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An Original, Original  – InkedMag


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.

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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.”

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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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Truly Painless Tattoos – InkedMag


Tattoos have become exponentially popular over the past few years, with people seeking unique and meaningful ways to express themselves. While the process of getting a tattoo typically involves some discomfort, an emerging trend has caught the attention of both enthusiasts and skeptics alike—going under anesthesia for a painless tattoo experience. This article will explore the concept of using anesthesia during tattoo procedures, discussing its pros, cons, and the potential risks involved. We went to Artem Bor, a CRNA, MSN, APRN of Elite Anesthesia Ink and Romeo Lacoste, a world renown tattooer of The California Dream Tattoo Shop for their input on the matter.

Understanding Anesthesia 

Anesthesia is a medical technique that aims to induce a temporary state of unconsciousness or numbness to relieve pain during surgical or medical procedures. It involves the use of various medications, often administered by an anesthesiologist, to achieve the desired effect. While anesthesia is commonly used in major surgeries, its application in the context of tattoos raises ethical and safety concerns.

Artem Bor (CRNA, MSN, APRN) of Elite Anesthesia Ink explains that client safety is their top priority. They predominantly use moderate IV sedation anesthesia. With moderate IV sedation, the client is in deep sleep, breathing spontaneously with supplemental oxygen. Bor continues that they utilize American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) standard monitors, including continuous EKG, oxygen blood saturation and blood pressure, and continuous vigilance from a professional, licensed anesthesia provider who continually watches and monitors the client.

Before going under, clients must complete and pass a pre-anesthesia/medical clearance. Based on the client’s clearance and ASA score, Bor’s team then determines the safest anesthesia for the client. In some cases, clients with an overweight BMI may not handle sedation well, requiring general anesthesia—this is when the anesthesia provider assists with breathing. Bor delineates that his team prefers to use MAC anesthesia—this is when the client is deep asleep and breathing spontaneously. The American Society of Anesthesiologists offers a detailed chart that Bor and his team refer to in order to ensure their client(s) aren’t falling into the categories that prohibit them from being placed under anesthesia. If the client does fall into these categories, they are considered “high risk” and are not eligible for the service and ultimately will not be able to use it.

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The Appeal of Painless Tattoos 

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, and while many individuals embrace the pain as part of the tattoo process, others find it unbearable. The appeal of painless tattoos through anesthesia lies in the promise of a comfortable and stress-free experience. When the area is numbed, the procedure can be performed without any significant discomfort, allowing individuals with low pain thresholds or medical conditions to enjoy the benefits of body art. We asked Romeo Lacoste what he thought about the stigma of being tattooed under anesthesia as “taking the easy way” and he responded with, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there is probably something to learn from those who work so hard to afford these sorts of luxuries. If you can afford the additional cost for anesthesia, be healthy enough to endure the procedure and healing process, I honestly don’t see why anyone else’s opinion would matter.”

Lacoste maintains that tattooing clients under anesthesia is something that sets him and his team apart from others in the tattoo industry. He’s never been one to concern himself with what “the norm” is or what everyone else is doing. Lacoste continues that he personally would have never achieved a fraction of what he has in his career if he simply followed what the next artist or shop was doing. With that being said, this sort of collaboration has proven to be quite fulfilling for him and his team. He feels it might be an unpopular opinion in tattooing, but together everyone can achieve more. Furthermore, Lacoste states it’s “truly rewarding when you work with others towards a common goal. We all get the credit in a collaborative way and when you’re doing something like this with the right people, it is enough.”

Timing and Limitations 

The first thought one may have in regard to getting a tattoo under anesthesia is, “how long?” How long can you be under, how long is too long, how short is too short, are there any issues with either? Bor gave us an anesthesiologist’s insight on the best timeframes and options. He simply states that there is no limit to the amount of tattooing when the client is asleep. From an anesthesiologist’s point of view, what matters is the duration of time the client is under anesthesia.

For example, by law in the state of Florida, a client cannot be anesthetized for more than eight hours in an outpatient setting (surgery center). Any procedure requiring anesthesia for over eight hours must be done in a hospital setting. At Elite Anesthesia Ink, they provide anesthesia services for a maximum of eight hours. Alternatively, Bor stated that they can also safely and easily provide anesthesia for as little as a one-hour session. But when it comes to the payment aspect, Bor clarified that unfortunately, the logistics (for a one-hour session) are not profitable for their company financially. This is something he said they’re working on, but for the time being, they must charge for a four-hour minimum, the justification being for the logistics of the medical center and anesthesia team setup. It takes time to evaluate a client, obtain clearance, set up an anesthesia plan, have an anesthesia provider, recovery team, etc. As of right now, getting tattooed under anesthesia continues to be a luxury of the opulent.

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Safety Concerns and Precautions 

  1. Choosing Qualified Professionals: Anesthesia-assisted tattoo procedures should only be performed by licensed and experienced medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, collaborating with skilled tattoo artists.
  2. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: Individuals considering anesthesia for their tattoos must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their suitability and identify any potential contraindications.
  3. Informed Consent: Prior to the procedure, individuals must fully understand the risks, benefits and alternatives associated with anesthesia-assisted tattoos, giving informed consent based on their own judgment.

The Importance of Proper Aftercare 

After receiving an anesthesia-assisted tattoo, proper aftercare becomes crucial. The recovery process may differ from traditional tattoos, and individuals must follow the given instructions meticulously to avoid complications such as infection or delayed healing.

During our interview, Bor commented that with regard to healing and amount of area covered, their establishment does not recommend, for example, a full-body suit done in eight hours. Bor continues that this would cause the body to have a challenging recovery with increased risks of stress, infection, etc. because the area that is healing is so large. Instead, they partner directly with the client, tattoo artist, and anesthesia team to decide the safest amount of ink/time per session. This decision is highly individualized and tailored to each client.

Furthermore, Bor explains that a tattoo is considered “an open skin wound” and that anesthesia IV sedation (the method they use) doesn’t affect the healing process and helps with pain management during the tattoo process. Elite Anesthesia Ink provides specific instructions for proper aftercare as well as what to expect during the healing process. Below are examples of recovery expectations:

   – Expect significant swelling, bruising, and tenderness for the first 3-5 days.

   – Use ice packs to help reduce swelling.

   – Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed to manage discomfort, avoiding aspirin which can increase bleeding.

These are just a few examples. If you already have tattoos, then you understand that these guidelines are exactly what you follow while healing any tattoo, showing us that going under anesthesia for a tattoo doesn’t necessarily affect the healing process as some have previously thought.

The trend of going under anesthesia to get a tattoo offers a novel solution for those who find the pain unbearable or have medical conditions preventing them from undergoing traditional tattooing methods. While it comes with advantages such as pain management and increased accessibility, the use of anesthesia in tattooing also presents risks and ethical considerations. Ultimately, the decision to pursue anesthesia-assisted tattoos should be made after careful consideration, weighing the potential benefits against the associated risks, ensuring the involvement of qualified professionals, and prioritizing overall safety and wellbeing.

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Juan Salgado: A Legacy That Lasts


When you think about a college-educated individual, tattoos aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. It’s actually the opposite. Society’s interpretation of a laced-up, college-educated professional is someone who is serious, an intellectual, a hard-worker, and someone who has decided to invest in themselves and their future. Your mind immediately veers on the side of academia, doctors, lawyers, and financiers. You don’t immediately think of art, music, nature, or tattoos. While art and science work hand in hand in an educational setting, and these days an art degree is seen as just as valuable as a business degree, it’s still an educational path that has only recently gained any sort of legitimacy within the social stratosphere.  

So when Juan Salgado, a celebrity tattoo artist and renowned painter based in Puerto Rico, got a call from the esteemed Ana G. Méndez collegiate system in Puerto Rico, the last thing he was expecting was to bridge the gap between tattoos and higher education. Salgado’s passion for not only this incredible artistic pursuit but also for art in general is palpable in every word he shares.

Can you introduce yourself for us and tell us where you’re from, and what you do?

Yeah, my name is Juan Salgado, I’m from Puerto Rico. I’m basically a multimedia artist. I specialize in tattoos, murals, paintings, and designing in general.

How did you get your start with art originally?

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It’s the only thing I’ve known how to do since I was a little kid. I was a super shy person, so I think art helped me socialize a little bit in school. When I was little, I couldn’t look people in the eye. But, through my art, I started developing a sort of confidence. For example in school, I was the best artist in my class and that gave me a little bit of attention which helped me with my shyness, and brought me out of my shell a little. I think art is what helped me cope with reality a little bit. So, I think my interest in art has always been there. 

What inspired you to paint murals specifically? 

I mean, I love art, it’s glorious. Before tattooing, I was a painter. I mean I’m still a painter, but I stumbled upon painting before I had tattoos in my life, and I felt as if murals were the epitome of painting. It always amazed me how artists can do these massive paintings on walls, and I remember when I was little I thought it was impossible to do. When I started getting seriously interested in murals, it was at the same time mural art was booming in Puerto Rico. It became a movement, and I was a little bit a part of that.

What’s the most interesting mural project you’ve worked on?

I’ve done a lot of murals throughout the world. I’ve painted in Puerto Rico, Australia, Florida but the most interesting project I did was in Puerto Rico. I just recently finished three murals for one of the biggest university systems in Puerto Rico, the Ana G. Méndez University system. They have seven to eight campuses around the world, but in Puerto Rico they have four or five. So, for three of the main campuses, I did what I call the “Vitruvian Muses.” It consists of “Muses” that represent all the classes and the programs they offer right on each Campus of the university. The way we portray these offerings is by showcasing the Muses as tattooed. It’s just groundbreaking to me that this university system hired a tattoo artist and painter to create their murals. All of the Muses are women full of tattoos and I don’t think that would have happened 10 years ago. I really enjoyed it. 

The thing is, they wanted to promote inclusion and so I was also able to tattoo the president of the University. The university thought it would be a good way to connect with the more modern generation. It just blows my mind, because in the past tattoos would never have been accepted on a collegiate level and now it is a tool in order to get closer to the youth and make the connection between art and education.

Where do you draw all of your inspiration from?

I mean, all of my inspiration comes from nature and the human experience. So for me, nature is the best teacher. I’m always gazing into the sunsets, and the trees and the leaves, and I study color theory through that every day. Women are also a huge inspiration in my life as well. I think women have been a central focus in every major art movement in every civilization and their connection to nature and the divine resonates with all of the beautiful aspects of life.

Inkedshop

That is truly, so cool. How would you describe your art style?

I call it the “Juan Salgado” style, because it’s just a mix of everything I have learned throughout my art career. I’ve been tattooing for 22 years, but I’ve been into art for over 30 years. I’ve never stuck to a specific style. I let the spectator decide. What style do they want to fit me in? I try not to follow the rules too much and go with where the energy of the day takes me. Some days, I wake up and I want to be more traditional and other days I want to be more hyper realistic, and there are days I want to explore black and gray. I love every style and I love bringing them together to create something beautiful.

Your ability to adapt to any artistic situation is incredible. 

I mean, I’m a big fan of the Renaissance, and so I grew up thinking that an artist can express themselves through any medium, you just have to adapt to it, but the vision is always going to be the same.

What’s the craziest medium that you’ve ever worked with? 

Tattoos. Yeah, one hundred percent. It’s definitely one of the hardest to master. But also, when you have been tattooing for more than 20 years, it’s so rewarding to be able to see your work from way back when and how it’s held up over time. 

How did you get your start in tattooing? You were a multimedia artist since childhood, so where did that leap into the industry come from?

I always say that tattooing chose me, I didn’t choose tattooing. I mean, you attract what you think about, and I was thinking about tattooing constantly. 20 years ago, starting to tattoo in Puerto Rico was nearly impossible. There was no social media, and the only way you could actually order tattoo materials was through magazines, or you had to already be working for a tattoo shop. Companies wouldn’t just send materials directly to your house. On top of that, it was difficult to start in a tattoo shop because they were run by rock stars and bikers who weren’t really looking to take on apprentices or give opportunities to anyone. They wanted to keep it a niche. 

So my official “start” in tattooing was kind of like divine intervention. I was 19 or 20 years old, something like that, and I was just sitting in my house relaxing and by that point I was already collecting tattoos. I was the first person in my family to ever get tattooed. All of a sudden, there’s this knock at my door, and it’s this childhood friend of mine who had left the island when we were younger. He’s with this older tattooed guy and he goes, “I’m tattooing in Boston,” and immediately I was like, “did you bring your machine’s here?” So from there, he ran back to his house to grab his equipment and we took turns tattooing each other all day. We hadn’t spoken in years and in less than ten minutes, I was holding a tattoo machine for the first time. He had just remembered that I was a good artist from the neighborhood and he was excited to give his machine to a friend that could ink him for free. So basically, I started in my house. After that, he gave me an apprenticeship and in three months I was doing solid work. After a local shop heard about me, they offered me a job right away. I had only had three months of experience and suddenly I was tattooing full time, and the rest is history. 

Are you working on anything big right now? Is there anything we should keep our eyes peeled for?

I’m definitely working on a couple of big things. I want to keep them a secret for the moment, but I am working and have a lot of big things in the pipeline as far as tattoo projects go. I also have an art book coming out soon and a few art shows coming up, so lots of exciting things are going on. You’re definitely going to be seeing a lot more of my art in the coming months. 

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A Glimpse into the Future


Prior to the late 1990s, tattoo culture primarily existed on the outskirts of the mainstream. A badge of honor amongst sailors in the U.S. Navy and cultural subgroups, as well as an artistically rebellious symbol of expression for curators of punk, metal, goth music, and more. Subsequently, during the 2000s, the painfully enticing trend of getting inked transcended emo, hip-hop, the NBA, Hollywood, and the corporate world. Near the turn of the 2020s, a number of tech companies began implementing inventive ways of tatting up their clientele with new software, 3D tattooing, eco-friendly methods, and more. In November, Blackdot, a tech company based in Austin, Texas, introduced the “V1 Device” as part of a game-changing initiative that also includes an online tattoo marketplace where consumers can purchase signature designs from entrepreneurial-minded artists all over the world. Blackdot’s V1 Device generates body art in high definition, utilizing an unprecedented technique that serves as a fresh alternative to modern wireless tattoo machines and traditional hand-tapping methods. The future is here. But, according to the company’s CEO/Founder Joel Pennington, it should not deter tattoo enthusiasts and artists who view the time-honored process as a rite of passage.

“Blackdot is not a substitute for the experience found by way of various traditional tattooing methods,” explained Pennington. “Instead, Blackdot offers an entirely different tattooing experience; it’s an interesting option for tattoo seekers looking for something new and forward-looking…The Blackdot device can be thought of as a futuristic stick-and-poke device whereby each dot that we tattoo is intentional…We use continuous suction for ink removal and are therefore able to tattoo without the need to wipe-think-tattoo-repeat.”

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Alongside Pennington at the forefront of the Blackdot technocentric movement is the company’s Chief Technology Officer Yan Azdoud. The pair of business partners met in 2017 after Pennington took on a mentorship role with a startup established by Azdoud called Project Canary. This experience gave Pennington an up close and personal view of Azdoud’s penchant for navigating scientific principles. It also sparked a resolution about how their ideals in the tech world could add a new dimension to the tattoo industry.

“After the three-month program, I debriefed with Yan Azdoud,” recalled Pennington. “Yan had a great deal of experience with hyper-elastic surfaces, medical devices, and mechanical design–he was uniquely qualified to help bring my vision to fruition.”

Shortly thereafter, Blackdot entered a developmental phase that lasted nearly half a decade. Two years into the stealth period, during the Summer of 2019, the company administered its first-ever tattoo on human skin. In addition to presenting Blackdot’s inaugural recipient with hi-res body art, Pennington wanted to ensure that the gift from his company also came with quality that would stand the test of time without the common necessity of tattoo retouching.

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“Our first human tattoo was executed on a gentleman named Chris Harvey,” Pennington said. “We then developed the first version of our automated tattooing device (the V1), followed by the commercially viable version we’re using today—the V1c… Blackdot is able to minimize the discomfort associated with tattooing. As for healing, we use a slim needle and do not tattoo deeper than necessary. We’ve conducted [more than 90] tattooing sessions over the past five years and have never caused bleeding or scarring.”

Today, Blackdot is fully operational with plans to expand to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. In recent years, these regions have hosted some of the biggest live events in sports entertainment, from Super Bowl LVI, WrestleMania 39, and Rolling Loud to ComicCon, EDC, and the Met Gala. During his exclusive interview with Inked Magazine, Pennington floated the idea of teaming up with notable fashion lines to provide attendees at similar affairs with customized body art ranging from the song lyrics of iconic recording artists to Marvel Comics’ sketches and skateboard decks from old-school skaters. For now, shoppers can purchase their next tattoos at the company’s flagship location in Austin, Texas, or remotely through the Blackdot Certified Artist Program. The BCA allows online shoppers to survey Flyway designs drawn by prominent visual artists such as Tyler Hobbs and other notable creators.

Kevin Rose, a California-based entrepreneur, recently stopped by Blackdot’s headquarters where he became one of the first costumers to procure Hobbs’ signature Flyway design. The on-camera session depicted the founder of Revision3 resting comfortably in an exam chair while the V1 Device tattooed the image of three birds on his inner right arm. As for the founder of Blackdot? Pennington suggested that the next time he is under the V1 Device, he will get a tattoo that combines the love of his youngest daughter, Naiya, with his admiration for the Smashing Pumpkins. Pennington and his staff met up with Jimmy Chamberlin and Jeff Schroeder from the two-time Grammy Award-winning band in the Winter of 2022 after being given backstage access. 

“I found myself sitting on the couch beside [Schroeder], a Pumpkins guitarist,” Pennington said. “I struck up a conversation and eventually asked if I might show him some tattoo designs made by my young daughter…His favorite was the dragon holding the guitar. He let me take a photo of him holding the drawing and signed the back of it. Naiya would be thrilled. I looked up to see my team was already chatting with [Chamberlin]…They were discussing how he might potentially be able to help Blackdot…I later showed [Chamberlin] Naiya’s designs and asked him the same question. He also went for the dragon holding the guitar and signed the back of it. Naiya’s drawing of a dragon holding a guitar, affectionately referred to as ‘The Pumpkins-approved tattoo,’ is likely my next tattoo.”

Blackdot was made with advanced technology. But if Joel Pennington’s company grows into a well-known commodity, it will likely be due to principles based on diversity, where everyday people and his kids have input just like his business partners and favorite Rock stars.

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A Legacy That Lasts – InkedMag


When you think about a college-educated individual, tattoos aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. It’s actually the opposite. Society’s interpretation of a laced-up, college-educated professional is someone who is serious, an intellectual, a hard-worker, and someone who has decided to invest in themselves and their future. Your mind immediately veers on the side of academia, doctors, lawyers, and financiers. You don’t immediately think of art, music, nature, or tattoos. While art and science work hand in hand in an educational setting, and these days an art degree is seen as just as valuable as a business degree, it’s still an educational path that has only recently gained any sort of legitimacy within the social stratosphere.  

So when Juan Salgado, a celebrity tattoo artist and renowned painter based in Puerto Rico, got a call from the esteemed Ana G. Méndez collegiate system in Puerto Rico, the last thing he was expecting was to bridge the gap between tattoos and higher education. Salgado’s passion for not only this incredible artistic pursuit but also for art in general is palpable in every word he shares.

Can you introduce yourself for us and tell us where you’re from, and what you do?

Yeah, my name is Juan Salgado, I’m from Puerto Rico. I’m basically a multimedia artist. I specialize in tattoos, murals, paintings, and designing in general.

How did you get your start with art originally?

Inkedshop

It’s the only thing I’ve known how to do since I was a little kid. I was a super shy person, so I think art helped me socialize a little bit in school. When I was little, I couldn’t look people in the eye. But, through my art, I started developing a sort of confidence. For example in school, I was the best artist in my class and that gave me a little bit of attention which helped me with my shyness, and brought me out of my shell a little. I think art is what helped me cope with reality a little bit. So, I think my interest in art has always been there. 

What inspired you to paint murals specifically? 

I mean, I love art, it’s glorious. Before tattooing, I was a painter. I mean I’m still a painter, but I stumbled upon painting before I had tattoos in my life, and I felt as if murals were the epitome of painting. It always amazed me how artists can do these massive paintings on walls, and I remember when I was little I thought it was impossible to do. When I started getting seriously interested in murals, it was at the same time mural art was booming in Puerto Rico. It became a movement, and I was a little bit a part of that.

What’s the most interesting mural project you’ve worked on?

I’ve done a lot of murals throughout the world. I’ve painted in Puerto Rico, Australia, Florida but the most interesting project I did was in Puerto Rico. I just recently finished three murals for one of the biggest university systems in Puerto Rico, the Ana G. Méndez University system. They have seven to eight campuses around the world, but in Puerto Rico they have four or five. So, for three of the main campuses, I did what I call the “Vitruvian Muses.” It consists of “Muses” that represent all the classes and the programs they offer right on each Campus of the university. The way we portray these offerings is by showcasing the Muses as tattooed. It’s just groundbreaking to me that this university system hired a tattoo artist and painter to create their murals. All of the Muses are women full of tattoos and I don’t think that would have happened 10 years ago. I really enjoyed it. 

The thing is, they wanted to promote inclusion and so I was also able to tattoo the president of the University. The university thought it would be a good way to connect with the more modern generation. It just blows my mind, because in the past tattoos would never have been accepted on a collegiate level and now it is a tool in order to get closer to the youth and make the connection between art and education.

Where do you draw all of your inspiration from?

I mean, all of my inspiration comes from nature and the human experience. So for me, nature is the best teacher. I’m always gazing into the sunsets, and the trees and the leaves, and I study color theory through that every day. Women are also a huge inspiration in my life as well. I think women have been a central focus in every major art movement in every civilization and their connection to nature and the divine resonates with all of the beautiful aspects of life.

Inkedshop

That is truly, so cool. How would you describe your art style?

I call it the “Juan Salgado” style, because it’s just a mix of everything I have learned throughout my art career. I’ve been tattooing for 22 years, but I’ve been into art for over 30 years. I’ve never stuck to a specific style. I let the spectator decide. What style do they want to fit me in? I try not to follow the rules too much and go with where the energy of the day takes me. Some days, I wake up and I want to be more traditional and other days I want to be more hyper realistic, and there are days I want to explore black and gray. I love every style and I love bringing them together to create something beautiful.

Your ability to adapt to any artistic situation is incredible. 

I mean, I’m a big fan of the Renaissance, and so I grew up thinking that an artist can express themselves through any medium, you just have to adapt to it, but the vision is always going to be the same.

What’s the craziest medium that you’ve ever worked with? 

Tattoos. Yeah, one hundred percent. It’s definitely one of the hardest to master. But also, when you have been tattooing for more than 20 years, it’s so rewarding to be able to see your work from way back when and how it’s held up over time. 

How did you get your start in tattooing? You were a multimedia artist since childhood, so where did that leap into the industry come from?

I always say that tattooing chose me, I didn’t choose tattooing. I mean, you attract what you think about, and I was thinking about tattooing constantly. 20 years ago, starting to tattoo in Puerto Rico was nearly impossible. There was no social media, and the only way you could actually order tattoo materials was through magazines, or you had to already be working for a tattoo shop. Companies wouldn’t just send materials directly to your house. On top of that, it was difficult to start in a tattoo shop because they were run by rock stars and bikers who weren’t really looking to take on apprentices or give opportunities to anyone. They wanted to keep it a niche. 

So my official “start” in tattooing was kind of like divine intervention. I was 19 or 20 years old, something like that, and I was just sitting in my house relaxing and by that point I was already collecting tattoos. I was the first person in my family to ever get tattooed. All of a sudden, there’s this knock at my door, and it’s this childhood friend of mine who had left the island when we were younger. He’s with this older tattooed guy and he goes, “I’m tattooing in Boston,” and immediately I was like, “did you bring your machine’s here?” So from there, he ran back to his house to grab his equipment and we took turns tattooing each other all day. We hadn’t spoken in years and in less than ten minutes, I was holding a tattoo machine for the first time. He had just remembered that I was a good artist from the neighborhood and he was excited to give his machine to a friend that could ink him for free. So basically, I started in my house. After that, he gave me an apprenticeship and in three months I was doing solid work. After a local shop heard about me, they offered me a job right away. I had only had three months of experience and suddenly I was tattooing full time, and the rest is history. 

Are you working on anything big right now? Is there anything we should keep our eyes peeled for?

I’m definitely working on a couple of big things. I want to keep them a secret for the moment, but I am working and have a lot of big things in the pipeline as far as tattoo projects go. I also have an art book coming out soon and a few art shows coming up, so lots of exciting things are going on. You’re definitely going to be seeing a lot more of my art in the coming months. 

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The Intelligent Tattoos of Tomorrow


By Annie Stopak

It was the 1950’s. You walked into a back-alley store that was a cross between an old-fashioned soda parlor and a barber shop. It was a space that holds more evidence of old than new with plenty to marvel at. Checkerboard vinyl floors, exposed brick walls, arched doorways, and secret crevices amused clients awaiting a tattoo. The walls, covered in prolific floor to ceiling tattoo art, led onlookers down a journey of creativity and wonder. Once seated in the charming reclining chair, you could hear the gentle hum of the rotary machine under brightly-lit fluorescents – a scene that tattoo aficionados continue to know and love, even today. 

But with Artificial Intelligence pushing the limits of new technology, will the traditional tattoo method be a thing of the past…only to exist in our distant memory? It’s a question asserted by the creative industry following the explosive launch of AI platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, and ChatSonic. Many would argue that talent, creativity, and intuition can’t be manufactured; the human element will always play a part. But how does anyone really know?

Making the distinction between artificial versus original is one of the most controversial aspects of this new technology. Some would say that a tattoo has to be created by an artist to be considered original while others say, not only that, but the artist must possess advanced artistic talent as well. There’s no doubt, AI is blurring the ethical line. No one has established at what point AI is replicating someone else’s art or even diluting the artistic draw. But regardless of what is true or not, we can all acknowledge that the industry is changing and all tattoo endeavors support art, no matter how we get there. Technology shapes the culture in which we live, and it behooves us to lean into these new discoveries, while using it as a tool to strengthen our craft.

Some businesses have proven to be pioneers in the industry, leading with AI practices to embrace success from this new market of curious clientele. Monster Crawling, one of the leaders in AI and tattoos, did just that. With skills in software engineering, the team gained 400,000 dedicated followers in under a year. “AI has been pivotal to this explosive growth,” said Bozidar Djordjevic, CEO at Monster Crawling. “Our mission is to propel the industry into the future.”

Monster Crawling understands the importance of real talent in an effort to keep the heart and soul of the industry intact. “We’re at the forefront of AI innovation in the tattoo realm. Not only do we utilize existing AI tools, but we’re also developing proprietary technology,” Djordjevic said. The brand intends on launching a first-ever app for tattoo artists that encourages artists to elevate their technique. Think master class for tattoos with world-class mentors. The training will also teach a deeper understanding of marketing, business, and of course, AI integration.

If businesses continue to place skilled artists at the center of AI, professionals say it could strengthen the industry as well as the appeal. According to research, advanced tattoo designs can take years of practice, and many novice artists struggle with conceptualizing this creativity, so having artificial intelligence as a tool could perhaps make them more attractive as a job seeker.

But ironically, no one really saw this coming. Engineers were surprised to discover the intelligence behind a system that wasn’t only wired to do analytical functionality, but so much more. “I always believed creativity would be one of the last frontiers for artificial intelligence,” Djordjevic said. “Many predicted that AI would eventually solve every logical task, leaving humans with just art and poetry.” 

And the poetic draw behind some digital art is hard to ignore. Baris Gencel, an award-winning AI artist, has much to share when it comes to paving a powerful future for talented artists and this new technology. Pulling inspiration from futuristic fashion and virtual reality, Gencel boasts works of art that depict an ominous metaverse that artfully blends the beauty of profound oppression with creation. And when asked what drives his inspiration… His response centered around a passion for bringing awareness to ecological issues – specifically nature and climate change – a perfect example of how his interpretation of AI transcends skill level.

As appealing as this technology seems to some creatives, there are still artists who don’t favor the technology. “Personally when I look at these AI generated images, even though they are quite beautiful, I get this weird feeling in my belly,” said Raimo Marti, a Scandinavian Tattoo artist based in Denmark. “I think art is defined by much more than just a beautiful image. It is an expression of the soul.”

Gencel supports the notion that while AI can generate designs, the physical act of tattooing remains a soulful endeavor. More or less, he perceives it as a source of inspiration, not meant to replace actual talent. “AI is fundamentally a tool, akin to any other instrument,” Gencel said. “Its potential is harnessed through human creativity and ingenuity.”

Certain computer applications have made embracing this technology as easy as a touch of a button. BlackInk AI replaces the daunting task of browsing the web, Instagram, or Pinterest for hours on end. Once the client finds the platform they enjoy most, they describe the art they are after in a few short words, and the image is generated in less than a minute. This type of service is most appealing to newbies wanting to receive a tattoo; not to tattoo artists, as it’s less complex and far from original.

Photoleap, on the other hand, is an advanced iOS and Android app from the same developers as Facetune. The personalization aspect takes this platform a step further. The technology uses the ‘try before you buy’ method by letting a user upload a personal photo and overlay it with their chosen design. This app is made for sophisticated individuals who are privy to tattoo art and customizable features. Likely, they are well-versed in the culture and keep a close eye on tattoo trends. Adobe Firefly is similar in the personalization department but even more advanced, allowing you to recolor images or refine edges to add a touch of your own flair to rendered tattoo art.

Other services are creating shortcuts in a different way. You might have heard whispers of the French intelligence robot called Tatoué, the first ever 3D tattoo printer that uses pre-loaded designs to perform a service. Or take Tattoodo, a modern marketplace for tattoo inspiration that is influential for connecting you with the right tattoo artist. Operating like Google for tattoos, this niche website is yet another opportunity to simplify your search by using AI to locate talent in your area.

After uncovering only a handful of the dozens of AI options, it’s quite obvious that there’s an ‘app for that,’ and the technology will continue to improve every day. “History reminds us that technological progress inevitably elevates associated industries, but it also shifts the benchmark. What’s considered average today may be deemed subpar tomorrow,” Djordjevic said. These hard-working machines gather knowledge at a rapid rate. Taking subtle cues and storing data provides them with more intelligence than they could have ever imagined. 

So the question remains, will this technology eventually outsmart humans? Stay tuned to find out. And in the meantime, studying the intricacies of these programs puts businesses at an advantage while providing a leg-up on competitors. Accomplishing tasks in a smoother manner with less stress and effort is a win for creatives and beyond. And just maybe, we won’t lose sight of what once made tattoo art so iconic.



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Daring ‘Hunger Games’ Tattoos – InkedMag


It is increasingly rare for a series of books to permeate the cultural stratosphere and solidify itself amongst the pop culture pantheon. Yet, that is exactly what Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” trilogy has accomplished. Introducing the world to Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant heroine who allowed herself to become the face and bleeding heart of a rebellion that would bring an end to a tyrannical caste system in the not so distant future. Collins’ novels defined a generation of readers and sparked a pop culture frenzy not unlike when the “Harry Potter” franchise exploded on to  the scene.

After four critically acclaimed films, resulting in wide-spread box office success, it’s no shock that Collins opted to return to the world of Panem and deliver up a self-contained prequel novel in, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” which hit bookstands backs in May of 2020. The entertainment industry being what it is, the film rights were quickly sold off and here we are now on the eve of the much anticipated feature film adaptation of that very THG installment.

Cultural phenomenon is a brain worm of a thing. “Stan” culture, especially amongst avid readers and YA book fans alike has a tendency to root itself in fans and audiences hearts and remain there for years and years. Once and “stan”, always a “stan”. For many, this extends all the way to permanently covering your body in symbolism from the very books and films that you hold so near and dear to your heart. In honor of “The Ballad of Songsbirds and Snakes hitting theaters, take a look at some of the best “The Hunger Games” inspired tattoos out there.

You can catch “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” in theaters on November 17th.



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Captivating Captain Marvel Tattoos – InkedMag


“Higher, further, faster, baby.” Iconic words, spoken by the hero that almost single-handedly beat Thanos in a fistfight. Carol Danvers, a.k.a. “Captain Marvel” is officially returning to the big screen after nearly four years away in an epic cross-over feature. Danvers, played by Academy Award winner Brie Larson, will be teaming up with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) in the latest edition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Marvels.”

Captain Marvel helms from an ungodly amount of Marvel Comics lore and following her controversial introduction to the MCU, against the greater majority of enraged fanboys alike, the average MCU fan quickly realized that Danvers is one of the most powerful Avengers to ever join the infamous supergroup, a force not to be trifled with.

This marks the first official crossover cinematic edition of the MCU, where audiences will require at least a passing knowledge of the events that took place in both “WandaVision” and “Ms. Marvel.” Two Disney+ originals, that introduced Parris’ character “Photon” and Vellani’s character “Ms. Marvel,” respectively. “The Marvels” centers on the consequences of Danvers shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe in the aftermath of “Captain Marvel”. When one of her missions sends her through a wormhole that entangles her powers with Rambeau’s and Khan’s, chaos ensues. The unlikely trio must team up to take on the otherworldly forces and determine whether or not they are truly stronger together than they are apart.

What this film means for the current state of things in the MCU is anyone’s guess. Following the self contained events of “The Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” and the potentially cataclysmic events of “Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantamania” and whatever is actually happening in “Loki” season 2, audiences are curious to see how the latest installment of the widely successful and lucrative franchise with play out in the greater scheme of the MCU.

With ungodly power, comes a plethora of tattoo inspiration. We’ve gathered the best “Captain Marvel” tattoos in the universe in order to celebrate the latest edition to the MCU.

 

Catch “The Marvels” directed by Nia DaCosta in theaters November 10th!



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