Our Story

The Whaling City Legacy

New Bedford was once the whaling capital of the world. In the mid-1800s, this small Massachusetts port city was the wealthiest city in America per capita, its docks lined with ships that would sail to the far corners of the earth. The cobblestone streets we walk today were built by the labor of thousands of sailors, merchants, and craftsmen who made this city what it was.

At the heart of the whaling industry were the Portuguese and Azorean sailors who made up the backbone of the crews. By the 1860s, they comprised up to 60% of whaling crews, bringing with them their traditions, their stories, and their unshakeable work ethic. They earned New Bedford its other nickname: the "Portuguese capital of the United States."

A Tradition Written on Skin

Sailors have long used tattoos to mark their journeys, commemorate loved ones, and carry their stories on their skin. A swallow meant a sailor had traveled 5,000 nautical miles. An anchor signified crossing the Atlantic. A full-rigged ship meant rounding Cape Horn. These weren't just decorations; they were records of a life lived at sea, worn with pride and earned through experience.

This tradition of meaningful, permanent art is what Whaling City Tattoo Co. honors today. Every piece we create tells a story. Every design carries significance. We believe tattoos should mean something, just as they did for the sailors who built this city.

Rooted in Community

Owner Julia Harley grew up in New Bedford, surrounded by the city's rich history and Portuguese traditions. She spent her childhood hearing stories of the sea, of family members who worked the docks and sailed the ships. The bold artistry of maritime culture, the intricate scrimshaw carvings, the painted figureheads, the tattooed arms of fishermen, inspired her love of visual art.

Whaling City Tattoo Co. is her way of giving back to the community that shaped her. This isn't a corporate studio or a chain. It's a neighborhood shop run by people who care deeply about their craft and their city. We treat every client like family because, in a way, they are. This community raised us, and we're proud to serve it.

Modern Craft, Timeless Values

While we honor tradition, we're not stuck in the past. Our artists bring contemporary techniques, modern equipment, and fresh perspectives to every piece. We specialize in a wide range of styles, from bold traditional work that would make any sailor proud to delicate fine-line pieces and detailed realism.

What hasn't changed is our commitment to the values that built this city: hard work, craftsmanship, and community. We take our time with every tattoo, ensuring the design is perfect before needle ever touches skin. We maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety. And we create an environment where everyone feels welcome, whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth.

Our Promise

When you walk into Whaling City Tattoo Co., you're not just getting a tattoo. You're becoming part of a tradition that stretches back generations. You're trusting us with something permanent, something meaningful, and we don't take that responsibility lightly.

We promise to listen to your ideas and help you refine them into something you'll love forever. We promise to be honest with you about what will work and what won't. We promise to create art that you'll be proud to wear for the rest of your life.

Welcome to Whaling City Tattoo Co. Let's make something meaningful together.