Put Them in the Iron Maiden

All we are is dust in the wind, dude.

How's it going, royal ugly dudes?!

Fourscore and...about a month ago we embarked on a most triumphant journey, most are calling it 2015, but considering Ronnie James Dio died in 2010, it's really year 5 A.D. (After Dio). 

If you haven't started humming Mardi Gras Mambo lately in the shower, put this Meters' track in loop on every radio and computer you own...

GLITTERATTI!!!

Best Friends
So, yeah, it's Carnival time, but atlas, we haven't shutdown shop for festivities just yet (although Ken is the NEW poster boy for Krewe of Glitteratti). Things have been righteous and most excellent from our recent jaunt up to Austin for the Star of Texas convention AND on Feb. 27th we'll be headed over to San Anjelo, Tejas for the West Texas Tattoo Con. We love our west neighbor aka Cousin It, and to all you rad guys & gals that s'pour us o'er yonder, ya'll es EXCELLENT!!!
Hav yo broke off a cap of dat website yet, brah? Or in ghetto-fantasy slang---shall ye digz de castle of ir'on work, my lord? Mr. Scott Allen is now in full-effect glamorizing the interwebs with his portfolio of #NOLATraditional with a side of pork-n-beans (tofu also available). Scott is one classy gentleman, shrewd of druid, or just a cool ass dude---yes, yes, yes, why...
Why so serious?

"Bitch, I'm a Soldier."

Meanwhile, behind the façade of this innocent-looking bookstore, TJ, aka [Br]Ass Honkey, has been wearing G-strings backwards and drawing lion fishies all the while singing "It's my number one girl. It's my number one girl. Where she go? Where she at? That's my girl, got my back..." Among his bag of tricks there have been some lovely parting gifts (show'em Vanna...) Like dis card piece, a righteous cover-up, one crazy flower skull winged dagger thang, chest breaker, and a 'lil Love and Trust to fill our hearts with .38 special sauce. And FTW, did you know our #LafiteSlimShady entire real name is "Theophile Jean Claude Xavier Bourgeios, the IV"? Well, it is. Word.   
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.

Ken Spice

If you didn't get to grab Ken's ass at the recent Krewe du Vieux, please come by the shop and ask for the Tutu Twerk (that's also a sandwich). #TeamAcid is currently holding auditions for those worthy to carry the Olympic torch, new designs are electrifying eels of the instaworlds and who doesn't need a 'lil Ken tickle once in a while? And on the cool check in, center stage on the mic, Ken's latest wax is straight-dope like dis roman candle, completed the gator, rocket, snake, acidfication, and last but not fleas, did ya'll know Ken has a hard cock? There are plenty of others on dat instagram of his and check out his graffiti as well #radtastic #yaheardme.

I'm Your Huckleberry

He'll make you famous.

Scott has adjusted to the calming shop nights and back rubs by TJ like a bastard mutt in heat, just a 'lil thang we like to call #shoplife (soon to be patented Shoplife®). Nonetheless, the Talented Mr. Allen has been rather busy and graced us recently with new work like this shoulder cap, phoenix and police shield, mandala compass, fresh death, and magnolia. We posted a photo of a koi cover-up he did on our Facebook page the other day and it was one of the more popular posts we've had in some time. So if you've parted ways with that tribal band of yours or that kanji symbol that ended up meaning "ass clown," come see Scott or any of us to make you something new your momma and Auntee will be proud of.    

   

 You killed Ted, you medieval dickweed!

"Fuck Genghis Khan." - DaReal DeadBolt

And finally 'ol Papa Donn is holding down the fort like a sneaky fart in church (albeit Lard Vader's are more smelly). The gang took a break from the grind and caught a pa-raid in front da shop last week--although it should be noted this photo needs some Scott, Vader and more cowbell (there can never be enough, actually).  In any case, Donn's been up to his old bag-o-tricks like a gypsy (drawing) then after, some skullage, completed a chest piece/sleeve, and some #NOLAJapanese sure to make all your friends jealous. While at the Star of Texas convention he got a shot of a old piece he did check it here.  And started on some dragoness on our shop matey Deadbolt (see right). Some big projects are A-comin' as they say stay tuned or stay pruned...     
69, DUDES!
Up & coming, Lard Vader promises to have all these blogs-you-love in a new edition on WordPress. Same content, just formatted more intergalactic planetary for all your social media whore pleasures. We hope all ya'll have a safe and Happy Mardi Gras. Fuck the police, put your kids on your shoulders like your drunk Uncle did for you growing up while yelling "Throw me sumthin, mista!" And... 

  Be excellent to each other, Lard F. Vader, Esquire

Naughty, naughty, naughty! You filthy old soomka!

There was me, that is Alex (Donn), and my three droogs, that is Pete (Ken), Georgie (TJ), and Dim (Scott), and we sat in the Korova Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening… 

He played a better Santa than Ghostbuster

Did you survive your own Griswold Family Xmas Hell? Hopefully you did. And BTW, Happy Fuggin’ New Year, to all you fellow droogs out there! Of course the Chinese New Year isn’t until Feb. 19^th (Year of the Goat) and is the same week as Mardi Gras, so save your heightened celebration spirit until then.

Houston, we have a problem…we’ll be bypassing your merriness for your northwest weird cousin, Austin. Dats right, da shop is packing up like a FEMA trailer to caravan in the guts of the Star of Texas Tattoo Convention. We’ve been on the edge of orgasmic bliss for months now and can’t wait explode our creative juices all over the faces of our Texan amigos. So please come stop by the booth and say hello and/or schedule an apt. with one of us, brah, mucho gracias. And be on the lookout for the boxing match at the afterparty also. Follow @tattooedgloves for details.

Welcome, Scott, 'er matey!

We interrupt this program…THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT…with guitar! Know your rights!  On behalf of the Tattooagogo family, we’d like to ask for a standing ovation welcome to our newest artist, Scott Allen. Scott is settling in the shop this week and has already promised to Whip it Good (or maybe he was talking about TJ). Seriously, we are ecstatic to have him aboard and hope you’ll stop by the shop to meet him and checkout some of his outstanding work.

“Can ye spare some cutter, me brothers?”

TONIGHT!!! We taking over....

TJ, aka the tramp stamp, continues to #steadyslang the #ghettobang all the while claiming his call to fame in 2015 will be rapping to the beat of #whoismrmarrero. Speaking of…tonight (1/6) we are hosting a “Tattooagogo Takeover” at Siberia on St. Claude presenting The Wicked Son & The Price of Ponies for your listening pleasures (Flyer to left). All of us will be there. So if you’re a-round, Sport, how 'bout we hang? Gatsby style. Recent work by TJD2 has been a nice bone piece, some crazy-ass spider bear cover-up, and the prettiest swellbo flowery piece I’ve ever laid my dark eyes upon. Word.

Purrrr you, Sons of Anarchy

Ken’s mission for 2015 is to replace the Ebola scare with political domination of #TEAMACID. If you haven’t climbed aboard the Mystical-Mighty-Train-of-Oddities, why the fuck not? Ken’s craziness is better the brown acid from Woodstock and he seals every piece with a magical kiss (mine came with tongue). But here lately, his majesty, has graced the skin of a chosen few with beginnings to a gator, a fancy piece, a wicked head tatt on Katie Barbie, along with some crafty prints. We’d like to give a shoutout to @alimizzle for the Rad-A-Tatt-Ness of the kitty gang jackets. Ya’ll gotta check this shit out----->WTF?!

Nothing says love like ribs.

Kicking off the New Year right, Scott got a Hot Ass welcome from the boys at the shop. Next, on stage left, he did a great lil heart-jammer side piece on a friendly chap. There will be boat loads more fun coming from Scott, so stay tuned to the shop's Instagram feed and his page @scottallentattooer. Also, we’ll be adding his portfolio to the shop’s website soon.

Fear the Reaper, not the Dragon

Donn, aka Alex DeLarge, says 2015 will be a monumental year and the buzz in the shop is at an all-time high, but maybe that’s because DaRealDeadBolt used to much lacquer when he cleaned the floors last weekend. In any case, Donn’s recents have been a Motley tribute piece (for the record I Shout at the Devil every day at 2:30pm), continued on a dragon-tiger backpiece, and a space panther redo. He was able to grab a photo of Hanya and yellow dragon (see right) he did almost a decade ago---still looks new, scratch & sniff.

“Come with uncle,” I said, “and hear all proper. Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones. You are invited.”

There is a lot to come for 2015. Some stuff so rad, we are busting at the seams to tell you, but we can’t, because we made a deal with the Devil. As for other things we can tell you, we’ll be creating a new blog website---a bit more modern, with more interlinking to our other social media outlets. Lard Vader is also taking on the task of assembling a shop zine which will feature stories, artwork, photos, and secret recipes for the old in-out, in-out. And more interviews with a few of our friendly neighbors. So stay tuned...Guess what? I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.

Viddy well, little brother. Viddy well,

Lard Vader

Season's Greetings from the Krampus Krewe!

Shitter was full.

Welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, well it's been a few weeks and we hope you are all getting settled down for a long winter's nap. Today is the Winter Solstice, and if you're not much for the Wild Hunt or offering a sacrifice to the God of Odin, you can settle for listening to Viking Metal (as I am while I type this).

So while ya'll have been spreading the ultra-violence and Xmas cheer, the shop has been doing what we do best, like tattooing, while rubbing the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again (as recited by TJ aka "Buffalo Bill"). First and foremost we'd like to give a shout out to Black Claw Needles which everyone in the shop has been using lately, Ken said "it's a game-changer" for him which means #teamacid is about to get even more diabolical, uh-oh. 

We've made a few changes to portfolios on the Tattooagogo website and are trying to add some action shots on the Instagram---but ya'll already knew that since you are such good followers and stuff. We seriously hope you ARE following our weekly updates, because there is lots of great stuff posted AND upcoming for the New Year they'll be even more changes to our existing social media bag of tricks. Don't make us send Cousin Eddie & Snot to your house. How 'bout some stocking stuffers for all your friends and foes? We have lovely shop gift certificates that will last longer than Grandma's pie and prints for sale as well. 

Cheers to Good 'ol Mississippi Leg Hound

Clark: Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?

Eddie: Naw, I'm doing just fine, Clark.



HEY AUSTIN, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!  We'll be inside your guts on January 16-18th 2015 for the Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival. When Nola comes to Austin, things really get weirder than the usual weird. 

A Colorful Cock (Ignore the striped panties)

So life in Santa's workshop of Tattooagogo has been super-duper lately. First up, our very own Elf Buddy, aka TJ, has finally completed his Gangsta Panda, began work on a jaw-dropping Day of the Dead Beauty (seriously this thing is so fucking rad!!), and a colorful cock (as seen to right---->). One of TJ's customers made the cover of New Orleans magazine, look for it on newsstands or at your local bodega. And who said TJ isn't in touch with his feminine {hygiene} side? Check out this Lisa Frank-esque piece he finished and some shark--foo action waaaaaazzzzzz-upppp!!! I only have one question left #whoistherealmrmarrero ?

    

Where Eagles Dare

Pappa Donn, aka King Krampus, the dark companion of St. Nicholas, has taken full reights to #steadyslangin with his devillocks of #headbangin and continues to twerk needles into masterpieces with the recent beginnings of Disney villains, a lil goreness, and a side-step from his usual norm with a watercolor elephant piece.  Ol' Matt C. (whose life is based on the TV show Swamp People) showed up for continuation of his eagle sleeve (<----as seen to left), and Donn re-discovered this old photo goodie of a heikecrab not related to the samurai that smell of sunflowers of Champloo.          

The Sailor Beware

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Lard Vader has joined the great ranks of #teamacid with a celebrative piece of dyer consequences by Prince of Ponies, aka The Ken. In the spirit of Xmas capitalism, I'm allowing for one lick for one dollar on this mighty beauty I call "Ultralicious." Lord Ken has graced your eyes with gansta-like kung-fu freshness on pieces like scorpion, TeamAcid telephone, Time Waits for No One, trippy bunny, and the AMAZING Sailor Beware arm sleeve (as seen to right---->).   And when was the last time you checked out some of Ken's artwork like his latest flash designs and sign paintings "Ya Ma & Dem!" and "Where Y'At?" straight-up graffiti style with a southern twist. Better than any shit you'll find in the quarter fo-sho!!!  

Brotherly Love is our Lard Marley & Bob Vader

In closing, when we're not wearing corpse paint for our day jobs, we do have families and shit, so with that said we hope all of ya'll have a merry fucking Xmas, Happy Festivus, Hanukkah, or whatever you celebrate. Family is the reason for the season (to us), all you motherfuckers' are a part of our family, and even dat social media circle too. Season's Greetings from all of us at Tattooagogo, we love ya'll (even you bastards that hangout way in the back). See you on the flip side, aka 2015, or Year of the GOAT !!! \m/ 




Keep the change you filthy animal,
Lard Vader

The Dude Abides

Donn, aka The Dude

Buy one Axe of Death and get another FREE!

Hi-Ho, we're off to work you know...phirff phriff phriff-phroo...hope ya'll are getting into the festive holiday spirit cuz' we sure are. While Donn is off spreading terror among Mickey & friends, the shop remains in full effect. And what better way to get a jump on Black Metal Friday than stopping by the shop for all your favorite holiday goodies. Like Tattooagogo gift certificates, our newest shop shirt, and autographed prints by TJ & Ken.   


We're going streaking...our boys Ken and Matt had recent birthdays, and Lard Vader's will be next month. BTW, we may not blog/brag a lot on our shop boy Matt, but he is truly the life of every banana party. Speaking of parties, mark your calendars for the Star of Texas tattoo convention---if us being there isn't enough to get your panties wet & sticky, it's in Austin, Texas, so you can get as weird as you like. So we hope to see you there January 16-18th in 2015, stop by our booth and we'll give you a free spin on the pentagram wheel of fortune. And last but not least, thanks to all our visiting artists recently that filled the shop with glee while Ken was out on his #Nolamacklemoretour.

As for shop news, Donn got a glimpse of a tattoo he did over 10 years ago. And there's one session to go in his amazing geisha sleeve. He recently started Yokai and Gator leg sleeves and got a healed shot on a Day of the Dead half-sleeve (left).

TJ continues to appease all his upscale fanbase, he's no NolaMacklemore, but he still knows how to put the "Rico" back in "Suave."  His recents include a wicked octopus chest piece and a pretty dead lady. And progress is progress with his koi sleeve and a clownfish and sunken ship piece.     


Meanwhile every teenage girl in the metro New Orleans area has replaced their One Direction posters with Flashy Ken straddling a rocket (right). The don't grow smiles like that satsuma trees. Orange you glad #teamacid is still cranking out the hits with crowd pleasers like a Jensen dragon, all healed-up eagle, and Captain Ron? And be on the lookout for more #teamacid creations and #allthewaybeyonce selfies. Rumor mill reports something new on Lard Vader too.

And with that, we'll top our thinking hats to all of you, as we are most thankful for the raddest customers and great friends. Lots more to come, of course, but for the meantime just remember...nobody fucks with the Jesus.

Gobble Gobble Hey,
Lard Vader

It’s a TRAP! WAIT…NOOO…its COFFEE INVASION!!!

First things first, we’d like to give a shout out to all our veterans---AND if you missed all our #legendsofthevoid posts for Veterans Day, surf the intrawebs to our Instagram and Facebook to see a variety of military work done by Donn, TJ, and Ken. Next, be sure to check our website for the latest addition of TJ’s and Ken’s portfolio. Of course, there’s plenty more to come (and, yeah, that’s what she said too…)

So…we mentioned some time back about highlighting local businesses that are favorites among the shop. Like a good neighbor, Lard Vader is there, so I made a visit to Hey! Café to chat with owner and comics extraordinaire, Tommy L., to learn about coffee, comics, and a upcoming alien invasion. So sit right back, pull swigs off your Cup O Joe (hopefully from Hey! Café), and let me tell you Mister Rogers’ style why “It’s such a good feeling…”

Ironically the neighborhood of Magazine Street near Napoleon Avenue was pretty vacant about five years ago. No Mike the Bike Guy or Tattooagogo, just a little coffee place called Magazine Perks beside Ms. Mae’s 24-hour bar. Tommy sort of accidentally fell into managing the café with partner Greg R. Even after taking it over full time, they weren't quite sure on what to call it and had a list of names for customers to comment on. One regular patron, Kenny, thought “Hey! Café” had a good ring to it and Tommy thought it seemed appropriate for a logo of mug with a mouth on it. 5 years later, Kenny is still a regular, he and Tommy often reminisce on the time Kenny earned royalties by naming the place; albeit the only royalty received was a single 20 ounce iced coffee...but then again, it might be the only royalty Kenny receives in his lifetime!  While working one day, Tommy came up with the logo for Hey! Café---created as a stick-pen coffee stained flyer sketch, but was enlarged for the sign and hand painted. The logo for the shop and sign remains the same today. This is D.I.Y. approach is evident within the shop. I asked if anyone has shown up with tattoo of the logo yet, Tommy said not that he's aware of. So...boys & girls step right up and let Tattooagogo make you famous!

The thing that sets Hey! Café apart from other shops in Nola is their No Bullshit approach to business. A simple menu done right, sort of European style, not taking themselves too serious, and all-the-while-offering-the-best-service-possible. As I sat in the front of the shop chatting with Tommy, I felt like I was inside the pages of a comic book. A distinct difference over trendier coffee shops in town. In fact, Tom’s background is in animation and he went to school for drawing and painting. However, you won’t find an abundance over-processed artwork hanging on the walls of Hey! Café. It’s more of paint peeling walls laced with a 80’s feel. It's complete with an old tube TV chest in the front corner that plays one of Tommy’s latest animations on loop--- 

COFFEE INVASION by Hey! Cafe from Tattooagogo New Orleans on Vimeo.

And perhaps the simple approach of a love for coffee and comics is what makes Hey! Café so unique. Small but even sought out by coffee quest visitors across the U.S. Nonetheless, there is a "quiet room" mid-shop and a patio in the back to sit comfortably while caffeinating and reading the Tattooagogo blog. Also, Tommy and crew host novelty events like the recent Horrifying Lattes From Hell (this stuff is so rad you should show all your friends so you’ll be the cool kid again…) And next month they’re hosting COFFEE INVASION on 12/12 which will be held at Hey! Café---you’ll sure not want to miss and even Lard Vader will be there (although I’ll be dressed in a human disguise). Tommy’s given me permission to post page 1 of a comic (left) he’s been working on lately and the rest will be on display/for sale at the Invasion. In addition, unveiled at the event, will be Hey! Café will now be roasting their own coffee---which is a 1^st for any shop in Nola!!! How ‘bout dat, brah?!

So whether you partake in the Hey! Café favorites in Nola summers like an iced coffee or a nice cappuccino for the high pagan holiday season, Hey! Café has you covered. Lard Vader went with a blended mocha and a banana because I was feeling both freezy and fruity. So do yourself a favor and check out Hey! Café and tell them we said so. And if you see a flying coffee mug in the sky, just remember Admiral Ackbar needs reading glasses too.

Tune in next week for Dudeism, Jesus Quintana, and something called Thanksgiving.   

November ya'll, it is. 
Lard Vader

Candy Corn & Ebola

I'll swallow your soul!

In the words of Ash Williams "Groovy."

Howdy folks! Unless you were trapped on the planet of the apes we assume y'all were at our recent 5-year birthday bash...if not, ya'll missed one helluva good time. Durel from Suplecs and Chris Boone from Soul Fiya started things out right, next 'lil wayne wicked son rocked out with his sock out, then the night ended in a typical Tattooagogo fashion of erotica, but to protect the innocent I've been sworn to secrecy. Check out Donn's time lapse video on Vimeo of the party highlights---we'll be posting more videos and photos in the weeks to come.

 

While on his U.S.Tour, rumor from InsideNOLAMacklemore.com states Ken Cox has really joined a crust punk gang and is spreading the Ebola virus in the form of new shop stickers. To get yours, come stop by the shop. And in Kenny's absence we've recruited two friends to fill in. First, Mat Welch from Live Free Tattoo in Atlanta just finished his hitch. And now Ben Jemison from Old Glory Tattoo in Tallahassee, will be at the shop until the 22nd. Follow them both on Instagram and our #legendsofthevoid posts. And do follow Ken as he changes the NYC pizza minds foreva. 

And we do miss you Kenny, TJ has a new locket to keep you near his heart. Ov course TJ is still #steadyslangin while #candycornbangin in his latest addition of "London After Midnight" which is non-typical for his candy-corn-ass, but he still knocked it out tha park anyway, brah! And how 'bout dat lady love style "Cheetah Baby." Or the "Panda King" which kicks the Lion King's ass, ya heard.   

Meanwhile Papa Donn continues to make things pretty with the completion of his tea pot sugar skull and further progress of "Bobafet Samurai" on a real life Storm Trooper Lady. And a koi cover-up piece which looks to be rad-a-tat-tat.  They don't call him the Cover-Up Master-Blaster for nuttin, pew pew.    

So Hallow's Eve in near and it's one of our favorite times of the year. Before you head out trick-or-treatin' all Norwegian Black Metal and stuff, just remember just because Betty is dressing up like Beyonce doesn't mean you have to murder her Euronymous style. Play nice and tell them we said so. 

Coming up next post we'll be doing a feature on Hey! Cafe, on Magazine St. And chatting up details on our contributions for the Star of Texas Tattoo Revival in Austin. So stay tuned or else...

And remember it's always funny when you're crazy. Now "let's head on down into that cellar and carve ourselves a witch..."    

-Lard Vader

Oh, Captain Howdy...

"What an excellent day for an exorcism, Master." 

Hiya folks, if you haven't caught a whiff of all the beautiful Godzillas sipping their pumpkin spice lattes---Autumn is here! And with the change of season comes fun stuff like Hallow's Eve and Art for Art Sake on Saturday, Oct. 4th. AND if you haven't heard among the social masses we're turning 5-years old AND we're throwing a party for all you haute totties. They'll be FREE FOOD & BOOZE and a lil song & dance by our boy, TJ, aka The Wicked Son. Among our spectacular show and festivities, be sure to check out other local shops along Magazine Street who will be participating in this event--all the event details here.

Lard Vader is #steadyslangin (*usage approved by TJ) the weekly updates to our very own #legendsofthevoid on both Instagram and Facebook. We feature different projects by each artist and we don't post the same photos--so be sure you are following both or else it gets the hose again.

There's No Turning Back from Tattooagogo New Orleans on Vimeo.
Yeah, so, Tattooagogo is now on Vimeo as you can see above. Be on the look out for shop videos and skits in the future. The above is a rad little time capture Donn did while tattooing the other day, non-Black Flag fans should mute this and play whatever uncool shit you might normally listen to.
And now a word from our sponsor, #TeamAcid. There's been new developments from the Nola Macklemore aka Ken without Barbie...like this crazy slime art "Expand" and the Nurse tattoo he recently completed. Check Ken's latest Instagram feed for more madness that will possess you like killing it softly is his song #allthewaybeyonce.
TJ's dope slinging is so potent at the moment every tattoo chiseled comes with a free 12-week rehab package (soundtrack by The Wicked Son). In the meantime, check out some recent shading to his Gojira piece and this rad tiger to add to the so fresh and so clean Theophile IV family.
And lastly what can be said about the Master of Puppets, Donn? Other than he demands all you hosers come stop by the shop on Oct. 4th to offer virgin sacrifices for the Tattooagogo Gods--and be sure bring your chillens with your momma & 'em. In the words of Donn "It's been a great 5 years and things keep getting better--hope see all ya'll on the 4th!"
Love & razor blades, Lard Vader
"And I'm the Devil. Now kindly undo these straps."