Ink, Tats, Art, Pieces, Work:

1: Lingo used to describe tattoos.

Tattooing is gaining in popularity in Japan, after years of the art being illegal, and associated with criminals and the Yakuza, Japan’s notorious mafia. Many young Japanese are getting “one point” designs. These are designs that can be completed in one sitting and are usually Tribal or American styles. Then, there is the traditional Irezumi bodysuit (covering the arms, back, upper legs and chest, but leaving an un-tattooed space down the center of the body) that can take up to five years of once-a-week visits to complete and will probably cost $30,000 or more. The most common word used for traditional Japanese tattoo designs is Horimono, and the artists are called Hiroshi. The Japanese word Irezumi means “insertion of ink” and is a traditional Japanese art. Specialist tattooists do it. These master artists, who went underground when it was illegal, are quite secretive and introductions are often only done by word of mouth. A traditional tattoo artist is almost always exclusively male and trains for many years under a master. He may spend years observing, practicing, making needles, and mixing inks before he is allowed to tattoo a client. After he has accomplished all the intricate skills of the art, he might then be given a tattoo name by his master that would include the word “hori” meaning “to engrave”, or even his master’s name and then he will become The Second or Third. The traditional tattoo outline is done first and then the shading is done in weekly visits. When the tattoo is finally finished, the artist will sign his name, usually somewhere on the back.

This month’s INKED spotlight highlights some of the popular shops located in and around the Vegas Valley. See if you can find the tattoo shop that’s right for your personality—where to get INKED in a Local Vegas Shop.

Robert Pho’s Skin Design Tattoo
5645 S. Eastern Ave.
702-739-9946 • By appointment only
Skin Design opened in North Carolina in 1999 and moved to Vegas in 2005. Tattooing since 1989, Robert works strictly on custom pieces, one client at a time. His award-winning tattoos have been featured in many tattoo magazines and his portraits are just outstanding. He enjoys doing both realistic and large-scale work. He made his famous pit bull portraits into flash to sell at conventions and on the Internet. To get an appointment with Robert, you might have to wait quite awhile, since he’s booked up months in advance, but one of his apprentices might be able to fit you in sooner.

Skin Factory
3130 East Sunset Rd.
702-435-1149 • Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Skin Factory was founded in 2005 by Eddie, when he felt Las Vegas needed a tattoo shop that would charge honest prices for quality work of custom art on skin. One of his goals was to have the friendliest shop in town, where customers are made to feel welcome and comfortable. His “handpicked” tattoo artists deliver custom, high quality tattoo artwork at affordable rates. Artists that work here are reputed to be very serious about their quality of artwork.

Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery
6020 W. Flamingo Rd.
702-248-8762 • Daily 12-9pm
On February 1, 2003, the Spencer family opened the doors to Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery. Charlie and Becki Spencer moved to Vegas in 1989 with a background in art dating back to the ‘70s. Charlie and their son Austin, along with their staff of professional artists, offer totally different styles to their eclectic customer base. Becki, though not a tattooist, has over thirty years of experience as an illustrator and art director and runs the successful business. Their studio has an art gallery atmosphere and a friendly staff that greets you.

Pussykat Tattoo Parlor
4972 S. Maryland Pkwy.
702-597-1549 • 7 days a week, hours vary
Established in 1999, this is one of the oldest tattoo parlors in Vegas. Dirk Vermin is Pussykat’s fearless leader and local icon as singer/guitarist for the punk band The Vermin. Custom tattoos are their specialty, and they offer private rooms and fair pricing. The artists that work here offer diverse styles. Rogerio Silva lived in Japan for eight years, but loves American traditional tattoos. Riley Baxter is proficient in all styles. Aaron Neiman is known for his solid color work. Rey J. specializes in traditional and Japanese tattoos, while new artists include Johnny Five, Brett Rosepiler, and Josh Wilcox.

Ironhorse
700 East Naples Dr.
702-866-6300 • Daily 12pm-12am
Tony Otto opened Ironhorse in 2000 after working at several tattoo shops here in Vegas since 1994. He claims Ironhorse has given him a lot of new experiences and he continues to expand his knowledge concerning art and tattooing. Tattooist Uncle Eddie has been with Tony since Ironhorse opened. Anthony apprenticed under Tony and has been with Ironhorse for four years. Chris Barry also works here and some of each of the artists’ artwork can be seen on their website.

Dante’s Studio Tattoo
1439 North Boulder Hwy.
702-564-7841 • Tues-Sat 12-8pm
Dante, the “Grand Dame” of Vegas tattooing, opened Studio Tattoo in 1983. She works exclusively by appointment only and her hours are mornings from 9-11am. She is well known for her fine line and detailed work. Anji, a fifth generation Las Vegas native, apprenticed under her mother Dante and has been with Studio Tattoo for over ten years. Anji’s style includes portraits, abstract and detailed work. The family of artists has grown as Ryan, Anji’s husband, joined the staff six years ago. Ryan is known for his bold color work and wild work with skulls.

Smoking Aces
9151 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
702-207-2237 • Daily 2pm-2am
Owned and operated by Kieron James, (a seasoned artist who has sixteen years of experience with skin and ink), Smoking Aces became the final resting shop for this artist who began his career in Europe and worked in San Diego and Sacramento before settling in Vegas. Smoking Aces prides itself on a clean and friendly atmosphere that embraces everyone. They claim there is no need to be intimidated about getting your tattoo here, because there is no “artist attitude” in this shop. Appointments and walk-ins are both welcome. They’ve just opened a 2nd location behind Treasures at 2640 S. Highland Dr. • 702.650.3411. SLV

Issue 49 featuring: Jordan Daniele, Darenzia & Georgia Jones