Work With Elvis Martin at a Studio Built on Two Decades of Tattoo Mastery

About Me & My Studio

After serving in the Army in the early 2000s, I embraced my creative calling as a tattoo artist in San Diego. My journey led me to open a shop in Escondido and later co-produce and star in ‘Marked: Military Edition,’ where I inked veterans’ stories alongside my friend Darren.

Recently, my wife and I relocated to Nashville, where I now run my private studio, continuing to tell stories through tattoos.

I believe in a collaborative process, where your story and motivation are the heart of each design. Whether it’s the delicate realism of a nature scene or the spiritual depth in a faith-based tattoo, my goal is to create a piece that resonates with and moves you on the deepest level.

My Philosophy

Everyone Has a Story Worth Showing

Everyone has a little microcosm in themselves. A deep inner world with both shadows and bright spots. And everyone wants people to see them. While almost everyone wants to show their best face, on a deeper level they want to be understood. To be valued and seen as an individual.

I try to tease that out, understand who my clients are, and honor it. I want to see the potential and the good in people. And I try to put that on display in their tattoos while integrating and owning the shadow. I do this not only in my work with clients and through my creative process. It’s also in the positive environment I create and the professional standards I uphold.

My Studio

Nestled in the vibrant Streets of Indian Lake (in Hendersonville, on the northeastern edge of Nashville), my studio is more than just a place to get a rad tattoo.

It’s a sanctuary where your visions are transformed into stunning, lifelong art. For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to the craft of tattooing, blending my military-trained precision with a lifelong impulse for creative expression. 

My studio was designed to enable that process. It’s a tranquil retreat where you can relax in privacy (the only other person you might see is my wife and assistant Staci and/or one guest you can choose bring), control the ambiance, and truly enjoy the tattoo experience.

From the moment you step into my studio, you’ll realize it is unlike anywhere else you’ve been tattooed—it’s your space, your time, and your story. I’m just here to help bring your vision to life..

Step Into My Studio

Here’s a look into where and how I work with my clients at my private studio, located at The Streets of Indian Lakes in Hendersonville, just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.

Working Out Of

My Private Studio

Just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.

No walk-ins without texting ahead to coordinate, please. You’ll always get a quick reply from me or my amazing wife and assistant Staci. This ensures the best experience for everyone, including the privacy of the person in the tattoo chair. Thank you!

Years of Experience
1 +
Tattoo Shops Owned
0
TV Shows Co-Starred in
0
Tattoos Completed
3000 +

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are a few more details you might be curious about.

My full day rate is $1,600 and my half-day rate is $850. I base these rates on my experience in the industry (with 20+ years under my belt, I get a lot more done in a day than most artists), my track record of client satisfaction, and my use of the highest quality products including aftercare products and organic and vegan inks. Most importantly: I make rad tattoos!

Why does a half-day cost a bit more than half the cost of a day? This is actually a discount. I only work with one person per day. If you have a smaller tattoo or we only need a short session to wrap up an in-progress piece, your tattoo is still my sole focus for the day. But I give you my day for a lower cost.

Exceptions: certain smaller projects that can be done in less than half a day are charged at an hourly rate and accepted on a case-by-case basis. Just reach out!

Want to work with me but concerned about your budget? I offer By-Now-Pay-Later via Afterpay. Details are below. 

I take cash, Venmo, Cash App, and Apple Pay. I also offer Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) via Afterpay if you’re looking for flexible payment arrangements. Options include paying in 4 equal payments every other week, interest-free, or in monthly payment plans ranging from 6 to 24 months. 

I include high-quality aftercare packs for all clients. They have everything you need to heal your new tattoo. You won’t find a lot of people who give all this. You’ll have aftercare instruction sheets, medical-grade bandages, and an ointment pack. The bandages are key. They save your clothes, save your sheets, you don’t have to worry about your dog or cat licking your healing tattoo… All the headaches that come with traditional aftercare products are not a factor. And it’ll heal amazingly!

Your tattoo will be bandaged twice, starting at the shop. I give you a verbal rundown on care and assure you not to hesitate to reach out with any and all concerns. And, you can come by if you want to get the first bandage changed out. Some clients prefer this if it’s in a hard-to-reach spot or they simply aren’t comfortable with the application.

The products and supplies I use are cruelty-free and vegan, when at all possible. All my inks are organic and cruelty-free. My tattoo needles are a high-end and more costly brand. They work flawlessly and make it easier to create a perfect tattoo. Aftercare is very important to me. The care packs I provide are costly to make but well worth it. They give clients everything needed for a great outcome and experience from the end of the session to a healed tattoo.

I break the full process down on the home page, but in short: share your idea using the form on my site and I’ll follow up within two business days to discuss next steps.

From there, you’ll get reminders in advance of your appointment, the day of will be dedicated to you and your tattoo (I only do one session per day at my private studio), and you’ll leave with an aftercare kit and a tattoo that fills you with pride! 

Have other questions? Fill out the form on this page to get the conversation going. 

It’s pretty subjective. Depends on who gets it and where. My suggestion: don’t worry, if it hurt that bad, I would not have all these tattoos! I’m a bit of a softie, myself. And, clients tell me I have a light hand. I’m very mindful of clients’ pain. And keep an eye on their expression and breathing to make sure they’re doing well.

Plus, I provide numbing spray to ease the discomfort.

Think of it this way: it’s not going to hurt once it’s done! It will be worth the pain when you have that awesome tattoo you’ve been wanting.

An artist from my shop, Darren, and I co-starred in the Military edition of the Marked TV series. In it, we learn about and tattoo the stories of veterans and active duty military, competing with each other in each episode to see whose tattoo design gets picked by the service member for putting on their skin for life. You can learn about the show in this YouTube video.

As Seen In...

I Co-Starred in Marked: Military Edition, a Rad Show You Probably Didn't See (But Should!)

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