.”
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“I don’t have much time during shore leave — I need priority booking.”
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“I’m nervous about Navy regulations — will I get in trouble for placement?”
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“I’ve seen too many friends regret their tattoos.”
These concerns are valid. Tattoos are permanent — a bad one costs more than money, it costs pride.
That’s why I built Poindexter Tattoos around meaningful storytelling, timeless artwork, and priority access for Sailors who deserve a trusted place to get tattooed.
Why Tattoos Matter After Deployment
For Sailors, tattoos after deployment are more than just tradition. They’re a way of:
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Honoring the journey you’ve just finished.
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Marking milestones in your career.
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Paying tribute to those who didn’t make it home.
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Reclaiming individuality after months of uniformity.
But here’s the truth: those tattoos only matter if they’re done right.
Whether it’s custom art or traditional flash, I won’t rush the process. A tattoo should connect with your life, not just fill a spot on your skin.
