Artistic Encounter is a custom tattoo and body piercing studio and gallery in Dallas. In 2001, owners Billy Jack and Stephanie Gunter opened their first shop in Indiana. Later they opened two more locations in Dallas. The studio displays lots of art which is for sale, and has won many awards and been featured in magazines. Clients like the family atmosphere and the artists’ professionalism.
Cat Tattoo is a tattoo and piercing parlor that caters to Dallas clients. Terry Mayo has been tattooing 31 years and Cat Tattoo is celebrating its 25th year, it Opened in 1996. It provides custom tattoos, piercing, and laser removal. Owner Terry Mayo has been a professional tattoo artist for 28 years and has received multiple awards for his creative works. The prints of the original artwork of Terry and the other Cat Tattoo's artists are available in the shop. In addition, a certificate and record of every spore test completed are provided for proof of the studio's compliance with accepted sterile practices.
Cedar Springs Tattoo offers a wide range of body art services to individuals in Dallas. Located in the heart of Oaklawn, it employs professional artists with more than 100 years of combined experience. They specialize in various tattooing styles, such as black and gray realism, Japanese, Americana, and fine line lettering, which allows them to meet the aesthetic vision of clients. Cedar Springs Tattoo also offers body piercings and carries an extensive line of jewelry.
Dallas Tattoo is a custom tattoo shop located in Dallas, Texas. Shop owners Travis Chick and Kayden DiGiovanni started the business in 2010. Together with their team of artists, they draw and paint custom-ink designs based on the clients' preferences. Clients can give their own designs or take a look at the shop's extensive artistic portfolio. Dallas Tattoo ensures that proper sanitary measures are rolled out with the use of disposable needles, gloves, and masks.
Davis St. Tattoo is a Dallas studio that specializes in Japanese-influenced, American, and black and gray tattoos. Artist Mark Thompson has been a tattoo artist for over 20 years. Artist Josh Robinson has been tattooing since 1997, and Dominik Cichowski has been tattooing since 2010. In 2015, The Dallas Observer named the shop the Best Tattoo Shop. Clients like the artists’ patience, custom artwork, and professionalism.
For over 20 years, Elm Street Tattoo has been sharing its passion for tattoo art in Dallas. There are 14 tattoo artists, handpicked by owner Oliver Peck and Dean Williams, who specialize in many styles such as American Traditional, Black and Gray, and Japanese. This tattoo shop organized the first-ever Friday, the 13th tattoo marathon in 1996. The 24-hour tradition is still celebrated wherein numerous people come to get tattoed. Elm Street provides piercing and micro-bladed brows by walk-in or appointment.
Fly Ink Tattoo Parlor Inc. was founded in 2014 and provides tattoo services. It offers bespoke artwork that includes line art tattoos, various lettering styles, lip tattoos, and colorwork. Other services include basic ear and body piercing, including dimple and bridge piercings in the face, and high-lobe and helix piercings in the ears. The parlor also offers aftercare for piercings and tattoos such as tattoo sunscreen, hygienic saline washes, and piercing sprays.
Gold Dust Tattoos & Fine Art is a Dallas studio that specializes in custom tattoos. Owner and artist Char McGaughy has been tattooing professionally since 2010. She has received numerous awards including Best Tattoo Artist Dallas 2010, Ink Life Tour 2012 2nd Large Portrait, and Dallas Tattoo Expo 2013 1st Tattoo of the day. Her specialty is black and gray and photorealism. She works by appointment only. Clients appreciate the clean environment and professional staff.
Lamar Street Tattoo Club is a Dallas studio that aims to bring a higher standard in tattoo quality and cleanliness to clients. Tattoo artist Josh Hall is a former paramedic, and he takes healing and providing safe tattoo practices seriously. He likes tattooing traditional American and Japanese, dot work, mehndi, and mandalas. Clients appreciate Josh’s healing techniques, style, and friendliness. The other experienced tattoo artists excel in classic traditional American style, illustrative neo-traditional, realism, and comic art tattoos.
Last Angels Tattoo Co. is a Dallas studio, providing tattoos and body piercings to its clients since 2008. The studio's resident artists can work on tattoos involving black, gray, and color realism, as well as black-work style. Moreover, the studio’s additional artists can render neotraditional and full-color floral designs. The artists focus on providing clients with excellent customer service through making a professional and respectful environment. Last Angels Tattoo was featured in Dallas Observer and Dallas A-List in 2016.
Legacy Arts Tattoo Coit is a custom tattoo studio that serves clients in Dallas. Its tattoo artists are familiar with a wide range of tattoo styles that include black and grey, photorealism, and bold full-color illustrative. Richard Garcia's tattoo portfolio includes a circus-themed back piece and a Stevie Ray Vaughan portrait. The studio also accommodates walk-ins and offers dermal anchors and piercings. It is committed to maintaining its reputation for providing quality customer service, cleanliness, and a laid-back environment.
Lone Star Tattoo is a full-service tattoo shop serving residents in the North Dallas area. The shop has resident and guest tattoo artists specializing in various tattoo styles, including American traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese irezumi, black & gray, and illustrative tattooing. It also offers special Texas-style tattooing. Lone Star Tattoo's staff can also share suggestions with customers if needed. Clients can also avail themselves of the shop's body piercing services. Scott Cooksey, the owner of Lone Star Tattoo, began tattooing in 1995.
The Chosen One Ink Tattoo is an Arlington-based tattoo and piercing studio that has been serving clients in Dallas for over 10 years. Tattoo artist Lady Karina offers styles such as black and grey, colored, neo-traditional, realism, 3D, and geometrical. Meanwhile, Phat Matt provides piercings for noses, belly buttons, and earlobes. The business is OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Certified by the Texas Health Department and has been visited by celebrity clients from different fields and industries, from sports to entertainment.
Urban’s Tattoo and Piercing Studio is an award-winning Arlington business that specializes in portrait, realism, black and white, custom, lettering, and more. The professional artists have years of experience and will answer all clients’ questions. The studio provides a high-end environment that families can come to. They won the 2014 Best Tattoo and Piercing by Dallas A-List. Urban’s Tattoo and Piercing Studio is a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. They are open seven days a week and welcome walk-ins.
Before getting tattooed, it's important to think about design and placement. A tattoo is a permanent fixture on the body, and it's important not to rush into things. You should also consider the artist's background and take time to look into their portfolio to ensure their style best suits the tattoo you want.
There are many types of tattoo styles, and it's important for a person to familiarize themselves with them before they select a design. Styles include:
While most tattoo artists don't expect tips, it's often appreciated. If you're happy with the work your tattoo artist has done, consider tipping between 15% and 25%. If the tattoo requires multiple sessions, a flat amount per session is appropriate.
It's important to follow all aftercare directions provided by the tattoo artist. Usually, artists will advise clients to ensure that tattoos are kept clean and dry. After showering, the tattoo should be gently patted dry and treated with Vaseline or another tattoo aftercare product.
After removing the dressing, it's important to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and uncovered. Applying Vaseline or another recommended ointment can help to speed up the healing process. As they heal, tattoos can sometimes itch, but it's vital that you don't scratch or pick at it.
Parts of the body that have the most nerve endings are generally the most painful to have tattooed. That includes the head, ears, and face. Places that don't have a lot of fat, such as the fingers, shoulder blades, and feet, are typically more painful. The least painful parts of the body to get tattooed include the outer arm, buttocks, and thighs.
There are plenty of tattoo ink brands available on the market, some of which can include pigment that comes from insects, animal bones, animal fat, and gelatin from horse hooves. It should be assumed that most tattoo ink is neither vegan nor organic; however, organic and vegan inks exist. It's best to discuss these preferences with the tattoo artist before booking an appointment to ensure they're available.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average tattoo artist in the U.S. earns $99,956 annually, which equates to about $48 hourly. As with most careers, pay increases with experience. Salaries in this profession range from $12,000/year to $309,000/year.
While there isn't a clear path for one to become a tattoo artist, the best way to work towards this goal is by taking art and graphic design classes and building a broad portfolio of designs. Once you have a professional portfolio, you can apply for mentorships with reputable, established tattoo artists who are seeking apprentices. Mentors can teach tattooing techniques and help you gain valuable experience.
In some states, tattoo artists are required to get licensing from their state health department. Application processes vary, so it's important to check with your local licensing department prior to offering services. Additionally, some states may require you to complete a course in blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases prior to obtaining a state tattoo license.
Besides having a state tattoo license, most tattoo artists are required to have certification in blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. It's important for tattoo artists to be prepared for emergencies by obtaining CPR and first aid training.
Every tattoo studio has its own requirements when it comes to training. In most cases, new artists are required to have a well-presented portfolio and spend several months working under the guidance of an experienced mentor. These teachers show how to use the tools of the trade, oversee designs, and instruct interactions with clients.
Most tattoo shops require artists to have their own supplies. That includes their own tattoo machines and necessary parts, such as needles, tubes, tips, and grips. Tattoo artists also need a large supply of ink and tattoo stencils.
Just as with any industry, there is a large risk associated with going into business for oneself. Any tattoo artist considering opening their own shop should ensure they have business management and marketing skills to enable their shop to succeed. While becoming a tattoo shop owner can be lucrative, artists who don't have the business skills to succeed may earn a higher salary working in an established shop.
