Author: david

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Minimalist Black and Grey Stippled Deer Lord Tattoo

Deer Lord tattoo by David Meek in Tucson Arizona

I made this tattoo on a great friend and one of my biggest tattoo supporters Nathan.

He’s been with me for almost a decade and has helped with so many technology questions or just helping at events.

He has a great sense of humor, so when he asked me to make this tattoo for him I couldn’t say no

We did this tattoo in about an hour over 2 sessions cuz fuck getting tattooed on the ribs.

I did this tattoo with a Bishop Wand Packer set to 5.5 volts, DaVinci 1205 and 0803 liners.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Bishop Tattoo and it’s my go to for stipple tattoos.

If you want to book a tattoo with me in Tucson

Click here

Or text my shop Art and Sol Tattoo 520-314-7358

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5 Best Tattoo Documentaries Every Tattoo Apprentice Should Watch

Justin Winkler my Tattoo Apprentice at Art and Sol Tattoo

Alright, if you’re a tattoo apprentice (or just thinking about becoming one), there’s a lot you need to learn.

And no, it’s not just about getting your line work tight—though that’s obviously important. You’ve got to understand the culture, the history, and the legends who came before you.

Lucky for you, I’ve got a list of the five best tattoo documentaries that’ll not only give you some serious tattoo knowledge but also light a fire under your chair to make you better.

Plus, I’ll even tell you where to watch them so you can just sit back and click.

Let’s go!

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Friday the 13th Tattoos: How It All Started in Tucson

Its Friday the 13th tattoo time!

Lucky 13 tattoos for friday the 13th on David Meek owner of Art and Sol Tattoo in Tucson Arizona
Some Lucky 13 Tattoos I’ve gotten on Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th tattoos are a big deal. If you’re in Tucson and you love tattoos, you’ve probably seen these events pop up. But why are they so popular? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Big Deal with Friday the 13th?

Friday the 13th is known as an unlucky day. It combines Friday, which some think is unlucky, with the number 13, which people also say is bad luck. So, together, they’re supposed to be extra unlucky.

But tattoo artists took this superstition and flipped it. They turned the day into something fun. Now, Friday the 13th is a day to get cheap tattoos.

How Did Friday the 13th Tattoos Start?

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“Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap”

by David Meek 1-3-2024

Are you on the hunt for the perfect tattoo studio in Tucson but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? Choosing the right tattoo artist and studio is a crucial step towards ensuring a positive and memorable tattooing experience. With numerous factors to consider, navigating the search process can be daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with essential tips and considerations to find the ideal tattoo studio in Tucson that aligns with your vision.

Inside Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
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How tattoo artists can have work life balance.

I’ve been seeing a ton of tattoo artists complain about work life balance. Its so wierd to see it all over social media.

In fact I think thats exactly why tattoo artists are feeling overwhelmed. Social Media… dun dun dun…

Gone are the days of sitting in a tattoo shop waiting for walkins 6 days a week and letting word of mouth do all the work.

Nowadays artists are required to be posting on tik tok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Reddit, etc etc and on and on… Lets not forget you have to draw your tattoos, then tattoo them.

Oh wait, do you have a family and hobbies? Well, crap when are you gonna have time for them if you’re busy posting and scheduling and doing consultations in the DMs… its so much… wait, did you make your needle order? Did you want to paint today?

Theres just too much going on.

Continue reading “How tattoo artists can have work life balance.”

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Reflecting on 2021 and the planning 2022

Holy cow, can you even believe we made it this far? Its been one of the weirdest years since, well last year haha.

From storming the Capitol, to new virus variants, mask and no mask debates, the supply chain going kerplooey, and everything in between that we all dealt with in our own ways… its a miracle we made it this far.

But I’m a eternal optimist. I love a challenge. I love trying to maintain positivity while the world burns down around me. I love changing my perspective to find a solution. Well, I don’t love changing my perspective all that much haha.

That being said I found a lot of opportunities to stay positive this past year. I discovered some new mentors via Instagram that really had a profound impact on how I lived this year.

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Is it safe to get a tattoo during Covid-19?

Is it safe to get tattooed?

Are tattoo shops a safe place?


Well it all depends on where you go I suppose. As it is with any business. 


So, is it safe to get a tattoo during a pandemic? 


I for one think yes! But there are some things you need to consider.


I’ve heard stories of some shops here in Tucson cramming artists and clients into a shared space… while that doesn’t sound too bad, it totally increases the chances of a small blood borne pathogen transmission, or in times like today a viral airborne or contact spread incident. 




That’s a risk I’d rather avoid. My personal clientele and that of my shop are higher end folks that are accustomed to a personal experience where their health is the highest priority. I charge premium prices compared to most tattoo artists in Tucson and so, the experience we offer, reflects how serious we take health and safety. 


I’ve had a few clients think we are a bit over the top with our sterilizing practices, but that’s ok with me. The majority value what we offer for them! And that, in my opinion, is how all successful businesses run!

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Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy

Its me doing what I do best.

Its seems to me that every single tattoo shop is experiencing unprecedented boom times. So much so that Im seeing post after post on multiple tattoo shop social media pages announcing that they are hiring. I admit, even I have put out the help wanted call for my shop Art and Sol.

As of this writing, Im currently booking for spring of 2021 which is a bit hectic when trying to consider birthdays, holidays, weekend getaways with the family, school breaks etc etc.

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