Best Japanese style artist in Texas? Recommendations needed!

[BigTex]

Hi all! I am planning to reward myself for finishing school next year by getting a lovely Japanese half sleeve. That said, I want to get it done by the best in the area. I am in Houston, but willing to drive anywhere in the state (Well except maybe El Paso...that is like fifteen hours...). So, who are some of the best artists in Texas for Japanese work?

Thanks!

[hogg]

Chris Trevino at Perfection in Austin has to be mentioned. Another Chris--Ayala at Scorpion Studios right there in Houston--also does gorgeous Japanese work: Chris Ayala

[tatB]

Chris Lain at Pinnacle Tattoo in Corpus Christi

Jason Brooks at Great Wave in Austin

[irezumi]

If you want to do it next year you should just cross Trevino off that list. Not sure if it's still the same now, but last I knew of he had a 3 year wait.

[BigTex]

Oh my, that is quite a wait.

Thanks for all the feedback so far guys!

[CultExciter]

I second Jason Brooks.

[hogg]

I second Jason Brooks.

I forgot about him. Definitely one to consider. His style reminds me of Trevino's earlier work, which I mean in the most complimentary way possible.

[dooktruck]

i would just wait and get a tattoo from trevino if it was me

i'm probably gonna get on his list soon

[irezumi]

You're willing to drive close to 15 hrs?

... How about as long as 16.5 hours? (Houston to Tempe AZ.... )

It's well worth it.

Home to someone doing hands down the most amazing Japanese tattoos in the US.

Anybody that knows, knows.

Anyone that knows would agree without thinking twice.

[cookietruck]

i'm just gonna put this here since trevino's name just came up and i don't see much talk of him on here.

when i was getting tattooed the other week we started talking about chris, one thing was, chris does stuff 10-15 yrs before anyone else does it and nobody knows because he is not on social media or the internet much.

one thing that reminded me of all that, i came across a pic of partial body suit (not past a short sleeve, only down to the thighs, room around the neck so it doesn't show there)

but anyway, the suit was yogi/monk/buddhist themed and it pretty much blew my mind...then i saw the date of the photo 1997.

and i'm sure everyone that is on instagram knows that people are into that ^ stuff for the last year or so.

seriously that work was so amazing.

- - - Updated - - -

so does nobody talk of trevino because they have to wait to get work from him?

also, @irezumi i'm curious who you are talking about...

[tatB]

also, @irezumi i'm curious who you are talking about...

my guess is Mike Roper.

[irezumi]

Haha beat me to it^

@cookietruck

Roper.

[CultExciter]

The grey ghost of tattooing.

[Joe Shit]

Chris Trevino is the best in Texas,but i wouldn't wait 3yrs for him.I don't think you have to go to the best Japanese tattooer in Texas to get an excellent half sleeve.If you wanted a bodysuit,then Chris has more experience doing full bodysuits than the other tattooers.I also like Jason Brooks,& Chris Lain.And for me it's not always the best tattooer,but what artist do I click with the best.

Katja Ramirez is really good too.

Instagram this dude does nice work in SA

[cookietruck]

^ I've met Katja a few times and she is super nice, used to work at perfection with Chris, at Rock of Ages now.

[hogg]

i'm just gonna put this here since trevino's name just came up and i don't see much talk of him on here.

when i was getting tattooed the other week we started talking about chris, one thing was, chris does stuff 10-15 yrs before anyone else does it and nobody knows because he is not on social media or the internet much.

one thing that reminded me of all that, i came across a pic of partial body suit (not past a short sleeve, only down to the thighs, room around the neck so it doesn't show there)

but anyway, the suit was yogi/monk/buddhist themed and it pretty much blew my mind...then i saw the date of the photo 1997.

and i'm sure everyone that is on instagram knows that people are into that ^ stuff for the last year or so.

seriously that work was so amazing.

Was that on Bryan? I think I know the suit (and guy) you're talking about. And yeah, it's incredible.