One story.
One number.
One tattoo at a time.
Created by Nick Tyler Tattoo, a tattoo artist who has been a part of the recovery community for over 14 years, #onetattooatatime is a completely free monthly tattoo event aimed at changing the way the world views addiction, relapse, loss, and recovery. Every piece created through this movement represents a life that mattered, a story that deserves to be told, and should serve as an eternal reminder that recovery IS possible.
Registration begins in:
Limited spots · Free tattoos for qualified attendees · No walk-ins
Who can register? Anyone affected by addiction/alcoholism: in recovery, supporting someone you love, or honoring a life lost.
Ink for healing, not for profit.
Date: Inaugural Date: 03.22.2026 - Every month a new date will be announced.
Location: Home Studio: Nick Tyler Tattoo/Selden, NY - Please see list of participating artists for those not loacl to Long Island.
Cost: $0 for qualifying stories connected to addiction and recovery.
Not looking for numbers? Want something more unique and personal? Ask about custom recovery tattoo discounts
Ink a love letter to your survival.
#onetattooatatime is an artist-led monthly recurring event designed by Nick Tyler Tattoo which offers free tattoos for people whose lives have been touched by addiction. No judgment. No spectacle. No cost.
Whether you are:
– Marking your clean date
– Honoring someone you lost
– Reframing relapse
this event exists to give your story a permanent, visible home. My hope, with your help, is to shift the conversation that surrounds addiction, recovery, relapse, loss, and grief relating to those lost to this disease. Any and every period of recovery deserves to be celebrated.
Who this event is for
If addiction has written itself into your life, this event is for you.
In recovery
You are marking your own clean time - whether it is 24 hours or 24 years. This tattoo is a quiet promise you make to yourself.
Loved ones & family
You have watched someone you love fight addiction — or you have lost them to it. Your tattoo might be a date, or the number of days they stayed clean, a symbol of a hard battle fought and the love that never left.
Friends & supporters
You stand beside someone in recovery. Your ink is a visible reminder: no one has to do this alone.
How this monthly
event works
We keep things structured so you
feel safe, seen, and heard.
Step 1
Announcement
At the beginning of every month,
Nick's #onetattooatatime free flash day will be announced.
March's date: 03.22.2026
April's date: 04.26.2026
Step 2
Registration
A registration link will be shared one day prior to the event.
Spots are limited, so be sure to join @nicktylertattoo's broadcast channel (and turn on post and story notifications) so you don't miss it!
Step 3
Arrive & receive
You show up to your session, meet your artist, and together we bring your story to life. One date, one number, one tattoo at a time.
We keep the space calm, sober, and supportive. No judgement, no shame, no cost - no matter what.
Anonymity above all
These free flash days are structured so there is only one client in studio at a time. This ensures your safety, privacy, and protects your anonymity.
What I will ask you: basic contact info, your connection to addiction, a brief description of what your number means to you and where you'd like your tattoo placed.
None of your information or story will be shared without your consent.
Questions, answered in plain ink.
If you are unsure whether this event is for you, the answer is probably yes. But here are some details that might help.
Why "One Tattoo At A Time"?
Because recovery doesn’t happen all at once... it happens one day at a time.
That phrase has been a cornerstone in recovery communities for decades. It’s a reminder that when everything feels overwhelming, you don’t have to fix your whole life overnight. You just have to get through today.
“One Tattoo at a Time” is built on that same philosophy.
Does it really cost nothing?
Yes. There is no cost for your tattoo if your story is connected to addiction, recovery, or loss due to addiction. Your artist is volunteering their time and will cover all cost of supplies.
If you choose to tip your artist, it is always appreciated but will never be required.
What kinds of designs are allowed?
Numbers or Dates ONLY.
This event is focused on small pieces that carry big meaning.
To ensure a smooth event day, tattoos are limited to 10 characters, a number or a date only. (ex. "02/22/2012" or "5,114")
Tattoos will be done in a typewriter style font, similar to what you see here.
Nick is also offering a 20% discount on larger, more personal/unique recovery or memorial related custom tattoos, if you're looking for something larger than numbers.
Do I need to be sober to attend?
Yes. This is a sober, substance-free event for everyone’s safety. If you arrive under the influence, I cannot accept your consent form, therefore I will not be able to tattoo you.
You are always welcome to apply for a future date when you are ready.
How are people selected?
There is no selection process. Registration will be first come, first served and based on the honor system.
This event is not for angel numbers, wedding dates, birth dates, etc. Only for those memorializing a lost loved one with their clean date or the amount of days they were clean before passing, those in recovery that want their clean date or # of days marked, and other recovery related numbers/dates.
Please respect the qualifications!
Can I come with a friend or family member?
Yes. One guest is welcome, if necessary. This can be an emotionally charged session and a supportive guest will not be turned away. Nick's studio is small though, so please limit 1 guest and only if absolutely needed.
Want to become a participating artist?
If addiction has touched your life,
and you would like to offer free recovery/memorial tattoos in your region, please take two minutes to register as a participating artist!
By becoming a participating artist, you agree to uphold the integrity of this event and offer by keeping it cost-free and judgement-free, no matter what.
Your name & studio location will be added to a participating artists list which will be searchable by those looking to find you.
Thank you for being a part of this.
- Nick