Founder/Tattooer
Josh Gonzalez
Founder Josh Gonzalez has been a professional tattooer for the last 22 years. Born and raised and having apprenticed in the late 90s right here in Fort Worth Texas, he has strong roots and strong love for Fort Worth. Josh is a second generation, classically trained artist having studied art at both the Art Institute of Dallas and the University of North Texas. As such, Josh is a well rounded artist and student of many artistic mediums and interest. In tattooing, he is well versed in most styles but most enjoys doing New School, Realism and Cover Up tattoos. Cover Up tattoos hold a special place for him. Josh very much likes the challenge of turning a previously shameful tattoo into a piece of art that a client can be proud to wear. Book appointment
Tattooer
Nicole Rose
Coming from an 80s rock ‘n’ roll familial background in Phoenix AZ and a bloodline of creativity, there’s nothing she can’t or won’t take on artistically. In her late teenage years she found out that her art can both heal and inspire those in need so she made the decision to follow forward in her pursuit of art. She is well-versed in all forms of art and highly capable of executing even most challenging tattoo concepts. Her primary interest gravitate towards Realism and Neo Traditional work but her scope encompasses all aspects of the tattoo style spectrum.. Nicole believes that tattoos are personal and intimate and for each one she gets there is a special symbolism and feeling that goes with it. This is what she wants for her clientele as well.
Tattooer
Gordi Redmon
From a small town in Texas surrounded by other tattooers where there was nothing to do but become creative, Gordi’s family tree has always been stained in ink. Introduced to the tattoo industry well before he was even driving, Gordi’s parents always encouraged him to make a life of this craft if he chose, for which he is incredibly grateful. Gordi considers it a great honor that throughout his long career of tattooing so many people have allowed him to help them become what they wish to see themselves as with his art. He makes a point of trying to get a feel for the energy and personality of his clients so he can design their art to be as much a part of them as it is a piece of himself. Gordi‘s feelings about tattoos are most aptly said with one of his favorite sayings, “ A little pain never hurt anyone but hiding your true self always will.”
Tattooer
Ariel Jarrard
Another Fort Worth born and raised artist Ariel was inspired to pursue tattooing after she became a mother. Encouraged by her parents throughout her youth to use her art, Ariel studied art frequently during her childhood. Ariel completed her apprenticeship right here at Ink817 and finds that tattooing challenges her to push herself as an artist and to break through her own artistic boundaries. Black work and Neo Traditional tattoos are her favorite but she is always learning and searching for opportunities to garner new skills in all other styles of tattooing. She hopes her tattoos will inspire in her clients a great measure of confidence in their skin when they leave her chair. Ari aims to with every tattoo to provide her clients with not only a great piece of skin art but also a wonderful experience and memory
Tattooer
Madi Boltwood
In her childhood Madi’s family moved a lot. Madi found her artistic interest to be a constant in the ever changing environment. Drawing before she could write, Madi naturally developed her talent and found art as a way to express herself. Having sought out more mainstream creative art careers through college and finding little in the way of success or inspiration, Madi found her true calling and, in her own words, “fell head over heals” for the art of tattooing during her apprenticeship. “It allows me to challenge myself, connect with new people and has given me the ability to help others express who they are...” she said after a smile, “ Tattooing has allowed me to surround myself with amazing people and be happy. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.”
Resident Piercer
Stephanie Myrow
Our resident piercer Stephanie Myorw took her apprenticeship here in Fort Worth TX in 2012. She takes great pride in being a piercer. One of her favorite things about being a piercer is the confidence happiness and forever memories a piercing can bring someone.
Piercer
Heather Taylor
Heather started her apprenticeship here at Ink817 back in 2018 and has been piercing ever since. She believes piercings are a fun way to express yourself and loves seeing the smile on peoples' faces when they get a confidence boost in their appearance.