The allure of New York City has long captivated visitors, inspiring countless photographs, postcards, and stories. But a new trend is emerging, one that goes beyond fleeting snapshots and tourist trinkets: travelers are now etching their love for the city onto their skin, transforming their bodies into living canvases that showcase their NYC experiences. This shift from traditional souvenirs to permanent body art reflects a desire for more meaningful and personal mementos, a way to carry a piece of the city with them wherever they go. Tattoo parlors across the city, particularly those in bustling tourist hubs like Times Square, are witnessing a surge in visitors seeking NYC-themed ink.
Carmen Verdugo, owner of Liberty Center Tattoo Shop in Times Square, is at the forefront of this trend. Her shop has become a pilgrimage site for tourists looking to immortalize their NYC adventures. Verdugo estimates that a staggering 80% of her clientele are tourists, hailing from a diverse array of countries. The designs they request often reflect iconic symbols of the city: the majestic Statue of Liberty, the instantly recognizable skyline, the bold lettering of “New York” or “New York City,” and even quintessential NYC experiences like grabbing a hot dog or a slice of pizza. More whimsical designs, like a rat indulging in a pizza feast or a squirrel nibbling on an apple, add a touch of humor and local flavor.
To cater to the growing demand for NYC-themed tattoos, Verdugo has curated a comprehensive book filled with hundreds of design options. The book acts as a visual encyclopedia of New York City iconography, featuring everything from the graceful silhouette of the Brooklyn Bridge to the soaring heights of the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. It also includes more poignant images, such as the Twin Towers, allowing visitors to pay tribute to the city’s history and resilience. The diversity of designs caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that each tattoo tells a unique story of the individual’s connection to the city.
Carole Prieur, a visitor from France, embodies this new wave of souvenir seekers. Over the course of three separate visits to the Big Apple, Prieur has entrusted Liberty Tattoo with creating permanent reminders of her NYC experiences. Her first tattoo, a delicate butterfly with the letters “NYC” inscribed beneath it, holds a particularly profound meaning for her. The butterfly symbolizes rebirth, representing her personal connection to the city as the ancestral home of her great-grandmother, a connection she rediscovered after a thirty-year search. For Prieur, the tattoo is more than just a souvenir; it’s a symbol of her own personal journey and a tangible link to her family history.
Verdugo’s own journey to becoming a tattoo artist is a testament to her resilience and determination. Originally from Chile, Verdugo arrived in New York City in 2016 with a dream and a passion for art. Facing the challenges of navigating a new city with limited English proficiency, she initially worked in restaurants, construction cleaning, and as a secretary. However, her artistic aspirations remained undeterred. A less-than-satisfactory experience with her first tattoo ignited a spark within her, inspiring her to pursue tattoo artistry herself. Despite the traditional views in her hometown that discouraged women from pursuing such artistic endeavors, Verdugo persevered.
After the pandemic, Verdugo obtained her tattoo license and honed her skills at Times Square Tattoo for four years. When the shop closed in June 2022, she saw an opportunity to realize her dream of owning her own business. With the unwavering support of her husband, she secured a previously vacant space on West 46th Street, a location she had long admired and envisioned as her own. In November 2022, Liberty Center Tattoo Shop opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in Verdugo’s journey.
The name “Liberty” holds a double meaning for Verdugo, reflecting both the iconic Statue of Liberty and the personal freedom she found in pursuing her artistic passion. The Statue of Liberty, a universal symbol of hope and opportunity, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of New York City. The word “liberty” also represents Verdugo’s own personal journey of breaking free from traditional expectations and embracing her artistic calling. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of liberty, anything is possible.
