Raised by artists, Dave studied painting under mentor José Cruz. He attended the University of North Texas for drawing and painting then dropped out to apprentice under Robert ” Hack” Hackney in Dallas, TX. He took his first walk-ins in the Spring of 1991. Dave has tattooed in Texas, California, and Hawaii. Brooklyn has been home since 1999.
Dave created 8 of Swords Tattoo in 2008 and the current studio was opened in August 2011. He prefers working in a wide variety of styles and enjoys visualizing ideas for clients. Custom, antique botanical illustrations, organic, Art Nouveau, Asian-inspired, fantasy, and large designs that work with the body are his favorite. Dave does not tattoo hands, faces, or white-ink-only tattoos.