During his year at prep school, Frank Santos spent hours drawing sketches of an arm sleeve and creating a tattoo he could live with for the rest of his life.

The junior communication and rhetorical studies major, football player and brother of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity is one of very few people who can say the tattoo artist copied his work exactly as it was intended to appear.

Though one must see the piece up close to examine the artwork’s fine detail, Santos explained some of the largest portions of it. The process took longer than four or five months, with the tattoo artist working from the wrist up.

When Santos describes his tattoos, however, he starts from the top. That’s where the New York City skyline stretches across his shoulder, resting above a gathering of billowing clouds.

“I was born in New York City, and I plan on dying there,” he said.

Right below, a quotation from “American Gangster” is written: “The most important thing in business is honesty, integrity, hard work, family, never forgetting where we came from.” He placed this at one of the most visible spots on his arm because it is an immediate reminder to him of exactly who he is and what he wants out of life.

On the inside of his arm sits a single dove, a memorial for one of his brothers who passed away in 1999. Santos also incorporated many flags — United States of America, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Rhode Island — to signify his roots.

On his elbow, the most painful portion of all the work he has had done, is the Yankees logo with “Bronx” written across it. All these symbols are indications of where he’s lived and of places that have had huge effects on his life.

Thirty-one stars are included on various parts of his arm, as well as the number “92,” representing his date of birth: Jan. 31, 1992. Trailing down to the bottom of Santos’ forearm is a cross, which ties into the Spanish word for God, “Dios,” on his wrist.

“I value what Jesus strived for and what he went through, even if not everyone believes in him,” Santos said.

These are just a few of the many pieces included on his grand work of art. Santos explained how his intricate sleeve has opened up conversations with complete strangers and allowed him to connect with people on a new level.

His sleeve is an autobiography of his life for all to see. He explained how people are often ignorant of this fact and of the meaning of tattoo culture in general.

Said Santos: “That’s what it’s really for — to remember why you did it and why its there. It’s a very crucial thing that people ignore.”

Published on October 14, 2013 at 11:57 pm

Contact Naomi: ncfalk@syr.edu