Balance:
A condition in which different elements in the universe are equal or in the correct proportions.
The Balancing Act Tattoo Craft is meant to be a standard for focus in life and I find that balance in the art of custom color tattoos. The craft takes extreme patience, unwavering desire, and intense focus. My highest focus and happiness is in the pursuit to find some kind of center – the place one that feels like it’s all being handled evenly and with moderation.
About the Artist
In the span of almost 20 years of tattooing, I’ve made myself a reputation of being a color-illustrative tattoo artist. I take pride in fully saturated, colorful, custom color tattoos. Animals, flowers, imaginary creatures from far off worlds are some of my favorite things to draw and tattoo. I find it more efficient when a client allows me the artistic freedom with the positioning, design flow, etc. Too many restrictions for your future tattoo may hinder the creativity to turn it into a masterpiece!
There hasn’t been a day where art has not been prevalent in my life. I recognize that I am beyond lucky to be able to do what I love for a career and continue to bring custom color tattoos and artwork into the world. When I originally got into tattooing, I had no clue of the doors it would open, the relationships that I would form, and all the places it would take me. It’s been such an amazing road of experiences, travel, and growth!
Looking forward to getting back on this sleeve! #webgallery #madhatterteaparty #madhatter
Check out the Balancing Act Website for details on how to book an appt. link in bio. #webgallery #trexcrew
Loved this wise ol’ owl piece that knows time is the ruler of his days. Is there ever enough?? #webgallery
Remember when tattoos didn’t always have to impress and when they were just fun and flash-like. I miss that time honestly. I have had a real issue seeing what social media has done to our craft. I see so many pieces of art and can’t tell who did them anymore. They all look the same. I’m getting back to loving what I’ve done for so long. They don’t all have to be a back piece done over a weekend! #heiheitattoo #heihei #moana #backtobasics #lovewhatyoudo #dontcompeteforattention #saysme #webgallery
Oldie but a goodie on my bud, Nicole! Head on over to the balancing act website to schedule your consultation. Link is in bio! #webgallery @balancingacttattoocraft
Half floral sleeve for @cheenwalker by @chadwhitsontattoo
Anyone else dragon themselves back to work today?? 😴
Lola! Dancing in the purple rain. @chadwhitsontattoo #prince #purplerain #symbolism #bostonterrier
Nipples? Where? One of my favorite freehand pieces! @chadwhitsontattoo #samuraitattoo #geishatattoo
Gnar California bear mash-up by @chadwhitsontattoo
Killer Kali on @mattwinneyx24x #kali #backtattoo #backpiece #balancingacttattoo
My take on the #manekineko from a few years back! Give me all the color tattoos! #webgallery #sandiegoartist #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegotattoos #sandiego
I love doing fur kid tattoos. Whether they are still alive or passed over the rainbow bridge. They are some of the most loyal lives we will ever experience. This is my sister who had to put her girl down just before she came to visit. I was honored to do it for her. Thanks @allie740 #webgallery #dogsofinstagram #mansbestfriend
Some floral arm decorations for @cheenwalker #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegotattoos #webgallery
Super hard to get pictures of this one, but I'm pretty stoked on how it turned out! Candle in a bottle for my good friend @itsthesarabeth. #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegoartist #webgallery
#tbt to this bad ass foo dog version of @riefermadness dog #baxter can’t wait to finish up this sleeve. The bottom half is almost done! Really proud of this one. Anyone wanting to do something fun for a design of their pet I am always game for! Thanks for looking.
Free handed this pirate skull buddy today! I did not do the stuff around. About 3 hrs with marker time included. #jollyroger #pirate #skull #waves #crossedswords #eyepatch
California poppies with an osprey skull. More like this please! #cwhitson1111
Today I had an awesome walk-up! Love when a client tells you what they want and let you do it in the style you feel fits best. And also agree to your rate. It’s nice when it all just flows together. Thanks Leon! @musink_tatfest #tiger #cattat #musink2018
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cali poppy mash-up I created a few months ago!
#eternalink
#cheyennetattooequipment
#fkirons
#inkedmag
#tattooistartmag
#stencilstuff
#tattoosnob
#sandiegotattooartist
#sandiego
#kandicedidit
@tattooistartmag
@inkedmag
@cheyennetattooequiptment
@eternalink
@newschool_nation
@tattoosnob
@fkirons
This week has been sizzling outside, but not as hot as this phoenix I did a few years ago! 😉
#phoenixtattoo
#dadjokes
#eternalink
#cheyennetattooequiptment
#inkedmag
#tattooistartmag
#stencilstuff
#tattoosnob
#sandiegotattooartist
#sandiego
@tattooistartmag
@inkedmag
@cheyennetattooequiptment
@eternalink
@newschool_nation
@tattoosnob
Let's pay attention to the fact that it's fall and 91 degrees out. Also, look at this cat! #eternalink
#cheyennetattooequiptment
#inkedmag
#tattooistartmag
#stencilstuff
#sandiegotattooartist
#sandiego
@tattooistartmag
@inkedmag
@cheyennetattooequiptment
@eternalink
@andidashiell thanks for putting this cat tat in my hands. Super cool piece to sit back and look at! @bearcattattoogallery #billiecat #catsofinstagram #cattattoo #foreverfeline
“My promise is to provide you with pieces that will make you smile if you promise to trust me as an artist to combine your ideas with my creativity.”
Chad whitson – artist
Rates:
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to schedule an appointment and will be applied to your last session. Consults are always free and welcomed!
My normal rate for a new tattoo and original design is $200 per hour. Cover-up tattoos that do not get lightening sessions with laser is $250 per hour. I will definitely let you know if it’s possible to achieve the cover-up with or without laser. The ultimate goal of a cover-up is to not end up with a bigger mess.
I do half day and full day rates to make it a set price if that’s what you prefer. Half day is 4 hours at $600 and full day is 8 hrs at $1200. If you’re not able to fulfill the length of your intended session (half or full day), the rate still applies.
What to expect:
I normally do “in-person” consultations at a nearby coffee shop, but phone consultations are urged prior to our meeting. The studio is a private full rooftop workspace that is by appointment only. You will get a one on one session making this a perfect space for any celebrity, athlete, or anyone that prefers some privacy during their sessions.
For booking information, email:
Chadwhitsontattoo@gmail.com
Contact Us
Private Studio in San Diego
The Balancing Act Tattoo Craft studio is located in a historic building in Downtown San Diego.