I got my first tattoo done here a couple weeks ago and I can honestly say I'm really happy with the quality of work. Â My tattoo artist, Â Andre was absolutely amazing! Â He made me feel comfortable and at ease . His work is incredible and shading is nice. Â
I got my tattoo on my right shoulder blade; it wasn't painful for me and I definitely will be going back for a second tattoo.
I recommend You get your tattoo here because the staff is friendly and you're able to choose a tattoo artist by looking at their work album. You won't be disappointed!
Got a half sleeve done of a cross with my kids name in it by Peter Tran and it came out amazing. I came in as a walk-in to schedule an appointment and he referenced me to their books. I saw what work the artists had done. It looked nice so I paid my deposit. I came in a couple days later to see what he had worked on and the sketch was better than I had expected but I didn't want flowers he had put in. So he hit the backroom and took them out. Saw what he had to offer and got to work. It came out unbelievable. I'm definitely going to get more work done by him. It's been months and the lines are immaculate.
Review Source:a month later and ive been scarred. i highly doubt it was the way i took care of it because most of the tattoo healed perfectly and i have another tattoo right above it that has healed properly. upon showing my piece to other artists when it had just finished (to see if i can get the art fixed) they noticed that my artist had overworked me in some areas - leaving the skin scarred AND not able to work on / fix
sooo not only did my artist fuck up my tattoo, he also fucked up my arm so i cant fix it for who knows how long
thanks broham *thumbs up*
cant believe i tipped him.
Death Before Dishonor is a awesome tattoo shop in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Close to nearby coffee shops and eatery. It's located in an older Victorian home and the interior is decked out with great art work.
The artists are friendly, inviting and laid back. The environment is clean, and a little tight but your getting tattooed in a private room with each artist.
I gotten tattooed by Adam Narvaiz. He is an absolutely talented artist. I gotten three tattoos from him. He's done my skull rose, medusa and currently waiting to get colored for my pocket watch. He really takes the time to sit with you to capture your ideas and replicate what you want. He's patient and detailed. His line work is on point! His colors he uses on his work is wonderful. I would highly recommend Adam. He's really cool and kind.
i had Adam do my neck tat with my initials and then an eagle below . i briefly showed him what i was looking for and how we can make it happen, Adam took a while sketching it all out but when it came down to the real thing , it was intensely gorgeous without a flaw. Â I kept looking back expecting to see some spec or dot or some off weird flaw but nope, Black as night and cosure. It is healing beautifully and that demonstrates talent , precision, and an unparalleled artistry level because he works really hard to make everything look sharp, clear, and focused. Andre is also a perfectionist and did great work on my arms. I Â am now looking to do a small diamond on my foot, " Que sera sera" across my right chest and "I won't- I can't -forget" on one shoulder "But I can understand" on another shoulder (Maya Angelou). I wonder who could be my next tat artist for those before i leave on May 7th. DBD for life! It seems a lot of times you just e-mail or call the tat artists directly, but always call the store first to see if the artist is even in the shop. A lot of times, if im' desperate enough I'll just straight up walk in there and be like yo, who got time for this little lady. It's a great place overall.
Review Source:I had my #4 & #5 tattoos done by Peter. I'm probably the weirdest customer with all the weirdest idea for my tattoos. plus I can't stand the pain so I was complaining ( almost ) the whole time. Peter was so patient. haha. I kinda feel bad because today is his birthday!
anyway, my tattoos turned out great. it looks so cute and all my friends loved it. just gotta wait til it heals properly to see if I need a touch up!
oh and I think Brandon is cute! :")
I moved down from Oregon, where my tattoo expectations are pretty high. I came here with my sister in November for "sister tattoos" Paco did out work, he was great. It was my sisters first tattoo, my 13th. Paco was great with her explaining the process. Today we went back for my boyfriends first tattoo. Adam did his. It looks amazing. They have always been super nice and accommodating. I highly recommend this shop. I will be coming back for my next tattoo.
Review Source:i followed andre for players ink here i like his work the shop is clean there are legends in this shop....the only con is parking but its downtown sj so what do you expect.....andres spot is in the back so while your getting a tat you can look out the window at all the girls from sjsu
Review Source:this place is the dope meaning freaking awesome!  every tattoo artists is awesome great my tattoo artist personally is  jermemiah does awesome work and books up fast so i recommended you reserve sooner than later!!! before summer time comes peeps! once summer hits this place is hard to get into. definitely recommend this spot to anyone just keep in mind my motto is
you get what you pay for want to come cheap get shitty  tattoos! good tattoos cost money! somethings you don't want to come cheap on and tatts is one of them
Scheduled an appointment with Paco to get my first tattoo. I had ideas of what I wanted to get but wasn't sure how they would all be integrated together. Paco was able to combine all the elements I wanted into a beautiful piece of art! The day I had it done, I was real nervous, but he took it slow and was very professional. He took the time to answer all my questions and talked me thru the process. I love my tattoo and will definitely go see Paco again for the next one!
Review Source:I still give Abe (the artist who did my tattoo, plus all of my sisters') top marks, but this update is on the shop itself. Â I went back with my sisters for new sister tattoos a few days before Christmas. Â The shop is apparently doing so well that they now occupy the entire top floor, and you go in through the front door and not the back exterior staircase like before. Â What turned me off was another artist who had a couple women come in (I had assumed as clients), filled his bong in the bathroom, and then shut his door. Â We got an awkward smile from him as he walked past. Â But being that we came for Abe, we ignored this incident the same way the artist ignored us.
Review Source:Went here for another Friday the 13th tattoo...to finish out the year strong.
Let's just say that I'm only giving this place 3 stars not because the quality of the artists' work is just eh but because their customer service is eh. Â I know it's a tattoo shop, please don't harp on me for that. I've been to quite a few and know how it works. Â I however don't understand why an artist would "squeeze" in his friend's Friday the 13th tattoo while I go grab food (while the artist was eating)....just really tacky.
I do like the way my tattoo turned out and of course love that it was only $20 but I honestly don't think I'll be going back here anytime soon. There are many more artists who actually make me feel welcome and not shoved aside because I'm just doing some small tattoo.
TERRIBLE PLACE! If I could give this rating 0 stars, I would.
I have tons of tattoos from many artists in the area and this was BY FAR my WORST experience yet. I am not sure who my artist was, I was just a walk in for the Friday the 13th specials. I walked into the room where I was about to get my tattoo. It was extremely overpacked with people drinking beer and blowing bong rips in my face. EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL. My artist began to set up and put my stencil on. He started the tattoo and MY GOD did he have a heavy hand.. that was made very clear during my healing process.. Today is the 19th (6 days later) and my tattoo still feels like I got it yesterday. Tender to the touch and very swollen. Â Like I said before, I have tons of tattoos so I am very aware of how to take care of them. This is just not right. Scabs from a small part of the tattoo finally came off and what do i see? scars. AWESOME! Maybe my artist was just far too drunk or stoned to know that he was pressing down way too fucking hard.. My friend also got a tattoo by the same artist earlier in the day (we recognized him by his black eye and busted lip). She has multiple tattoos on her thighs and said that nothing has ever felt as painful as the one she had just gotten. This artist should NOT be tattooing. Maybe he should try going back to apprenticing. As far as the shop, very unprofessional and in my opinion, unsanitary.
There are many wonderful shops in the area, this NOT being one of them. I strongly advise you to continue your search and get a tattoo elsewhere.
I got my first tattoo done over here.
Chris and Guru met me for the initial discussion and made some nice and pratical suggestions on the designs and size based on what I had pulled up from internet.
Chris ended up doing the tattoo and was open to modifications I wanted on the design I had initially come with. Finally when he showed me the sketch, it was very different but still great and more close to what I wanted it to look like. He also made suggestions on the placement of the tattoo. He was pretty chill and we were chatting along during the process. halway through I was already liking it.
And the end results were awesome. He also gave some worthy tips about the initial tattoo care.
He was even nice enough to wait for a while when I asked my friend to bring in some cash when i realised they do not accept cards at all.
Great experience for my first tattoo.!!!!
If you read my review on players ink, you will know why I love DBD.
I got my work done by Adam Narvaiz!!!  He is awesome!.  After my crappy experience at the other place, I was hoping for a much better time here.  The staff was  very punctual and helpful.  They came out right away to help with any questions. Â
I gave Adam the picture of what I wanted and he explained that it needed to be simplified. Â There was a lot going on in it. Â He went to the back and drew a design and I loved it. Â He made sure it was the perfect size and assured me about everything because I was so nervous. Â
I did not realize they were a cash only place, so i explained to him that I had to get some cash and he told me to take my time and no worries. Â He was so nice. Â When we started, he thoroughly explained step by step what he was going to do and he let my 3 sorority sisters sit in with me even though it was a small room.
The pain wasn't as bad as i imagined and Adam was very reassuring. Â He told me i was doing great the entire time. Â His prices were way better than the other place which i will not mention anymore. Â I think I found my new guy and I am already thinking of what to do next. Â
PLEASE GO SEE ADAM NARVAIZ AND ANYONE ELSE AT
DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR!!!!!
UPDATE:
Alex Carmel finished out my half sleeve with another design. Even building off of two completely different pieces, two totally different color schemes, and a barely healed arm, they blended together so well you wouldn't even believe it was two different tattoos. Also he did my knuckles with very little fallout, one touch up and they are done. Perfect work as always Alex.
Paco: Did a pair of boots on my chest. Even when my body was basically a vibrating bed. Excellent work and just an all around good guy. Colors are just what I wanted them to be.
Cheers guys I'll be back to see both of you again soon.
To the C*** that keeps flagging my review (the one that put in a 2 star) stop trying to screw a great, passionate, and extremely talented artist because you suck at life you tweeker.
My mom and I got our tattoos done yesterday by Alex. Alex was great...I loved how laid back the atmosphere was and how nice the guys were...its deffinately my kind of place...alex did a beautiful job on both of our tattoos...has a very light hand and didnt take too long at all....most tats ive gotten done take forevvverrr and they go way too deep. his timing and detail was on point. i do feel like he over charged us but since he took us so last minute i didnt try to argue on the price...i was just glad to get in without an appointment. overall very fun experience i will get more work done here again.
Review Source:Paco is very well known and respected, and now I know why first-hand.
The shop is upstairs, on the building located on the corner of 3rd and San Carlos. Look for the steps leading up to the front door from the sidewalk, facing 3rd street, nearest the Hydration Coffee and Tea (Café), which is next door. As you proceed up the stairs to the lobby, you will not see others being tattooed. There is a hallway with individual rooms for the artists and their clients. You will feel at ease. The artists' portfolios are in the lobby stairwell, adjacent to the front desk. If you like, you can talk to someone about making an appointment for a consultation, or to get tattooed. Everyone in the shop is genuine and warm.
Paco composed a design that exceeded what I could have imagined. His mastery shines brightly, and his honesty and sincerity are rare. The shop is very clean and comfortable, and the preparations thorough. The breeze through the window at dusk and the blues records put it over the top.
DBD is worth every penny at any premium, and good for the soul. Just don't schedule anything when I am trying to get on the calendar... ;)
Ars Longa Vita Brevis (Socrates, paraphrased: "Art is long, life is short.")
Just got my first tattoo since I was 16 years old. Â I have seen the shop for a few years while attending San Jose State and finally had the freedom to get a new tattoo, I have been thinking about it for a long time. Â The atmosphere of the shop was extremely inviting everyone was very friendly and helpful. Â The artist Drew was absolutely awesome, he dose exceptional work and is definitely a master tattoo artist. Â The work Drew did was beyond anything I expected, his work is beyond beautiful. Â The experience was great, and I am stoked to show off a piece that belongs in an art gallery, Totally made my year I will definitely be back!!! Â The selection of music was also awesome, Thanks'
If ya all are considering getting a tattoo I highly recommend Death Before Dishonor Tattoo, you will not regret your decision.
I was a bit confused as to where the entrance was. I didn't see anything other than a "new skool tattoo" sign outside the building. Anyway, once I figured out where the shop was located I was cordially greeted by two young gents who quickly brought an artist, Javier, out for a consultation. I did not know what to expect, especially seeing the drawings/paintings that were up around the shop...I didn't think that the place would match/suit the type of tattoo I wanted to get. I impulsively left a deposit with Javier and made an appointment to have work done two days later. Best decision everrrrr! Javier made a great sketch and worked with me and my girlfriend to make it a great collaborative piece amongst the three of us. He was super chill throughout the entire process and made the experience comfortable, memorable and worth reviewing. I don't know much about the other artists, but I can speak for my experience with Javier and say that I was thoroughly pleased. Also, prices are very fair.
Review Source:Alex Carmel is an amazing artist and very passionate about what he does- he was able to cover up 25 unsitely hearts I had on my neck  that were totally jacked (by players ink) and created a beautiful neck piece- now i get compliments everywhere i go for it. some of the hearts in odd places are still kinda there but look liike its just apart of the rose- the colors are bright and vibrant and alex was patient 100%. alex is a very honest person and if he thinks what u want may not work out he'll tell you and he'll offer ways to fix it so that it works for both your body and what you want. Thank you alex!!! Death Before Dishonor is my new home for all my tattoos :)
Review Source:DBD is the place to go. I get my art done chronic Joe. I came in with a picture of my French bulldog that I wanted on my arm and he drew up a bulldog face with a human boxer body. I love it. Ill be getting my sleave done by this Guy. Also he's a doesn't take a lot of smoke break, which is cool. Chron is pretty chill and cool to talk to while you're getting inked. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Review Source:Just got my 5th tattoo done here, 6 if you count the cover up job I had done. Abraham does all my tattoos and I think he does an amazing job (obviously) cause I keep going back. He is very artistic and has great suggestions and does the best art work around. What I love BEST is that he makes sure that it is exactly what you want. He has actually tattooed a few family members too. I would highly recommend him and plan to upload pics of my tats, so you can be the judge :)
Review Source:Professional and friendly, these guys really care about their work. Unlike some shops, Death Before Dishonor is truely in it for the art and work hard on giving you want you want. I've gotten 3 tats here ranging in color and size by JR and one from Abraham (though he was working at another shop) and can say those four are by far my favorite in style color and originality. Everything is sterile, clean... usually there will be music playing , some good conversation, and some sweet art to look at.
Review Source:i heard death before dishonor is awesome, but i guess we were dealing with the WRONG tattoo artist. DON'T go to Alex Carmel. The tattoos are good but they aren't great and they aren't original, they most likely came from another artists work in the lobby.
Also very unprofessional, i wanted a flower called a Lisianthus and had even text him a picture of one is specific i wanted. He told me that i would probably like roses better and that they are cooler. I told him that's not what i want. When i saw the outlining of a cluster of roses and told him i didn't want that tattoo he threw a fit like a brat and said i didn't know what art was.
Well i do know what i want on my body, and he pushes you to get something that's easy for him. He seems totally unprofessional and a hot head.
i wouldn't recommend Alex Carmel.
I came in one day and made An appointment for Abraham and I couldnt been seen for 3 months. Lame. But when I got my tatt I was very very happy I got a portrait of my grandpa on my right bicep and it's picture perfect. Anyone who knows my grandpa is jus aww stricken in amazment. Ill be back to get another tattoo as soon as I get sum more money!
Review Source:I urge anyone thinking about getting ink to come see Paco. He's world renouned and quite simply, the bees knees.
He knows how to conform a tattoo to fit your body shape and if he thinks your idea could use some tweaking he's honest and kind and does it in the most respectable way possible.
A very clean parlor with lots of privacy. I've gotten all of my ink done by him and referred about 4 clients who've always left beyond satisfied with their new tats.
My girls&I got matching tats here by "jr" . hes amazing! very talented, professional and best of all accomadating. the shop is awsome and all stations are very sanitary. i also took my baby sis to get her first tat.jr drew up and executed the perfect tat for her. i  dun think ill go anywhere else unless i move : )
Review Source:I have gotten 3 tattoos here; all of which were done by Chronic Joe.
The first one I walked in on a tuesday night and asked for who ever was available and it just happened to be Chronic. I told him I wanted to get all you need is love is a cursive script on my back hip. He drew it up and within 30 minutes he was tattooing me!
The next time I went in I got 2 sparrows on my back. It took about 2 hours and I was SOOOOOO happy with the work he did.
The third time (last week), I went in wanting to get a rose. Chronic drew it up and I came in and got it. He choose amazing colors that totally complimented it.
The only problem is he does take a minute to set up (i waited 45 minutes) but hey, he does excellent work.
All of my tattoos healed within 3 or 4 days! Chronic is awesome!!!
Got my tattoo here YEARS ago when it was New Skool Tattoo. My first tattoo and I was super nervous but my best friend was with me for the 3 hour adventure. The artist that did it (chronic joe?) was a cool guy, he had Johnny Cash playing the entire time which was relaxing. My tattoo was a birthday gift from a great friend which was great because if I had paid for it just by myself I'd be out $400ish :-P Great detailing and bright beautiful colors, it came out a little larger than I thought it would but years later, I still love it and what it stands for. No regrets. It was also one of the only places that accepted walk-ins on such short notice. That day we stopped by a handful of other places but this was the only place that actually said, give me an hour to draw something up. It didn't even hurt that much, we went to a beach bonfire that night (after being scolded to take care of the fresh ink, which of course I did).
Review Source:I have been getting Inked by this guys ever since it was NewSkool. They have always done a great job. The staff there is friendly and they always make sure ou are taken care of. if they need to cancel an appointment with you they call atleast 2 weeks ahed and they make it up. great place to get tatted at.
Review Source:Always helpful staff, Abraham and Paco are the SHIT! Â Call ahead for your appointment and stop by a few days - 2 weeks before to go over any patterns, etc. Â I have my entire back and chest piece (unfinished) done by Abraham, and my neck by Paco (when it was New Skool, back in '95-'96), very happy and receive only compliments on my work..... You will not be disappointed.
....Ps....Bring change and the guy running the desk will feed the parking meter for ya.
perfect price, clean, friendly, professional...
i've been wanting a tattoo for a decade now (which sounds OLD). it's like i know i want one, but i never commit to make an appointment for it MONTHS in advance. With some of the 'higher ranked Yelp result' tattoo studios, they've either turned me away because my tattoo was too simple in design, or told me I need to book 3+ months out.
I won't name names, but one of the studios always just ignored me when i walked in, and i've walked in there no less than 3 times then disappointingly go home without the tattoo.
Death before Dishonor is located right across the street from Pizza My Heart, next to La Vic Taqueria. it's upstairs and not so obvious, but the place is clean.
Every artist has their own room, which is nice as you are not out in the open gawking or being gawked.
like most artistic types, the artists aren't very punctual, but i don't think anyone really expect them to be. Ivan was my artist, he was 45 minutes later than he thought he'd be available, but hey no complaints, i called the same day.
I had the sanskrit word from the computer font with me, but needed him to design it into a script-like design for me. it was cool, he worked with me, made sure the design was perfect, even made sure each and every corner and line of the design was thought of ("did you want this part to be thinner, curve out?" etc). Professional, nice person, we had a nice casual chat.
the price was good too, the aftercare was explained clearly to me, and i love looking at the tattoo every single day. The design was feminine and fits perfectly with my small wrist space and captured the spirit of the intention behind the tattoo.
Definitely recommend!
This place is AMAZING!!! I was a little effiy about getting my tattoo done, I went to a place earlier and it was terrible. When I walked in everyone was really nice, I got my tattoo done by Cory, he was really nice and calm with me. I got my tattoo on my ribs so I was a little scared, but Corey kept talking me through it.
Review Source:This place is incredible. If you're serious about the artwork you're putting on your body, then don't go to some late night tattoo joint where they'll tattoo any ol' stencil that you picked out from a book. These guys are true artists who collaborate with you and help create something personal and unique. INCREDIBLE experience!
I've been wanting a side piece for quite some time, and checked out SO many tattoo studios (in LA and up north) and I felt that DBD had the best artists and general vibe. After looking through their portfolios, I decided that CORY GOOD MORNING would really capture what I had in mind. Not only did he capture what I wanted, he far surpassed it. He free handed all the outlining onto my body, which is impressive in itself. No ink on paper that's then slapped onto my body for him to trace. This guy straight up worked with my curves and gave me the most beautiful artwork that's unique to ME! :)
Another plus, he's super easy-going and will really talk with you about what you want. He wants to make sure you love his work as much as he does. Talk about amazing customer service. He'll also work with you when it comes to money. If you've only got enough for an hour, he'll work on you for an hour or more. You're getting such a good deal with Cory.
I'm already dreaming up new pieces to have him make into reality. GO SEE CORY!!!!
Abraham definitely is as good as it gets when it comes to a tattoo artist. Hes got a kick ass personality which makes it easy to instantly connect with him. (kinda important- unless you want to feel uncomfortable and creeped out by the person whos going to mark you for LIFE)
Abrahams artistic ability is amazing whether hes working with just black and gray shading... or colorful flowers. (I have walking proof of both if you need to be convinced)
Ill follow Abraham wherever he may end up, so for now.. DBD is where its at!!!!!
So I have received two tattoo's by Ivan Gibson. I am very pleased with the work I received! People are always stopping me and asking me about my tattoo's!
He first did a very large piece on my lower arm, I have been looking for a while now to have someone do this for me and he did an awesome job with the design!
The second one that he did was actually more like a correction! I had gotten a small diamond on my wrist and the tattoo artist I saw originally didn't do what I had asked (I wanted my birth stone color which is peridot, he gave me emerald green!)
ANYWAYS Ivan fixed it right up and now it looks amazing! He gave me his honest opinions about my ideas and was a lot of fun to work with!
I will be going back to get more ink done! I HIGHLY recommend IVAN GIBSON!!! You will be please!
this place is off the hook,its in the hart of downtown san jose,right next to a jack-in -the box,this place has been here for years,they also went by the name of new skool for many years,ive been getting work down by an artist name abraham,this man is really good at what he is doing,go in there if your ready for some real work,the place is cool,and the guys there know whats up,still have more work iam gettin done and cant wait till its finished,oh by the way one of the best tattoo artist in san jose his name is paco and he runs the joint...come here if you want too be takin care of...
Review Source:Got my first tattoo done hear about a month or so ago. At first walking in i was definitely a bit nervous but the guys in the shop were really chill and laid back which helped.
First got a consultation with Cristo after he finished up my brother's tattoo. Told me he'd do a sketch and we set up an appointment. Come the day of the tattoo, i checked out the sketch which was simple and made me wonder if it was going to be detailed enough.
Didn't have to wait to long to realize that it was going to be far more detailed than the simple sketch he had done. Tattoo took about 3 hours and he did a great job with the shading, and artwork itself.
I'll be going back there in a couple months for #2 for sure.
so i have been getting tattooed from paco 4 many years now,since the day of tattoos r us in the mid 90s,and the n.s.k dynasty,not only is he a sick artist,he is the real fucking deal,artist, tattooist,and true innovator.in a day and age where reality shows make any average asshole think he or she can get rich tattooing and take advantage of the people who don't know any better,paco has always been true to his craft.so much props to my favorite tattoo artist.
IVE ALSO BEEN GETTING WORK FROM CHRONIC JOE, HE IS A SAVAGE AND DESERVES 5 STARS ALSO,MY INK IS ALWAYS CLEAN AND SOLID,THANKS JOE........
AT THE END OF THE DAY THIS IS A SUPER SOLID SHOP.
THNX FOR ALL THE TATS.........
DBD is the only place i could find open and taking walk-ins here on Lunar New Year. The guy i spoke to on the phone was very nice and chill telling me to drop by and they can see what they could do about my tattoo. Coming to the place i was a bit confused because it used to be New Skool Tattoo (sp?) and the sign for it was still up. But yes its across from pizza my heart, next to la vics, up stairs.
I have the Vietnamese New Year flowers and branches tattooed on my thigh but never got it filled because of complications with my previous artist (he wanted to all of a sudden raise my fee after he had already did the outline). Chris was available to do the work for me. He's new to the clan and had just moved up from L.A. He was really nice to me since i'm a baby. He would even apologize to me and tried to track down a cigarette for me.
I love how the artists do their work in rooms instead of like other places where its one huge rooms with 3 artists working at different corners all laid out to view. Since the tattoo is on my thigh up to my hip, i had to lay there with no pants on, so high five to the room!
My friend loved the outcome and i'm currently waiting for the redness to go down so i can see the yellow in the flowers better.
Oh yea, hats off to Chris for working with my budget! I was hoping they'd take credit card but it was cash only, so i emptied the piggy bank for this!
I followed Abraham here from his previous place of work. He's a great artist, and really cool. He did an excellent job on a cover-up tattoo. And was very helpful with creating a design that would work.
This is the kinda place you go to when you're serious about tattoos. Very relaxed atmosphere. And next to La Victoria- So that I can grab some food quickly.
I really dig these guys.
Shawn has been amazing. Â I am probably the worst fucking client there is. Â I bitch, I moan, I wince in pain, I twich...you name it, and I am a tattooer's worst nightmare....Shawn has even said that tattooing my ass is like tattooing someone on a train...
But despite all my bullshit, he has still managed to create the most amazing piece of art that I could have asked for. Â I went in with a rough idea of what I wanted.... it was a Dia De Los Muertos piece with a Guadalupe and a Mariachi Band. Â He took it and ran with it and created a gorgeous back piece.
When I went in, Â I did not want a large piece, something for my fat ass love handle, but he explained to me my options and with some of his suggestions, decided to go big, and i am so glad I did. Â
This whole experience started out as a "I want a bitchin tattoo" but in the end transformed into a full on growing work of art.
Shawn is kick ass and I totally reccomend him!
Robert Cervantes rocks! Â His skill w/ Latin influenced art is great. Â He does take his time, which is good when you think about the fact that someone is permanently marking you. Â Schedule a consult w/ him and when he completes the artwork, you will feel that he not only exceeded your expectations, but will be putting an amazing piece of art on you. Â He gave my husband an amazing piece....I will update when my piece is complete.
Update:
See the picture! I got my work done today and it is beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Â It is simply stunning and I cannot say enough about what a great artist Robert is. Â It hurt like hell, but the end result was so worth it. Â Robert you are one cool dude and an amazing artist!!!!
This shop is tops! Â Paco is an amazing artist and an all around great guy! Â He's been working on me for going on 3 years and all of my work is amazing. Â The kind of stuff that people stop and say, DAMN! Â Who did that? Â
It's not some slack shop with a bunch of arrogant tattoo artists doing crap work. Â Everyone is great and you can't go wrong here.
First off,i have been getting tattooed by Paco Excel since his days at Doug's Tattoo in  Oakland(about 15 years)..There is nothing i can say about him that has not been said before.Besides his art being some of the best around,Paco is one of the nicest,all around good guys you will ever meet....
Like others have said,Death Before Dishonor is Paco's latest venture since Newskool has folded up.This is not your average street shop with shitty artists.Not only can you find the man himself, Paco,but also tattoo legend Schmoe Dawg..a true pioneer in the tattoo culture.The rest of the guys Paco employs are some of the best up and comers in the San Jose area.The shop is ultra clean and looks more like an art gallery than a tattoo shop.Each artist has their own studio that reflects their personal style.This kind of makes you feel like your getting tattooed in somebodys personal space..a welcome change from the out-in-the-open street shop atmosphere....
Take my word for it and get tattooed by these guys..tell them Spank sent 'ya.....
i will go out on a limb and give it five stars only because of paco excel and newskools tattoo's reputation. only time will tell what reputation or future will bring as this shop has recently opened.
though NS exists only in memory now, paco's savvy business skills and creative mind have once again transformed the former NS location in what  is expected to continue  some of the most awesome work in the business.  handpicked, invited  and creative artists of all strengths and styles are housed in this building. names and art which will most likely keep san jose ca as one of the top destinations to go to in the tattoo world.
if your type of tattoo can best be done at bulldogs or popeyes its best you skip this place or the tattoo in general. youre not ready, but if you want your money and skin to go to ink work that really and truly means something to you (and most ink should) then climb up those stairs and enter that door.
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