Timeless Tattoo in Victoria, TX

http://www.timelesstattoovictoria.blogspot.com

I met yesterday with Will Ellis over at Timeless Tattoo here in Victoria.  There will be several articles to come, out of our talk, but I wanted to put a quick post up right away. 

Timeless Tattoo is Victoria's newest tattoo studio, having opened just this past July.  But don't mistake "new studio" with "new to the trade".  All three artists (Will, Cheryl, and Christy) have many years of experience, and impressive portfolios.  According to their website, their mission statement is:
"Timeless Tattoo is proudly bringing sensational custom tattoo artwork to Victoria TX, and is committed to providing our clients with a safe, clean, and comfortable tattoo experience by a knowledgeable, friendly, professionally licensed family owned and operated business."
What I noticed when I first walked in the door was that it's more like walking into a doctor's office or an office building than an old school tattoo parlor (and I've been in quite a few of those).  Everything is brightly lit, and there's a lack of flash on the wall.  In the lobby area, you'll find a table and chairs with tattoo magazines spread out neatly.  As you look at the walls, you'll find tattoo memorabilia, but still no flash.  Why is that?  Yes, I heard you ask.  Timeless Tattoo doesn't do flash.  What?  Let me repeat:  Timeless Tattoo doesn't do flash.  They strictly focus on custom tattoos.

When I asked Will why that is, his passion for his art became obvious, for that passion is what inspired them to make their studio custom work only.  As I've said before (and doubtless will again, many times), I appreciate the art that is tattooing.  Whether it's drawn on paper, on the computer, or on the skin, it's the art that draws me (pun intended, bad pun, but hey, that's me...).  As with any artist, the goal is to get better and better at what you do.  Drawing the same flash drawing each time doesn't permit the stretching and growing that an artist seeks constantly.  Will said it best, "I don't want to look at a six month progression of my work and see improvement.  I want to see it from one piece to the next."  That immediacy coupled with a desire to grow in your art, to learn your passion, profession, vocation, (some might say obsession), I think is true of any artist, regardless of medium.  He then showed me a sample file on just one of his tattoos.  It's a manila folder, about an inch or so thick, with various sketches from different angles.  He's used different colors, changed the composition... tweaked it here and there, until he's found the drawing that he's happy with.  The drawing that will become a tattoo.  Although I already appreciate what an artist can do (and yes, I'm a little jealous), seeing that file, those drawings and the time and consideration that went into making it as perfect as it can be made, makes you appreciate it that much more.

So, look for more articles soon!  And in the meantime, check out Timeless Tattoo's website, and blog.  You won't be disappointed!!

BTW, this photo is not mine... it's linked directly from Timeless Tattoo's blog.  But isn't it awesome?  Being a girl who grew up in the '80s, I'm anxious to see this one finished!!!!  Awesome job, Will!

Changes

I've changed the look of the blog, and added a community page where you can discuss more about tattoos in the south.  I'll be adding more links, and more reviews, over the next couple of weeks... as well as reviewing some books, and hopefully soon, some equipment. 

Some other plans in the works include:  information about tattoo apprenticeships (how to become a tattoo artist), reviews of studios in Victoria, TX, and more articles about what to consider before, during, and after getting a tattoo.

As always, please feel free to make suggestions in the comments section, and let me know what you'd like to see.  The more feedback I get, the more I can make this blog about what YOU want it to be about!!!

Daddy's Li'l Angel


This tattoo was the start of a tradition.  Robert is my ex-husband, and Stormi and Tristan's father, and with his (our) oldest, he started the tradition of a tattoo to commemorate the birth of each of his children.  I've reviewed Stormi's tattoo in a previous blog post, so I know those of you that follow the blog may recognize the name.  The photo was taken summer 2010, the tattoo done by Angel at Dago's in 1991.  The artwork was originally drawn by Robert, including the wording surrounding the tattoo, and the tattoo was created to closely match.  I recognize his handwriting (rather than hers) on those surrounding words.  She did an excellent job of freehanding this tattoo, while retaining the original "flavor" of it.  The shading is excellent, and for a 19 year old tattoo, there is little fading.  Excellent work by Angel!  Dago's is currently located at (713) 692-7404 · 5131 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77022, or on the web

New columns for Victoria tattoo artists

There will be two new weekly columns, hopefully starting the week after next.  I have been out and about this week, busily introducing myself and this site to the tattoo artists and shop owners and managers, and introducing those columns.

Click here to read more... 

Handing out business cards

So, I finally got my business cards in yesterday.  While we were in town today, I stopped at two of our local tattoo studios to hand out my business cards.  I enjoyed meeting and talking with the business manager of In The Skin and the owner of Primal Instincts.  I am going to love my new "gig".  I've introduced both to my suggestion of a tattoo of the week and piercing of the week.  I hope to go back into town tomorrow to distribute more cards, and continue spreading the word for both Inked in the South and Victoria Tattoo & Piercing Examiner.  If you live in Victoria, TX and you have tattoos from local tattoo artists, please comment below.  Let me know if you'd like to be photographed and have an article written about you!

Five questions to ask yourself before you tattoo in Victoria

There's a new article over at Victoria Tattoo & Piercing Examiner.  Five questions to ask yourself before you tattoo...

Read more...  





















Photo Attribution: 







Victoria's Tattoo & Body Piercing Examiner

I'm very excited!  I'm so proud to announce that as of today, I am writing as Victoria's Tattoo & Body Piercing Examiner.  My first article should be posted soon, a short one defining some terms about the tattoo industry.  I'll have it posted this afternoon if the weather cooperates!  Most of my articles will now be focused in and around Victoria, but I will always welcome anything Inked in the South!

In the meantime, please visit my site, and subscribe to see new articles (including the soon-to-be-started Tattoo/Piercing of the week, as well as information on how to become a tattoo artist in Victoria)!  As always, please subscribe, leave me a comment, and let me know what you'd like to see more of!  I'll be hanging around the tattoo studios soon, so if you see me there, be sure to tell me you saw me here on my blog or on the Examiner! 

tattoo design




I'm always trolling for new designs, so thought I'd share this site on tattoo designTell me if you like it, and if you have others you like as well! :D

Brandi - tribal on arm



Brandi, in Tyler Texas had this tribal ink done by a friend, James.  We're trying to get more of James' information, but we do know that she is happy with the work.  We agree!  Clean lines, good shading, a tribal that forms a... well, what do you think it is?  We'd love to hear your thoughts!


Abstract Tattoos

Found a really cool tattoo blog while surfing the net tonight.  This image in particular was one of my favorites:  but if you go to the website, you'll see some amazing work!  Tell me what you think!

User Submitted Tattoos

Just a reminder that I'd love to see your tattoos or tattoo designs!  Just comment below!

Addictive Tattoos

I was chatting with my daughter the other day, and she was telling me that she's ready for another tattoo.  It really made me smile, as in my mind, I've been planning my next 4... and it's been almost 20 years since my one (and only).  


My next two, I plan to get faeries... night and day.  I won't post much about them, as their design is still evolving as I continue to search artwork that I like to show my husband for him to draw them.  I think that I want the faeries on each of my shoulderblades... easily hidden when wearing shirts with sleeves, but tanks and swimsuits will show/showcase them.  My third will be a "tramp stamp"... I really don't think I like that term, but there it is.  I haven't decided if I want a beach scene there... breaking waves at twilight or dawn; or something tribal.  My fourth, I want a quote... and have been searching for one lately that draws me to it.  I'm not sure where I want this one yet.  I'm sure I'll come up with several more, but this is where I'm at right now.  :D

Keith of Jacksonville FL - Pain is Inevedible, Suffering is Optional

Oooops.  :D  Did you catch it?  I actually didn't at first, and I'm a spelling queen (lol).  It wasn't until I was reviewing the photos of this rib tat that I realized that "Inevedible" should have been "Inevitable".  Keith said that other than the misspelling, he is happy with the piece.  It's on his ribs, a good place for this large quote, a reminder to Keith to not sweat the small stuff.  He had this piece done by a friend, and said that he wishes he'd gone to his regular tattoo artist.  He'll have some additional shading done around the tat, as well as something to try to straighten the lines that aren't even.

Keith of Jacksonville FL - No Regrets, Live Free


This tattoo, on Keith's right inner arm, needs little explanation.  It's a phrase that I personally ascribe to as well.  Nobody can live life without the occasional backward glance with a grimace (ouch... I really did THAT?), yet everything that happens in life, whether by choice or circumstance, makes us who we are.  So, Keith, I have to agree completely.  Don't look back on life and regret choices made, roads not taken... live free.  Recognize that the mistakes as well as the successes have made us who we are. 

Keith got this great tat, easy to read with clean lines, at Inksmith & Rogers, 2177 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL  Phone & Fax: (904) 213-9099.  The (very talented) artist who is responsible for this ink?  Peter Razis (http://www.inksmithtattoo.com/artists/peter-razis).

Keith of Jacksonville FL - K.T. tattoo

Keith, of Jacksonville, Florida has several tattoos, and will be featured in several upcoming posts.  He got particular tattoo as a memorial to his grandfather. 



K.T. are his first and middle initials, and what his grandfather called him.  The banner above and below are his grandfather's date of birth and date of death.  The intricate old english letters are well-defined, dark and even, and the shadowing is well done.  The banner, a traditional motif in tattoos was given an aged look to match the lettering.  When asked if he had any regrets on this tattoo, he said that he only wished he'd made it larger.  Keith already has several other tattoos, which I'll be featuring in the blog over the next several days, and plans to get more.

One plan of his is a half-sleeve Koi fish.  I can't wait to see it!

This tattoo was done by Lester at Inksmith & Rogers at 6003 Roosevelt Blvd, #8, Jacksonville, FL 32244, phone:  (904) 771-8555.  If I'm in Jacksonville wanting to get a tat, I'd be more than willing to look up Lester!

Jonathan went to Primal Instinct Tattoo (3610 N Laurent St Victoria, TX 77901-3441 phone:  361-573-0092) for this tattoo.  Lucy is Jonathan's late mother.  Lucy Mae... he has plans to add her middle name to the tattoo at a later date.  The clean lines, decorative but easily recognizable letters were an excellent choice to honor her. 



We plan to review more designs by Primal Instinct at a later date.