At times when the familiar world seems to be falling apart, it’s easy to slip into a state where any action feels meaningless. But the reality is — contribution is still possible, even if it’s local and embedded in your everyday work.

Sea Shepherd Global is an international organization that protects marine wildlife not through declarations, but through direct action — from fighting illegal fishing to defending vulnerable species. They are now launching an initiative that the tattoo industry can be part of.

What the project is about

Sea Shepherd is building a global movement of tattoo studios and artists who support their campaigns through their work.

The idea is simple: you create tattoos — a portion of the income goes toward protecting the ocean. The infrastructure is already in place: donation systems, tracking, campaign materials, and clear explanations.

The initiative is already supported Tattoo for the Ocean: Where Tattoos Support the Sea by artists from different countries — from independent creators to well-known names in the industry. This is an important signal: the project is already active, and it’s being supported by people who shape the industry.

Among them:

"Through this collaboration, art becomes activism, and each piece act as a wearable prayer, talisman of awareness, and symbol of resistance against the destruction of our marine ecosystems"  - said tattoo artist Silvia Fava.

Collaboration with tattoo artist Silvia Fava

How to participate

There are no applications or complicated procedures. You simply choose the format that works for you:

Flash Day — a single day with themed designs
Flash Week — a week dedicated to flash
Marine Life Month — a percentage from any ocean-related tattoos
Collaboration — joining through a partner studio

Then send a short email with three points:

  • format
  • theme
  • month

📩 chris@seashepherdglobal.org (Christopher Storey, Social Outreach, Sea Shepherd Global)

In response, you’ll receive a ready-to-use package: donation links, campaign details, and social media materials.

Campaign themes

Each period is linked to specific Sea Shepherd focus areas:

March–May — whales and Antarctic marine life
June–July — dolphins
August–October — octopuses and sea turtles

These are guidelines, not limitations — you decide how to interpret them in your own style.

Why it’s worth doing?

Because it doesn’t require changing your profession, your workflow, or your studio strategy. You simply add another layer of meaning to what you already do. And in a moment when so much is truly out of your control, this is one of the rare cases where action remains simple and clear.