Investment-Grade
Pop Culture
Tattoos
I'm Carl, a pop culture realism specialist with over 16 years of experience. I don't just create tattoos; I collaborate with discerning collectors to produce one-of-a-kind, investment-grade art that honors the characters and stories you live for. My private Naperville studio is by appointment only.
A Master of the Craft
With 16 years dedicated exclusively to illustrative and realism tattoos, my work has been recognized by industry publications and awarded at major conventions. I am committed to technical excellence and providing a premium, professional experience for every client.
Years of Experience
Inkcarceration 2nd Best of Day Color
Carnival of Ink Magazine
Custom Designs
See My Work
Every piece is a collaboration between artist expertise and collector vision. This is the level of quality you can expect.
Darth Vader & Stormtrooper Sleeve
Multi-character sleeve with lightsaber duel and Stormtrooper detail — illustrative realism at its finest.
Halo Covenant Elite
Detailed Covenant Elite across hand and forearm — blues, oranges, and metallic grey in stunning realism.
Rock Lee — Naruto
Dynamic illustrative style with bold lines, signature green attire, and a dramatic orange-red background.
Grotesque Witch Portrait
Vivid witch portrait in contrasting oranges, greens, and blues — unforgettable character work.
This level of character work and color saturation requires careful planning and a deep understanding of illustrative technique. Each piece is custom-designed to fit your body and vision.
Want to see more?
See More HereFrom Passion to Permanent Masterpiece
You've seen rushed, generic tattoos that fail to capture the soul of a character. You fear your passion being misinterpreted by an artist who doesn't share it. The solution is a collaborative process, guided by an expert who obsesses over the same details you do. My process is designed to eliminate regret and ensure your vision is transformed into a breathtaking piece of art you'll be proud to wear for a lifetime.
A Process Built for Collectors
Great tattoos are born from collaboration, guided by expertise. My process is designed to ensure your final piece is not only visually stunning but also perfectly composed for your body and built to last a lifetime.
Qualification
You begin by completing my detailed project form. This isn't just paperwork; it's the first step in understanding your vision and ensuring I'm the right fit for your project.
Consultation
For complex or large-scale projects, I schedule a paid design consultation. Here, I dive deep into your concept, review references, and map out the composition on your body.
Design
Your design is created close to your appointment date. This ensures the concept is fresh and allows for focused, high-quality creative work, free from endless revisions.
Execution
At your appointment, I present the final design for minor refinements before beginning the tattoo process in my private, comfortable studio environment.
"Your reference images are my inspiration, not my instructions. I do not copy other artists' work. I create a unique piece for you, led by my artistic expertise and your personal vision."
Investing in World-Class Art
Your tattoo is a lifelong investment in personal identity and world-class art. I work exclusively on large-scale, custom projects and price by session to ensure we never have to sacrifice quality for time. This approach allows for the meticulous detail and collaboration your masterpiece deserves.
Half-Day Session
4 hours of focused work
$200 deposit to reserve
Full-Day Session
7 hours of focused work
$300 deposit to reserve
All projects begin with a minimum half-day session.
About the Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $200 (for half-day) or $300 (for full-day) is required to secure your appointment date. This deposit commissions my creative time, covers your custom design, and is applied to the final cost of your tattoo. It is the definitive step that reserves your place on my calendar.
Your Questions, Answered
I believe in transparency and clear communication. Here are answers to the most common questions I receive from prospective clients.
Apply for a Commission Slot
My books are open to a limited number of new projects each month to ensure every client receives the focus they deserve. If you are ready to invest in a premium pop culture tattoo and trust the collaborative process, I invite you to apply. Serious inquiries only.
Apply for a Commission