Dave Quiggle is a name known for years amongst the straightedge hardcore scene. If you are familiar at all with Facedown Records you have seen their resident art director’s illustrations on countless album covers and t-shirt designs, most notably for his own bands xDisciplexAD, Jesus Wept, and No Innocent Victim.  His portfolio has evolved to encompass gorgeous digital compositions along with his traditional tattoo influenced style. Not surprisingly, he IS a tattoo artist but his busy schedule only allows him take appointments on a few specific weeks each year at Soul Expressions in Temecula, CA. Also especially sharp is his shirt line Black Rose District, featuring his work in shirt series based on the four horsemen, the ten commandments and the seven deadly sins.

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Jason Vaughn has an exquisite illustrative style that sets him apart in a sea of tattoo artists that get so easily lumped into the “neo-traditional” pile.  His work shines in epic full sleeves of squid against norsemen and bear against lumberjack, woodland creatures in beautifully blended hues, and strong uniquely styled color portraits framed in Mucha-esque flourishes. But one look through his portfolio will prove that snakes, skulls and daggers remain close to his heart. Be sure to check out his watercolors and store for some great prints. In June, Jason will be moving to Pioneer Tattoo, a brand new appointment-only shop made up of alumni from Chicago’s legendary Deluxe Tattoo. (more…)

If your familiarity with the modern tattoo world goes beyond reality television and the ever-present-over-saturated Ed Hardy gear, you may have heard of New York Adorned’s resident Englishman, Thomas Hooper. Hooper’s tattoos are renown for his beautifully stippled ornamental mandalas, an illustrative style that echos both eastern and western traditions, inspiration from masonic and alchemist symbology and a respect for geometry that would make M.C. Escher smile. Most surprising is his painting blog featuring daily abstract mixed media paintings whose color and chaos stand in contrast to his meticulous tattoo work.

If you aren’t ready for permanent body art, he put some great designs on tee-shirts over at Shirts & Destroy and customizable phone cases for Case Mate. Also make sure to check out his store for original paintings and giclee prints.

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