JOE VEGAS
American Irezumi Artist / 30+ years experience / japanese and classic style tattoos
Some people collect tattoos.
Others dedicate years of their lives to becoming the person worthy of wearing one.
That’s where I come in.
I’ve been tattooing for more than forty years, apprenticing under legendary tattoo artist Bob Roberts in 1984 before spending years traveling the world (NYC, London, Tokyo, Miami, Amsterdam, Havana, San Francisco) in search of better art, better tattooing, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. I eventually lived in Japan for nearly two years, studying the language, building lifelong relationships within the Horiyoshi III family, and immersing myself in the traditions that shaped modern Irezumi.
Those experiences changed everything.
My work isn’t about copying Japanese imagery. It’s about honoring the philosophy behind it—creating large-scale tattoos that fit your body, your personality, and the life you’re building.
Every sleeve, backpiece, or bodysuit begins as a conversation. We design it together. By the time the project is finished, most clients aren’t just customers anymore—they’re friends.
That’s the difference between a tattoo and Irezumi.
I’ve been fortunate to appear in Meeting the Masters, the final Horiyoshi III publication, and to tattoo musicians, actors, athletes, and entertainers including Robert Downey Jr., members of The Stray Cats, The Black Crowes, Mötley Crüe, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Train, Social Distortion, Sugarland, and models from Playboy UK, Playboy Greece, and Playboy USA.
Photo by: Robert Maplethorpe (1984)
But celebrity tattoos aren’t what I’m most proud of.
I’m proud of the hundreds of ordinary people who now walk into any room carrying themselves differently, because of the work we’ve created together.
My goal isn’t simply to give you a beautiful tattoo.
My goal is for you to “own the room” when you walk in.
Joe Vegas with Robert Downey Jr.
If you’ve seen artists working in Japanese tattooing around Atlanta, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the influence of my work. I’ve spent decades helping shape the style here, mentoring artists who have gone on to successful careers while continuing to push my own work forward every single day.
Whether we’re creating your first sleeve or planning a full bodysuit together, you’re not buying flash off the wall.
You’re investing in something you’ll be proud to wear for the rest of your life.
Special thanks to my sponsors for believing in what I do:
Lululemon • Hatchback Irons • Solid Ink • CA Rotaries
Joe Vegas is a committed Health-Nut; Surfer, Scuba-Diver, Martial-Artist, Motorcyclist, and Yoga Practitioner who finds Zen by keeping vintage Harley-Davidsons running.
For questions or availability – JoeVegas@ThunderboltTattoo.com / 404-254-5580
Joe & Horiyoshi III, Master Tattoo Artist of Irezumi (Horimono)