Wanted a patriotic theme, and the American Eagle is an icon representing the greatness and might of our country. I told Dan Rick, artist at Big Top Tattoos (45446 Van Dyke in Utica, MI 48317), that I wanted the bird to have a menacing look, like he may have looked on Sept. 12, 2001, possibly fading into an American Flag. He drew the prototype in about 30 seconds and I made an appointment for 4 days later. Excellent result, I thought. It's my first.