Bold Traditional
TYSON
Tyson, founder of 18B Tattoo, grew up in San Diego and started his art career early—working as a caricature artist at local theme parks from age 16 through 24. That fast-paced background sharpened the skills that still define his tattooing today: speed with control, accurate drawing, and an instinct for reading people and translating ideas into clean visuals.
After studying illustration in art school, Tyson moved to Las Vegas with a plan to stay for two years and focus on tattooing. Sixteen years later, he’s still here—tattooing full-time in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District.
Tyson’s work is rooted in illustrative tattooing, with a strong emphasis on illustrative blackwork. He also takes on a wide range of styles, including black and grey, watercolor, blackwork, and fine line. No matter the direction, he approaches each tattoo like an illustrator: prioritizing composition, clarity, and long-term wear.
Outside the studio, Tyson is a husband and dad to two daughters. His wife works in design, so creativity is a constant in their household. Their dog, Mowgli, is the family mascot—and with two increasingly busy kids, Tyson stays on his feet even when he’s not tattooing.
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