The Pioneer of Texas Tattooing: Chris Trevino | Tattoo Age

[@danielcastillo4537]

Chris is from San Antonio, Texas. I went to high school with him a bit before he transferred to another one. He used to do art for local bands. He was obsessed with art, a consummate student you would say. When the hardcore punk thrash scene exploded into our city in the 80's he would buy albums. It wouldn't surprise me if he had two houses full of collectable vinyl. He bought them to listen to music. But he also bought them to study the cover art. Stuff like Pushead(the Great One), Voi Vod, HR Geiger, The Accused, Taggart, Bakos etc. It is my belief that that scene along with the tattoo world intersect and are intertwined. In the 80's tattoos were an anamoly, almost taboo. There was a stigma to them unlike today where any hack with a tattoo gun can open a shop and declare themselves a prodigy. He got work done from Perfection Tattoo, at that point one of the only few parlors of its kind in the city even Texas. He took to it. We could tell by all accounts it put a spark in his head, an ephiphany. First apprenticing with the owner and then becoming sole proprietor of that shop. If you look at all great artists there is a common thread of equal parts talent and obsession. Even if he never became a tattoo artist he definitely would've became a renowned painter.

[@therealjulez7886]

awesome that u knew and grew up with him man, thanks for sharing

[@jong8265]

What school was that? Im from SA

[@danielcastillo4537]

@@jong8265 He first went to Jeff then Edison I believe.

[@ruschev2]

@@danielcastillo4537 that's awesome thanks for sharing

[@danielcastillo4537]

@ Hahahahaha! I played drums with him in that band.

[@dlee]

It's that level of passion.. that produces the greats.

[@milkyshakes]

His level of passion gave me chills. It’s admirable but also really scary.

[@Keliiyamashita]

As a Japanese, keep repping this style to tattooing. Helps keep our tattoo culture alive...

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Bon Ten Family represented in Dallaa by Ras XIII, Mikey Smith. Studied under those cats for a year straight, tracing patterns and learning traditions the first 8 months. Hardcore discipline.

[@danielmims8467]

Its alive and well. Japanese tattooing isn't going to die anytime soon .

[@aris5684]

Style picture yes but not tools, culture...? I thank no because he use macn to japan culture tattoo.

[@coach1332]

Ed hardy put this on the map man not this guy

[@bostonnate4024]

@@coach1332and he says that in the video…..

[@internet_internet]

“People in Austin were totally open to getting the craziest tattoos that you could imagine.” I’m from just outside of Austin. I got a full color half sleeve of a mountain, valley, forest, & stream when I was 17 that spreads halfway onto my upper & middle back with a big Zeus holding his hand over the mountain in the clouds with some lightning coming down from his hand. I thought that I was part Greek. Turns out, I’m not part Greek.

[@dukeviper8385]

Hahahahahaha

[@kokokat584]

As a full Greek I found this hilarious

[@greenmachine7695]

The passion required to tattoo someone's butt crack.... Thumbs up

[@vizuboygaming]

*Hairy butt crack

[@nitemareman1]

They don't even think about it. Difference between you and them.

[@sbo6477]

Buttcracks arent tattood, dumbfucks

[@arizonarealty3790]

nitemareman1 nah they think about it, or else they would take off the gloves 🧤

[@skatterpro]

@@arizonarealty3790 Gloves are used regardless of body part... Unless you get shit done in a meth addicts kitchen. They probably think about it, but it's not really a problem with respectful clients. Art over anything. Tattooing close to, or in, the crack is common practice when doing full suits.

[@FingeringThings]

Man tattoos entire pictures, real talent

[@thinhdinh8981]

Stop sign: “I don’t believe in it” - Chris

[@bostonnate4024]

If you look that’s the dumbest stop sign ever... I don’t blame him lol

[@moldytoad69420]

As soon as he said that I was like, this is my dude. He rules

[@CRAIG5835]

@@bostonnate4024 Of course Nate. Man some people amaze me with their stupid comments when they miss the obvious. Whoever ordered the stop sign to be put there, THEY ought get an immediate decrease in Salary for wasting state money firstly, and then for being a moron who has been on a pay grade thats WAY above his skill set.

[@taylorgipson532]

I went down to get my thigh done and I’m going back down to get more. Chris is a down to earth dude that will give you a piece that is one of a kind. He’s very laborious with his work and you have to appreciate everything that goes behind it.

[@jacobdiden8967]

if you dont mind me asking, how long were you on the waitlist?

[@taylorgipson532]

@@jacobdiden8967 not to long. It felt like i was able to get in quicker but now it might be different. I waited about 5 months

[@fbspin]

Wow now this is what you call a true passion.

[@YaYa-lj8ln]

Low key jealous, I wish I could be that passionate about something like him

[@stephenplante2273]

I second that

[@LIVEFROMTHEBLOCKTV]

Hes prolly losing his fuckin mind right about now

[@Tesla_ofthe_Skies]

Ya Ya Keep Living and one day it will hit you...what you do after is what matters and how dedicated you become to the gift. Prepare to sacrifice like never before and greatness awaits you!

[@arielcamacho4735]

YOU MEAN HIGH KEY 😂

[@dukeofothaya5039]

Passion something many of us lack in the 21st century

[@IMNfilms]

An almost overwhelmingly effective profile of the artist, but also of passion; obsession; respect; history. It's beautiful.

[@lucyherrera9693]

FINALLY! Chris Trevino is a LEGEND! I love you guys highlighting him 🤍🤍🤍

[@whatsgrowingon]

2:26 . I like how his tattoo card is just all white with only his name,number and profession. Goes to show how humble he is and how his art speaks for itself...no need to put his art on his cards..I like that.

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Yeah man too many people have forgotten that this is a craft first and art secondly. All these art school grads have tried to make it be something it's not. Today's equipment and dissemination of information has opened the door to anybody willing to try and some of em stick with it and become phenomenal tattooists. But we always need to remember our back alley roots.

[@whatsgrowingon]

@@Rand_al_Thor372 I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@loculi]

@@whatsgrowingon he just doesn't have to promote. His work speaks for itself.

[@whatsgrowingon]

@@loculi that's what I said

[@cris6543211]

It’s been a min since we have had an episode from this series. Glad it’s back

[@Colorado_Ronin]

It was on tv a while ago. Looks like they’re just uploading old stuff

[@bitchibeenouthere]

Avery Lee m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaSZmXqDed2pn7c

[@dodobyrde4645]

Talents don't need a social media presence. It speaks for itself.

[@TheCameronFerazzi]

You didn't hear about Chris Trevino until you saw this video.

[@RyokoInk]

@@TheCameronFerazzi who cares. At least they heard of them. Do you know who Jason Bell is? No? Don't be aggressive then.

[@topoftheline8751]

You tube is Social media

[@RyokoInk]

@@topoftheline8751 and he was asked to be on there. He didn't go out of his way to be on there.

[@Robersora]

I'd say hard work is worth more than talent, and he himself says that it didn't do him any favor.

[@eturcios1984]

Which reminds me I have to schedule my 3rd appointment with Chris. Perfection tattoo in Austin 😎🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@lukeadams8565]

i mean dude is a legend he is making his own ink that shit is real talent

[@official_knack]

Chris just started my half sleeve in August and honestly this doc doesn’t do him justice to just how down to earth of a guy he is. When he tattoos, he talks to you and is such an open book with questions and comments about basically anything, he may be a hard ass when it comes to work ethic and he WILL do extremely long sessions (my full day was 14 hrs) but the work he’s done simply has me waiting to get back into it. Chris is the best tattooer and one of the best people I have ever met.

[@itzck23]

“He did something no other American did. He tried to invade Japan.” ....????

[@giuseppetiso531]

I mean America never did, and they were only about to try after the two nuclear bombs dropped on the country during ww2. So the statement holds.

[@5ithofnov159]

ww2 pacific area> am i a joke to you ??

[@giuseppetiso531]

@@5ithofnov159 I mean, that's how they got close enough to drop the bombs. I guess Okinawa counts, but it was at that time annexed territory and a relatively recent acquisition.

[@mstaylor420]

@@giuseppetiso531 it was part of japan shut the fuck up

[@mstaylor420]

@@giuseppetiso531 Hawaii was just as recently acquired as Okinawa

[@Imhim247]

I only live 5 hours away from Texas. Imma go check Chris out. I need a Japanese tattoo. Thank you Vice! Beautiful video.

[@Sluggo]

Yes, be prepared to commit to a wait. His list is long, but he does stay on top of it thru sheer hardcore work ethic.

[@marvingordon5685]

Do you know what they mean...these are yakuza tatooo they are deadly ppl

[@Asencion]

Donnell Okafor lol

[@Colorado_Ronin]

Texas is a big ass state

[@chingalachuga6737]

5 hrs away from texas? Oof. I'd guess 17hrs away from Austin..

[@zackmcginn6474]

I’m really stoked to see this. I first learned of Chris Trevino about 15 years ago. I was told he was the best then and he’s still the best. No one else has that level of skill and work ethic. You can find one or the other but no one else out there has that much of both.

[@Broseph69]

Love anything tattoo related you all do! Would love newer tattoo age videos !

[@skatterpro]

Dude's work and dedication is absolutely insane. Sat 8 hours yesterday, just doing scales. I don't know how anyone would have the stamina to sit for 30. Or WORK for 30.

[@Starwarsjoe1974]

Chris did my Tattoo 18 years ago. A white tiger on my arm and shoulder. The colors still look awesome . Thank you Chris I still love it. Really happy I found this video.

[@cashusclay69able]

From Dallas first time I've heard of him. This makes my Texas heart and soul shine!!! Much respect

[@nikkiforrester740]

His tattoos tell such an awesome story, each unique & this talent is just INCREDIBLE to say the least.

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

The stories those images tell are the opposite of original. Did you catch where he said he wouldn't do a koi fish and tiger together? That's because koi fish turn into dragons in the Japanese tattoo mythos. An apprenticeship in a Japanese clan involves untold hours of literally tracing the work of his sensei, who traced his sensei's, who traced HIS sensei's... Going back a few centuries with as little deviation as possible. Originality doesn't really factor in to real traditional Japanese Tattooing subject matter. Even using different colors is frowned upon. Zero deviation; total preservation.

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Sorry if that sounded man-splain-y, notice i didnt say "Well Actually..."...? Lol.. Nor am i in any way, denigrating Chris' proficiency in the execution of those designs; his color work is so saturated and silky smooth, its machine like consistency.

[@Sluggo]

@@Rand_al_Thor372 One of the more well-known Japanese phrases: "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down," or thereabouts.

[@jovanstar]

One of my faves, his work ethic is legendary.

[@loculi]

From personal experience I 100% agree.

[@2a-usa476]

Wow love that he makes the sumi ink fresh

[@jamesbiering2589]

That fire reaper painting at 12:30 is absolutely amazing! Out of all his amazing artwork he has that one really stood out to me.

[@michaelatkin9649]

You know it's a vice documentary when they see a gun and freak out over it 😂😂😂

[@ToveriJuri]

Hahah yeah. When you see a gun in a Texan's house do you even really have to ask?

[@moldytoad69420]

My buddy moved to Austin a few years ago. He said 2 neighbors found out he didn't have a gun and they gave him 1 each. A pistol and a rifle

[@Spacemuffin147]

He’s definitely having more fun than the rest.

[@pinut187]

Who do you consider being the rest...?

[@TheRenegade2424]

I’ve been tattooing 13 years this May I’ve known about Chris my whole tattooing career he’s an inspiraing dude thank you for posting this I’ll tattoo till I die as well

[@marioalvarezvilla2464]

Out of all the tattoo artists vice has show this guy is probably the most dedicated and it shows. I wish he had a better online precense.

[@castronator29]

Usually happens with guys Who are obsessed with their Jobs, they don't care, they Will have the clients anyway, since they are so good.

[@marioalvarezvilla2464]

@@castronator29 you could tell that guy became comfortable and hasn't moved since.

[@SavonePlummer-qk7ew]

All creative people are obsessed, possessed and don't live on this planet. We're in our own world. Love it 😍

[@TaleseHall]

So excited to see this - getting both full sleeves done by him in July!! SO EXCITED!!

[@goodfella92]

Bless y’all for puttin this on here

[@nihilisticvisionsrecords9388]

YES YES YES YES YES YES! MORE TATTOO TIME PLEEEEEASE!!!!!!! i love tattooing and tattoos. Tattoo age is BY FAR my FAVORITE show

[@shanesongs3575]

The level of homage Chris puts into his work. I would feel honored to have a tattoo from him.

[@Nitesh_Acharya]

Iam definitely flying from India someday just to get a tattoo from Chis. He has Magic in his Hands...

[@cloudstriker3972]

Abbay chuppp, lying gaanduu

[@krisjoy2]

i actually just got a tattoo with Chris, he is a true pioneer and one of the best doing this work!

[@alecazadi-hocking8381]

I’m currently studying tattooing. This man’s work ethic and artistry is inspiring.

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

FUCK. Yes. Trevino is criminally underrated; Texas old school. He gave Dave Lum his crown too as the king of the weirdo tattoos. These guys had s. Texas locked down. North Texas had Gary Jackson, Rev. John, Robt Hackney, Randy Adams & Pappasan, in Arlington and then me & Christopher Giles opened up the 1st full-custom, no flash, no internet, all hand-drawn Tattoo shop here in Dallas in 1992; Dead Cat Studios was the 3rd shop in the history of tattooing in Dallas. Patrick on Harry Hines, Robt & Rev's shop on Buckner Blvd and then Dead Cat on lower Greenville Ave. Tiggers and Elm Street Tattoo (Oliver Peck's joint) would also open later that year under the name Cybergraphics (lol.)

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Aww man, thanks for the like Viceperson! If yall ever need any info on the north texas tattoo scene just lmk. I went to highschool art classes with David Wallin from 8 of Swords studio in bklyn; life-long friends ever since. Loved his episode on here. Dave is so fucking good, even back in highschool it was apparent that Daves abilities were next level. His dad was an artist too which helped.

[@SuperHtownswag]

amazing talent. definitely a texas treasure. Scary how he makes it all look so easy.

[@leakypfaucet]

Texas loves Chris!!! 💯

[@jorilarson4141]

Just amazing. Need to book a flight to Texas

[@420evaday7]

Chris is the real deal no internet just dedicated to what he loves respect man .

[@divemasterben]

Yup...@13:08...exactly what I too went through with my elderly Japanese mother. Glad you continued with your tattoos...especially at your age...and feeling young!

[@alexf3220]

Stuff like this is what made VICE Good.

[@venus-qk5iy]

Vice is, without a doubt, the best youtube channel ever

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

A true artist. Very inspiring piece.

[@jonathanvazquez2831]

Passion at its finest

[@davidkrause6861]

Amazing! Tattoo Age was the video series that originally made me obsessed with Vice (Hitchhiker's Guide to North Korea aside). It's been 7-8 years since the last season. :( Please bring the series back, or follow up with everyone.

[@melissacunningham2524]

Chris is a great tat artist,got some really nice work. And good on him for being so so dedicated. Love the Japanese artwork.

[@loculi]

The dude is an actual American legend. His name will go in the books alongside Ed Hardy.

[@edbanks713]

Im glad i just found out who Chris Trevino is! Thank you vice

[@gabrielparker5593]

That artist Katja at the beginning is so in love and enamored with Chris its very sweet

[@DaddyDaughterBroadcasting]

Makes me want to travel to Texas just to get a real boss tattoo from this guy!

[@dingus1655]

much respect ✊🏽 this is what legends are made of. hopefully i’ll be able to get a back tat from the man one day ☝🏽

[@benzo4259]

Finally!!! Vice doing stories without a political lean or admonishment. Keep up the good work, and leave the crazy politics to the children.

[@tech1238]

Take this very rare thumbs up Vice 👍🏼

[@onelastcast6829]

More Tattoo videos please! 🔥

[@loculi]

I've gotten to know Chris over the course of a decade. He is literally the hardest working person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

[@vibinnrain-clipsandmore9836]

The Yakuza gang would love his tattoos

[@d05wtt]

Yeah they would. Beautiful tattoos…this guy does. However, I find it odd that non-Japanese people are getting yakuza themed tattoos. I would suggest to those people not to walk around Japan with those tattoos visible. Seriously.

[@7somekindofsomething]

Legend. About as ‘for the culture’ as you could be.

[@darreneffle4891]

Wow I remember seeing his work and Dave l work in the 80s and thought holy smokes these guys are next level.thanks for posting.

[@phykin]

Tattoo Age is one of the only great things to come out of Vice.

[@drewsky1008]

All my respect to Chris...😎💯🤘 this guy haves heart and talent

[@locahernandez5150]

Wow he does beautiful artwork.

[@williammadray7818]

I'm 62 going on 22 years old and recently took up skateboard/longboard again and I'm finally bolting up my custom surfskate today and I want new tattoos as well.

[@shekarmohit2944]

Sounds like a chill dude

[@susancastagna4241]

Dedicated to his trade, a master. I love the color he uses, great video thank you!

[@caball3ro]

Props for highlighting a giant that more should know about

[@nordberserker1591]

If you're going to be obsessed about something, Chris Trevino has chosen well. The guy and his work are pretty amazing!

[@albertoeaton4432]

Wow..and more wow..somebody in love with tattoos!!

[@Check.Control]

Those colors are amazing I want a full sleeve from this guy!!

[@mistywilson3520]

Incredible! Makes me want to go get some new ink. A true legend and leader himself, so glad that you guys made this video and gave some proper attention to his skills and artistry

[@tylerkremer5639]

Im all the way in Alaska and after seeing this i wanna get a full sleeve by this man i love his artwork so Beatfuil

[@sadlife8495]

wow vice that was actually really good i liked this one more than the video about the japanese shops

[@grantbarnes5694]

Those are all fucking amazing paintings and tattoos holy shit so detailed

[@drivenbythechills]

Jesus the dedication passion & work from this guy seem crasy, would love to get a Japanese dragon tattoo from him for sure.

[@michaelbarba6089]

Love Chris great guy awesome shop been seeing his work since his beginning and he has one of the biggest collection of Ed Hardy Artwork I've ever seen

[@tyrranicalt-rad6164]

I'm gonna get " VICE FOR LIFE " either tattooed on my chest or neck, I haven't decided yet.

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

V I C E. L I F E. on the knuckles

[@gucci4skin210]

VICE PLEASE DO MORE STORIES LIKE THIS!!!

[@dylansuzuki6430]

8:09, you guys got the captions wrong, suki means “like” or “love” in Japanese. He’s saying his dogs named moon, which is tsuki

[@Thelegitrager]

My artist has been tattooing for 25 years he was locked up for 10 of those years he’s also from Texas it’s crazy he said tattooing in prison made him a better artist.

[@ivanmendoza8457]

Trevino is a true pioneer a real tattooer

[@anomalychasing5383]

Im in my 50s and am just starting to get tattoos - I used to wish I started earlier, but Im sure if I did Id have meaningless crap on me - at least now my lifes experiences are the subject of my art. Everything has meaning. This guy is incredible - Inkmaster and the likes are NOT WORTHY.

[@topoftheline8751]

Trevino has to go down in history as a king of kings in tattoo artistry. Not just because of his art but, also because he was mentored, worked with and rubbed shoulders with some of the best and most unique tattoo artists in the world.

[@dubskj01]

Wow! It's not often I'm totally mesmerised by something these days, but this guys art is phenomenal.

[@lowend]

An absolute master! I was blown away by his work years ago, and he just gets better and better!

[@mwsoupy]

Man Chris is a legend in Austin, all my tattoo artists were inspired by Chris. Expesially the first artist that worked on my body suit, his biggest inspiration was Chris. Id be sitting down for 5-7 hours, and hed go on and on about Chris's work. even after 26 years of tattooing, his style is still obviously influenced by Chris. Shane Watkins, if you live in Austin, and are curious what artist im talking about.

[@coypie3326]

I might just have to go to Houston and stop by for a session. This traditional Japanese art is out of this world 👌 Glad i live in Texas and he's only a city away 🤷🙃

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

10:40 Love how hes like "Oh no, he did it first, I copied him" showing respect to the history and OG's.

[@vernievuitton]

Thank you for opening my mind and providing inspiration! Once again Vice!

[@WReKluse]

Love all these tattoo docs.

[@texakin210]

Awesome Episode. I wish they would have mention Shawn Degan. He was the owner of Perfection Tattoo in San Antonio and was another great artist.

[@nitemareman1]

First Vice piece in a long time worth a tinker's damn.

[@405boy4]

These tattoos are off the chains. I mean I have 11 tattoos, but nothing compared to these.🔥

[@_Bucky]

I can relate bout having a rifle by the bed and art sketches at the desk 💯

[@spellboundead4990]

what a great dude. needs more recognition