Ace Tattoo » David Rogerson » El Cerrito, California

Calavera por Catty Mac

david — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:38:14 +0000

My dear friend, Catherine, aka “Catty Mac” who became known to me from tattooing her son a few years back asked me to create a Mexican calavera design based on her description, and off the top of my head. I chatted with her on the phone, and sketched this basic outline…tattooing it on her later in the day. This is the joy of the digital age. Response, love, and craft all coming together to make a beloved outcome.

david — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:23:21 +0000

I am so pleased with how wonderful the atomosphere at ACE has been the past year. The wham-bam isn’t happening, the scab-vendor “shops” are doing all the weak-minded junk pieces. I am able to concentrate on the precious clients/friends who are dedicated to getting beautiful amulets to last a lifetime. Special tattoos revolve around culture, family, and love. These are the themes that get my juices flowing. The things that made me dedicate my life to the craft of tattooing. It is my honor to translate my client’s dreams to reality.

Catty Mac!

david — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:19:16 +0000

Maribel

david — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:17:41 +0000

Maribel is the wife of a good friend, Guillermo..and a peach of a gal. He has a version of this same skull in the male form, so we did this one in feminine form. It's pretty old school with a sweet twist. I like to take things to the next level with a traditional tattoo value-set. Push it, but keep it TATTOO...not watercolor, not airbrush. TATTOO.

Dragon Cover-Up First Color Addition

david — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:30:02 +0000

I love when a client has found me in the correct fashion...meaning, they understand my capabilities and that I strive to do the best, most detailed work I possibly can on their budget. Some folks like the client pictured above have seen my work around and know that I can absolutely bury any bad work an bring detail to a tattoo that others in the trade can't touch. Twenty years in tattooing and being the oldest shop in the East Bay are a testament to my client's support and love of my craft...pieces like this on dream clients make it all worthwhile. I have placed a strong light source, created a lot of depth, and detailed each and every scale on this dragon, though it is a cover-up. Pieces like this make it worth waking up in the morning.

Dragon Cover-Up First Pass in Grey

david — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:20:53 +0000

Dragon Cover-up Stencil

david — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:17:19 +0000

So...life is about to get better

Green Hannya Cover-Up

david — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:05:07 +0000

Before Green Hannya…existing Reaper

david — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:01:50 +0000

Local Dirtjumper’s ode to trail digging. Kyle’s skull and crossed shovels was a lot of fun to put on.

david — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:27:42 +0000

I have known Kyle since he was in Jr. High...he rips and is a solid bro.