MEET WORLD RENOWNED
TATTOO ARTIST
JOEY TATTOO
Spike TV’s Tattoo Rescue
Beyond the chair, Joey has been featured on Spike TV’s Tattoo Rescue, where he traveled the country helping struggling tattoo shops rebuild and improve.
Joey Tattoo is a veteran in the tattoo industry, with over 26 years of experience and an impressive portfolio of more than 17,000 tattoos. His journey began at 19 when he designed his own first tattoo and was offered an apprenticeship on the spot. That moment sparked a lifelong passion that led him to become one of the most well-respected tattoo artists and shop owners in the industry.
Throughout his career, Joey has apprenticed eleven tattoo artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve industry recognition. His ability to master multiple tattooing styles stems from a time when artists had to be versatile, though today, he is best known for his black and gray realism.
Joey is the proud owner of Park Ave Tattoo and Main Street Tattoo, two renowned studios in New Jersey. You can learn more about his shops by visiting Park Ave Tattoo and Main Street Tattoo.
JOEY'S LATEST TATTOOS
Joey’s latest Tattoos are a testament to his love for both traditional and modern tattooing techniques. His recent pieces highlight a blend of storytelling, bold design, and meticulous detail, capturing the essence of his subjects with striking realism and depth.
One standout piece from his recent portfolio is Jessica Rabbit & Roger Rabbit Tattoo. This piece is vibrant and playful, capturing the exaggerated, iconic look of Jessica Rabbit and Roger Rabbit with clean linework and a strong sense of dimension. The use of color blocking and subtle gradients gives the characters life while still keeping the cartoon aesthetic. The exaggerated features and lush color palette scream classic new school with a modern polish.
Joey brings intensity to this tattoo with a fierce gorilla expression accented by rich red roses and a classic dagger. The thick black outlines and saturated colors lean into American traditional roots, but the slight texturing and dynamic angles push it into neo-traditional territory. It's bold, aggressive, and clean—great contrast and flow.
Ryan also recently completed a Luna Moth & Floral Forearm Tattoo, This tattoo seamlessly blends delicate and bold elements. The soft gradients on the moth wings contrast beautifully with the crisp outlines and highly stylized floral elements. Complementary colors and layered composition add depth, and the curved moons give it an ethereal, balanced vibe.
His Realistic Bald Eagle is another excellent display of his versatility.This is high-level black-and-gray realism with a pop of natural color. The eagle is incredibly lifelike, from the feather texture to the fierce gaze. The “breaking through skin” effect adds a dynamic 3D twist, making it look like the eagle emerges from the wearer’s arm. The precision here is meticulous—excellent shading and detail.
Another highlight is his Renaissance-Inspired Portrait on Hand. This hand tattoo is deeply expressive. The soft shading, emotional depth in the eyes, and delicate highlights showcase masterful control of light and shadow. The portrait has a classical, almost marble statue vibe, possibly referencing Renaissance sculptures or paintings, rendered with a soft but striking realism.
Joey doesn’t fall into one category—he fluidly shifts between styles while maintaining high quality and technical excellence. Whether it's bold color in new school/cartoon work, the structured flow of neo-traditional, or the dramatic light-play in realism, each tattoo feels intentional and refined. His versatility, especially balancing vibrant color pieces with detailed black-and-gray realism, sets him apart.
What Makes Joey's Tattoo Style So Unique?
Joey Tattoo’s style is rooted in versatility and realism. Early in his career, tattoo artists were expected to be proficient in every style, which gave Joey a strong foundation in various techniques. However, as his career progressed, he found his passion in black-and-gray realism, a style that allowed him to bring dramatic depth and lifelike imagery into his designs.
Some of the defining aspects of Joey’s tattoo style include:
- Hyper-detailed shading – His ability to create smooth gradients and contrast ensures a realistic finish.
- Precision linework – Even in free-flowing realism, he maintains crisp, well-defined edges where needed.
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- Layered composition – He carefully balances background elements with focal points to create a sense of movement and dimension.
- A strong eye for storytelling—Whether it’s a portrait or a custom concept, Joey ensures that each tattoo tells a visual story.
Joey Tattoo's Philosophy
How Does Joey’s Philosophy Transform Tattooing?
Joey’s impact on the tattoo industry extends far beyond his artwork. His philosophy revolves around growth, mentorship, and elevating tattoo shops to their highest potential. As someone who has trained eleven tattoo artists—many of whom have gone on to make names for themselves—Joey believes that knowledge should be shared and that success is best achieved through community and mentorship.
One of the most unique aspects of his career is his role as the host of Spike TV’s Tattoo Rescue, where he worked to revive struggling tattoo studios nationwide. His expertise in shop management, client relations, and technical artistry made him an ideal consultant for shops that needed a fresh start.
His insights into what makes a tattoo studio successful—from sanitation practices to business operations—set him apart as a mentor who understands the artistic and entrepreneurial sides of tattooing. Joey’s philosophy also extends to his personal life. He often credits his wife, Dayna, and their three children as his biggest inspirations.
For him, tattooing isn’t just about the art—it’s about building a sustainable career, creating meaningful connections with clients, and pushing the industry forward through education and leadership.
How Master Mentorship with Joey Tattoo Would Transform Your Tattoo Journey
Learning from Joey Tattoo means gaining insight into every facet of the industry—from perfecting techniques to understanding the business side of tattooing. His mentorship isn’t just about tattooing; it’s about building a strong foundation for a long and successful career.
As a mentor, Joey teaches:
- Mastering black-and-gray realism – Understanding contrast, depth, and how to make tattoos look like they belong on the skin.
- Versatility in tattooing – Learning how to adapt to different styles and approaches, ensuring well-rounded technical skills.
- The business of tattooing – Insight into shop management, customer service, and branding.
- Shop setup and efficiency – How to create a workstation that is both functional and professional.
- Navigating the industry – How to book conventions, work with industry leaders, and establish yourself as a reputable artist.
- Joey Tattoo’s experience as an artist, mentor, and consultant makes him an ideal guide for anyone serious about building a career in tattooing. His mentorship is a chance to not only refine your technical skills but to learn how to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
If you’re looking for a mentor who understands the full spectrum of what it means to be a successful tattoo artist, Joey Tattoo is the perfect guide. Whether you’re aiming to refine your craft, build your own studio, or gain industry insights that set you apart, his mentorship will give you the tools you need to succeed.
Start your journey today by connecting with Joey Tattoo and taking the next step in your tattoo career!
Become a Tattoo Artist in USA
Join the $2.2B Tattoo Economy – Your Journey to Artistic Success Starts Here!
The tattoo industry is booming, with a global market value of $2.2 billion and growing. It offers endless opportunities for aspiring artists to turn their passion into a lucrative career. From creative expression to financial independence, the industry is thriving like never before.
$51511
Average First-year Income of a Tattoo Artist in USA
21000+
Tattoo Studios in USA and Growing !
$106868
According to Zip Recruiter, Average Annual Income of a Tattoo Artist in USA
