American Tattoo Society


The American Tattoo Society is an American tattoo studio brand headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Founded in 2014 by William Ryan Harrell and Nicole Rea Sanders, the company's tattoo studios serve military communities both on and off U.S. military bases. ATS was the first tattoo studio to legally operate on a U.S. military installation.

History

The American Tattoo Society was established in 2014 by William Ryan Harrell, a former advertising agency owner, and Nicole Rea Sanders, who operated Skin Prik City, a tattoo studio in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Harrell rebranded the studio as the American Tattoo Society, aiming to provide tattooing services to military personnel.
In 2017, ATS was selected as the exclusive tattoo studio partner for five Army bases, under a contract with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. In September 2020, ATS opened the first tattoo studio on a U.S. military base at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
As of May 2025, ATS operates nine active studios, with three more in development. Following recurring facility issues on bases, the company shifted its focus to larger off-base locations with expanded services and extended operating hours.
ATS's Fayetteville studio is the largest tattoo studio in the United States at 7500 sq ft. It houses 18 tattoo artists, 3 piercers, a permanent makeup artist, and a permanent jewelry station. The company is headquartered at 5439 Yadkin Road, Fayetteville. ATS also owns the shopping center at this address, which includes a barber shop, nail salon, and convenience store, all catering to the military community.

Activities

The American Tattoo Society is the primary sponsor of the All American Tattoo Convention, which raises funds for nonprofits that assist individuals with combat-related injuries. The convention hosts celebrity tattoo artists and contests, with a focus on the military and veteran community.
ATS also regularly partners with the nonprofit organization Veteran Ink to support veterans through storytelling, services, and community outreach.