Billyjack Gunter
Meet Billyjack Gunter, a tattoo artist and body piercer with 25+ years of experience in the industry. Billyjack’s passion for tattoos began when he got his first tattoo at 14 and started body piercing at 15. He began his journey in Indiana, where tattooing was illegal, and had to work underground with local artists. After finishing three apprenticeships at various studios, he opened up Artistic Encounter, his own tattoo studio in Kentucky, which eventually expanded to five locations in Texas. Billyjack is a proud father to his son Jaxton Kingsley Gunter, who was born three years after he opened his fifth studio. His son’s birth was a turning point in Billyjack’s life, motivating him to continue to evolve as an artist and make positive changes. He sees his son as a source of inspiration and a reminder to always stay true to his passion for tattooing. Billyjack specializes in black and gray photo-realism with large-scale images, and he continues to learn and grow as an artist. His advice to fellow tattoo artists is to stay humble, teachable, and always strive for improvement.
Gabriel Perez
I kill traditional Japanese color/ black and gray. My favorite medium to use is watercolor and copics.
Emily
Emily has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. There is something about creating art that she cannot pull away from. She grew up in a strict religious environment that condemned most forms of self expression and was specifically outspoken against tattooing. As she has had the opportunity to get to know the world for what it is, tattooing was something that drew her in, and continues to do so the more she learns about the art and the culture. She hopes that through learning to tattoo she can help others to find the same voice that it has given her.
Sebastian
My name is Sebastian and I’m an apprentice at Artistic Encounter Rosemeade. My parents love for art translated to me from a young age and seeing my mom covered in tattoos inspired me to become an artist. Artistic Encounter’s plethora of talented artists inspired me to push myself further and show off a bold side of myself and I’m very excited to be working with this awesome family.
Ham
Rick Nevarez
Art has been a part of my life since a young age. It was naturally who I was. I’ve endeavored in various mediums from pencil to spray paint but the ability to create on human skin is the art form which I deem the most sacred. I was given the opportunity to chase my dream by a legend of the tattoo industry. The founder of AE himself, BillyJack Gunter. I successfully completed my apprenticeship and now continue to perfect my craft and push my limits. I specialize in Black and Grey, Color: realism/surrealism/portraits as well as lettering. To all who entrust me with their art I will always give 1000% and strive for perfection.
Elijah Heaps
Elijah Heaps is a tattoo artist and musician from Dallas, Texas with his own unique style. His art is powerful, innovative & expressive. He mainly focuses on Decorative calligraphy, ornamental blackwork and illustrated blackwork but also has a strong love for lettering and anything with a
special meaning.
He is creating art that is authentic, creative & sharp, true to himself, his aim is to successfully unlock his dreams while staying at peace, he hopes to make art that resonates with his followers and clients and leaves a lasting mark on history.
Micah
Micah has been a member of the AE family since 2016 as a piercer and tattooed. He has been professionally piercing for 7 years. Micah also specializes in floral, mandala, black work, and fine line.
Nathena M Hampton
Age 33
I’m a linework/black and grey artist, I’m also the manager at AE Deep Ellum and the head apprentice. I’ve been tattooing for about 10 months now. I love line work tattoos. My favorite things to draw are usually leaves and flowers, I’m a big plant person. My favorite thing about tattooing is giving my clients a relaxing environment to get work done and my goal is to always make my clients feel happier with their bodies than when they came in.
Jerry Brown
(Crown Ohana)
I went to college and graduated from The Art Institute Of Dallas for graphic Design. I worked a side gig and apprenticed at AE. I love anime/illustration, fine/ bold lines, full color and/or black and grey with a splash of color. The reason why I love what I do is that I make other people happy with what I place on their body and hearing their stories.