The Enigmatic Art: Discover the Hidden Stories Behind Carmy's 8 Magnificent Tattoos

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for The Bear season 2. Jeremy Allen White's character in The Bear, Carmy, has a collection of tattoos on his arms that hold significant meaning to him and his journey. Created by Christopher Storer, The Bear tells the story of Carmy, a renowned chef who inherits his family's restaurant after his brother's death. Throughout the show's first and second seasons, Carmy faces numerous challenges both personally and professionally, forming unexpected alliances and confronting unforeseen obstacles. The tattoos on Carmy's arms, carefully designed by tattoo artist Ben Sheilds, play an integral role in his complex identity. Sheilds initially created around 75 different tattoo designs for Carmy, which were then narrowed down and strategically placed on his arms. With so much thought and effort put into these tattoos, it's natural to be curious about their deeper meanings.

8 Carmy's "773" Tatoo Represents His Roots In The Bear

Ben Shields revealed that the "773" tattoo on Carmy's bicep signifies the area code of Chicago, hinting that Carmy likely acquired it during his youth. It may have been his first tattoo since many individuals opt for something safe for their initial ink. The "773" etched on his left bicep acts as a timestamp, reminding him of the formative childhood experiences and shaping him into the chef he is today. While Carmy departed for New York to pursue his culinary aspirations, it is also plausible that he obtained the "773" tattoo prior to leaving Chicago, serving as a constant reminder of his humble beginnings in The Bear.

7 2 Carmy Tattoos Symbolize The Contradictions In His Characterization

Discussing Carmy's tattoos, Ben Shields emphasized their symbolic significance in representing "the duality of light and dark" within Carmy's character. These contrasting images serve to showcase his inner contradictions, as he strives to distance himself from his family's past mistakes. However, there are moments when Carmy's darker side takes control, despite his best efforts. This dichotomy is reflected in how Carmy initially appears composed and level-headed in the concluding moments of The Bear season 2, only to lose his emotional composure when trapped in the walk-in freezer.

On a deeper level, the contrasting tattoos may also serve as a representation of his connection with his family and its influence on his life. The reaper holding a bottle of alcohol possibly signifies his mother's struggle with substance abuse and the impact it had on him during his youth. In contrast, the presence of two angels could symbolize how his brother, Mikey, and sister, Sugar, supported and guided him, ultimately motivating him to leave their unhealthy household behind and embark on his own unique journey.

6 1 Carmy Tattoo Alludes To His Story Arc In The Bear

Carmy's right forearm boasts a snail tattoo, accompanied by the phrase "Live Fast." This inked mollusk symbolizes his previous life in Chicago, where familial conflicts hindered his progress, attributing to a stagnant phase. "Live Fast" serves as a testament to his post-Chicago professional endeavors as a fast-paced fine dining chef. The presence of this mantra beneath the snail serves as a constant reminder, reminiscent of the "Every Second Counts" poster at Carmy and Sydney's restaurant, The Bear.

5 Carmy's Knife Tattoo Represents His Struggles As A Chef

On his right palm, Carmy, a character in The Bear, sports a tattoo depicting a chef's knife piercing a hand. While the meaning behind this tattoo remains unexplained by Ben Shields, it seemingly represents Carmy's struggles as a chef. Throughout the first season of the show, Carmy made numerous sacrifices in order to attain the level of culinary brilliance he possesses in the current timeline. Moreover, his traumatic experience in his previous toxic workplace has left him with PTSD, indicating that the tattoo serves as a metaphor for the emotional toll he endured on his journey to success.

4 Carmy's "SOU" Tattoo Is a Reminder In The Bear

The ink that forms the letters "SOU" on his fingers appears to represent the phrase "State Of Urgency." In one episode of The Bear, Carmy is shown writing the same reminder on a piece of tape. Given the fiercely competitive nature of the restaurant industry, where employees are constantly on high alert, it is likely that Carmy decided to permanently ink "SOU" on his fingers as a way to constantly remind himself of the high stakes involved in his role as a chef. This tattoo likely serves as a motivating factor when he needs an extra push and helps him maintain a sense of urgency and importance in his work both as a chef and as a small business owner.

3 Carmy's Fish Tattoo Reflects His Life's Philosophy In The Bear

2 1 Tattoo Highlights What Cooking Means To Carmy In The Bear

Among Carmy's various tattoos, one of the most enigmatic ones is a fish adorned with an hourglass at its center. While the precise significance of this tattoo may be elusive, fish generally symbolize fluidity, transformation, and perpetual rejuvenation across numerous cultures due to their association with water. The inclusion of an hourglass on the fish potentially signifies the passage of time and its eventual conclusion. Carmy, the Bear, likely chose this tattoo as a reminder that whether in the realm of culinary or the wider world, time is fleeting, urging him to fully embrace the ever-evolving landscape of the culinary realm and make the most of every moment.

Carmy sports a tattoo on his left arm that depicts a globe nestled inside a measuring cup. This tattoo reflects his intentions in teaching Richie during The Bear season 2. In episode 7, Carmy sends Richie to work at a prestigious three Michelin-star restaurant, aiming to instill in him the importance of satisfying customers as a restaurateur. When Carmy first embarked on his culinary journey, it took him some time to comprehend this notion. It was during this realization that he acquired the aforementioned tattoo, symbolizing how cooking holds immense significance in his life.

1 Carmy's Flower Tattoo Seems To Honor Mikey In The Bear

Carmy's left arm bears a flower tattoo that appears to be a tribute to Mikey's memory in The Bear. While the flower may hold alternative interpretations, it resembles a forget-me-not, symbolizing remembrance and Carmy's bond with his late brother. If this symbolism is accurate, the flower tattoo carries great sentimental value for Carmy, serving as a testament to his desire to hold on to the memories they shared and honor Mikey's unwavering support for the Berzatto family, even in his absence.