Florida—The art of tattooing and the mission of animal welfare converge in the work of the Salty Fox Tattoo and Apothecary, where an artist’s craft transcends ink and skin. Dave “Sailor Dave” Altman, a sailor-turned-tattoo artist, has built a career blending the precision of realism with the cultural depth of Japanese art. Alongside his wife Kayla Altman, he also spearheads the Salty Fox Sanctuary, a nonprofit rescuing foxes from fur farms. Together, they exemplify how passion for artistry and compassion for animals can create a meaningful impact.
With a foundation rooted in innovation, Altman credits Grip Needles for elevating his artistry. The brand’s hybrid needle configurations enable him to bring intricate visions to life while enhancing efficiency in the studio. “Grip Needles’ unique hybrid patterns have been very fun to work with,” Altman shared. “My favorite configuration is the mag needle, and their consistency has made my work more efficient.” This innovation complements Altman’s style, which marries the technical demands of realism with the rich storytelling of Japanese tattoo traditions.
A Lifelong Commitment to Creativity and Culture
Dave Altman’s journey in tattoo artistry began during his maritime career. Sketching at sea became a hobby, inspiring him to leave his job as a sailor and pursue tattooing full-time. “If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice,” Altman reflected. Now, his dedication to mastering Japanese art connects him to an ancient tradition.
“Japanese tattoos require a deep understanding of culture, art, and history,” Altman explained. “It’s more than copying a photo—it’s about creating something deeply rooted in tattoo culture."
Dave Altman's respect for history and artistry resonates in his studio, where collaboration with clients is important in bringing their visions to life without compromising his expertise. “Most clients are nervous at first,” Altman noted. “If you can make them less fearful of the process, you can create better from a place of curiosity and excitement than a place of fear, which leads to incredible results.”
Tattooing and Advocacy: A Shared Mission
Beyond the studio, Altman and his wife operate the Salty Fox Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing foxes from fur farms. What began as a single pet fox has grown into a safe haven for 16 rescues, many of which endured harrowing conditions. “The foxes come from fur farms, and they have never touched the ground, as they have been kept in small cages their entire lives,” Altman revealed. “They face significant challenges due to poor genetics, but we’re committed to giving them a better life.”
The sanctuary relies on continuous fundraising to cover expenses, including veterinary bills and raw meat diets for foxes. A recent milestone includes the construction of a $10,000 play yard, funded through community support, and is set to be operational this January of 2025.
While Kayla Altman leads the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations, the couple’s six children also play active roles. Their eldest works as a sanctuary employee, while the younger ones assist with care and advocate for animal welfare. “Our children have a love for the foxes. They have learned a lot about the world through our fur farm,” Altman said. “We teach them to love and respect all living things,” Altman added. We may not be able to make a huge impact on the fur farming industry, but we are making a difference in the way our children view the world.”
A Unique Approach to Community Engagement
Salty Fox Tattoo regularly combines artistry with advocacy, hosting events featuring the sanctuary’s ambassador foxes, Finn and Koa. These events attract locals and visitors, and they help bring awareness and support to the Salty Fox Sanctuary's mission.
The tattoo shop, located in historic downtown Fernandina, has become a hub for creativity and compassion. “Bringing the foxes to the shop has been a great way to involve the community,” Altman shared. “It’s inspiring to see how much people care once they connect with the animals.”
The Role of Grip Needles in Artistic Excellence
Grip Needles plays a pivotal role in enabling Altman to deliver top-tier artistry. These tools are known for their consistency and ergonomic design and have earned high praise from the tattoo artist. “Their hybrid patterns are unique and fun to work with,” Altman said. “They save time while adding depth and texture to the designs.”
The versatility of Grip Needles allows Altman to seamlessly blend his artistic style with client requests, maintaining the integrity of both. Kayla, also a tattoo artist, incorporates Grip Needles into her glitter tattoo work, further showcasing the brand’s adaptability.
A Legacy of Creativity and Compassion
Altman's commitment to balancing artistry, family life, and nonprofit work demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared goals. “It really takes a village,” Altman acknowledged. “My wife and I support each other in everything, from the sanctuary to the studio. That partnership has shaped not only our careers but also our family.
Through tattooing and animal advocacy, the couple has created a legacy that inspires others to pursue their passion while giving back. “Being a part of an art style that’s thousands of years old makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than just myself,” Altman reflected. “And watching my wife live her dream with the sanctuary is equally rewarding.”
How to Support the Mission
Those interested in supporting the Salty Fox Sanctuary can follow the nonprofit’s Facebook page for updates, fundraisers, and rescue stories. The sanctuary also welcomes visitors to its events, where they can meet the ambassador foxes and learn more about fur farm rescues.
For tattoo enthusiasts, Salty Fox Tattoo offers appointments at its Fernandina location, combining artistic excellence with a commitment to making the world a more compassionate place.
About Grip Needles
Grip Needles produces and sells high-end tattoo and PMU needle cartridges made with top-notch materials and cutting-edge engineering. The company's latest product, the TriFlat™, has gained a lot of attention for its ability to improve the way tattoo and PMU artists work, as well as their output.
