Welcome
My name is Ruuben. I am a tattoo artist/ instructor. Over the past 15 years, 9 of which I spent traveling the world tattooing. I’ve dedicated my life to learning the craft to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tattooing. My work has been featured in some of the most prestigious tattoo publications around the globe.
I specialize in large-scale, custom pieces that merge realism, surrealism, and psychedelic influences creating tattoos that are not only visually striking but conceptually deep. My style blends abstract calligraphy, graffiti, celestial themes, and collage compositions, allowing me to offer truly one of a kind tattoos.
I focus on taking on limited, high-quality projects that align with my artistic vision. My commitment to originality and craftsmanship ensures that every tattoo I create is a unique masterpiece designed exclusively for those who appreciate art without limits.
In my spare time I like to travel to visit ancient sites, music festivals/production,painting, carving, crafting cologne/incense, jewelry and spend time in nature.
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Tattoo Preparation & Aftercare
Preparing for Your Tattoo Session
To ensure the best possible tattoo experience and healing process, follow these guidelines:
What You Should Do Before Your Appointment:
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Stay Hydrated – Drink at least 1-2 liters of water per day leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin heals better and withstands longer sessions.
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Get Proper Rest – A good night’s sleep is crucial. Avoid partying or drinking the night before. Getting tattooed while hungover is not fun for either of us.
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Eat Before Your Session – A big tattoo session is a major physical demand on your body. Eat a nutritious meal beforehand to help with pain management and prevent fainting.
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Bring Snacks & Drinks – You may not have time to leave and return during short breaks. I have a microwave and fridge available in the studio. Snacks that are easy to eat with one hand are ideal.
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Notify Me of Any Injuries – If you break a bone or have a major injury before your session, please let me know as soon as possible.
What You Should Avoid Before Your Appointment:
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No Tanning or Sunburns – Avoid sun exposure, fake tans, and chemical peels on the tattoo area for at least one month before your session.
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No Major Skin Damage – Any cuts, scrapes, or abrasions in the area to be tattooed can delay your appointment.
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No Intense Workouts – Avoid heavy lifting or excessive exercise on or near the tattoo area at least two days before to prevent unnecessary swelling and soreness.
Day of Your Appointment
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Do Not Bring Anyone With You – No guests will be allowed in the studio during your session.
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No Children or Babies – For safety reasons, please do not bring young children to your appointment.
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Dress Comfortably – Be prepared for temperature changes. If you’ll be removing your shoes, bring socks or flip-flops to wear while walking around the studio.
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Bring Entertainment – Feel free to bring an iPod, iPad, laptop, or other device with headphones to keep yourself entertained.
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Don’t Schedule Anything Immediately After – Sessions can sometimes run longer than expected, so keep your schedule flexible.
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No Numbing Products – Please do not apply numbing cream to the area before your appointment.
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Do Not Arrive Under the Influence – No drugs or alcohol before your session.
During Your Tattoo Session
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Do Not Touch Your Tattoo – Avoid touching the fresh tattoo during the session to prevent cross-contamination.
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Respect the Work Area – Do not touch any tattoo equipment or the artist’s workspace.
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Be Mindful When Talking – Talking is fine, but avoid talking with your hands, nodding your head, or moving excessively as this can affect the tattoo process.
Tattoo Aftercare
What You’ll Need:
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Unscented antibacterial soap (Dial is recommended).
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Unscented, mild lotion (to be applied when the tattoo starts feeling dry).
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SPF 30+ sunscreen (for protection after healing).
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Clean, white paper towels (for drying).
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Clean sheets and bedding (keep pets away while healing).
Initial Cleaning & Wrapping Process (Day 1)
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Keep the bandage on for 6 hours after your session.
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First Cleaning – Wash your hands, then gently clean your tattoo with cold water and Dial unscented antibacterial foam soap. Do not scrub—gently rinse off ink, plasma, and bandage residue.
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Let the tattoo air dry for 5-10 minutes before rewrapping.
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Repeat Cleaning & Wrapping – Every 6 hours until the morning after your tattoo session.
Ongoing Aftercare (Morning after new tattoo- Day 3)
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Remove the bandage in the morning ,Do Not Rewrap Again for the remainder of healing process* and continue washing with cold water and Dial soap every 6 hours.
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Let the tattoo air dry completely before applying anything.
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Only if the tattoo starts feeling really dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Use just enough to lightly coat the area—do not overapply.
Healing Phase (Days 4-14)
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Continue washing every 6 hours with unscented antibacterial soap.
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Apply a thin layer of lotion if the tattoo feels dry or tight.
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Your tattoo will begin to flake and peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo.
General Healing Guidelines
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Avoid Soaking the Tattoo – No baths, swimming, or saunas until fully healed (4-6 weeks).
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Avoid Heavy Exercise – Limit workouts for the first 2-3 days to prevent excessive sweating and irritation.
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Protect from Sun Exposure – Avoid direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. After healing, always use SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent fading.
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Do Not Use Spray Tan or Self-Tanner – Wait until your tattoo is fully healed.
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Avoid Tight Clothing – Loose, breathable clothing is best to prevent irritation.
For Leg & Foot Tattoos:
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Minimize walking/standing for at least three days to prevent excessive swelling.
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If swelling occurs, elevate your leg and take Advil as needed.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
I take on a limited number of tattoo projects each year, focusing only on work that excites me and aligns with my artistic style. I book 3-6 months in advance, and spots can fill quickly. If I don’t respond to your inquiry, please don’t take it personally—I receive a high volume of messages and can’t reply to everyone. Feel free to reach out again if you don’t hear back. I appreciate well-thought-out and professional inquiries, as this is a professional business. Below are answers to the most common questions I receive:
What types of tattoos do you specialize in?
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Sleeves, Backpieces, and Single-Day Pieces are my primary focus.
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I do not do Traditional, Tribal, Japanese, Lettering, or Celtic tattoos—there are great artists who specialize in these styles and can serve you better.
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I do not take on unfinished tattoos from other artists. I only work on projects I start from scratch.
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I do not do cover-ups.
My ideal client comes to me with minimal direction, seeking a one-of-a-kind piece in my signature style and knowing what body area they want tattooed.
How far out are you booked?
I’m currently booking appointments for 2025.
How much do you charge?
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I charge day rates only based off the style and complexity of the piece —no hourly pricing.
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My rates vary based on travel and location. If I take on your project, I will provide my rate.
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A non-refundable design fee is required to secure your appointment, payable via PayPal or Cash App.
Do you travel or attend conventions?
Yes, I travel for guest spots and attend at least a couple of out-of-state conventions each year. I post updates on my website, Instagram, and Facebook when I have travel dates or convention appearances.
What happens if my tattoo takes longer than expected?
If your tattoo takes longer than initially quoted, you will be prorated accordingly. Otherwise, I strictly charge by the day rate.
Design Fees & Payments
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I only do Design Fees and not deposits to cover time it takes to create the design, design fees apply only to booked tattoo appointments for the agreed-upon design and placement.
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Design Fees are non-refundable and must be paid via Cash App, PayPal, or in-person cash.
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Prepaying for tattoos is not allowed. Only cash is accepted on the day of your appointment for tattoos, aftercare, and merchandise.
If I have to reschedule your appointment due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness or travel delays), you will be offered a new date or a full refund within 45 days.
Major design or placement changes will result in forfeiting your design fee. A new design fee will be required within 48 hours to keep your appointment and avoid being added back to the waitlist.
Cancellations, Reschedules & No-Shows
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A minimum of two (2) weeks' notice is required to reschedule and transfer your design fee.
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If you cancel or reschedule less than 2 weeks before your appointment, you forfeit your design fee, and a new deposit must be paid within 48 hours to retain any future appointments.
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No-call/no-shows will result in the same forfeiture policy.
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Special considerations are given for pregnancy and extended illness.
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Frequent cancellations, reschedules, or no-shows will result in loss of priority, cancellation of future appointments, and placement back on the waitlist.
Multiple Ongoing Appointments
If your tattoo requires multiple sessions, I strongly recommend booking in advance. Waiting longer than a year between sessions may cause delays in completing your piece and could affect the overall flow and coherence of the design.