Shades of Gray Dermagraphics

Arnoldo did excellent work. I really want him to finish the rest of my right arm but I’m not sure if I can afford it. He is a little pricey but it is worth the extra to get a great tattoo.

I consider Arnoldo from Shades of Gray Dermagraphics to be an amazing tattoo artist who knows how to incorporate body flow and movement! I’ve received many tattoos, but none as gentle and caring as Arnoldo. He is also the only tattoo artist willing to connect my old tattoos together into a shoulder/​full arm sleeve.
I gave him the background story of each tattoo and let him choose how to weave these stories together with his own style. I’ve had about 7, 4-​hour sessions with Arnoldo. I have another five left with him, and I’ll probably let him start another project on me elsewhere!
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, let Arnoldo work his skill and style onto your body!

There is no other who I trust and respect to tattoo me then Arnoldo from Shades of Gray. I live in California and I had met Arnoldo previous through a family friend. He explained his work in great depth and had done work on some of his nephews, all sporting excellent artwork – I knew that if there was a chance to be in Austin I was going to have Arnoldo do some of the emotional Chicano/​a related art I wanted on my body. Arnoldo isn’t a brander, you don’t show up and get stamped. He works with you, this was different from other consultations I’ve had with other artists who have worked on me (a few times in Santa Cruz, and one in Guadalajara), he made sure the imagery and text I wanted would flow in the location I requested. I love the result and I have since returned. Next trip to Austin, you’ll know where to find me. I gotta say the whole experience is like pure meditation, one chair, an artist, a needle, and NPR flowing through the stereo. A girl couldn’t ask for more.