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Traditional Japanese Tattoo
Traditional American Values
Carl Hallowell, “Horisho”
Traditional Japanese Tattoo Artist
Hello, and welcome! I practice traditional Japanese tattooing because of it’s large scale approach and strictness of tradition. Though the art has a foreign origin, I find it to ring true to us as Americans with its messages of nature and nation, it’s images of power and beauty. I am dedicated to serving you, my American clientele, using the traditional Japanese tattoo as a vehicle for our own advancement, and for our own glory.
I offer world class Japanese traditional tattooing to Dallas, Fort Worth, and East Texas from my Deep Ellum, Waxahachie, and East Texas private studio locations.
These private studio settings bring the best artist/client experience forward, allowing for the creation of both personal relationships and expert craftsmanship. Please join me as we test our strength, fortify tradition, and cultivate our character through the journey of tattoo.
Traditional Japanese Inspired Tattoos
The art of the Japanese traditional tattoo, also known as irezumi, has been practiced since the 1800’s in Japan. It is tattooing’s oldest pictorial tradition, arguably its most successful, and it offers, above all, heavy coverage in tattoos, creating full bodysuit tattoos, backpiece tattoos, and sleeve tattoos.
For these reasons, it was imported by American tattooists such as Sailor Jerry Collins and Don Ed Hardy, who in doing so, created a new frontier of American traditional tattooing – the Japanese style tattoo.
Tebori – Traditional Japanese Hand Carving
The Japanese tattoo predates the invention of the American tattoo machine, which was invented by Samuel O’Reilly in 1891. The method of application for early Japanese tattoos was tebori, “hand carving”. This method of craftsmanship imbues the work with a certain character. The tool can be seen in the work- which is a special point of pride for the craftsman, and a keen point of interest for the wearer of the tattoo.
The American tattoo machine was introduced to Japan right around 1970. Many traditional Japanese tattoo masters adopted this American invention for the outlining of their tattoos. However, most agreed that the character of tebori should not be lost when it came to shading and coloring their work.
This led many old masters to use a split tattooing approach– outlining by American machine, shading by Japanese tebori, which is how I proudly tattoo today, one of only a few American tattooists who have this honor.
Southern Hospitality
America’s Deep South, Texas, and Japan have a number of things in common. Pride in one’s heritage, allegiance to one’s state, fortification of its borders, and the belief in the sovereignty of its territory and people to name just a few. But we also have a great commitment to hospitality in common. We see it as our duty to serve our guests and customers beyond their hopes and expectations. It is in this spirit of hospitality that I approach customer service.
I believe that the root of customer service is respect- self respect as well as respect for the customer. Traditional tattooing too, is based on respect. Respect of the natural hierarchy of nature as well as men, respect for the past masters and designs of tattooing, and a respect for right and wrong, which heavily influences both American and Japanese traditional tattoo design.
Traditional Tattoo Code of Ethics
Respect for the customer’s experience, the memories and marks you leave them with, the ideas you share with them from the uncensored margins of life that is the free man’s. This is an honor and a responsibility of the best traditional tattoo artist. The relationship between artist and customer always shows in the skin. It shines though just like the light that reflects from the surface of the tattooed skin, revealing the true nature of the tattoo, it’s wearer, and it’s Creator.
The tattoo is not just a picture on the skin but a complete experience, from the personal connection to the sharing of a journey, to mutual admiration, and finally, to a great tattoo! I believe that my choice to work in an appointment-only private studio facilitates this high level of service and experience to the fullest. Now, my American brothers and sisters- let’s tattoo!
Your work is out of this world. Keep up the great talent. Your one hell of a tattooer.
Wendy
Real tattoos for real people…keepin’ the real texas tradition alive bud
Tex
first off carl is my buddy he does bad ass traditional tattoos he did a killer stray cats logo on my forearm in solid black he also did the state of texas that says dime for dimebag Darryl of pantera he also did a bitchin rockabilly chick with a deck of cards and a bottle of booze with some cherries it says rocker's dream I just went up to him and said I want a rockabilly chick and the genius he is came up with that carl is a very kind cool dude.
Ryan Mason
Carl is a great tattoo artist. Great with clients and makes sure everyone walks out with a killer piece that they will love forever. Very patient and kind, and it shows in his work and with repeat customers. Keep up the good work Carl!!!
Robbie
I'm not sure what type of witchcraft/wizardry you did on me, but this tattoo is almost completely healed, and it hasn't even been a week yet! What the?!? Haha, awesome. Thanks again for a KILLER tattoo and arguably the best tattoo experience I've had thus far.
Nick Sacy
Love your site, very informative and helpful! I might need another?!?!?!?
Mom
Great stuff here man! Love it!
Jojo Ackermann
It’s amazing after all these years how you’ve stayed true to the art. The way you continue grow but still hold on to the raw power of what we hold dear. In a time when tattooing is going in a diluted direction and seems to have lost it’s magic, there you are to push the brakes. To give soul back to the sacred. Anyone that knows you knows that you are an asset to tattooing. I am honored to call you my friend. May you find enlightenment in this thing we call tattoo and finally capture the perfect panther!!!!
Derek Jefferson
I've been getting tattoos by Carl for almost 20 years now, including two half sleeves, a back piece, and various other sundry pieces, and I've never gone to anyone else. Carl is a genuinely personable guy that gets along with everyone, and is a consummate professional that takes his craft very seriously. He is always prepared to give you a unique, personalized tattoo that you'll be proud to wear the rest of your life, no matter what the style.
Cory Wells
I've been getting tattooed by carl for the better part of 2 decades. He always makes sure that we don't miss out on any painful spots. He's a great guy like that! I have trusted Carl with both sleeves and now my back. His light handed approach makes it easy to sit with him for hours.