Shepherd
Arizona Tattoo Artist
Meet Shepherd, a skilled tattoo artist out of Club Tattoo Tempe, known for bold black and gray realism, Chicano lettering, and large-scale pieces that speak with power and precision. With over five years of experience and deep roots in LA street art and script culture, Shepherd brings legacy, identity, and unmatched craftsmanship to every tattoo he creates.
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About the artist
Shepard’s story starts with lettering. Before tattooing, he was designing logos and custom script for small businesses — until people started asking him to tattoo last names across their backs and stomachs. That turned into a calling. He began his formal training with a 14-month, old-school apprenticeship in Glendale, AZ — no shortcuts, just grind, tradition, and respect for the process. He’s been tattooing ever since, clocking over 5 years of steady work and serious progress.
Now tattooing at Club Tattoo in Tempe, Arizona, Shepard’s specialty lies in black and gray realism, Chicano style, and large-scale pieces that tell a story the second you see them. Whether it’s a full backpiece or a tight lettering tattoo, his approach is the same: go all in, every time. “Do every tattoo as best as possible. Respect the craft. You never know when it’ll be your last.”
Raised Chicano in Los Angeles, Shepard grew up surrounded by street art, murals, and lettering styles that were more than aesthetic — they were identity. That influence still runs strong in his work today, especially in the bold, refined script he’s become known for.
He’s inspired by high-contrast, carefully executed realism — the kind of work that holds up under a zoom lens — and draws influence from artists like @genoski, who blend realism and painting with precision and soul.
One of his proudest pieces? A massive freehand last name across a friend’s back — sharp, clean, and perfect from start to finish. It wasn’t just a tattoo. It was legacy.
When he’s not tattooing, you’ll catch Shepard working on portraits, graphite pieces, or spray-paint art — staying close to his roots and always refining his eye. And despite the bold persona, here’s the twist: “Most people don’t expect how down to earth I really am. Don’t judge the book, you feel me?”
If you want realism with impact, lettering with purpose, and art with depth, Shepard’s the artist who brings it all together — every time.
Tattoo Inspirations
Business Hours
Mon - Thursday: 12PM - 8 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11AM - 10PM
Sunday: 11AM - 7PM