218 Art Studio Tattoos

06/07/2026

Today I started this cover-up project for my friend James.

James has been a great client, but more importantly, a great friend for many years. This tattoo is only the first session, and because the skin had already been heavily worked from a previous tattoo attempt, our goal today wasn’t to oversaturate the area. Instead, we focused on building a solid foundation, establishing the composition, and giving the piece its overall shape.

There’s still another session ahead to add more detail, depth, and highlights, but I’m very happy with the direction this project is taking.

As always, James sat like a champion through one of the most painful areas to tattoo.

Stay tuned for the next session. This is only the beginning.

06/06/2026

Tattoo of the day for my friend Doyle.

“We the People.”

There was a time when this would have been just another tattoo for me. Today, it means much more.

As my love for this country has grown, and as I’ve become more aware of the importance of freedom, responsibility, justice, and the well-being of the American people, these three words have taken on a deeper meaning.

“We the People” is more than a slogan. It is a reminder that this nation was built on the idea that the people matter, that our voices matter, and that the future of this country belongs to all of us.

That is why tattoos like this carry a special significance for me. They represent values, history, and a love for the nation we call home.

Thank you, Doyle, for your trust and for allowing me to create this piece for you.

We are 218 for life 🇺🇸

06/05/2026

Over the past several months, many of you have supported my artwork by purchasing one of these Christ prints, and for that I am truly grateful.

At this point, I only have a few remaining:

✝️ Christ Looking Down (11x14") – 9 available

As a special thank-you to everyone who has supported my work, I’ll be offering the remaining prints for:

• $30 each
• Any 2 prints for $50

Once these final prints are gone, this edition will be sold out.

Thank you all for the encouragement, support, and for allowing my artwork to find a place in your homes. It means more to me than you know.

If you would like one, send me a message.

– Alejandro Avila

06/03/2026

An ocean-themed tattoo I created for my friend Marissa.

The original design was not created by me. Marissa brought me the reference, and my role was to adapt it for tattooing, add the color palette, and give it a watercolor-inspired feel to bring the piece to life.

(For those wondering, the tattoos visible around this piece were completed in previous sessions.)

Marissa, thank you for your trust and for always allowing me the artistic freedom to add my own touch to your ideas.

Your support means a lot to me.

Still creating. Still tattooing.

We are 218 for life.

06/03/2026

A tattoo I did for my friend Randy, someone I consider family.

For those wondering, I’m still here.

I haven’t gone anywhere. I’m still tattooing, still creating, and still working on new projects every day. I’ve just been busy with artwork, paintings, and preparations for some exciting things coming later this year.

I look forward to sharing more of what I’ve been working on soon.

We are 218 for life.

06/03/2026

Although some people may think I’m no longer tattooing, I’m definitely still here doing what I love.

The truth is that over the last several months I’ve been extremely busy working on paintings, preparing artwork for upcoming festivals, creating new projects, and balancing everything that comes with running a business by myself.

Because of that, I haven’t been posting as consistently as I used to.

I also know some people have wondered if I only post large tattoos and not the smaller ones. That’s never been the case. Every tattoo matters to me, whether it takes ten minutes or ten hours. If your piece means something to you, then it matters.

So here’s a collection of some of the smaller tattoos I’ve had the privilege of creating recently.

Thank you to every client who continues to trust me with their stories, memories, and ideas. Your support means more than you know.

— Alejandro Ávila
Owner & Sole Tattoo Artist
218 Art Studio LLC

05/26/2026

My new “Jesus The True GOAT” shirts are officially available now.

A simple design with a powerful message of faith.

Available in multiple colors and sizes.

If you’d rock one, I’d truly appreciate the support, and shares mean the world to a small business owner.

Shop here:
https://218-legacy.myshopify.com

05/15/2026

I honestly don’t even know what to say… ❤️

Because of your support, I officially advanced to the TOP 20 in Johnny Depp’s The People’s Artist competition.

As an independent artist from a small town in Indiana, this honestly means more to me than you can imagine. I spend my days creating art, tattooing, painting, and simply trying to turn emotions, struggles, faith, and life experiences into something meaningful.

Now we move into the next round, the Top 15, and if you’d like to support me one more time, I would truly appreciate your vote.

No matter what happens, thank you for believing in my work, sharing my posts, and supporting this crazy dream of mine. It means the world to me.

I Turn Emotions, Struggle, And Faith Into Art, Creating Pieces That Speak When Words Fall Short.

05/14/2026

Friends, family, clients, and everyone who has supported my art through the years, I have one small favor to ask.

Today is the last day to vote in The People’s Artist competition. I was in 5th place and dropped to 7th, but I’m still fighting and would truly appreciate your support.

As many of you know, art is not just my job, it’s a huge part of who I am. Every tattoo, every painting, every late night creating has been done with heart, faith, and purpose.

If you feel my work has meant something to you, or if you simply want to support a small artist from Huntington chasing a dream, I would be deeply grateful for your vote today.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me.

I Turn Emotions, Struggle, And Faith Into Art, Creating Pieces That Speak When Words Fall Short.