Antonio
@blkngray
Contact
Due to the large volume of requests, projects are taken on a case by case basis and some are unable to be accepted. In the event that we are unable to accommodate your request, we will be happy to refer you to another local artist.
booking.blkngray@gmail.com
FAQs
-
Make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten a full meal before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications beforehand, as these can affect the process.
You can also lotion the area you’re tattooing for a couple of weeks ahead to make sure your skin is well-hydrated.
-
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most people describe the feeling as a scratching or stinging sensation. Certain areas of the body are more sensitive than others, and I will do everything I can to keep you as comfortable as possible.
I try to be very light-handed, and most of my first time clients are surprised with how little it actually hurts.
-
After your tattoo session, I will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Generally, you’ll need to keep the area clean, avoid direct sunlight, and stay away from pools or hot tubs until it’s fully healed. I’m always here if you have questions during the healing process.
-
Initial healing usually takes 2-3 weeks, but the deeper layers of skin may take up to 6 weeks to fully recover. During this time, follow all aftercare instructions closely to ensure the best results.
-
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. I’ll be happy to provide an estimate based on your design ideas during a consultation.
My rates are $180-$200 per hour
-
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend for support. However, for the best experience, I recommend keeping your support group small and quiet to maintain focus and minimize distractions.
-
You must be 18 to get a tattoo. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID to verify your age.
-
Yes! I stand by my work and offer free touch-ups within a certain period after your tattoo if needed. The time period is dependent on the placement and design of your tattoo.
-
I’m here to help you create a tattoo that you’ll love. I’ll work closely with you during the consultation process to ensure your vision is clear and that you’re confident in your design idea.
-
Due to time and scheduling constraints, I do not send designs ahead of the appointment. However, I always make sure there’s dedicated time during your appointment to review the design together and make any adjustments needed to ensure it meets your vision.
Your satisfaction is important to me, and we’ll work together to get it just right.
-
It’s generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to get a tattoo, as hormonal changes and healing concerns may impact the experience and results.
-
Cash is preferred but I accept major credit cards, debit cards, and venmo for payment. If you’d like to pay with something specific, please ask ahead of time to confirm.
Meet Antonio
Originally from Brooklyn, NY Antonio has been tattooing across the United States since 2009. His work offers perspective into a variety of themes in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Specializing in fine line, black and gray realism work, he utilizes his technical ability and attention to detail in order to bring art to life on skin. He currently resides in Madison, WI where he is co-owner of Dark Matter Tattoo Gallery.
I knew exactly when my career started. I was getting my first tattoo at a local studio in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY in 2008. I was sitting there mesmerized at the needles penetrating my skin and seeing the ink flow. I knew then I needed to find someone to teach me this skill that would soon become my passion and life’s work.
I was lucky enough to find a mentor quickly and within a year, I was sitting down under his watchful eye doing my first tattoo on myself. Although the bulk of my career has been based in New York City, I’ve tattooed in more than 20 states and in dozens of studios with many talented artists.
I consider my style to be fine line black and gray, but I also love doing micro-realism with my own graphic twist. Flowers are one of my specialties and I greatly enjoy adorning bodies with beautiful, natural floral work. Although these are my preferences, I consider myself an all-around technical tattooer and I’m able to tattoo in all styles.
I always try to include a bit of the client’s personality into the tattoo if I can. I prefer clients who have a particular idea in mind because that works on me like a kick start on a bike; but, I need freedom in my creation if you want a very nice tattoo, as a bird can’t fly in a cage.
I have the drive for perfection and a bit of talent as well, but definitely the will to improve and learn. As Geothe said “Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.” We constantly have to look for and find the form and color for perfect composition and harmony. We may never reach it, but we have to do our best.