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.
Feel like planning for your next tattoo?
Hopefully, you’re staying safe and healthy right now, but with the tattoo shops opening back up we know what it’s like to need something to look forward to. There are things are on the list that need to get done, and if starting a new tattoo or finishing an existing piece is on the list we’d like to give you the Balancing Act Tattoo Craft personal experience.
We recommend that you begin planning for your tattoo art right now… crazy, right?
The way we see it:
1) It’ll give you something to do while you’re stuck at home
2) Schedule an appointment. Balancing Act Tattoo Craft is open for private, personal appointments.
3) It’ll give you something to look forward to
4) You’ll have the piece of mind of getting tattooed in a safe, sterile and one-on-one setting.
Go ahead and make your tattoo appointment. If your health is an issue getting close to your appointment day you can always change or reschedule your plans. Meanwhile, start dreaming up and putting together that tattoo idea you so greatly deserve and use the websites to help you find inspiration and get in touch with us here at Balancing Act Tattoo Craft.
In the meantime, wash your hands, wear a mask, practice social distancing, stay strong and hopeful. We really are all in this together.
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
Feels good to be back. Life has thrown us multiple curve balls this year. I’m thankful. It shows just how strong ones character has to be when you think everything is in place. #samuraitattoo #hannyatattoo #chestpiece @timecodemediasd To see what’s happening in my life outside the shop, please go to my fb page. It’s a public profile. We are hanging tough. But it’s been an overall “learning experience” #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
The Lisa Frank mythological sleeve! @dawnmarie0914 is my favorite client this year for going in on a sleeve that is ALL COLOR! And has no qualms! #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
Got a healed video of this family inspired half sleeve! Stoked on how solid it turned out. #zodiactattoo #owltattoo #skulltattoo #sandiegotattooartist #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
One of my best clients got a job opportunity in Miami! We got to color this before he leaves. We will continue work when he travels back. @yrsjefe thanks for everything over the years! Good luck brother. #tengutattoo #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
Progress shot of @kloudgod sleeve in the works. #webgallery
Got this dude finished today! Emma was the winner of the give away a few months back. officialbeatrixpotter #tomkitten #webgallery
Toss back Tuesday to this Texas loving kitty. #tbt #dallascowboystattoo #cowboytattoo #catsofinstagram #webgallery
Love doing animal portraits. Are they worth it to you to keep them with you forever? If so, let’s make them at their happiest on your skin! #balancingacttattoo #sandiegotattoos #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegoartist #sandiego #webgallery
Reminiscing about this #fearandloathinginlasvegas tattoo I did a few years back. Too fun! @chadwhitsontattoo #webgallery
Cats need love, too! Let's get yours tattooed! #catsofinstagram #sandiegotattoos #sandiegotattooartist #sandiegoartist #sandiego #webgallery
Plan to get healed pics of this dead queen soon. Head to Balancingacttattoo.com for scheduling. @balancingacttattoocraft #webgallery
First session yesterday on this jazzy astronaut! Volume up please. Thanks @ayoungdiesel for coming out from NY to collect this portion of his sleeve. #sandiego #sandiegotattoos @balancingacttattoocraft #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
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
I’m in the Midwest for the week. And wanted to share this #tbt of my clients first tattoo! She sat like a champ. So stoked on these #sphynxcat #sphynxofinstagram #rosetattoo #nakedcat #webgallery
We only have one more session to go on this one. #blueringoctopus #pocketwatchtattoo #colortattoo #illustrativetattoo #freehandtattoo #markerdrawing #almostfinished @balancingacttattoocraft #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
“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.