An inked graphics story

Some collaborations don’t need forcing. They’re already written into the places, people and cultures that shape them.

Tattooing and surf culture have always shared an unspoken connection, both born from self expression, personal identity and a freedom to live life your own way. At Saltrock, that spirit has always been part of our story, finding its way into our graphics through bold line work, symbolism and hand drawn details. Yesterday’s Youth is a continuation of that journey.

From coastlines to creations

Saltrock was built chasing waves, travelling between coastlines and letting creativity come straight from the places we live and surf. The graphics that define our collections aren’t just designs; they’re reflections of long days by the ocean, skate sessions with friends and the freedom that comes with life lived outdoors.

Amy, owner and artist behind Yesterday’s Youth Tattoo Studio in Barnstaple, works from that same place. Local to North Devon, her studio sits in one of the oldest parts of the town down a cobbled street and filled with nostalgia and hand drawn artwork shaped by years of tattoo culture. It’s where the Yesterdays Youth collection began.

Meet the artist behind Yesterday's Youth

Amy’s path into tattooing was driven by finding her own creative voice, building a studio that reflects not just her artwork, but the wider culture around it. Yesterday’s Youth isn’t about trends or perfection. It’s about intention, nostalgia and allowing artwork to evolve naturally through drawing, reflection and repetition.

When the opportunity to collaborate with Saltrock came up, it felt instinctive. Tattoo culture and surf skate heritage have always overlapped. Rooted in shared communities, creativity and individuality.

This project wasn’t about placing graphics onto garments. It was about translating artwork from one medium to another.

“Saltrock and tattoo culture come from similar worlds. It’s surf, skate, self expression. People doing their own thing. Being able to work with a brand from the same area, and see my artwork evolve into a collection, was really special.” Amy, Yesterday’s Youth 

From skin to fabric: Tattoo graphics reimagined

Designing for clothing introduces a new way of thinking. Tattoo artwork is personal, permanent and intimate. Clothing moves with you; worn, weathered and lived in through everyday life.

Amy’s process stayed the same. Drawing, sketching, refining motifs and letting each design develop its own meaning. Chains, skulls, hand drawn lettering and iconography found new placement, flowing across tees, hoodies and accessories while staying true to their tattoo origins.

The result is a collection that feels expressive and familiar, but with a modern edge.

Keeping it real

Authenticity sits at the heart of Yesterday’s Youth collaboration. As part of the project, we filmed inside Amy’s tattoo studio while real tattooing took place capturing creativity in its rawest form. Alex from our design team stepped into the chair, turning the collaboration into something physical and lasting.

A shared creative language

A shared creative language This collaboration celebrates local creative culture, highlighting an independent North Devon tattoo artist whose worldview naturally aligns with Saltrock’s surf-led heritage.

It’s about keeping creativity rooted in real experiences. Drawing inspiration from where you are. Making things with purpose. Staying expressive, even as the medium changes. Still drawing. Still inking.

Still creating. Still living for the journey.

Discover The Collection

The Yesterday’s Youth Spring Summer 2026 collection features men’s and women’s pieces alongside select accessories, bringing tattoo inspired graphics into everyday surfwear.

Bold graphics. Comfortable fits. Designed to be worn, lived in and taken wherever the road leads next.