First Street Tattoo Parlor

06/03/2026

Artist Spotlight | Luke Martinez

Tattooing since 2005, Luke Martinez has built his approach to the craft around tradition, humility, and a commitment to creating tattoos that stand the test of time.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Luke shares his thoughts on mentorship, family, tattoo culture, and the lessons that continue to shape him nearly two decades into his career.

One piece of advice from an old tattooer has stayed with him ever since:

"The minute you think you know everything is the minute your career is over."

In our latest Artist Spotlight, Luke reflects on the people who influenced him, what keeps him growing, and what being part of First Street Tattoo Parlor means to him.

🔗 Read the full interview:
https://www.firststreettattooparlor.com/post/luke-martinez-traditional-tattoo-artist

Tattooing since 2005, Luke Martinez shares his thoughts on tradition, mentorship, family, and the lessons that continue to shape his approach to the craft.

05/04/2026

https://www.firststreettattooparlor.com/post/tobias-peltier-artist-in-residence-tattoo-lineage

Something good to read from Toby

A first-hand account from Tobias Peltier’s Artist in Residence exploring tattoo lineage, history, and a return to traditional tattoo craft.

04/19/2026

Tattoo lineage is disappearing.

Every artist comes from somewhere—but without documentation, those connections get lost over time.

We recently visited the Lucky Tattoo Museum and spent time in the archives with Jimmy Whitlock and his team. What’s preserved there is more than history—it’s the foundation of everything we do today.

This is exactly why we created a Tattoo Lineage Survey—to start connecting the dots and preserving this craft the right way.

We are also searching for more information on Charlie Barrs. If you or someone you know has anything—photos, stories, or references—we would greatly appreciate it.

📩 [email protected]
👇 Read more + take part in the survey:

Tattoo lineage is the foundation of tattoo history—but much of it is disappearing. Our visit to the Lucky Tattoo Museum explores why preserving lineage matters and how you can help.

03/12/2026

Just a heads up....
Everything helps

01/22/2026

Heads up: This idiot is not affiliated with First Street Tattoo Parlor. They are currently scamming people by collecting deposits through local Facebook classifieds.

If you’ve been affected, please contact your bank or card provider immediately to dispute the charge.

Sorry for any inconvenience!

01/04/2026

Meet our new Artist in Residence, Tobias Peltier, whose work centers on traditional tattooing as a living form of folk art, rooted in history, craft, and community! You can attend free programs and drop in to visit with him from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday (starting January 7) at the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio (502 Ouray Ave) .

♦️♦️FREE PROGRAMS:♦️♦️
✔️From the Frontier to First Street: A Tattoo Lineage in Grand Junction:
1 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at the Central Library

✔️The Carnival and the Cathedral: Stoney St. Clair and the American Tattoo Tradition:
1 p.m. Saturday, February 21, at the Central Library

✔️Cut From Tradition: An Old World Demonstration and Workshop:
1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Central Library

12/09/2025

New on the Lowbrow Classic Blog:
Artist Spotlight

We’re honored to share an exclusive interview with the legendary Bill Canales—a master of Japanese dragon imagery, global educator, published artist, and one of the most respected tattooers working today.

During his recent visit to First Street Tattoo Parlor, Bill taught a Dragon Seminar that left a lasting impact on our artists and community. Afterwards, he opened up to us about his three-decade journey, the evolution of his craft, navigating tattooing’s
“Tat-pocalypse,” and what keeps him inspired after all these years.

This is one you don’t want to miss.
🔥 Read the full interview on our website
🔥 Insight, honesty, craft, and culture from a true master
🔥 A must-read for tattooers, apprentices, and art lovers

Tap the link to read now

https://www.firststreettattooparlor.com/post/artist-spotlight-bill-canales-a-master-of-the-dragon-and-a-lifelong-student-of-the-craft

Stay tuned—more artist spotlights and Lowbrow Classic features are coming soon.

🔥🔥And Don’t Miss This Saturday’s Art Showcase!

Our 4th Annual Lowbrow Classic Art Showcase is happening this Saturday, the 13th! Doors open at 6pm at First Street Tattoo Parlor, with an incredible lineup of boards, creativity, and community energy.

Make a full night of it—No Coast Sushi next door will be running special food & drink deals during the Showcase, plus music to keep the vibe going.

Come celebrate art, support your local creatives, and enjoy a great night with the community.




https://www.firststreettattooparlor.com/post/artist-spotlight-bill-canales-a-master-of-the-dragon-and-a-lifelong-student-of-the-craft

Few artists in modern tattooing carry the pedigree, discipline, and global respect of Bill Canales. With over 34 years in the craft, Bill has built an international reputation as one of the leading authorities on Japanese dragon imagery. His work is instantly recognizable—dynamic, deeply studied, ...

11/26/2025

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SOLIDARITY PROJECT - 100 Neighbors Fed (TODAY 11/26 @ NOON)

Please share and spread to anyone who could use a meal.

First Street Tattoo Parlor - 1119 N. 1st St., Unit B
Look for the sign in the parking lot.

Today we’ll be serving a hot meal for anyone who needs one (vegan options available). We’ve prepared enough for about 100–120 people, and every plate is offered with respect, privacy, and zero judgment. Your situation doesn’t need to be explained to anyone - just come through, grab what you need, and head out knowing you’re welcome here.

If you’re able to stop by in person, please do. Our resources are stretched thin and we want to make sure the food reaches as many neighbors as possible.

If getting here isn’t an option, we’ll have drivers heading out every hour. Send First Street Tattoo Parlor a message and we’ll get you on the delivery list.

Along with a hot meal, we’ll also have a limited number of food bags, winter clothing, and basic supplies available.

We are fully staffed and fully stocked for today, but if you’d like to support future efforts, we’re always accepting non-perishable foods and winter clothing at the shop.

We love this city and the people in it. This is just one small way we can show it. See you soon.

11/20/2025

This Wednesday. Please share with anyone who might need a little help for Thanksgiving.