Recent Work:

Joseph Perez

When did you decide to become a tattoo artist?
I started getting interested in tattooed towards the end of my enlistment in the marine corps. I got out in 2007 and sought out an apprenticeship in Charleston. I continued my journey in Fayetteville, NC until 2010 and have been tattooing in Charleston, SC ever since.

What were you doing before you decided to become a tattoo artist?
I was a combat engineer in the marine corps. I enlisted straight out of high school.

How did you learn to tattoo?
Tattooing is an ongoing experience. I continue to learn from everything and everyone.

What is your favorite personal tattoo, and does it have a story?
My children’s names – I have their names in script on my hand and shoulder. My twins’ names lead into a black rose on my neck – because they’re going to be the death of me! (Said with love, of course.)

What is the strangest tattoo you have ever done?
Human centipede anklet.

What is your favorite style or type of tattoo to create?
Traditional Japanese is my favorite style to work in. I study the stories and reference old masters for all Japanese style tattoos, such as Hokusai, Horiyoshi II and Horiyoshi III. I do this so that I can create as authentic of a Japanese style tattoo as possible. I also love to work in black and gray, and work on illustrative tattooing.