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5 Best Tattoo Documentaries Every Tattoo Apprentice Should Watch

Justin Winkler my Tattoo Apprentice at Art and Sol Tattoo

Alright, if you’re a tattoo apprentice (or just thinking about becoming one), there’s a lot you need to learn.

And no, it’s not just about getting your line work tight—though that’s obviously important. You’ve got to understand the culture, the history, and the legends who came before you.

Lucky for you, I’ve got a list of the five best tattoo documentaries that’ll not only give you some serious tattoo knowledge but also light a fire under your chair to make you better.

Plus, I’ll even tell you where to watch them so you can just sit back and click.

Let’s go!

Continue reading “5 Best Tattoo Documentaries Every Tattoo Apprentice Should Watch”

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Friday the 13th Tattoos: How It All Started in Tucson

Its Friday the 13th tattoo time!

Lucky 13 tattoos for friday the 13th on David Meek owner of Art and Sol Tattoo in Tucson Arizona
Some Lucky 13 Tattoos I’ve gotten on Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th tattoos are a big deal. If you’re in Tucson and you love tattoos, you’ve probably seen these events pop up. But why are they so popular? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Big Deal with Friday the 13th?

Friday the 13th is known as an unlucky day. It combines Friday, which some think is unlucky, with the number 13, which people also say is bad luck. So, together, they’re supposed to be extra unlucky.

But tattoo artists took this superstition and flipped it. They turned the day into something fun. Now, Friday the 13th is a day to get cheap tattoos.

How Did Friday the 13th Tattoos Start?

Continue reading “Friday the 13th Tattoos: How It All Started in Tucson”

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“Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap”

by David Meek 1-3-2024

Are you on the hunt for the perfect tattoo studio in Tucson but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? Choosing the right tattoo artist and studio is a crucial step towards ensuring a positive and memorable tattooing experience. With numerous factors to consider, navigating the search process can be daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with essential tips and considerations to find the ideal tattoo studio in Tucson that aligns with your vision.

Inside Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
Continue reading ““Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap””

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How tattoo artists can have work life balance.

I’ve been seeing a ton of tattoo artists complain about work life balance. Its so wierd to see it all over social media.

In fact I think thats exactly why tattoo artists are feeling overwhelmed. Social Media… dun dun dun…

Gone are the days of sitting in a tattoo shop waiting for walkins 6 days a week and letting word of mouth do all the work.

Nowadays artists are required to be posting on tik tok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Reddit, etc etc and on and on… Lets not forget you have to draw your tattoos, then tattoo them.

Oh wait, do you have a family and hobbies? Well, crap when are you gonna have time for them if you’re busy posting and scheduling and doing consultations in the DMs… its so much… wait, did you make your needle order? Did you want to paint today?

Theres just too much going on.

Continue reading “How tattoo artists can have work life balance.”

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Reflecting on 2021 and the planning 2022

Holy cow, can you even believe we made it this far? Its been one of the weirdest years since, well last year haha.

From storming the Capitol, to new virus variants, mask and no mask debates, the supply chain going kerplooey, and everything in between that we all dealt with in our own ways… its a miracle we made it this far.

But I’m a eternal optimist. I love a challenge. I love trying to maintain positivity while the world burns down around me. I love changing my perspective to find a solution. Well, I don’t love changing my perspective all that much haha.

That being said I found a lot of opportunities to stay positive this past year. I discovered some new mentors via Instagram that really had a profound impact on how I lived this year.

Continue reading “Reflecting on 2021 and the planning 2022”

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Is it safe to get a tattoo during Covid-19?

Is it safe to get tattooed?

Are tattoo shops a safe place?


Well it all depends on where you go I suppose. As it is with any business. 


So, is it safe to get a tattoo during a pandemic? 


I for one think yes! But there are some things you need to consider.


I’ve heard stories of some shops here in Tucson cramming artists and clients into a shared space… while that doesn’t sound too bad, it totally increases the chances of a small blood borne pathogen transmission, or in times like today a viral airborne or contact spread incident. 




That’s a risk I’d rather avoid. My personal clientele and that of my shop are higher end folks that are accustomed to a personal experience where their health is the highest priority. I charge premium prices compared to most tattoo artists in Tucson and so, the experience we offer, reflects how serious we take health and safety. 


I’ve had a few clients think we are a bit over the top with our sterilizing practices, but that’s ok with me. The majority value what we offer for them! And that, in my opinion, is how all successful businesses run!

Continue reading “Is it safe to get a tattoo during Covid-19?”

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Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy

Its me doing what I do best.

Its seems to me that every single tattoo shop is experiencing unprecedented boom times. So much so that Im seeing post after post on multiple tattoo shop social media pages announcing that they are hiring. I admit, even I have put out the help wanted call for my shop Art and Sol.

As of this writing, Im currently booking for spring of 2021 which is a bit hectic when trying to consider birthdays, holidays, weekend getaways with the family, school breaks etc etc.

Continue reading “Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy”

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Art and Sol Tattoo is Turning 1

Holy freakin moly, what a year its been. We opened up Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in October 2019. With stars in our eyes, and hope in our hearts that this was going to be something special. Well… who could have predicted one of the craziest events in modern history.. you know the whole Covid 19 thing. Well, despite the obstacles, we have pushed on and leaned into the wind as it were. While it hasnt been easy for anyone of us, it sure will be memorable.

My personal philosophy was that this was the best thing for small businesses. It created an opportunity to grow and innovate in new ways. The playing field has been leveled and while others wait for a return to normal, Im playing offense and pushing harder than ever before.

Our shop is growing with new energy from our shop helpers (soon to be tattoo apprentices) and new clients!

We are working on making everything we do the best it can be…. which reminds me of a quote… How you do anything is how you do everything. And we are setting the bar higher for ourselves in everything.

October will be 1 year of many. That isnt even a question. But our first year is a testament to our resolve.

Im working on figuring out how we can celebrate the shops birthday together and really make it special. Which, given the circumstances, it will undoubtably be.

If you would like to participate shoot the shop an email artandsoltattoo@gmail.com

If you want to be featured in our birthday video, send us a happy birthday video to artandsoltattoo@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more!!

Dave

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Best Tucson Tattoo Artist

Hey all, great news, for the 3rd year in a row, I’ve been included as a finalist in The Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson. Its something that truly makes me proud. I love Tucson. And to be included with really amazing tattoo artists is quite an honor. I love to make Tucson a better place by making tattoos for the people of this community.

Tucson Weeklys Best of Tucson

HERES THE LINK TO VOTE FOR ME ! and your other favorite Tucson businesses!

If youre looking to collect some work from me, you can shoot the shop a text to book a consultation. 520-314-7358

Right now Im booked about 4-5 months out but theres always random opportunities to get in!

its me