When asked how many tattoos he has, Justin Theroux answered, “More than ten.” The large piece across his back is dedicated to his two rescue pit bulls. Smaller designs appear on his arms, legs, wrists, ankles and feet; he has described most of his ink as being on his back and legs. Theroux has said he often gives tattoo artist Scott Campbell a few rough ideas and lets him draw. Campbell did most of the tattoos, including the back piece.

For more examples, browse the celebrity tattoo archive.

Justin Theroux’s giant back tattoo

Theroux’s back piece includes a rat and a New York pigeon. In a live interview, he said he dedicated half of his back to each of his two rescue pit bulls after they died. One of the dogs used to kill rats in Washington Square Park; the pigeon refers to another part of their life in the city. The two animals make an unusual memorial, but the connection is personal and specific.

The tattoo spans a broad area across his back. Theroux has said Campbell designed it and that he trusted the artist’s eye.

The smaller tattoos around his arms and legs

This second rear-view photograph shows the back piece from another distance. Theroux’s smaller tattoos include scissors, an X on his ankle, swallows on his feet, a grim reaper on his shin, lettering near his knee and other small symbols. A Men’s Health photograph also shows a mark near his underarm, though it isn’t a full catalog of his ink. He has said there are enough little tattoos that he can lose track of them when counting.

Why the back tattoo stands out more than the rest

The dog story gives the back tattoo a meaning that is easier to recognize than the smaller designs, which show up only in closer photos. The underarm mark in this image is easy to miss beside the larger piece.

Theroux’s punk-influenced editorial look

Theroux has talked about getting into punk as a teenager and making homemade tattoos for friends. This Men’s Health portrait gives a sense of his editorial style—dark clothes and a rougher edge—but no tattoo detail is visible. It adds context to his look; it should not be used to identify a design.

A collection that doesn’t need to match

The second portrait has no tattoo detail either. The collection puts a large memorial beside small marks; if you’re looking for a reference, use the close tattoo photos to judge design and placement.