Daniel

Daniel didn’t follow the traditional path into tattooing — he built his own. Introduced to the craft by his friend Sean Williams, Daniel learned the ropes the hard way: hands-on, one tattoo at a time, with Sean talking him through each step. No formal apprenticeship, no shortcuts — just real experience, earned through grit and grind. That was 19 years ago, and he’s been growing, evolving, and pushing his art forward ever since.

Now tattooing out of Club Tattoo in Tempe, Daniel is best known for his black and grey realism, but his range is wide. From Chicano art to street-style lettering, he pulls influence from lowriding, graffiti, and the culture he lives every day. His work isn’t just ink — it’s identity.

His artistic philosophy? “Every day is a day to learn something new.” Daniel believes growth never stops — and the moment you think you’ve got it all figured out, it’s time to hang it up. He takes inspiration from life itself, and from every artist he’s ever met — absorbing, adapting, and staying open to whatever the next piece teaches him.

Being Chicano isn’t just a background for Daniel — it’s a way of life, and it’s deeply woven into his art. From the lines he draws to the stories he tells, the culture shows up in every detail.

What makes Club Tattoo special for him is the no-ego, all-family vibe of the team. Everyone’s hungry to learn, build, and support each other — and that’s exactly the kind of space where Daniel thrives.

While he doesn’t play favorites when it comes to tattoos, he values the diversity of people and stories he encounters through his work. “You meet people from all walks of life,” he says — and each one leaves something behind.

Outside the studio, Daniel is just as hands-on. He builds cars, airbrushes lowriders, and most importantly, spends time with his wife and sons — staying grounded in the things that matter most. And here’s something you might not guess: he’s a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree — and way nicer than he looks.

One of his most memorable moments? A client asked for numbing cream. He didn’t have any — so he rubbed on Aquaphor and told her it was. She swore it worked. “It’s all about mind over matter.” That’s Daniel: part artist, part magician, all heart.