Tattoo of the day: Owl by Javier Luis

Our tattoo of the day is this beautiful owl done by Javier Luis of TattooInnerprize. If you are looking for ideas and like owls stop by Owl Tattoos a blog dedicated to tattoos of owls. It's a trip.

Artist of the Day: Dr. Tom Verso " Dr. Voodoo"

Tattoo Innerprize offers professional permanent cosmetics by Dr. Tom Verso "Dr. Voodoo". Dr. Tom is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.

TI: Dr. Voodoo, are you really a Dr.?

Dr. Voodoo: Yes, I'm a chiropractor and have a PhD. in clinical hypnotherapy.

TI: Wow! So now that leads me to why art and why permanent cosmetics?

Dr. Voodoo: I have always been an artist, and got my art degree from the Univ. of Houston. I did a lot of work in clay, as well as, painting. As for permanent cosmetics, I started tattooing in 1988 and had so many people asking about permanent cosmetics I decided to get certified.

TI: Now I gotta ask where did "Dr. Voodoo" come from?

Dr. Voodoo: I was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and the "cool fighter pilots" had their own call sign.

TI: Like Maverick in Top Gun?

Dr. Voodoo: Exactly. I ended up w/ the nickname Voodoo from flying the F-101(voodoo) and since my last name was Verso, they stuck me w/ Voodoo Verso. So my call sign became "Voodoo". Then after med school, I became "Dr. Voodoo".

TI: Wow, Dr. that's a great story. I wouldn't have expected that. Tell me about your favorite experience w/ permanent cosmetics.

Dr. Voodoo: There's more than one, but the most satisfying is when someone that has gone through chemotherapy comes to me w/ no eyebrows. I reconstruct the eyebrows using the hair stroke technique. So that when we finish people can't tell that it is a tattoo. They look so natural and realistic. I had one lady who had been going to the same hair stylist for 10 years, after we did her eyebrows she went to have her hair done. The hair stylist was shocked and said, "I can't believe it your eyebrows have grown back in so full." He couldn't believe how real they looked. Needless to say the client was extremely pleased with the result.

TI: That must be extremely satisfying, helping people who have had to battle cancer, and being able to share your talent. Well Dr. Voodoo, it has been enjoyable to hear your story.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner.

February is just about here, and Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Give your "Sweet Pea" a gift that will last forever. We promise not to misspell it. We have gift cards and VIP memberships available. Custom tattoos, piercing, jewelry, permanent cosmetics, laser tattoo removal (to correct that misspelling or mistake), as well as, custom apparel. Check us out at TattooInnerprize.com, or come by one of our 2 locations in San Antonio and I-10 West.

Custom Shoes by Tattoo Innerprize

Tattoo Innerprize is much more than great tattoos and piercing. We offer custom gear, laser tattoo removal,art prints, and permanent cosmetics. Come by and see what our talented artists can create for you.

Artist of the Day: Carlos Villalon

I've been an artist ever since I can remember that first time I picked up a pencil. Way back in my home country Chile where I was born on March 10, 1987. However it would not have been possible for me to become an artist if it wasn't for my grandma giving me that push and drive. She always told me if I'm bored, to grab a pencil and draw. So that's what I did, and I couldn't stop.

I was always drawing, sketching, doodling, coloring, you name it - and I'll draw it up. Art class back in school was always my favorite, especially at a young age with that lively imagination. The day came when my grandparents we were moving to Long Island, New York in '96. A whole new world came into my life with so many doors to choose in the realm of art and music. I started getting into graphitti, painting, hip-hop, rock, and as I got older, music became more a part of my art depending on the mood and style that I wanted to do.

I kept drawing and progressing. I would go to the city and see all the graphitti on rooftops, walls and signs. I would be like, "Damn!", those colors caught my attention. One day, around 10, I passed by a tattoo parlor in Long Island and wondered what it would be like to get a tattoo. By this time I was noticing people with tattoos amazed at how beautiful they can be. I walked into a parlor at 15 but got turned down, Haha! During that time I drew here and there, but it wasn't until the last few weeks in Long Island that I just drew my ass off, rough times, and my only outlet was art. That's when I thought about becoming a tattoo artist.

In '06 I moved to San Antonio. My mind was set on getting an apprenticeship, and I got one. Eight months later, I was tattooing. I had a few influences and good peeps that I met along the way that kicked me down some knowledge. I never really had a main artist teach me, I just learned along the way and am still learning. That's what I love, there is so much progression that you never stop learning.

Now in '09 I'm tattooing out of Tattoo Innerprize. I have two years of experience and counting. I customize in color, New School, Graphitti, and Color Realism. So when your ready to get that new piece that makes everyone give it a second look, come on by. I'll be ready to "Moff" you!

E-Mail: moff@tattooinnerprize.com or come by to one of our two locations. TattooInnerprize.com

Artist of the Day: Javier Luis

Javier Luis, Owner & Award Winning Custom Tattoo Artist

Born: April 19, 1970 in Corpus Christi, TX

Background & Training: I am a self-taught artist, no formal training aside from maybe an art class once in high school. I have been drawing since I was a kid, and doing tattoos for almost 20 years. I've proudly served in the Armed Forces under war conditions. I've worked in many places including Germany, Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Awards, Honors, and Commissions: I have received awards for my custom tattoo work and work hard to achieve more. My work has been published online, in newspapers and in magazines locally and around the world.

* 2001 - 1st Place Best Color (Rio Grande Valley Tattoo Convention)
* 2004 - 2nd Place Best of Color Small (Voo Doo Tattoo Expo)
* 2004 - 2nd Place Back (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2004 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2005 - 1st Place Best Portrait (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2005 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2007 - 1st Place Best Portrait (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)
* 2007 - 3rd Place Original (Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo)

Current Projects and New Developments: Right now I have been working on a custom clothing and accessories line as well as home decor and collectibles. Prototypes have been developed and more will be released soon. My hopes for this line of artwork are to create both custom and limited edition art for people from all walks of life to enjoy. With my unique ability to create art in all different styles I would like for everyone to have the opportunity to express himself or herself however they see fit. Whether it is through their wardrobe, home decor, accessories, or their bodies.

Javier Luis, the Artist: As an artist first, I don't allow the ideas given to me or that I may be working with of my own to limit me, I find a way to make the art flow whether it be on the bodies of my clients, on canvas, or any other media I may be working with. I am a creative spirit, no matter what I'm doing, I can almost guarantee that I am thinking of something create. I feel that art is an extension of ones self, no matter if you are the artist or the art collector. Art allows people to express themselves. It provides an outlet for people to separate themselves from the rest. For me, art is in every part of our lives. I enjoy creating and giving people the opportunity to share my passion by allowing my art to be a part of their lives.

Javier Luis, the Tattoo Artist: Tattooing offers a new challenge with every new idea that is brought to me. I enjoy the challenge that both art and tattooing offer me. Tattooing has allowed me to become lots of things I probably would not have had the opportunity to do. Many times, through tattooing I play the roles of a doctor, therapist, and mentor. Tattooing has also given me an opportunity to be one of the best tattoo artists around.

Do you have a style of tattooing that you prefer? I never limit myself to just one style of tattooing, I have worked very hard over the years to develop and maintain a strong tattooing knowledge and execution of all styles of tattooing, you name it, I will tattoo it and will tattoo it well! My goal is to give my clients the best work possible whatever the style they choose, the challenge keeps my work interesting. When tattooing, I do custom work and stay away from reproduction tattoos. Color realism is a technique I use while using insight and ideas through my painting. I tend to do all of my tattoos this way, very painterly and soft, but with bold, bright colors that gives the art depth and a realistic look. I like to fill the body with imagery that moves with the body, not against it. If I had to choose a personal favorite tattooing style, I couldn't just pick one, but the few that are personal favorites are portraits of color, gore- death pictures, and Asian.

What is the most memorable piece on yourself? The most memorable piece I have on myself is a tattoo machine done by mike parsons. It was done at Gil Montes' world famous studio.

Art/Tattooing Influences? My Mom & Dad, without their abilities I would not have my own. Thank you Mom and Dad! My son Sabastian, he always inspires me to keep doing more, and I inspire him to keep doing more. My partner in life and business, Gina Alvarez, without her, my dreams would not have become a reality as soon as they did. Yoshihito Nakano, Horiyen, Horiyuki, Shodai, Horitaka, Horimonja, Robert Hernandez, Guy Atchison, Nick Baxter, Martin Lacasse, Nikko Hartado, Mike Devica, Bob Tyrell, Hannah Atchison, Mike Parsons, and the whole crew at my studio, Tattoo Innerprize.

Thank You I would like to thank God, My Parents, Ruben & Maria Luis, My Son, Sabastian Luis, My Love, Gina Alvarez, and my friend and mentor, Don Faulkner. Thank you to all of the people that have allowed me to create on their behalf and who have worn and/or displayed my art proudly.

Check out TattooInnerprize.com for more of Javier's and our other artists' work.

Artist of the Day: Steve Torres

Tattoo Innerprize welcomes artist "Scuba Steve" Torres to our new location. Tattoo Innerprize West I-10 West exit Fair Oaks Ranch directly across from Javelina Harley-Davidson. Call us 830-755-8286 to set up an appointment or email us at info@tattooinnerprize.com

San Antonio's (and now Boerne's) Best Tattoo Shop

For more pictures of our work go to TattooInnerprize.com. Call or come by either of our two locations in San Antonio @ Thousand Oaks and Henderson Pass or our I-10 West location at the Fair Oaks Ranch Exit across from Javelina Harley Davidson in Boerne. Come see why we are the best shop in South Texas.

Artist of the Day: Patrick "Paddy Tatty" Meade

"Learn, grow, and persevere. " Thats my motto. I have been tattooing for almost 14 years and I feel blessed to be able to do what I do for a living. Some of the styles I am currently enjoying are photorealism, new school big bold color work, and biomechanical or organic blends.

All tattooing is a fun learning experience so I will do almost anything or any style. I wont let myself get stuck on one style or one way of tattooing so that things will remain fresh and interesting. Much of what I learned and my attitude toward can be attributed to a great friend and fellow tattoo artist by the name of Mike Pfost aka "Beef Stu". He helped me and taught me in my early years when no one else would.

Finding a true home and family at Tattoo Innerprize has been another blessing and enabled me to work alongside and learn from some of the most talented and genuinely remarkable people in the industry. Come up to Tattoo Innerprize and let us share this blessing with you. We're here waiting to tattoo you!!

email us info@tattooinnerprize.com to schedule a session w/ Patrick. Check out TattooInnerprize.com to see work from Paddy and our other artists.

What is love?

This heart lock and key tattoo done by Javier Luis @ Tattoo Innerprize in San Antonio, TX is a permanent reminder that love is to be earned and cherished by us, and given unconditionally to those who matter most. Come by one of our two locations and get a permanent reminder of what love is to you.

Artist Spotlight: Sabastian Luis

My name is Sabastian and I'm an apprentice under my father, award winning tattoo artist of 20 years, Javier Luis. I've been tattooing for about 3 years now and have been lucky to have met and worked with some really cool people all over Texas.

Tattooing has been a real eye opening experience for me, meeting real people with real problems, real lives, real joy, and real love for who they are and what they want to get tattooed.

Not only am I tattooing them but I also have to get on a more personal level with each individual so that way I can relate and put myself in their shoes. By doing this it allows me to get the right design for each customers personality.

Growing up in the tattoo world I grew up fast but it also allowed me to continue to be a kid at heart, and being able to hold on to my youth, it helps me to still use my imagination as a younger kid would. I knew I was going to be a tattoo artist or an artist of some sort from seeing my father and his passion for his own art.

Seeing all of the work that was put into each design was fascinating to me. Now being an adult in the tattoo industry, I know I have alot of work ahead of me but its a journey I have to go through to uphold my family's name.

So thanks to my Dad, Mentor, and best friend Javier Luis. Also thanks to my Mom, Gina Alvarez, and to all of the artists who have helped me with my craft today.

See more work from Sabastian and our other artists tattooinnerprize.com

Tattoo Innerprize West (Boerne, TX) - Tattoo Sleeve in progress session by Javier Luis

Tattoo sleeve session in progress by Javier Luis. Black shading session, color session to follow on this section of this sleeve. Thoughts?

Tattoo by Javier Luis @ Tattoo Innerprize West

Sleeve in progress...(right tricep piece) 1st session, color session to follow.





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Creativity in the Works at Tattoo Innerprize West

Steve Torres, custom tattoo artist, getting creative at Tattoo Innerprize West. What do you think? Give Steve a call @ 830-755-8286 or come on by I-10 W exit Fair Oaks Ranch across from Javelina Harley-Davidson. Tattoo Innerprize West 28991 IH10 W, Boerne, TX 78006.

Tattoo Innerprize West - GRAND OPENING - TATTOO SPECIALS

GRAND OPENING OF TATTOO INNERPRIZE WEST!
830-755-8286

We are proud to announce the grand opening of our 2nd location to serve you! Our new studio is located on the Northwest Side of San Antonio! Located right off of IH-10 West between 1604 & Boerne, right across the highway from Javelina Harley Davidson! Fair Oaks Ranch Exit 546

2 hours for $100 OR 3 hours for $200!

This is an awesome deal being offered TO THE FIRST 100 CUSTOMERS ONLY!! *Must leave a $100 minimum deposit to secure your spot (this will be subtracted from the total price of tattoo session, cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts) Deposits can be made at either location but the service MUST be done at our NEW Location!

Javier will be working at our 2nd location over the next few weeks and is taking appointments for that location! Along with Javier our newest artist Steve, is now accepting appointments at that location as well. You can set an appointment with any of our artists for this price at the new location, however for scheduling reasons, all other artists will be available only on certain days. Thank you in advance for your understanding, we want to offer all of our clients this special deal, but in order to give all of our artists a chance to work over there we have to limit their time over there to certain days.