SUBSCRIBE to Truly: http://bit.ly/Oc61Hj VIRAL TikTok star, Ren, was born without elbows or hands – but that hasn’t held her back …
Source from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJ_OF_vVS4
“There’s a full spectrum to my music,” Able Heart begins, his voice a mirror to the depth and diversity of his sound. “It started way darker, a lot of things that I went through in life,” he admits, hinting at a past marked by struggles and silence, now vocalized through his art. This spectrum isn’t confined to his music alone; it’s vividly illustrated in the living canvas of his skin.
“I’m blasting over old tattoos,” he shares, a metaphor for his life’s journey. “It’s kind of like my music,” he muses, “You evolve, and your art evolves with you.” His tattoos, once markers of a darker time, are now overlaid with images that reflect the man he’s become: a phoenix rising from the ashes of his past.
His mother’s influence, a constant beacon of support, is immortalized in ink on his skin. “My mom’s lips here,” he points to a seemingly fading tattoo on his forearm, “She always said, ‘You’re able to do anything your heart desires.’ That’s where ‘Able Heart’ comes from.” It’s not just a name; it’s a philosophy, a salute to the limitless potential within each of us.
The transition from a world-class snowboarder to a musician wasn’t without its scars — both physical and emotional. “I used to ride with a company that helped support people that couldn’t pay to travel and go to competitions,” he recounts, a nod to the community that once uplifted him, now mirrored in the Full of Heart Fam group he’s fostering through his music and online presence. The glimmer in his eyes as he speaks about his community only echoes how important the outreach to his fans truly is.
His continued commitment to his fans also comes through in a unique (but also seemingly popular) way. In discussing his virtual concerts, Able Heart’s enthusiasm is palpable. “They’re unique… intimate,” he says, his eyes lighting up. “It’s all about connecting with people, even if it’s through a screen.” This sense of connection, of reaching out and touching lives across the digital divide, is what drives him. “Music is the best funnel… for people listening and being able to resonate with things,” he explains.
Yet, it’s not just about the music or the tattoos; it’s about the journey — his relentless pursuit of happiness, his unwavering belief in the power of manifestation, and his dedication to helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles. “I care about other people in the sense that, if they see something, I want them to also know that they’re able to do anything their heart desires,” he says, his voice earnest, his message clear.
Able Heart’s tattoos do more than decorate his skin — they tell his story, a narrative of overcoming, evolving, and embracing every facet of his being. From the sonic depths of his darkest hours to the vibrant beats of his brightest moments, his life is a testament to the power of resilience.
As we trace the contours of his tattoos, we’re not just observing art; we’re reading chapters of a living, breathing autobiography, one where every line, every note, and every cover sings of a heart that’s truly able.
By Nicole Stover (@litlifecole)
Tattoos have become more than just ink on the skin — they evolved into a powerful means of self-expression, captivating attention, and inspiring awe. Once considered taboo, female tattoos have experienced a remarkable shift in societal perception. Previously regarded as rebellious and unruly, ink on women evolved into a celebrated symbol of strength, beauty, and individuality.
We’re moving past outdated stereotypes and toward celebrating these inked individuals, challenging the norm. They proudly display their body art, breaking free from traditional beauty standards and reclaiming their bodies as canvases of expression.
Bailey Sarian (@baileysarian) has emerged as a powerhouse of positive influence for women, inspiring them to live life on their own terms. Sarian skillfully combines her passion for true crime stories, makeup artistry, and history through enthralling podcasts such as “Murder, Mystery & Makeup” and “Dark History.”
In a recent interview, Sarian shared how tattoos contribute to her overall sense of identity: “I love my tattoos. I love body art. I feel gorgeous. I feel beautiful and like a piece of art myself. It’s a part of me.”
Sarian’s latest campaign with Melt Cosmetics’ Fatally Yours further showcased her ability to break barriers in the beauty industry, proving it is possible to thrive by embracing one’s unique passions while challenging society’s expectations along the way.
“Every tattoo artist is an artist, and I like to collect their work from all over,” Sarian said. “Most collectors put it on their walls; I put it on my body.”
Tattooed women challenge traditional ideas of femininity, defying expectations imposed on women’s bodies and their roles in communities. Tattoos empower these women to assert control over their physical selves and unabashedly express their distinct identities without apology.
MiMi Fulton (@mimi.fulton), a globally recognized model from Philadelphia, shared her perspective on challenging conventional standards: “People see the beauty of what I’ve collected in these wonderful photos that would not have the same powerful message had I no tattoos at all.”
As our cultural attitudes evolve, so does our understanding of what it means to be adorned with ink. Molly Hammons (@mollyyyhammons), a personal trainer and influencer in Los Angeles, is one of many women working toward changing the stigma surrounding tattooed females. As owner of streetwear clothing brand Intensions, Hammons defies society’s negative outlook on strong, inked women in the workforce.
“What people choose to do with their bodies does not correlate with their work ethic,” she said. “I love that I can be a part of the change and show other women that we can work corporate jobs, model, and so much more while being tattooed.”
The rise in visibility through social media platforms has played a crucial role in shattering cliches and paving the way for acceptance and inclusivity. Denver-based artist and painter Hailey Crossley (@hailstormtattoos) shared her thoughts on how media has played a role in the shifting popularity: “I think seeing more tattooed women in the media contributed to the rise in popularity of female tattoos. We can thank Kat Von D and tattoo TV shows for bringing tattoos into the mainstream media. Also, with social media, we have proof of females owning their truth and getting tattooed all over the world.”
Beyond personal significance lies an appreciation for the artistry behind each tattoo. Tattoo artists skillfully and creatively bring these designs to life, turning human skin into living compositions. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and expert craftsmanship make each tattoo unique.
Anna Chernova (@horror_tattoo), a 29-year-old studio owner based in San Francisco, explained her approach to designing tattoos for each of her clients. “I always approach each client’s idea individually; this inspires me very much,” she said, explaining, “First, I listen to each woman’s story, her idea, and what it means to her to create a masterpiece that we both like and so that no one else has such a tattoo.”
Undeniably, behind every tattoo lies a story waiting to be told — a narrative that speaks volumes about personal experiences, beliefs, or aspirations. From breast cancer survivors adorning mastectomy scars to individuals using tattoos as a form of activism or self-acceptance, these stories showcase the profound impact that tattoos can have on one’s sense of self.
At the center is tattoo artist and single mother of two, Rachel WS (@rachlws), who dedicated herself to transforming painful memories into beautiful works of art for her female clients. At her Rhode Island-based studio, Rachel WS Fine Arts, she empowers her clients to reclaim their bodies despite their overwhelming challenges. With compassion and impeccable skill bleeding through each stroke of her tattoo machine, she brings healing and beauty to those seeking solace in the transformative power of art.
One client, 30-year-old lab technician Kate Godfrey, revealed, “I’ve had visible self-harm scars on my arms for my whole adult life, and it’s always been an insecurity. Covering up the scars with art has been insane for my self-confidence.”
Similarly, preschool and dance teacher Meag Foy-Anderson emoted passionately about Rachel’s life-changing artwork. “Rachel WS understood the deep connection of trauma to scars and how much of an impact can be made by taking away that visual reminder of an ugly time in your life and replacing it with a thing of beauty and inspiration. I am ever grateful for her.”
As society increasingly embraces the allure and significance of tattooed artwork on women’s bodies, we wholeheartedly applaud their courageous defiance of conventions and the embrace of their authentic selves. Moreover, we pay tribute to their personal stories and commend the extraordinary artists who skillfully bring these narratives to life.
Ángel Manuel Soto is a cinematographic rebel with a cause–a visionary who sees many similarities amidst his background, before the fame, and the protagonists that he has brought to life on the big screen with films such as Blue Beetle (2023). The success story behind this story-teller has been shaped by a litany of risky decisions during his upbringing as a poverty-stricken teen on the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Instances like trespassing onto reggaeton music video sets for a BTS look at professional film production and shoplifting a novel written by Robert Rodriguez called Rebel without a Crew from Borders bookstore (Soto and Rodriguez would go on to share a laugh about this incident years later upon an introduction) are standout moments from his ascension over the years. But perhaps the most career-defining gamble he has made thus far was when he chose to permanently alter the pigment particles on both of his hands with microscopic drops of ink. Soto procured a tattoo on his right hand from an artist named Juanky (Employed at Senzala Tattoo & Body Piercing) back in 2010. Three years later, he enlisted the services of Juan Salgado (Owner of Color Conspiracy Tattoo Gallery) to complete a tattoo design on his left hand.
“I got my hands tattooed as a guarantee to myself thinking, ‘Now you have to make it work because nobody’s going to hire you now,’” Soto recalled. “’Nine to five jobs in an office? You’re not going to get that because you have tattoos that are visual.’ It was a motivation to keep me from conforming [because filmmaking] is all I wanted to do.”
Eventually, Soto’s riskiness paid off. Subsequently, nearly a decade and a half of hustling as a freelance director in the Caribbean and stateside resulted in his independent film La Granja (2015) landing on the radar of Tim League (founder of the Fantastic Fest), who then offered him a premiere at his annual film festival in Austin, Texas. The critically acclaimed sports drama garnered attention from Javier Alvarado, an agent with CAA who went on to become his manager.
Years after relocating to Los Angeles, the Puerto Rican native returned to his home island in May of 2022 to make his breakthrough film, Blue Beetle. The full-circle moment added $20 million to Puerto Rico’s economy while also manufacturing nearly $76 million worth of jobs, some of whom included friends and crew members from his arthouse film La Carta (2010). Now, the same hands that used to slap basslines for the ska-punk band known as Los Chéveres in the late 1990s are writing scripts, roll cameras, and closing clapperboards for a wide variety of Hollywood’s biggest motion pictures. You cannot depict Soto’s timeline as an aficionado in moviemaking without conveying his passion for tattoos because they go hand in hand.
At first glance, Soto looks like more of a rock star than a filmmaker who spends much of his time out of the limelight. His long hair and black fingernail polish are supplanted only by the tattoos that cover nearly half of his upper body. Soto’s introduction to tattoo needles and round shaders occurred during the year 2000, when FIBZ, an artist from Wizz Tattoo, inked a Dave Quiggle-styled crucifix on his right forearm. Nearly twenty-five years later, the 41-year-old from the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan frequents a pair of his countrymen named Javier “Che” Rivera (Owner of Tattoos by Che) and Juan Salgado (Owner of Color Conspiracy Tattoo Gallery) to conduct the long tattoo sessions that he compares to therapy. The theme on his body carries a traditional Caribbean undertone with engravings, Catholic Nautical sensibilities, and random patches throughout his arms and upper torso. Soto and his wife also frequent Sashatattooing Gallery Co-Owner and Artist Nora Lyashko when he is stationed in L.A. for filming.
“I think I’ve done all of [my tattoos] around the island,” Soto said. “The biggest ones have been with Che and Juan Salgado, who has already called dibs on my back (laughs). I don’t have anything there yet. I’m trying to do something with that Juan Salgado style, but I want to do it with black and grey…My left arm is all patched with an engraved aesthetic…the theme is mostly about letting go of things that keep you from growing while moving onward with what gives you strength. And my neck tattoo is from Nora. My wife has a sleeve from her.”
Nora tattooed a peony flower on Soto’s neck shortly after Charm City Kings (2020), starring Meek Mill and Jahi Di’Allo Winston, wrapped filming during 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Soto, his Director of Photography Katelin Arizmendi, and the camera operator Stewart Cantrell all inked themselves with friendship tattoos, inspired by the 12 O’Clock Boys, the dirt bike riders from their movie, during the production phase. Soto’s tattoo is a Molotov cocktail that says, “12XII.” Around that time, he also procured an inner lip tattoo of the word “help.” In a recent interview with Inked Magazine, Soto revealed that it was a light-hearted response to his wife, whom he says is already starting to outnumber him in tattoos, for playfully encouraging the concept after he floated the idea.
Soto’s most elaborate tattoo is a chest was completed by an artist named Omar Velazquez in 2013. It includes a script that reads, “Honor, Lealtad, Respeto.” Like many ink enthusiasts, he’s also the owner of a “drunk tattoo.” The whimsical memento was completed by José Guerra at the Harisumi Tattoo Studio in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guerra inked the word “true” just above the fingers on Soto’s right hand. It may take a while for his filmography to surpass his growing tattoo collection. However, Soto has indicated that he would like to add anime, romantic comedies, Western movies, and horror movies to his repertoire someday.
Soto is currently in Los Angeles, preparing for Wrecking Crew, a buddy-comedy starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Although pre-production has kept him busy, he is already thinking of his next tattoo.
“The next one is a face tattoo, but my wife is like, ‘no’ (laughs); I’ve always wanted something little [on my face], like the 787 area code of Puerto Rico next to my eyebrow,” Soto said. “Or my mom and father’s initials.”
He added, “There are a couple of things that are very iconographical from our Puerto Rican revolutionary legacy. But what I like the most is a native name for Puerto Rico besides ‘Borinquen,’ and it’s ‘Oubao Moin.’ That means ‘Island of Blood.’ It was a name that the Taínos (the indigenous people of the island) called it. I’ve always liked that way of honoring our ancestors.”
Located on the Sunset Strip, Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club might be best described as a place where the elite and the underworld meet. A hangout for his celebrity friends, or a drop-in for anyone looking to ink an occasion with his classic black and gray aesthetic. The shop might as well be a confessional as those who sit and listen to his calm, cool drawl call him “Priest.”
The first time he walked into a tattoo shop at 14 years old, he knew he wanted to spend his life as a tattoo artist. The look, smell, artwork, and groups of outsiders always appealed to him.
“I was always attracted to counterculture,” Mahoney said.
Born and raised near Boston, Mahoney left art school in the mid-70s with his eye on Manhattan. He spent time tattooing bikers and outlaws before he met his people at the Chelsea Hotel. He once beat up a member of the Ramones at CBGB, and got stoned with William Burroughs and Allen Ginsburg before seeing his friend Nancy Spungen off to London. When she came back, she brought Sid Vicious.
He moved to LA in 1980 and made friends with punk rockers and gangbangers. He ran with movie stars and musicians, and shot dope with intellectuals and degenerates. He’s a dying breed of 100% true originals and calls Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey friends.
He landed roles in a few movies, including playing a cool, Catholic, well-dressed man of many talents — not much of a stretch from his roots when he looked up to local heroes, gangs, and villains in his neighborhood. He thought about the priesthood as a young man, saying his prayers, following most rules, and trying to live up to expectations as a New England-born boy who loved motorcycles, leather jackets, and greasers from car magazines.
Most people will tell you his reputation and caring spirit extend beyond the famous to the infamous and unfamous alike. His shop is like a clubhouse for anyone looking to mark the good, bad, and ugly chapters of their lives. Mahoney sets the blueprint of what is cool and is a muse for creatives all over the world. If you’ve been in a tattoo shop recently, it’s probably built around the framework he and his colleagues laid down in the past half-century.
After almost 50 years of work, he routinely visits and catches up with old friends, even tattooing their children and grandchildren — imparting wisdom on ways to connect, meet likeminded people, sit, listen, and talk. “I think they keep coming back because I give a fuck,” Mahoney said. “Their pain is my pain; their joy is my joy.”
The shop is decorated with images of hope and faith: relics of a time gone by, a quote overlooked, and a tribute to his Catholic upbringing. Faith plays a big role in his life, and he never gives up on the idea — putting all his trust and confidence into something underground, misunderstood, and illegal until not that long ago.
Mahoney has a lot of reasons to love his job. His shop is in the middle of Hollywood, along one of the most iconic strips in the world. He spends time with people who kept coming back and are now lifelong friends. He goes to work every day, does his job, and makes a living, but doesn’t consider himself an artist and isn’t concerned with the art side of his pursuits. He sees his single-needle, black-and-gray designs the same as he sees black-and-white photography or movies: an idea etched in time that gets softer and more beautiful.
“I think black and gray ages more gracefully,” Mahoney said. “It has more drama to it.”
The clubhouse moved from its original location to 1114 Horn Ave in West Hollywood, just down the strip. Mahoney also started a clothing line called the Shamrock Social Club Collective that features his original designs screen printed on classic styles, the type of clothing you might expect anyone to wear in a tattoo shop.
Mahoney continues to keep tattoos affordable for everyone, not opting for a private studio and thousand-dollar designs. He’s still a modest tattooer inspired by the beauty he sees all around him. He believes in friendships, family, and the power to connect with clients over the good times, hard times, and everything in between.
“Tattoos are a joint effort,” Mahoney said. “Connection is the most important part.”
Don’t let the alligator shoes and vintage Cadillacs fool you — Mahoney believes in the power of connection; it’s what keeps him coming back. He’s one of the original outsiders, teaching the next generation and beyond about the power of being yourself, staying true, and authentic, and not following trends. When you lived through the 70s punk scene, the obnoxiousness of the 80s, and the death of originality, you look for what’s real, with true friends.
Appointments can be made by contacting the Shamrock Social Club at 310-271-9664. There is a bit of a waitlist, but you can expect the highest quality work, the finest conversation, and, if you’re up for it, a place to confess all your sins. Then, just sit back, watch a master, pay your respects, and believe in that power that faith brought you together with the Godfather.
Top-notch tattoo machines packed with innovation and safety provide precision performances. Small in stature and ample in capabilities, these three tattoo pen manufacturers present their latest and greatest instruments, helping tattooers achieve premium results on every canvas.
Dragonhawk cranks up its technological offerings with the Mast Archer S wireless tattoo machine. The attention-drawing Archer S supplies tattoo professionals with ultra-fast charging capabilities that offer an hour of continual use with merely a five-minute charge. It is powered by Dragonhawk’s self-developed brushless motor, and equipped with MastLabs’ electronic control technology, high-res color display, and powerful performance. Compact, lightweight, and agile, the Archer S provides tattoo professionals with a comfortable grip, a 4.2 mm stroke, and safety features that are recognized internationally. dragonhawkofficial.com
One machine with multiple uses, the FURY by OG PRODUCE packs premium technology into a small package that flows smoothly in the palm. From hairline details to dotting and smudging, tattooers will get up to nine hours of continual use with no tail-heavy feeling. The FURY features a 1.47-inch color screen and three adjustment modes, and is available in vibrant purple, green, or red. It is quiet, safety-protected, and equipped with an RCA connector, so you can amp up your machine even if you forget to put the pen on the charger. OG is offering Inked readers an exclusive discount with code OGFURY. ogtattoo.com
SOL Nova Unlimited by Cheyenne
Discover more artistic capabilities with the wireless SOL Nova Unlimited tattoo pen, Cheyenne’s enhanced version of the SOL Nova. The Berlin-based company created the elevated machine with advanced technology, time-saving, and ease of use in mind. The Unlimited is run by an exchangeable standard battery and available in four different stroke options. It operates with a single button that powers and pauses, switches operating modes, and adjusts quickly and intuitively as you tilt the machine. Thanks to the motion control you won’t be distracted from the tattooing process. cheyennetattoo.com
Inksquad Artist
The Inksquad Artist App is like a personal assistant, helping tattooers improve, manage, automate, and experiment with their projects’ color palettes. Pre-equipped with more than 400 colors, amateur and expert ink artists alike have ready-to-use hues at their disposal. Need to match a color? Just import a Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate file. The app will create an Inkboard folder, pinpoint the necessary pigment for your patrons’ projects, and then automatically create a full palette of the best color matches in your sketch, drawing, or image. From there, shades of the existing colors are generated in the app’s Matrix and Wheel tabs for advanced color study, experimentation, and blending. Also, artists can crop, resize, and print stencils using the generated images. Inksquad developers plan to release a customer management system to assist in client communications, scheduling, and calendar management; create an AI-based image generation system; and introduce a platform where artists can share discoveries. The app is available only for iPad and no subscription is needed. inksquad.com
Ghostline
Established in 2022 by renowned tattoo artist London Reese, Ghostline revolutionized tattoo stencil creation and printing for tattoo artists worldwide. Recognized by TechCrunch, Ghostline ‘s innovative solution alleviates the time-consuming stencil process. By eliminating the hand-tracing step — a process that can add 30 to 90 minutes to your workload — you free up more time, allowing you to put your energy into other things. Boasting a pro team comprised of the world’s top-tier artists, Ghostline continues to elevate the tattoo industry with unparalleled innovation. ghostline.app
DaySmart
DaySmart Body Art functions as a practical assistant for your tattoo or piercing business. The all-in-one software simplifies managing appointments, handling payments, communicating with clients, and staying organized. Ditch the hassle of paper schedules or generic software not tailored for artists and take charge with a solution that has backed artists for more than two decades. Whether you’re independent or part of a larger team, DaySmart offers reliable support, helping you cut down on stress, save time, and work more efficiently. daysmartbodyart.com
Geometrica
Geometry and ornamental tattooers all over the world are using Geometrica on their iPads to create and elevate their designs. The first drawing app created for tattooers was made by second-generation and geometric tattoo pioneer Cory Ferguson. The groundbreaking symmetry features make it easy to create mandalas, fading patterns, spiral designs, and more. Geometrica is so enjoyable you won’t even realize you’re leveling up your career in the process. Multi-page printing, converting images to outlines, and six free patterns every month make this app a must-have. geometri.ca
NightCafé AI Tattoo Generator
Capture the exact essence you want to convey in your tattoo design. The NightCafé AI Generator wields the power to create limitless tattoo designs using advanced AI algorithms. Simply describe your vision to the generator to unveil results. Modify the description down to the minutest of details — from color scheme to style and complexity — until the generator reveals the masterpiece you created in your mind’s eye. creator.nightcafe.studio
Tattoodo
Lean on an experienced tattoo artist to bring to life the design you want inked on your skin. Just provide a brief description of your design and the people at Tattoodo will select compatible artists and studios for you to choose from. From there, pick your favorite, discuss the price, and schedule your session. Customers pay their deposit directly on the Tattoodo platform, which is applied toward the overall cost of the tattoo. tattoodo.com
InkHunter
Get an inkling of how ink will look on your skin using only a smart device. Once the InkHunter virtual tattoo app is downloaded, users can analyze the intricacies of how their tattoo will present when — and if — they decide to get inked. Just draw a square smile on your skin; select a gallery image or use your own sketch; and the AI program immediately displays the virtual tattoo on your skin. Continue modifying the design until you’re delighted. inkhunter.tattoo
Apple Vision Pro
Do an online search for “Apple Vison Pro Tattoo” and videos of Vison Pro-wearing tattoo artists will pop up on your results page. While wearing the specs, tattooers zoom in on imagery and sketches to access the finer details of the artwork while simultaneously inking their clients. Apple Vision Pro opens a new realm of possibilities with assets such as pointer control, surround sound, a virtual office, built-in apps, and otherworldly environments. apple.com/apple-vision-pro
Fotor AI Tattoo Generator
Fotor’s AI Tattoo Generator can help you create the tattoo you always longed for. And the process is simple. Go to the Fotor website, click on “Generate Tattoo with AI Now,” choose the “From Image” or “From Text” option at the top of the lefthand toolbar, type in detailed information in the text box, and an image will generate. Make modifications to your description until the ideal image is generated, then save the image to share with your tattooist. fotor.com
Inksquad Artist
The Inksquad Artist App is like a personal assistant, helping tattooers improve, manage, automate, and experiment with their projects’ color palettes. Pre-equipped with more than 400 colors, amateur and expert ink artists alike have ready-to-use hues at their disposal. Need to match a color? Just import a Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate file. The app will create an Inkboard folder, pinpoint the necessary pigment for your patrons’ projects, and then automatically create a full palette of the best color matches in your sketch, drawing, or image. From there, shades of the existing colors are generated in the app’s Matrix and Wheel tabs for advanced color study, experimentation, and blending. Also, artists can crop, resize, and print stencils using the generated images. Inksquad developers plan to release a customer management system to assist in client communications, scheduling, and calendar management; create an AI-based image generation system; and introduce a platform where artists can share discoveries. The app is available only for iPad and no subscription is needed. inksquad.com
Ghostline
Established in 2022 by renowned tattoo artist London Reese, Ghostline revolutionized tattoo stencil creation and printing for tattoo artists worldwide. Recognized by TechCrunch, Ghostline ‘s innovative solution alleviates the time-consuming stencil process. By eliminating the hand-tracing step — a process that can add 30 to 90 minutes to your workload — you free up more time, allowing you to put your energy into other things. Boasting a pro team comprised of the world’s top-tier artists, Ghostline continues to elevate the tattoo industry with unparalleled innovation. ghostline.app
DaySmart
DaySmart Body Art functions as a practical assistant for your tattoo or piercing business. The all-in-one software simplifies managing appointments, handling payments, communicating with clients, and staying organized. Ditch the hassle of paper schedules or generic software not tailored for artists and take charge with a solution that has backed artists for more than two decades. Whether you’re independent or part of a larger team, DaySmart offers reliable support, helping you cut down on stress, save time, and work more efficiently. daysmartbodyart.com
Geometrica
Geometry and ornamental tattooers all over the world are using Geometrica on their iPads to create and elevate their designs. The first drawing app created for tattooers was made by second-generation and geometric tattoo pioneer Cory Ferguson. The groundbreaking symmetry features make it easy to create mandalas, fading patterns, spiral designs, and more. Geometrica is so enjoyable you won’t even realize you’re leveling up your career in the process. Multi-page printing, converting images to outlines, and six free patterns every month make this app a must-have. geometri.ca
NightCafé AI Tattoo Generator
Capture the exact essence you want to convey in your tattoo design. The NightCafé AI Generator wields the power to create limitless tattoo designs using advanced AI algorithms. Simply describe your vision to the generator to unveil results. Modify the description down to the minutest of details — from color scheme to style and complexity — until the generator reveals the masterpiece you created in your mind’s eye. creator.nightcafe.studio
Tattoodo
Lean on an experienced tattoo artist to bring to life the design you want inked on your skin. Just provide a brief description of your design and the people at Tattoodo will select compatible artists and studios for you to choose from. From there, pick your favorite, discuss the price, and schedule your session. Customers pay their deposit directly on the Tattoodo platform, which is applied toward the overall cost of the tattoo. tattoodo.com
InkHunter
Get an inkling of how ink will look on your skin using only a smart device. Once the InkHunter virtual tattoo app is downloaded, users can analyze the intricacies of how their tattoo will present when — and if — they decide to get inked. Just draw a square smile on your skin; select a gallery image or use your own sketch; and the AI program immediately displays the virtual tattoo on your skin. Continue modifying the design until you’re delighted. inkhunter.tattoo
Apple Vision Pro
Do an online search for “Apple Vison Pro Tattoo” and videos of Vison Pro-wearing tattoo artists will pop up on your results page. While wearing the specs, tattooers zoom in on imagery and sketches to access the finer details of the artwork while simultaneously inking their clients. Apple Vision Pro opens a new realm of possibilities with assets such as pointer control, surround sound, a virtual office, built-in apps, and otherworldly environments. apple.com/apple-vision-pro
Fotor AI Tattoo Generator
Fotor’s AI Tattoo Generator can help you create the tattoo you always longed for. And the process is simple. Go to the Fotor website, click on “Generate Tattoo with AI Now,” choose the “From Image” or “From Text” option at the top of the lefthand toolbar, type in detailed information in the text box, and an image will generate. Make modifications to your description until the ideal image is generated, then save the image to share with your tattooist. fotor.com
Top-notch tattoo machines packed with innovation and safety provide precision performances. Small in stature and ample in capabilities, these three tattoo pen manufacturers present their latest and greatest instruments, helping tattooers achieve premium results on every canvas.
Dragonhawk cranks up its technological offerings with the Mast Archer S wireless tattoo machine. The attention-drawing Archer S supplies tattoo professionals with ultra-fast charging capabilities that offer an hour of continual use with merely a five-minute charge. It is powered by Dragonhawk’s self-developed brushless motor, and equipped with MastLabs’ electronic control technology, high-res color display, and powerful performance. Compact, lightweight, and agile, the Archer S provides tattoo professionals with a comfortable grip, a 4.2 mm stroke, and safety features that are recognized internationally. dragonhawkofficial.com
One machine with multiple uses, the FURY by OG PRODUCE packs premium technology into a small package that flows smoothly in the palm. From hairline details to dotting and smudging, tattooers will get up to nine hours of continual use with no tail-heavy feeling. The FURY features a 1.47-inch color screen and three adjustment modes, and is available in vibrant purple, green, or red. It is quiet, safety-protected, and equipped with an RCA connector, so you can amp up your machine even if you forget to put the pen on the charger. OG is offering Inked readers an exclusive discount with code OGFURY. ogtattoo.com
SOL Nova Unlimited by Cheyenne
Discover more artistic capabilities with the wireless SOL Nova Unlimited tattoo pen, Cheyenne’s enhanced version of the SOL Nova. The Berlin-based company created the elevated machine with advanced technology, time-saving, and ease of use in mind. The Unlimited is run by an exchangeable standard battery and available in four different stroke options. It operates with a single button that powers and pauses, switches operating modes, and adjusts quickly and intuitively as you tilt the machine. Thanks to the motion control you won’t be distracted from the tattooing process. cheyennetattoo.com
Located on the Sunset Strip, Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club might be best described as a place where the elite and the underworld meet. A hangout for his celebrity friends, or a drop-in for anyone looking to ink an occasion with his classic black and gray aesthetic. The shop might as well be a confessional as those who sit and listen to his calm, cool drawl call him “Priest.”
The first time he walked into a tattoo shop at 14 years old, he knew he wanted to spend his life as a tattoo artist. The look, smell, artwork, and groups of outsiders always appealed to him.
“I was always attracted to counterculture,” Mahoney said.
Born and raised near Boston, Mahoney left art school in the mid-70s with his eye on Manhattan. He spent time tattooing bikers and outlaws before he met his people at the Chelsea Hotel. He once beat up a member of the Ramones at CBGB, and got stoned with William Burroughs and Allen Ginsburg before seeing his friend Nancy Spungen off to London. When she came back, she brought Sid Vicious.
He moved to LA in 1980 and made friends with punk rockers and gangbangers. He ran with movie stars and musicians, and shot dope with intellectuals and degenerates. He’s a dying breed of 100% true originals and calls Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey friends.
He landed roles in a few movies, including playing a cool, Catholic, well-dressed man of many talents — not much of a stretch from his roots when he looked up to local heroes, gangs, and villains in his neighborhood. He thought about the priesthood as a young man, saying his prayers, following most rules, and trying to live up to expectations as a New England-born boy who loved motorcycles, leather jackets, and greasers from car magazines.
Most people will tell you his reputation and caring spirit extend beyond the famous to the infamous and unfamous alike. His shop is like a clubhouse for anyone looking to mark the good, bad, and ugly chapters of their lives. Mahoney sets the blueprint of what is cool and is a muse for creatives all over the world. If you’ve been in a tattoo shop recently, it’s probably built around the framework he and his colleagues laid down in the past half-century.
After almost 50 years of work, he routinely visits and catches up with old friends, even tattooing their children and grandchildren — imparting wisdom on ways to connect, meet likeminded people, sit, listen, and talk. “I think they keep coming back because I give a fuck,” Mahoney said. “Their pain is my pain; their joy is my joy.”
The shop is decorated with images of hope and faith: relics of a time gone by, a quote overlooked, and a tribute to his Catholic upbringing. Faith plays a big role in his life, and he never gives up on the idea — putting all his trust and confidence into something underground, misunderstood, and illegal until not that long ago.
Mahoney has a lot of reasons to love his job. His shop is in the middle of Hollywood, along one of the most iconic strips in the world. He spends time with people who kept coming back and are now lifelong friends. He goes to work every day, does his job, and makes a living, but doesn’t consider himself an artist and isn’t concerned with the art side of his pursuits. He sees his single-needle, black-and-gray designs the same as he sees black-and-white photography or movies: an idea etched in time that gets softer and more beautiful.
“I think black and gray ages more gracefully,” Mahoney said. “It has more drama to it.”
The clubhouse moved from its original location to 1114 Horn Ave in West Hollywood, just down the strip. Mahoney also started a clothing line called the Shamrock Social Club Collective that features his original designs screen printed on classic styles, the type of clothing you might expect anyone to wear in a tattoo shop.
Mahoney continues to keep tattoos affordable for everyone, not opting for a private studio and thousand-dollar designs. He’s still a modest tattooer inspired by the beauty he sees all around him. He believes in friendships, family, and the power to connect with clients over the good times, hard times, and everything in between.
“Tattoos are a joint effort,” Mahoney said. “Connection is the most important part.”
Don’t let the alligator shoes and vintage Cadillacs fool you — Mahoney believes in the power of connection; it’s what keeps him coming back. He’s one of the original outsiders, teaching the next generation and beyond about the power of being yourself, staying true, and authentic, and not following trends. When you lived through the 70s punk scene, the obnoxiousness of the 80s, and the death of originality, you look for what’s real, with true friends.
Appointments can be made by contacting the Shamrock Social Club at 310-271-9664. There is a bit of a waitlist, but you can expect the highest quality work, the finest conversation, and, if you’re up for it, a place to confess all your sins. Then, just sit back, watch a master, pay your respects, and believe in that power that faith brought you together with the Godfather.
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