Tattoo Artist Recommendations

[black roadster]

I have wanted to get a tattoo for some time now.

I want to find an artist that is good at vintage Gil Elvgren style pin-up.

Looking on the inter-web I've seen a wide range of results with these tattoos so I know I need to find an artist experienced in this specific style.


Some of the good one's I've found.


Some of the not so good one's I've found.




As you can see, the first one's have realistic shading and are very close to the original artwork. There is just something vibrant and real about Gil Elvgren's art that I want to capture in a tattoo. I know, I would not be happy with one of the last three examples.

I know people say, visit tattoo shops and see the artist's work but I'd like to narrow the search initially.

Anyone know of good resources or tattoo artists experienced in Elvgren style pin-up?

[Rogue]

I can put you in touch with a couple.
You have seen my friends, they know there way around ink.
Many will be at the Propwash Party.

Oh BTW, Gil FTW

[Jiggerachi]

Good luck with your search. I had a piece planned that was very important and personal to me. It was pretty simple design, but it took me the longest time to find an artist I was comfortable with doing the work(it is on the inside of my arm, not on my junk or anything). There's a guy here at work that does support with our machines who's starting out tattoos on the side, he'd just finished a 2 year apprenticeship and was working solo at his mentors shop. What I liked is he was very honest about what would look good in 10 years and what would look like crap. He discussed the techniques and everything as far as why certain designs and ink work better than others, what skin types hold ink better than others, etc. Talked me out of some $$ text work that I wanted simply because it wasn't a good idea. I would reccommend someone who is up front about their work like this, instead of vague.

I checked this guy's work and he was pretty good so I went with him. Very pleased with his work. I won't necessarily reccommend him for a complex piece like that, but his shop was very professional and his mentor was very good, more artistic than douchebag. I can't remember his name but I can get it for you if you were intested. The shop is Artistic Impressions, on Lovers and Greenville. Their website is www.AEtattoo.com




This picture sucks, and the colors calmed down and smoothed out a little after healing, but you get the idea.

I was very anal with this simple piece, so I can understand where you're at looking for a good artist, not very easy to find an artist you can trust. Look for someone who will tell you what works and what won't. Good artists won't attempt something that's over their head, they don't want their name on crap. Bad artists will take your cash(ive had both experiences.

Good luck with your search and post up the pics afterward. I'd love to see it. Love the vintage pin-up art.

[Treibenschnell]

Only scumbags and lowlifes have tats...

[black roadster]

Only scumbags and lowlifes have tats...

I didn't know POS has tats.

[juxt3r]

I'd recommend hitting a couple of the traveling tat conventions. Last year there was one in Addison and one at Fair Park. I don't see either on the calendar for this year as of yet.
You might also check out the ink mags. They do features on quite a few artists and shops, and show examples of each one's work. You'll occasionally run across a featured artist from TX, though you might find someone who's not local that can do the work "just so" for you.
There's one mag I've found that's based out of and centered around ink in Texas. You'll never guess what it's called.

Many local shops have websites that feature the work of their artists, both permanent staff and visiting folks. Might check out some of these places, give 'em a call, go visit or what-have-you. Cat Tattoo, Elm St. Tattoo, Love-n-Hate, Lone Star Tattoo, Tigger's (even though Tigger hasn't worked there in a while)... There's a looooong list of places, and those five aren't even a scratch on the surface.

[POS Racing]

I didn't know POS has tats.

Nope Tats are not my thing.

I'm really surprised your not going with a Rainbow Theme or a Flowery Tramp Stamp.

[juxt3r]

We love you, too, Bean.

[sloked up]

since you are in Mckinny, go talk to Mike Carter at Ink Inc off El Dorado, east of highway 5 i believe it is, right past the cemetary on your right. see what he has to say and what he can do. he looks like an asshole, but hes a funny funny guy.

[Treibenschnell]

We love you, too, Bean.

I'm just quoting that guy that did one of my two...

[Rogue]

Plenty of Scumbags and Lowlifes will be hanging around here.
http://www.lonestarroundup.com/
Lots of incredible ink!

[Nails]

Whomever does it, make sure they put Trina's face on her.

[Titus]

Whomever does it, make sure they put Trina's face on her.

But William told me "wives are temporary, Tatoos are forever."

[miataspeedracer]

Gimme a couple beers. I'll do it!

[Titus]

Gimme a couple beers. I'll do it!

[SilverToy]

The main comment I would make is be willing to travel for what you want and take your time. If you see a specific tattoo, look up the tattooist and be willing to travel, take a vacation or whatever, fly in, and fly out, whatever. People say this all the time but remember; you will have it forever. One of mine is now 35years old, it will not wash off.
I agree with juxt3r, I highly recommend Cat tattoo; some of those guys are great. Check out Rember’s work, but I would highly recommend Frank Sanchez’s. All you have to do is look at his Marilyn Monroe and you will be hooked. MM is an easy one to screw up and he nailed it. As you have found, there are lots of “Not so good”, you don’t need one of those.
Some of the ones you had pics of were Tim Harris, New Haven, CT, Keith Ciaramello Baldwin, NY, and Cecil Porter Northridge, CA. My guy is strictly old school and not what you want so no recommendation.
Be warned: they are highly addictive!