You’ve seen him in the sharpest tailored suits money can buy. He sits in that leather chair on ABC, dissecting business plans and crushing dreams (or making them) with a single sentence. But if you look closely at his collar or catch a glimpse of his forearms when the sleeves are rolled up, you’ll see something most "corporate" moguls wouldn't dare show. Daymond John is heavily tattooed.
It’s honestly kind of a shock the first time you realize it. We’re so used to the polished, billionaire aesthetic that seeing high-level ink on a Shark feels like a glitch in the matrix. But for the FUBU founder, these aren't just random designs picked off a shop wall.
Every piece of ink tells a story about where he came from and the people who kept him alive.
The Mark of God and the Prophet on the Van
Most people don't know that Daymond’s tattoos are deeply spiritual. One of his most visible pieces—the one that often peeks out from his shirt collar—reads: "Who God bless no man shall curse." It’s a powerful statement of resilience. It wraps from his chest up toward his neck.
There’s a wild story behind his "7777" tattoo, too.
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Years ago, while Daymond was still grinding, a woman on a commuter van handed him two dollars and told him he had the "mark of God" on him and that he’d be in front of millions of people one day. Later, a woman on a subway said the exact same thing. Then, he noticed the number 7777 on his government-issued documents. He eventually got the numbers inked on his shoulder and neck. He says he looks in the mirror every morning, sees that "mark," and remembers his purpose.
Realism and Family: The Arlo DiCristina Pieces
Daymond doesn't just go to any local shop. He’s a regular client of Arlo DiCristina, a world-renowned artist known for mind-blowing realism at Elysium Studios. If you've ever seen the hyper-realistic portrait work on Daymond's arms, that’s Arlo’s handiwork.
The most sentimental piece? A stunning portrait of his mother.
He’s gone on record saying that entrepreneurship is easy compared to being a mother. He wanted to honor the woman who took out a second mortgage on her house to fund FUBU when 27 banks said no. Arlo captured her likeness with surgical precision. It’s not just "mom" in a heart; it’s a high-art tribute to the woman who made the "People's Shark" possible.
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Why he keeps them (mostly) hidden
Daymond is a master of "reading the room." He’s explained that in the music and sports worlds—industries he helped build through FUBU—tattoos are a bridge. They show you understand the culture. They signal that you aren't just an "empty suit" looking to exploit a community.
But in a boardroom with 80-year-old bankers? He keeps the sleeves down.
It’s a strategic choice. He calls it a "necessity" in certain business circles to look like the community you serve. It’s about solidarity.
The Symbols of New York and Hip-Hop
You can't take the Queens out of the man. Daymond’s ink includes a massive Statue of Liberty on his arm. For him, it represents the American Dream—the idea that a kid from Hollis can become a global icon through sheer hustle.
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Then there’s the microphone tattoo that wraps around his arm. This is a direct nod to his friend and early FUBU supporter, LL Cool J. LL’s own mic tattoo is legendary, and Daymond’s version is a tribute to the hip-hop culture that provided the heartbeat for his business empire.
What it means for modern business
Daymond's tattoos are a middle finger to the old-school idea that "professional" means "blank skin." He’s proven that you can have a neck tattoo and still be one of the most respected investors on the planet.
He actually credits the tech industry for changing the game. When he saw brilliant software engineers with sleeves and piercings, he realized that talent doesn't have a specific "look."
If you're thinking about getting inked but worry about your career, look at Daymond. He didn't wait until he was a billionaire to be himself; he used his identity to build the billions.
Next Steps for Your Own Branding:
- Audit your visual identity: Does your outward appearance (tattoos included) align with the "tribe" you are trying to lead or sell to?
- Tell the story: If you have ink, know the "why" behind it. In a networking setting, a tattoo with a deep story like Daymond's "7777" is a better conversation starter than any business card.
- Master the "Selective Reveal": Learn when to show your creative side and when to lead with the "suit" depending on the stakes of the meeting.