Shop updates and useful info on tattooing

21May 2016 by tabernacle
Small Butterfly Tattoo

Small Butterfly Tattoo

blog
As much I love having big arm pieces, back pieces, leg pieces, body suits to do, doing small one shot tattoos are always a good time. Doesn't have to be a butterfly or just in black and grey, but this cool guy right here is a perfect example of even though it looks tiny there's a lot of intricate detail within these things. And we can put color on these little guys all day.
Read More
21May 2016 by tabernacle
Snake vs Rose Battle

Snake vs Rose Battle

blog
This is a water color painting study for a tattoo of this snake guy doing battle with a rose. Why? Probably jealous of the beauty of the flower. I call it The Battle of Tears. Either way, between the snake's fangs or the roses' thorns, some one is going to get pricked and cry. Also, it's a battle some days finding inner creativity to make these drawings more valid and appeasing to the eyes. The snake hasn't really been seen in a positive light throughout history or mythology but he holds a certain beauty about him.
Read More
21May 2016 by tabernacle
Dragon Party!

Dragon Party!

blog
This is another fun, water color painting I did as a study for a Japanese Dragon tattoo. He's busting out with flames creating some Traditional Japanese puffy clouds and wind. Who wouldn't want to party with this dude? Day in and day out I strive to enhance or maybe perfect in a creative light how these magical creatures should be projected. Sometimes that leads to Dragon Parties. As always I am very appreciative of the work I have been tasked to do and the ability to express how I see things through this art.
Read More
12May 2016 by tabernacle
Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

blog
He's big and he's scary looking, but never judge a mask by it's leering mouth. Traditionally Hannya masks were used in many "noh"(Japanese Plays) to represent the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession and jealousy. These "demons" can be demonic and dangerous, but they are truly tormented and full of sorrow. They've also been depicted as being serpent like, so here in this tattoo I've incorporated a snake wrapping itself around the mask. Traditional Japanese creatures; the dragon, tiger, the kitsune (fox), Hannya Masks, snakes, foo dogs, food myoos, plus many many more are what I'm about and what I've loved tattooing and had the pleasure of delving a bit into their legends.
Read More
06May 2016 by tabernacle
Tribal Madness!

Tribal Madness!

blog
The Tribal designs we see today come from various Polynesian, Celtic, Borneo, even Native American influences, plus many many more island cultures. Traditionally these were hand poked into the skin and in some native societies it's a "Coming of Age" rite. The designs the person was given allowed them to reach a higher sense of self as well achieve a closeness with their deity or whatever religious being they're into. The tattoo in the picture has a Polynesian feel to it and looks like a piece of armor for this man's chest and shoulder so he can go out and do battle with whatever life throws. Great piece to have worked on!
Read More
06May 2016 by tabernacle
Half Sleeve Kraken Tattoo

Half Sleeve Kraken Tattoo

blog
Release the Kraken! This beautiful Squid Monster has been in legends since man took his first sailing trip across the seas. Actually deriving from Norway and Greenland, the term "Kraken" means an unhealthy creature or something twisted, which squids generally look. But not this guy and if you look closely, he's even accompanied by a few divers in the deep.
Read More
06May 2016 by tabernacle
Japanese Tiger Body Suit Painting

Japanese Tiger Body Suit Painting

blog
One of the many perks about what I do is being able to travel and meet all kinds of interesting people within this industry. This painting here was done for a man, the man, Clay Decker from True Tattoo in Hollywood California. It's a body suit with a Traditional Japanese motif going on. You got the cherry blossoms, wind bars, finger waves and last but definitely not least, the mighty Tiger. Very fun piece I had the pleasure of doing.
Read More
06May 2016 by tabernacle
The Tough Mandala

The Tough Mandala

blog
Mandalas are going hard these days! Might as well make 'em look tough. This one here has more of a Tibetan influence, done in black and grey on the back of a female's leg. I've noticed these are more attractive to Women, but honestly, this idea could go either way. I am very fortunate for these concepts to come to life and for the clients who allow me to create magical inspirations on them!
Read More
05May 2016 by tabernacle
The Eagle Reaper

The Eagle Reaper

blog
Don't fear the Reaper, especially if he's got the wings of an Eagle. He's busting out of the fire and brimstone, soaring to new heights of freedom and, yes, Death. Death could be considered the ultimate Freedom. This creature here was designed with basically just ink, water color paper and a hefty imagination. Definitely a great study for a tattoo concept or at least to get the brain juices flowing if you're into skulls, eagles, death and explosions!
Read More
30Apr 2016 by tabernacle
Chrysanthemum Tattoo Study

Chrysanthemum Tattoo Study

blog
The Chrysanthemums are native to Asia and Northeastern Europe and come in a variety of colors. This is a water color painting that I have created to show an example of how those colors can come together to create depth within a flower tattoo. Definitely a great concept and study if you're into Asian culture and designs.
Read More