It’s no secret that the San Antonio tattoo scene has been growing faster now than ever before. With tons of skilled craftsmen and women working around the area, its easy to find an artist who can help your body-art visions come to life. So to help you find the best talent on the scene, we’ve compiled this list of ten tattoo artists who are some of the best at what they do.
Jake Valdez, @jakevaldez Flesh Electric Tattoo, 2110 McCullough Ave., (210) 314-5685 In terms of style, Jake Valdez is a master of many. Whether he’s doing work in black and grey, Traditional, Japanese, or Neo-Traditional, his designs are always strongly rooted in his own illustrative approach. By mixing one or more stylistic elements together, Valdez is skilled in creating pieces that are both comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly unique. Photo via Instagram, jakevaldez
Jake Valdez, @jakevaldez Flesh Electric Tattoo, 2110 McCullough Ave., (210) 314-5685 In terms of style, Jake Valdez is a master of many. Whether he’s doing work in black and grey, Traditional, Japanese, or Neo-Traditional, his designs are always strongly rooted in his own illustrative approach. By mixing one or more stylistic elements together, Valdez is skilled in creating pieces that are both comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly unique. Photo via Instagram, jakevaldez
Jake Valdez, @jakevaldez Flesh Electric Tattoo, 2110 McCullough Ave., (210) 314-5685 In terms of style, Jake Valdez is a master of many. Whether he’s doing work in black and grey, Traditional, Japanese, or Neo-Traditional, his designs are always strongly rooted in his own illustrative approach. By mixing one or more stylistic elements together, Valdez is skilled in creating pieces that are both comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly unique. Photo via Instagram, jakevaldez
Sweet Laraine, @sweetlaraine Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Balancing somewhere between Neo-Traditional and New School, Sweet Laraine’s style is bold, bright, clean, and expressive. Her line-work is impeccable, her color gradients are smooth and highly saturated, and her designs are top of the line, grade-A eye candy. Photo via Instagram, sweetlaraine
Sweet Laraine, @sweetlaraine Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Balancing somewhere between Neo-Traditional and New School, Sweet Laraine’s style is bold, bright, clean, and expressive. Her line-work is impeccable, her color gradients are smooth and highly saturated, and her designs are top of the line, grade-A eye candy. Photo via Instagram, sweetlaraine
Sweet Laraine, @sweetlaraine Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Balancing somewhere between Neo-Traditional and New School, Sweet Laraine’s style is bold, bright, clean, and expressive. Her line-work is impeccable, her color gradients are smooth and highly saturated, and her designs are top of the line, grade-A eye candy. Photo via Instagram, sweetlaraine
Manny Garcia, @x_squ1d_x Firme Copias Tattoo Shop, 1132 Rayburn Dr., (210) 560-1570 On this slideshow, we’ve only given you a small sampling of Garcia’s vast and impressive portfolio. He does work in almost every tattoo discipline, and it’s absolutely immaculate. Photo via Instagram, x_squ1d_x
Manny Garcia, @x_squ1d_x Firme Copias Tattoo Shop, 1132 Rayburn Dr., (210) 560-1570 On this slideshow, we’ve only given you a small sampling of Garcia’s vast and impressive portfolio. He does work in almost every tattoo discipline, and it’s absolutely immaculate. Photo via Instagram, x_squ1d_x
Manny Garcia, @x_squ1d_x Firme Copias Tattoo Shop, 1132 Rayburn Dr., (210) 560-1570 On this slideshow, we’ve only given you a small sampling of Garcia’s vast and impressive portfolio. He does work in almost every tattoo discipline, and it’s absolutely immaculate. Photo via Instagram, x_squ1d_x
Nina Cisneroz, @hellonheels85 Nostalgic Ink Tattoo Studio, 3030 Thousand Oaks Ste. 103, (210) 404-9988 Although Cisneroz practices many disciplines, her minimalist technique is perhaps what serves to distinguish her among many. These simple, understated tattoo designs only very recently came into the spotlight, but minimalism has been a staple in the art community since the 1960’s. With her highly-saturated geometric pop-art pieces, Cisneroz pays homage to the minimalist masters of old. Photo via Instagram, hellonheels85
Nina Cisneroz, @hellonheels85 Nostalgic Ink Tattoo Studio, 3030 Thousand Oaks Ste. 103, (210) 404-9988 Although Cisneroz practices many disciplines, her minimalist technique is perhaps what serves to distinguish her among many. These simple, understated tattoo designs only very recently came into the spotlight, but minimalism has been a staple in the art community since the 1960’s. With her highly-saturated geometric pop-art pieces, Cisneroz pays homage to the minimalist masters of old. Photo via Instagram, hellonheels85
Nina Cisneroz, @hellonheels85 Nostalgic Ink Tattoo Studio, 3030 Thousand Oaks Ste. 103, (210) 404-9988 Although Cisneroz practices many disciplines, her minimalist technique is perhaps what serves to distinguish her among many. These simple, understated tattoo designs only very recently came into the spotlight, but minimalism has been a staple in the art community since the 1960’s. With her highly-saturated geometric pop-art pieces, Cisneroz pays homage to the minimalist masters of old. Photo via Instagram, hellonheels85
Justin Martinez, @00justinm00 Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Love for permanent flesh art started early for Justin Martinez. In the late ’70s, his mom would take him with her to visit some shops down in Corpus Christi. He’d eventually hang out in those same shops with his uncles after a day at the beach. Since then, he’s come into his own as a tattoo artist. When it comes to quality craftsmanship, Justin Martinez has got it inked down. His variant line weights lend an illustrative quality to his designs, which help convey a pointed element of expression to his work. Photo via Instagram, 00justinm00
Justin Martinez, @00justinm00 Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Love for permanent flesh art started early for Justin Martinez. In the late ’70s, his mom would take him with her to visit some shops down in Corpus Christi. He’d eventually hang out in those same shops with his uncles after a day at the beach. Since then, he’s come into his own as a tattoo artist. When it comes to quality craftsmanship, Justin Martinez has got it inked down. His variant line weights lend an illustrative quality to his designs, which help convey a pointed element of expression to his work. Photo via Instagram, 00justinm00
Justin Martinez, @00justinm00 Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 Love for permanent flesh art started early for Justin Martinez. In the late ’70s, his mom would take him with her to visit some shops down in Corpus Christi. He’d eventually hang out in those same shops with his uncles after a day at the beach. Since then, he’s come into his own as a tattoo artist. When it comes to quality craftsmanship, Justin Martinez has got it inked down. His variant line weights lend an illustrative quality to his designs, which help convey a pointed element of expression to his work. Photo via Instagram, 00justinm00
Tara Quinn, @taraquinntattoos Dandyland Custom Tattoo, 1821 Bandera Rd B., (210) 432-5747 With her illustrative New School style and richly saturated hues, Tara Quinn’s work is some of the most unique you’ll find in San Antonio. Her exaggerated caricatures are reminiscent of something you’d catch on Cartoon Network, but with a sickening twist. All in all, Quinn’s work will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who enjoys atomic talent and incredible artistry. Photo via Instagram, taraquinntattoos
Tara Quinn, @taraquinntattoos Dandyland Custom Tattoo, 1821 Bandera Rd B., (210) 432-5747 With her illustrative New School style and richly saturated hues, Tara Quinn’s work is some of the most unique you’ll find in San Antonio. Her exaggerated caricatures are reminiscent of something you’d catch on Cartoon Network, but with a sickening twist. All in all, Quinn’s work will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who enjoys atomic talent and incredible artistry. Photo via Instagram, taraquinntattoos
Tara Quinn, @taraquinntattoos Dandyland Custom Tattoo, 1821 Bandera Rd B., (210) 432-5747 With her illustrative New School style and richly saturated hues, Tara Quinn’s work is some of the most unique you’ll find in San Antonio. Her exaggerated caricatures are reminiscent of something you’d catch on Cartoon Network, but with a sickening twist. All in all, Quinn’s work will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who enjoys atomic talent and incredible artistry. Photo via Instagram, taraquinntattoos
Juliano Torres, @julianotattoo Bad Habits Tattoo Studio, 1502 Callaghan Rd., (210) 431-4822 Specializing in blackwork, Juliano Torres crafts tribal designs with intricate geometric detailing. While much of his work is bold and heavily-weighted, he is more than capable of creating pieces that have a lighter, more delicate feel. Photo via Instagram, julianotattoo
Juliano Torres, @julianotattoo Bad Habits Tattoo Studio, 1502 Callaghan Rd., (210) 431-4822 Specializing in blackwork, Juliano Torres crafts tribal designs with intricate geometric detailing. While much of his work is bold and heavily-weighted, he is more than capable of creating pieces that have a lighter, more delicate feel. Photo via Instagram, julianotattoo
Juliano Torres, @julianotattoo Bad Habits Tattoo Studio, 1502 Callaghan Rd., (210) 431-4822 Specializing in blackwork, Juliano Torres crafts tribal designs with intricate geometric detailing. While much of his work is bold and heavily-weighted, he is more than capable of creating pieces that have a lighter, more delicate feel. Photo via Instagram, julianotattoo
Corin Gilbert, @coringilbert Dermastain Tattoo, 502 Embassy Oaks Ste. 112, (210)-861-8527 (text) Corin Gilbert’s handiwork is probably some of the most visually satisfying stuff you’ll see all day. Her detailed designs are impossibly intricate, yet she executes them flawlessly. Although she currently works at Dermastain, she’s opening up her own shop (Crooked Crows Tattoo) next month in September. Keep an eye out for her work. Photo via Instagram, coringilbert
Corin Gilbert, @coringilbert Dermastain Tattoo, 502 Embassy Oaks Ste. 112, (210)-861-8527 (text) Corin Gilbert’s handiwork is probably some of the most visually satisfying stuff you’ll see all day. Her detailed designs are impossibly intricate, yet she executes them flawlessly. Although she currently works at Dermastain, she’s opening up her own shop (Crooked Crows Tattoo) next month in September. Keep an eye out for her work. Photo via Instagram, coringilbert
Corin Gilbert, @coringilbert Dermastain Tattoo, 502 Embassy Oaks Ste. 112, (210)-861-8527 (text) Corin Gilbert’s handiwork is probably some of the most visually satisfying stuff you’ll see all day. Her detailed designs are impossibly intricate, yet she executes them flawlessly. Although she currently works at Dermastain, she’s opening up her own shop (Crooked Crows Tattoo) next month in September. Keep an eye out for her work. Photo via Instagram, coringilbert
Dylan Donahue, @dylandonohue_tattoos Fortune Brothers Tattoo Co., 918 Oblate Dr., 210-274-1586 (call) As early as he can remember, Donohue says that he was always drawing. Eventually, he was put into art classes as early as seven years old, where he started learning how to work with charcoal and pastels. This artistic background translated over to tattooing nicely, because when Dylan Donahue does Traditional American, he does it right. Smooth lines? Check. Rich colors? Check. Uniform textures? Check, check, check. Don’t worry when you’re with Donahue, you’re in good hands. Photo via Instagram, dylandonohue_tattoos
Dylan Donahue, @dylandonohue_tattoos Fortune Brothers Tattoo Co., 918 Oblate Dr., 210-274-1586 (call) As early as he can remember, Donohue says that he was always drawing. Eventually, he was put into art classes as early as seven years old, where he started learning how to work with charcoal and pastels. This artistic background translated over to tattooing nicely, because when Dylan Donahue does Traditional American, he does it right. Smooth lines? Check. Rich colors? Check. Uniform textures? Check, check, check. Don’t worry when you’re with Donahue, you’re in good hands. Photo via Instagram, dylandonohue_tattoos
Dylan Donahue, @dylandonohue_tattoos Fortune Brothers Tattoo Co., 918 Oblate Dr., 210-274-1586 (call) As early as he can remember, Donohue says that he was always drawing. Eventually, he was put into art classes as early as seven years old, where he started learning how to work with charcoal and pastels. This artistic background translated over to tattooing nicely, because when Dylan Donahue does Traditional American, he does it right. Smooth lines? Check. Rich colors? Check. Uniform textures? Check, check, check. Don’t worry when you’re with Donahue, you’re in good hands. Photo via Instagram, dylandonohue_tattoos
Jedidia Reid, @jedidia Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 A seasoned industry professional, Jedidia Reid’s work is what you can expect from a top-of-the-line craftsman. Even with his success, Reid still hustles as hard as when he was a young man learning the trade. His shop is in such demand that some days, by the time it opens at noon, walk-ins are already swarming the front desk. With almost two decades of experience, Reid’s skill is hard to match. Photo via Instagram, jedidia
Jedidia Reid, @jedidia Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 A seasoned industry professional, Jedidia Reid’s work is what you can expect from a top-of-the-line craftsman. Even with his success, Reid still hustles as hard as when he was a young man learning the trade. His shop is in such demand that some days, by the time it opens at noon, walk-ins are already swarming the front desk. With almost two decades of experience, Reid’s skill is hard to match. Photo via Instagram, jedidia
Jedidia Reid, @jedidia Element Tattoo Studios, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., (210) 979-9877 A seasoned industry professional, Jedidia Reid’s work is what you can expect from a top-of-the-line craftsman. Even with his success, Reid still hustles as hard as when he was a young man learning the trade. His shop is in such demand that some days, by the time it opens at noon, walk-ins are already swarming the front desk. With almost two decades of experience, Reid’s skill is hard to match. Photo via Instagram, jedidia