ANCIENT MARKS

Nordic, Knotwork, Viking, BindRune, and Ornamental Tribal tattoos by Jon Poulson.

Salt Lake City, Utah - USA

ANCIENT MARKS - Nordic Knotwork, Viking & Pagan Symbolism & BindRune Tattoo Art by Jon Poulson

Custom Nordic Knotwork, Bindrune & Ancient Symbolic Tattooing in Murray, Utah.

This is the home of Ancient Marks - The Art Studio of Jon Poulson Located in Salt Lake City, Utah

Known for large-scale Nordic, Viking, Knot-work, ornamental tribal, and Sacred Geometry tattoo art, Jon has spent over two decades developing a style rooted in symbolism, mythology, individual body flow and intentional design.

Jon’s work blends historical inspiration with modern tattooing techniques to create tattoos that feel powerful, personal, and built to move naturally with the body.

Ancient Marks in Northern, Utah offers Clean, Professional Tattoos by Friendly, Talented, Award Winning artist Jon Poulson. Using Modern, Sterile, Traditional Tattoo Methods, and only the Best Pigments available. We go exceed industry standards to ensure your tattoo is personalized to you and looks the very best it can for a lifetime.

Take some time and explore this site using the Navigation buttons above. or Scroll down for more…

We encourage you to explore our Blog Posts to get inspiration and suggestions. Read through our Process so there are no surprises. Read about how we Price Tattoos to create an amazing tattoo that is unique to you rooted in symbolism from the past.

You can see more of Jon’s work after exploring this site, try visiting alohatattoos.net

You have found an artist in the USA who is dedicated to Nordic Inspired tattoos.

People come to us from all over the country, with a desire for something amazing. something to show a deeper connection.

Often times clients come to us with a bunch of viking and nordic symbols and images that they found on Google or Pinterest. A Handful of symbols, Various runes they’re not sure about, and few ideas with no clear direction. Only Inspiration.

In fact, most of our clients reach out to us initially feeling a bit intimidated, or even worried they may leave a symbol out. They want to include everything they see as a Viking or Nordic symbolism that they are drawn to and include loved ones, mark important events, or just show connection to the old-world. After talking, they want it to mean something important but don’t know how, or even where to start. Just random pieces that they have seen on tv, read about in books, or what Chat GPT may have initially suggested. - Nothing cohesive yet.

We understand. We have helped thousands of clients from all walks of life create the perfect tattoo from little more than an idea or a concept. At Ancient Marks each tattoo turns into a personalized tattoo that is yours. Not a symbol catalog. Not symbols slapped on randomly.

We approach each piece different. We start with you. We define this tattoo with YOUR STORY and we build a tattoo that feels like yours, Something you connect to, with deeper symbolism that is yours, with inspiration from you, to fit your body specifically.

If you aren’t looking for something with deeper meaning, Don’t worry, we design tattoos that just look really cool based on Jon’s artwork. Some people don’t want it to have deep meaning; Many clients just want a Nordic Tattoo based Jon’s art that looks amazing on them. - YES! We love creative freedom!

Either way, your Nordic Tattoo is closer than you think… We work with clients just like you every day to create masterpieces that last a lifetime.


➤ LOCATION

Ancient Marks is Jon’s private studio Adjacent to the Award winning Tattoo studio:
Aloha Tattoos in Murray, Utah

Ancient Marks Tattoos

6657 South State St. Suite 5
Murray, Utah 84107

 

☎ CONTACT


The only way to get into Jon’s schedule is to fill out an Inquiry Form

Click the link below submit an Inquiry Form so we can get all if your info in one place. Next we review your project and send a link to schedule a Virtual Pre-Consultation.

During your Pre-Consultation, Jade will answer your questions and get the process started, Jade will help get all of your reference materials, ideas, and thoughts in order and then work with Jon to get your in-person consultation appointment scheduled. With Jon, you can discuss your Tattoo Project and plan your Drawings and Tattoo appointment(s). She’s been doing consultations for years, and has an advanced knowledge of the process that works best.

Feel free to contact us directly via Text or email. We encourage you to browse through the pages on this website to learn more about us and how we design and conduct tattoo sessions.

Remember, this is a private studio, so text or email is usually the best way to reach us.

Please explore the site using the links above to learn about our Tattoo Process, the First Steps, the Drawing Process and how working with Jon Poulson looks.


Below is a sample of Jon’s work from Instagram:

Below just is a small sample of the tattoo artwork that Jon Poulson has done over the past few decades in Salt Lake City, UT. Feel free to scroll through his IG profile to get to know him as a person, and browse some of his current projects, and past pieces.

Some of my favorite tattoo styles.

below are a few of my favorite styles. as you can see, the styles I enjoy tattooing lead me to call my private studio Ancient Marks Tattoo. For a more inclusive list of the styles that I love to tattoo, click here, to read a bit more about me.

There’s something about Nordic symbolism, Viking knot-work, Ornamental geometry and Pagan imagery. The old stories that have always pulled at me on a deeper level. Maybe it’s the connection to ancestry, the mythology, the struggle and triumph woven into the symbols, or maybe it’s the idea that these marks once carried real meaning for the people who wore and carved them. For me, this style of tattooing goes far beyond decoration. I love creating pieces that feel powerful, intentional, and alive; tattoos built from runes, bindrunes, knotwork, mythology, ornamental flow, sacred geometry, and ancient symbolism that move naturally with the body while telling a deeply personal story. Whether it’s a single rune carrying meaning through a difficult chapter of life, or a full-scale composition inspired by the Eddas, Yggdrasil, ravens, wolves, serpents, gods, and ancient warrior culture, the goal is always the same: to create something rooted in history, shaped by your story, and designed to carry meaning for the rest of your life.

Nordic Knotwork, Viking & Pagan Symbolism and BindRunes - My Passion

Ancient Symbols. Modern Power.

If you’ve ever felt drawn toward the old gods, ancient symbolism, Viking mythology, or the endless flow of Celtic knotwork, you’re in the right place. These tattoos carry history, meaning, and a certain weight to them that goes far beyond aesthetics. They connect people to ancestry, spirituality, mythology, and personal transformation.

I specialize in Nordic, Viking, and Ornamental knot work inspired tattoo work built around blackwork, ornamental flow, sacred geometry, and large-scale body composition, often including Color. My approach blends historical inspiration with modern tattooing techniques to create tattoos that move naturally with the body while still carrying the spirit of the ancient world.

Nordic and Viking tattoos often pull from Norse mythology, Norse Family culture, Concepts such as: Conquering and Overcoming hardships, Inspiring to be better and Sense of Belonging to something bigger, better and more powerful. Stemming from humanities ancient symbolism:

  • Wolves, Ravens, Mythical beasts, Serpents, Bears, Boars, Steer, and dragons or all sorts…

  • Iconography from the Eddas

  • RuneStone Carvings

  • Pagan Gods and their children - their adventures and tales brought to life

  • Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer)

  • Elder Futhark runes

  • Custom bindrunes

  • Sigils and Staves

  • GodMasks

  • Berzerkers

  • Yggdrasil

  • Large pieces that combine these elements to tell your personal story.

  • Symbolize your struggles and your ability to overcome

  • connecting you to your ancient past

These symbols once appeared carved into stone, wood, weapons, jewelry, and ships — carrying meanings tied to protection, fate, strength, sacrifice, exploration, and the unknown.

  • Endless knotwork flowing from the beasts mentioned above

  • Interwoven patterns as fills

  • Spirals and sacred geometry

  • Ancient symbolic flow representing eternity, interconnectedness, and the cycles of life

Whether the goal is honoring heritage, exploring spirituality, building a large-scale bodysuit, or simply creating something that resonates on a deeper level, the process is always collaborative and custom-built for the individual wearing it.

These projects are most commonly approached through blackwork and ornamental tattooing, though selective color and texture can absolutely be incorporated depending on the direction of the piece. Our imagination is the only limit.

BindRunes & Viking Age Runes

Magic in Every Mark.

Runes are far more than an ancient alphabet. They are symbols layered with meaning, intention, history, and mystery — originally carved into stone, wood, weapons, jewelry, and other objects throughout the Norse and Germanic world. For many people, runes represent protection, transformation, guidance, strength, ancestry, or personal evolution.

I work primarily with the FUTHARK runes, specifically, the Elder Futhark runes, bindrunes, and historically inspired Nordic symbolism, creating custom pieces designed specifically for the individual wearing them. Some clients come seeking a single rune with personal meaning. Others build entire compositions around mythology, sacred geometry, or larger symbolic narratives.

Bindrunes are created by combining multiple runes into a single flowing symbol:

  • Protection

  • Strength

  • Courage

  • Growth

  • Transformation

  • Healing

  • Direction

  • Spiritual connection

These symbols can be subtle and minimal, or woven deeply into larger sleeves, chest pieces, and body-flow compositions. This is what I draw for fun every day.

While modern rune tattoo culture has exploded in popularity, I place a strong emphasis on understanding the historical roots, symbolism, and cultural context behind the imagery. These are not just decorative marks — they are symbols that have carried meaning for centuries, and I approach them with that respect in mind.

Ornamental Tattoos

Elegance in Motion. Flow That Follows the Body.

Ornamental tattoos are where artistry meets anatomy. These designs are crafted to move with your body—wrapping around curves, following lines, and enhancing the natural flow of your form. This style blends geometric patterns, mandalas, dotwork, and elements of sacred geometry, Celtic knotwork, Norse symbols, and even Polynesian tribal motifs—woven together into something fluid, beautiful, and completely custom.

Unlike other tattoo styles that are symbol-based or standalone, ornamental tattoos are designed to feel like they belong to you. They’re often used to accentuate the chest, ribs, spine, arms, or legs—anywhere the design can flow organically with your body.

Expect fine linework, symmetry, and repetition—but also storytelling. These pieces can be deeply personal, combining visual elegance with the deeper meanings of ancient patterns and symbols.

If you’re looking for something that’s both decorative and meaningful, something that wraps your story around your body like armor or lace, an ornamental tattoo might be exactly what you’re after.

Sacred Geometry & Geometric Tattoos

Structure. Balance. Beauty.

Sacred geometry tattoos are more than beautiful—they’re rooted in the belief that the universe is built from a series of divine patterns. These tattoos speak to those who find meaning in harmony, symmetry, and universal balance.

Whether it’s the Flower of Life, Metatron’s Cube, or a custom pattern built from geometric shapes, I love designing pieces that feel both meditative and powerful. These tattoos often resonate with those seeking a deeper connection to spirituality or who simply appreciate the beauty of clean, flowing symmetry.

You’ll often find this art style on bodies, walls, and even vehicles—because once you see it, you realize it’s everywhere. In your tattoo, it becomes personal, intentional, and striking.

Combining Styles

Contemporary tattooing allows me to combine these styles occasionally

While I like to stick to the roots of the styles, I often enjoy mixing these styles together to make modern masterpieces, rooted in tradition. lets see what we can come up with, lets talk about your ideas and make something magic - just for you.

From the tips of his toes to his neck, each man is tattooed in dark green with designs, and so forth.
— Arab diplomat, Ibn Fadlan, around the year 922. Referring to the Vikings he encountered

Explore our Nordic Tattoo Blog

Below we invite you to scroll through and read our Tattoo Blog. Learn more about, and get inspired by, nordic tattoos, ancient methods for tattooing and get inspired with suggestions.

Let's Chat.

You must have questions. Feel free to contact us directly via Text or email.

Or if you want to read about how to get in to get a tattoo from Jon, Start with the Next Steps or The Process and we can begin working together.