Solemn.fb: Ink, Wood,
and Hustle
Straight out of Rockford, Illinois, and now repping Freeport, Michael Rock-Nelson is living proof that the spirit of skate culture is alive and kicking. At 31, this self-proclaimed kid at heart juggles a whirlwind life of tattooing, fingerboarding, skateboarding, and raising a family—all while running his own fingerboard deck brand, Solemn.fb.
Michael’s fingerboarding journey started in 2015 as a way to cope with anxiety. Little did he know it would spark a full-blown obsession. “I hated missing drops,” Michael admits, “so I just started making my own decks. Problem solved.” Solemn.fb was born from that DIY ethos, and he’s been creating custom decks ever since. His hard work and passion have earned him two medals at USAFBL events and a recent sponsorship from Wysocki Wheels.
Tattooing, however, has been Michael’s ride-or-die for over 13 years. He stumbled into it as a rebellious 17-year-old and found salvation in the art. “Tattooing saved me from myself,” he says. Over the years, Michael has honed his craft, falling in love with the bold, clean lines of American traditional and neo-traditional styles. But the job isn’t without its quirks—like the time he tattooed a pistol on a guy’s butt cheek. “It paid my phone bill, so I didn’t ask questions,” he laughs.
Between running Solemn.fb and tattooing, Michael still finds time for family adventures, especially with the newest addition to the Rock-Nelson clan—his baby, born this year. Fatherhood, he says, has been an absolute blessing, adding another layer to his already packed life.
Michael’s most unforgettable fingerboarding moment? Winning gold at his first USAFBL event. But the highlights don’t stop there—meeting legends like John from Cowply, Jake Simms, and Alex Christ, and attending the grand opening of the Black River store in Chicago, rank high on his list.
As he looks ahead to 2025, Michael is set on expanding his reach. He dreams of hosting local fingerboard events and hitting as many tattoo conventions and fingerboard comps as possible. Whether it’s tattooing bold designs or crafting the next must-have deck, Michael Rock-Nelson is carving out a legacy rooted in creativity, hustle, and community.

Keep your eyes peeled—this guy is just getting started.