Tattoo Artist Calls Craft a 'Sacred American Pastime'

Bakersfield tattoo artist Bobby Holland says tattooing veterans is one of his favorite things to do.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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For 250 years, tattoos have been an integral part of American culture, evolving from a practice popular among sailors in the late 18th and 19th centuries to a sacred pastime that helps veterans and first responders cope with trauma. Bakersfield tattoo artist Bobby Holland, who has been tattooing for several decades, says he considers it a privilege to tattoo veterans and help them through their PTSD and memories.

Why it matters

Tattoos have become a deeply meaningful way for veterans and first responders to process their experiences and honor their service. As a longstanding American tradition, the art of tattooing provides a therapeutic outlet and sense of community for those who have faced trauma.

The details

Holland, who owns Wolf Creek Tattoo, says he has tattooed hundreds of veterans and first responders over the years. He believes tattooing is a "sacred pastime" that allows his clients to memorialize their experiences and the people they've lost. Holland often hosts special promotions for veterans, including a recent event on Memorial Day.

  • Tattoos have been part of American culture for 250 years.
  • The first tattoo shop opened in New York in the late 1800s.
  • Tattooing became more popular among soldiers during World War II.

The players

Bobby Holland

A tattoo artist at Wolf Creek Tattoo in Bakersfield, California, who has been tattooing for several decades and considers it a privilege to work with veterans and first responders.

Wolf Creek Tattoo

A tattoo shop in Bakersfield, California, that has hosted several veterans-related promotions, including a recent event on Memorial Day.

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What they’re saying

“They're holding a sacred pastime in their hands. That's what I think all tattooers don't realize, is that they're a part of a generation's deep history within America. And I think just being an awesome tattooer, makes you an awesome American.”

— Bobby Holland, Tattoo Artist (bakersfieldnow.com)

“Tattooing veterans is one of my favorite things to do, man. It really gives them a sense of community, and then it gives them an outlet to help with their PTSD. A lot of times getting tattooed helps them move through their memories by putting things on their bodies. It helps them remember the people they lost, things that they love things that they did.”

— Bobby Holland, Tattoo Artist (bakersfieldnow.com)

The takeaway

Tattoos have evolved from a niche practice to a deeply meaningful way for veterans and first responders to process their experiences and honor their service. As a longstanding American tradition, the art of tattooing provides a therapeutic outlet and sense of community for those who have faced trauma, making tattoo artists like Bobby Holland an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.