Tattoo artists have come and gone in Wichita Falls, but a few have stayed the course and created a name for themselves by honing their craft and creating desirable body art. Rusty is, without a doubt, one of those artists. Though he claims to specialize in black and grey, his portfolio runs the gamut. After tattooing for well over a decade Rusty has recently decided to open his own shop near Sheppard Air Force Base. Rusty’s Needles is newly renovated and open for business.
Let’s start at the beginning. How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been tattooing for 15 years. I started in Las Vegas.
How long have you been in Wichita Falls?
Been in Wichita Falls since 1995. I moved to Vegas for my apprenticeship, which was a little over a year, and then I moved back here.
And now you’ve decided to open your own shop?
Yes. Rusty’s Needles Tattoo.
What inspired that change, just tired of working for others?
Yeah, I’m ready to do my own thing and build a future for my family.
Who all do you have working for you now? Right now it’s me, Elia Merel, and Giovanni Corona. Giovanni is finishing up his apprenticeship right now. It’s the three of us and that’s all we have room for right now.
What do consider your specialty and do you practice any other art?
Black and grey. I paint and use all kinds of mediums. I play music, guitar. I have kids and a wife. I stay busy.
How long have you played guitar?
I graduated in 93, and started playing guitar my freshman year in high school. So it’s been since around 89-90.
No bands? I’ve been in many bands. I had to quit a band to start tattooing. I was in a band, tattooing on the side, and had a full time job. My wife told me that I had to pick and choose because she never saw me, so I dropped the music and started tattooing.
You can visit Rusty and his crew at his new shop, Rusty’s Needles, just outside the main gate of Sheppard Air Force base. Rusty purchased Classic Tattoo Co. and refashioned it to his liking. www.facebook.com/RustysNeedles
David Fowler
