You’ve watched him for over fifteen seasons. He sits in that sleek leather chair, looking sharp in custom-tailored suits, calculating margins and royalty deals with a cold, analytical eye. He’s the "People’s Shark." But there is a version of Daymond John that doesn't usually make it onto the ABC broadcast.
Underneath those crisp white collars and designer blazers is a canvas.
Honestly, most fans have no clue that Daymond is heavily tattooed. We’re talking full sleeves and ink that climbs up his neck. Because Shark Tank is a family-friendly Disney-owned production, those tattoos are almost always strategically hidden. He’s basically a walking contradiction: a corporate powerhouse who looks like he belongs in a boardroom, but with the skin of a rockstar.
Why the Shark Tank Daymond Tattoos Stay Hidden
It isn't a secret, per se. Daymond has actually been quite vocal about his ink in niche circles, even landing the cover of Inked Magazine. He’s admitted that the "Disney version" of himself keeps the ink under wraps. It’s kinda funny when you think about it. We see the polished mogul, but the tattoos tell the real story of the kid from Hollis, Queens, who built FUBU from a sewing machine and a dream.
The ink isn't just for show. It’s his autobiography.
The Mark of God: That 7777 Neck Tattoo
If you look closely during certain high-energy pitches, you might catch a glimpse of something on his neck or shoulder. One of his most personal pieces is the sequence "7777."
He calls it the "mark of God."
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The story behind it is pretty wild. It traces back to a government document he had where those numbers kept appearing. For Daymond, it’s a constant reminder that he isn't walking this path alone. Every morning, when he’s brushing his teeth and looking in the mirror, those sevens are staring back at him. It’s his way of staying grounded. In the shark-infested waters of venture capital, a little divine reminder probably goes a long way.
"Who God Bless No Man Shall Curse"
This one is a heavy hitter. It’s a script tattoo that runs from his chest up toward his neck. You’ll occasionally see the tail end of the lettering peeking out from his shirt.
It’s more than just a cool phrase. It’s a shield.
Daymond grew up in a neighborhood where you had to be tough, but you also had to be favored. He’s faced bankruptcy. He’s faced health scares—specifically his battle with thyroid cancer. This tattoo represents his belief that if you are on the right path and doing right by people, the "haters" or the "sharks" can’t actually touch your spirit. It’s the ultimate "F-you" to his detractors, written in permanent ink.
The LL Cool J Connection and the Microphone
You can't talk about Daymond John without talking about hip-hop. Hip-hop didn't just influence FUBU; it was FUBU.
One of his arm tattoos is a tribute to that era—a microphone wrapped around his arm. It was directly inspired by LL Cool J. For Daymond, LL wasn't just a neighbor in Queens; he was the blueprint for longevity. Seeing that microphone on his own skin reminds him of the transformative power of music and the culture that gave him his first big break.
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It’s a literal connection to his roots.
Freedom and the Statue of Liberty
He’s also got a massive Statue of Liberty piece. It’s a classic choice for a New Yorker, but for him, it carries the weight of the American Dream.
Daymond is the son of immigrants. His mom worked multiple jobs and even mortgaged her house to fund his first clothing line. To him, Lady Liberty isn't a cliché. She’s the reason a kid who struggled with dyslexia could grow up to be a multi-millionaire. It represents opportunity. It represents the fact that in this country, you can start with nothing and end up on a television show watched by millions.
The Artists Behind the Work
He doesn't just go to any local shop. Daymond has spent a lot of time with world-class artists like Arlo DiCristina of Elysium Studios. Arlo is famous for surrealism and high-detail realism.
Daymond actually sought Arlo out because he wanted someone who understood that tattoos aren't just drawings—they’re legacies. When he visited Arlo in Grand Junction, Colorado, it wasn't just a quick session. It was a collaboration. They’ve worked on various pieces over the years, adding layers and depth to the sleeves that remain tucked away under his suit jackets during taping.
Dealing with the "Mad Rabbit" Pitch
There was a meta-moment on Shark Tank that most tattoo fans remember. A company called Mad Rabbit came on the show pitching tattoo aftercare. Mark Cuban ended up making a deal, but Daymond was right there in the thick of the conversation.
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He knows the aftercare struggle.
When you have as much ink as Daymond, you know that keeping it vibrant is a job in itself. He’s reached a point where he doesn't just get tattoos; he understands the industry behind them. He’s an investor in the lifestyle as much as he is a participant in it.
What This Means for Your Personal Brand
There’s a lesson here that has nothing to do with needles. Daymond John proves that you can be "corporate" and "alternative" at the same time. You don't have to fit into a box.
- Authenticity is internal: You don't have to show everything to everyone. Daymond keeps his ink private on TV because that’s the "uniform" for that role, but he doesn't hide who he is when the cameras are off.
- Visual reminders work: Whether it’s a tattoo or a sticky note on your monitor, having a "why" (like his 7777) is crucial for staying motivated.
- Respect the craft: He seeks out the best artists because he values quality. Whether you’re hiring a tattooist or a CFO, never settle for "good enough."
If you’re thinking about getting inked yourself, take a page out of the Shark’s book. Make it meaningful. Make it personal. And if you have to wear a suit to work? Don't worry. The ink still counts, even if nobody sees it but you.
Next time you see him on screen, look for that tiny bit of script peeking out from his collar. It’s a reminder that everyone has a layer you haven't seen yet.
To maintain the longevity of your own ink, prioritize hydration and high-SPF sunblock specifically designed for tattooed skin to prevent the fading that naturally occurs over time.
If you are planning a large-scale piece, consult with a realism specialist who can help map out the "flow" of the anatomy, much like Daymond's sleeves are designed to move with his body.