John's grandma was a cool lady.

So one of the guys at work wanted to get a tattoo in memory of his grandma who lost her battle with cancer. He was close to her and told me about this one thing she used to say all the time, "you can't win for losing." He wanted that translated into a tattoo somehow and this is what we came up with. He said it had to be purple, her favorite color and the ribbon should be crocheted, since that's what she did to take her mind off things when it got bad. He originally wanted the lettering to be a cursive or script, but I broke out the old Rope font and it worked as a perfect yarn substitute. I will give myself some latitude regarding the linework on the knitting needles; it was his first tattoo and hard to keep him in one place. Not an excuse, but I still feel weird about restraining someone while doing linework. I need to get over that. Regardless, everyone liked it and I think his grandma would be happy with it.

I had the honor of doing what might be considered a memorial tattoo a few days ago. My sister came to me with the idea and I really thought it would be fitting and fun to do.A while back her house was burglarized and they let the dog run away. Or stole it. Or someone else stole it. Or something. So poor Maggie Mae was never seen again. Either way, it's sad. It's been some time since that happened and she decided to immortalize her beloved pet's memory.

And here it is:

Some updates on the Bobcat arm, et al.

Forgot to post these up earlier in the week for those 3 people that follow this blog. I had the opportunity to get some more work added to my brother's lower traditional patchwork sleeve. I'm excited to get the entire arm done, tied together with random things, traditional filler, and floating words here and there. So far it's coming together pretty well. I'll shoot the three most recent ones up now and keep everyone (yes, all three of you who read this, maybe) apprised of the progress over the next weeks and months until it's all the way done.

First is the "Winning Hand", ace of spades over queen of hearts.

Then a roll of "13" escaping.

And finally a pretty classic shark-faced bomb.

That's it for now. Looking at doing some more exciting stuff next week. Stay tuned.

How to represent and NOT get shot...

So my boy Nano wanted to rep the 210. Not a big deal except he's not a G. He's an H (hipster). He came up with a really cool idea for showing his San Anto pride in the most innocuous way possible via a cool bluebird from this N.A.S.A. video. We doctored it a bit to reflect the "210" status and everyone was happy with the results. It was fun to do something a little different.

Finally get to do something cool....

So I finally got to throw something down that I was pretty excited about: a bobcat. For some reason my brother is convinced that bobcats are the actual rulers of the universe and one day they will take their rightful place as such and enslave or eat all humans. I can't disagree with him. So instead we tattooed a bobcat on his forearm so when it happens, he'll be first in line to be saved as a pet or some such other menial (but alive) job in the new bobcat-centric world. But I digress. I also got to do a GIANT tribal (I know, I know) shoulder/arm piece on a dude for his first tattoo. Regardless of the subject, anyone who sits for that long that well deserves to be at least mentioned, even if I'm not posting a pic because all the ones I got sucked. So without further ado; Bobcat:

Getting Started.....Again.

So I decided to sneak in a back-dated post and throw these pictures up even though I wasn't happy with how they came out. The lily is fine, the tribal is the best pic I could get. I took a bunch of pics with my fancy-ass camera, but they insisted on being shiny and making the solid black look really patchy. Which, I assure you, it is not. That black is in there like a tick on a dog; in it to win it. Tribal tattoos were never my milieu; I have a hard time drawing them and they don't hold my attention well. But this one was this guys first tattoo and he sat like a pimp for it. Six and a half hours later we were done and he got exactly what he wanted. Which is the ultimate goal. The flower is on his girlfriend, my wife's cousin, who just found out recently her grandma is a little sick. Grandma isn't going to approve of the tattoo, but that's not really the point. I like how it turned out and was glad to get the opportunity to do it.

Back in Action

So I've decided to get back in the tattoo game. I've really missed it, but with the family expanding and my joining the team at The Monterey, it's been hard to find the time. I'm available now Sunday nights, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (all day) so let me know your ideas and we'll figure something out. I love weird artsy tattoos, traditional American, and black and grey. I need to update this a little and will try to do so over the next week. Until then, take a look and be in contact.

DR

New Business Card Front

Did my new business card front. It's simple, but I like it.

No New GA Tattoos....Yet

So response to my CL ad and my other advertising via web here in Maconga is going okay. I've gotten some responses so hopefully I can parlay those into some really fun tattoos. I have the feeling a lot of fix-up/touch-up and military tattoos are in order, but I have never been one to judge WHAT gets tattooed; only HOW it gets tattooed.

Well' I'm off to answer some more emails.

Hooligan Dave

Last Post From San Antonio For Awhile...

So I'm leaving to the Greyhound Depot in about 15 minutes. Did a couple tattoos last night I want to share before I hit the road. I'll be gone till the middle of August, then back for 10 days, then gone again and back for good at the end of September. Hit me up by phone, email, or Facebook to start scheduling appoitments for either my 10 days here in August or my actual return in September. Thanks to all that have let me tattoo them. It really is a great honor to touch someone's life in a permanent way. Most of the tattooers I know have forgotten this. Or worse, pretend to believe it but really don't give a shit. Well, without delay...those pics:
An homage on the hand;

And a flamingo in front of The Flamingo for Go-Go Chere Raquel:

On that midnight train to Georgia.....

So as many of you know I'll be leaving for a few months to help out my dad in GA. I have a couple of pics for today, but, once again, I have done plenty of bitching tattoos that I didn't snap pics of. I finally got to finish Tiffany's arm, tying the whole thing together with, what else, stars and dots. Well like I said, gonna be gone awhile, but not forgotten, I'm sure. I'm trying to get a spot while I'm there working with an artist I've been following and this is the perfect opportunity to learn. So, without further a do; the pics.
A lamp with no genie:
and a tiny ass shark:

Damn, Sorry Guys.....

So it's been a while since I've posted anything here. Not my fault. Trust me, I have been tattooing my ass off. But being really busy and in demand has it's drawbacks and one of them is not being able to grab the camera when there are four people in line to get tattooed. I am so grateful to my balls for being huge enough to leave the safety and security (ahem) of my former shop and strike out on my own. I have achieved so much more success both in business and in life once I dropped the anchor of negative people and a negative place in my life. I am actually able to develop a style that I can call my own and a loyal clientele that are booking me up solid three and four days out. I remember when I was amazed that my old boss couldn't keep his appointments straight and missed some or forgot some. But I am starting to understand that with a strong name and portfolio comes the inability to keep all those ducks in a row. I feel like I need an assistant or something. Not an apprentice; I am in no position to teach anyone anything. Just someone I can tattoo for free and help me out a little. But that's just me getting ahead of myself....again. So here's the deal: I have to leave town for a bit to help my dad out with a few things in the shining state of Georgia. I'll be back mid August for a bit then gone again. I'll be back for good at the end of September. I have a guest spot at a shop there lined up and will be saving all the money I make to hopefully open my own legitimate shop here once I return. Right now its just an idea, and it's just a legit spot for me to work in, not a full-fledged tattoo factory. So wish me luck and I'll return soon. Until then, stay classy San Antonio; I'll be back. As always.

Cooooobraaaa!

So updates, updates, updates! This week I got to do some really fun tattoos, of course, and also got to hear a little shop talk. Some of my work did reach local artist eyes and word is I'm approved to work in at least three shops in town. But why would I want to ever do that again? Let me see....work for someone else, give them half my money, have to charge everyone twice as much to make the same amount of money, still have to buy all my own supplies, and have to deal with more drama than a Mexican soap opera? No thank you. It is tremendously gratifying to know I have offers to work with good local artists, but I think rogue is the place for me for now. They are still talking nonsense at my old shop and it's been almost 6 months since I checked out of there. Well, thanks for listening, kiddos, and here's some tattoos:

First up a healed pic of Wally's skate rose. I love how it healed up super bright and really soft in the rose. Enjoy:
Next a Mahi Mahi on one of the twins. I'd tell you which one, but if you know them, you already know which one it is. This one was super fun since it is a very identifiable fish and if you've ever seen one you will know exactly what this tattoo is of. Enjoy:

Third is a little more serious. These are variations on the traditional Japanese Luck Cats. I made them a little fancier, per request, to celebrate the life of a dear friend of the collectors' who is no longer with us. Long live the Fancy Cats!
And last, but not least is the Electric Cobra. Nothing else needs to be said. It's a motherfucking Electric Cobra!

Thanks to all that have been getting tattooed. I know this time of every one's life isn't the easiest and spending money on luxury things like tattoos is a difficult choice. But before you go out and spend a bill at the bar on Saturday night just remember this: Tattoos are the only thing money can buy that lasts forever and that no one can take from you.

Hooligan Dave

Lazy and Crazy....

So I have been pretty lazy about taking pics this week. I threw down a couple really cool tattoos and didn't take pics, so unfortunately you will have to wait till they heal for those. I did, however, manage to take a decent pic of this 80's style Hair Metal skull tribute piece I did last week. It's on a girl who wanted to immortalize her brother's love of metal. It's not a style I normally get down on, but i had fun with it nonetheless. I love how it turned out and think I captured the essence of the Metal tattoo. Enjoy:

More Fun Tattooery Today....Sheck it out, Mang!

So it has been an exciting week at the Panama St. Tattoo Co. First all those awesome tattoos on Friday and then today was just F-ing fun all around. I finally got to do some fun animals and a classic Sailor Jeezy pin-up but in a little more Rubenesque fashion. So here goes today's update:

#1- Girlie Wise Old Owl on a wise young girl:




















#2- A Gallisto on the same girl, apparently she's all about the...oh, never mind...















#3- And last, but not least, an Indian princess drawn to a little more realistic proportions. BBW Sailor Jerry? Quite possibly.

Tattooery!!!!! We're #1, We're #1!

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Lots New Today....

Ok, what do I have for you today.....? How about a penis cam, a sweetie on a sweetie, and a Banksy Rat. Wish I had time to write more, but I'm being pulled so many directions with my fingers in so many pies it's hard to even think straight right now. Enjoy.

Some Sailor for a Sailor.

So I was extra stoked to have my last appointment thrown into my lap. He's a young Navy guy who lives in the 'hood round my new house and heard about me through a friend. After being blown off repeatedly by another artist in town he decided to give me a call. I talked with him extensively and he brought by the Sailor Jerry Collins flash he wanted. We struck a deal as well as an immediate report (punk rock brothers from another mother sort of thing) and he set the appointment. We did the deed and everyone was a happy camper. He got a sweet deal and a fucking rad tattoo, and I got a new moon-stomping mate and a rockin' pic for my portfolio. Win-Win.

Hooligan David

My Day With Dan Aykroyd

So I ended up making it out to Gabriels Liquors out on 1604 and Blanco yesterday for the Dan Aykroyd meet and greet for his vodka bramd, Crystal Head. It was one of the best celebrity experiances I have had yet. He was quite affable and let people bring things to sign even if they didn't purchase a signed bottle from the store. He pose for several photos with each person in line and was really just a nice guy all around. I had tattooed a ghost trap, from the movie Ghostbusters on my arm the night before and was interested to see his reaction. He loved it. He called all his support crew to the table to check it out and actually asked if he could keep the Tattoos By David flyer I brought with me. He signed my bottle and my arm above the tattoo. I raced home to tattoo over the Sharpie'd autograph and added it to the tattoo. I forgot to tell him it was my birthday, but it was going so well it just slipped my mind. Bottom line: Dan Aykroyd is a stand up guy in my book and I had a very memorable birthday. Thanks to Kitty and my sister for making it possible.

Hooilgan David

It's been a while, I know....

It's been a while since I've posted anything cool. Yes, I've been tattooing here and there, but this is the first time I got some decent pics of some fun stuff. I finished of a Bob Wills tribute piece (both triceps and both calves) today, and got to take a pic of a tradeitional magnolia i did a while back healed. The magnolia's picture does not do it justice, it's so much softer in person. Well, If case anyone was wondering I'm still alive and kicking and will bringing you some fun tattoos soon now that I'm settled into my new place. If you have any ideas or need pricing remember to just shoot me an email at tattoosbydavid@gmail.com or just call or text if you have my number.

Stay classy San Antonio,

David