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.
Ready for your next tattoo?
Balancing Act Tattoo Craft is fully open and cooperating with all Covid-19 guidelines. We are fully vaccinated and mask wearing is at the discretion of the client. We want your tattoo experience to be as professional and safe as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Your Friends at Balancing Act Tattoo Craft
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!
Aging on tattoos! Shows how things actually heal out and settle in to their new home! One of my favorite clients wears them with pride. @mattwinneyx24x disclaimer: the lines in her legs are from him sitting in the chair🤙🏼 #webgallery
I guess I’m posting some older pieces for a bit. I was hesitating. But they deserve love too. #webgallery
Reallly happy with how Kona “the love sponge”! Turned out on a great new client @sue_subkow This dog made a positive difference in people’s lives. And is now forever immortalized with her everyday! @konathelovesponge #webgallery
Today WAS a good day! @icecube #rapper #icecubetattoo #eternalink #inkedmag #tattooistartmag #stencilstuff #fkirons #xion #ttechcartridges #criticalpowersupply #maximotattoocables #kingpintattoosupply #customtattoos #sandiegoartist #sandiegotattooartist #sdtattooartist #balancingacttattoo
@tattooistartmag @skinart_mag @superb_tattoos @inkedmag @eternalink @tattoosnob @fkirons @newschool_nation @kingpintattoosupply @tattoo_art_worldwide #webgallery
“Summon your eagle powers!” This may be the best end to a year. Sometimes it’s the simple stuff that makes me smile the most. It’s a wrap! #nacholibre #jackblack @jackblack #lordschips #elote #luchador #chancho #eaglepowers #ramsesisthebest #webgallery
Now I’m hungry for mahi tacos! Really happy with this big fish! #dorado #mahi #fishermantattoo #webgallery
In the words of the prolific Ice Cube, “Today was a good day”! @182nova made the trip from Austin to get more of her sleeve done. She sat like a rock as per usual. #webgallery
This one turned out super bright! Thanks to Derek for being a great client. #swallowstattoo #anchortattoo #sunsettattoo #webgallery
Great few days of tattoos. Keep the good vibes and fun stuff coming! #whimsical #cats @balancingacttattoo #webgallery
Toss back Tuesday to this Texas loving kitty. #tbt #dallascowboystattoo #cowboytattoo #catsofinstagram #webgallery
Cats need love, too! Let's get yours tattooed! #catsofinstagram #sandiegotattoos #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegoartist #sandiego #webgallery
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 #dogsofinstagram #mansbestfriend #webgallery
Some floral arm decorations for @cheenwalker #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegotattoos #webgallery
Reminiscing about this #fearandloathinginlasvegas tattoo I did a few years back. Too fun! @chadwhitsontattoo #webgallery
Let’s take a second...... I want to really show my appreciation for my clients that “get it”. Often I’m told by clients that they love my work and want me to tattoo them. That’s very much appreciated. They usually continue on to explaining their tattoo which is nothing like any of my works. Black and grey. Or photorealistic. I try to sway them to being open to my idea. But often times I just don’t understand the misvisualization. My client fit is always when someone lets me “do what I do”. Especially the cover ups. Omar has been through some shit. But he “gets it”. He’s sat through laser @absolutetatremoval to lighten both of his arms and all of his chest. In order for me to be able to do my job better. I can’t thank the people who let me do the coolest tattoo I can for them. Never limit creativity! Why would you when it’s permanent. Thank you to everyone and anyone that has let me create what I love. #webgallery
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 #webgallery
California poppies with an osprey skull. More like this please! #webgallery
Super good first day back to work! What a fun piece. Zorro and Ethan are her main dudes! #catsofinstagram #cattat #cattattoo #sphinxcat #sphinxcat #hairlesscat #colortattoo #pettattoo #webgallery
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 #webgallery
Yesterday’s B.S.! Super fun one I did on a client that flew out from the Midwest to acquire some of my work. #webgallery
“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.
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: (Please allow 5-7 days for a response.)
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.