Tattoo Age

Part 1 of Tattoo Age finds us at Smith Street Tattoo Parlor getting to know Dan Santoro, alongside his shop mates Bert Krak, Steve Boltz, and Eli Quinters. Dan takes a nostalgic view on how destiny landed him at Smith Street, and what a person can expect to find if they enter this hallowed bastion of traditional tattooing.

In this episode of Tattoo Age we get enlightened about the flash that adorns the walls at Smith Street Tattoo Parlor, and since this is about Dan Santoro, we focus on what set his flash apart from the rest of the pack. Flash, for those of you who don't know, is the term for the tattoo designs that are on the wall at a tattoo shop. Dan also goes past the tattoo realm with some of his more personal art, and shares it with us at his home

In our final installment of the Dan Santoro series we get an inside look at the impetus behind his collection of antique objects, and how he turned his childhood dream into reality

In the first installment of Grime's series we hear from tattoo luminaries, Civ and Chris O'Donnell, as they try to put in perspective how revered and unique Grime's style is. We meet the other tattooers at Grime's shop, Skull and Sword, and learn how they too, strive to be constantly evolving in their tattooing.

Grime gives a little back story on how he transitioned from a young skateboarder who thought his future was in mathematics in Grand Junction, Colorado, to one of the world's most accomplished tattooers.

In a more personal look at Grime, we hear about how he has self published two books based on his personal art and journal writings. We also learn of his need to constantly create in order be self satisfied

In Part 1 of the Troy Denning Tattoo Age series, we strive to keep up with Troy as he struts around town with his new drinking vessel. We also learn about the unique artist that is Troy Denning, and how he has taken his personality and manifested it into one of the best tattoo parlors in New York City.

After an easy victory in Cash Cab, we take a stroll down memory lane and see the roots of Troy's tattoo history.

In the final chapter of the Troy Denning trilogy, we explore the Invisible NYC crews love of leisure time activities, and the special bond that fellow tattoo artist Kiku and Troy have.

Mike Rubendall is different than all the artists we have featured so far on Tattoo Age, and what makes him so different is that he primarily works in the suburbs. One would not think of Massapequa, New York, as a hot bed of tattooing, but it probably has more quality tattoos per capita than any other city in the world. In part 1, we hear from Mike's co-workers Grez, Justin Weatherholtz, and Matt Breckerich about what it is like working with Mike at his shop Kings Ave Tattoo, and what makes their clientele so different. With words from tattoo artists Chris O'Donnell and Frank Romano to round out the episode,

In part 2 of the Mike Rubendall series we hear how Mike began his career in the wild world of tattooing with the help of his mentor, Frank Romano. Also featured in this episode is some rare archival of Mike getting tattooed by one of his major influence, Filip Leu.

At this point you must be wondering how Mike does it. With 2 shops, 3 children, and his own tattoo schedule to contend with, we find out how Mike makes it all work.

In the first installment of the Freddy Corbin series, we get familiar with Freddy's tattoos as well as see his two Oakland tattoo parlors, Temple and Tattoo 13. Freddy's style is further explained by his right hand man and fellow tattooer, Jason Mcafee. We also got a chance to speak with another Oakland legend, pro skater and chopper guy, Max Schaaf, about understanding Mr. Corbin's coolness.

Freddy Corbin has a long history in tattooing. Having worked with people like Dan Higgs and Ed Hardy early on in his career, Freddy has witnessed and made some important tattooing throughout his career. This episode also has some great archival, courtesy of Michael O. Stearns, from some tattoo documentaries in the early 90's.

In what might be the most personal of all the Tattoo Age episodes, Freddy talks about his family, the birth of his son, and what it took to get him clean from drugs. Freddy also opens up about an epic trip to India to tattoo the people of Varanasi for free on the banks of the Ganges River.