Experience and commitment in grief counseling.
As part of his long-standing work as a voluntary death and bereavement counsellor , Pete has engaged deeply with the many ways in which people can cope with painful crises and experiences of grief . In doing so, he has developed and refined methods that help those affected to process their grief in a creative and individual way. His in-depth exploration of memorial tattoos is a direct result of his voluntary work in grief support.
He has further developed this as a specialty product from Holy Nail Tattoo.
Mourning tattoos: expression and memory combined.
Holy Nail Tattoo offers you a special way to deal with grief and loss: mourning tattoos. This expressive and artistic method creates a lasting memory and helps to process the painful loss of loved ones or pets. A mourning tattoo can be a symbol of strength and remembrance on your individual mourning path.
Why mourning tattoos are therapeutically important.
Mourning tattoos can play a significant role in the psychological healing process. They allow for the processing of painful experiences, the redefinition of identity, and the transformation of memory into a visible form. Studies show that tattooing—especially in connection with loss—can be a helpful tool for coping with grief:
Mun, Janigo & Johnson (2019)
- Qualitative study about memorial tattoos as a form of expressing grief. Many participants reported that their tattoos helped them cope with the loss of loved ones and find comfort.
- Source – „Commemorative Tattoos as a Form of Grief Expression“, Journal of Loss and Trauma.
Wohlrab, Stahl & Kappeler (2007)
- Psychological study on the motives for tattoos. The study shows that tattoos can help process emotional crises such as grief and breakups.
- Source – „Modifying the Body: Motivations for Getting Tattooed and Pierced“, Body Image.
Koch et al. (2014)
- Meta-analysis on artistic expression in therapy. Activities such as drawing, painting, or tattooing strengthen emotional resilience and support coping with loss.
- Source – „The Embodied Self in Artistic Expression and Therapy“, Frontiers in Psychology.
Tucker & Leaf (2019)
- Ethnographic study about tattoos as living memories. They help make grief visible and encourage social conversations about loss.
- Source – „The Tattooed Self: Meaning Making and Grief“, Death Studies.
Atkinson (2003)
- Sociological analysis of tattoos as an autobiographical medium. Especially in times of loss, trauma, and healing, they serve as a symbolic form of expression.
- Source – „Tattooed: The Sociogenesis of a Body Art“, University of Toronto Press.
Armstrong, Owen & Roberts (2002)
- Empirical study on memorial tattoos as a form of emotional coping with grief, especially after the death of relatives or pets.
- Source – „Tattooing: A Survey of Beliefs, Attitudes, and Functions“, Journal of Psychological Reports.
Tattoos can therefore be understood as a ritual act, emotional outlet, and social signal. A mourning tattoo is not just an image on the skin. It is a conscious, healing gesture that uniquely unites memory and emotional connection.
Creative support through memorial tattoos on your grieving journey.
At Holy Nail Tattoo you will not only receive a unique tattoo, but also active and strengthening support. Your personal mourning tattoo will be designed with sensitivity and care to make your story and emotions visible in a creative way.
We take the time to talk about your experiences, memories, and wishes in a safe space — without pressure and with an open heart. In close collaboration, we develop a design that not only preserves memories but can also provide comfort and give new strength. This way, your tattoo becomes a loving symbol of connection, letting go, and moving forward.
Are you interested in mourning tattoos?
If you are interested or would like to find out more about the possibilities of a personalized mourning tattoo, do not hesitate to contact Holy Nail Tattoo. Simply write an email or use the usual contact options to get advice and design your way of remembrance.