Meet Vince Villalvazo | Tattoo Artist and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vince Villalvazo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vince, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always dreamed of starting my own tattoo business and spent time thinking about potential names, even when it felt like a distant goal. However, I had a clear vision of where to begin—perfecting my craft. I knew that delivering high-quality work was essential to attracting clients and building a loyal customer base.

While working in other tattoo shops, I noticed areas that could be improved, like customer service, the quality of artwork, and cleanliness.
My goal became clear: to create a studio that not only offered a top-tier experience for clients but also provided a great environment for the artists working there.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love creating original tattoo art, and my clients have really embraced the unique approach I bring to each piece. I prefer illustrating their ideas rather than replicating existing tattoos or designs. In an industry that can feel crowded, I’ve found that what sets me apart is my focus on competing with myself—striving to always improve—rather than chasing trends or worrying about what others are doing. My clients value authenticity and a commitment to long-term quality, not just something done quickly.

As a single father and a Latino business owner, I’m incredibly grateful to have a job that allows me to connect with people through my art and become part of their journey. For many, getting a tattoo has been a deeply cathartic experience during pivotal life moments. Along the way, I’ve built meaningful relationships with clients who I now consider friends, sharing life stories and learning from one another. Thanks to their ongoing support, I’ve been able to create jobs for others and contribute to our local community.

Despite facing personal and business challenges, I’ve persevered and successfully rebuilt my business after a major life event two years ago. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that running a business is like managing a delicate ecosystem. If I could do it over, I’d prioritize strong operating agreements to ensure genuine partnerships. Trusting the wrong people almost cost me everything, as there were forces that tried to damage my reputation and destroy my business. However, Mystic Owl Tattoo has proven to be as resilient as I am. Today, we have an incredible team and offer one of the best customer experiences in tattooing. We specialize in a variety of styles, including fine line, new school, illustrative, Japanese, realism, color, black and grey, Polynesian, anime, and traditional tattoos. While we may not be the cheapest, we provide great value for our clients’ money.

The energy in our studio is vibrant and welcoming, making it one of the most comfortable and safe spaces for tattoos in Georgia. Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re an experienced collector, we’ve designed our studio to make everyone feel at ease. We’re proud to offer a warm, inclusive environment where clients can feel relaxed, confident, and assured they’re receiving top-quality work from professionals. Our goal is for each client to leave with not only beautiful art but also a positive, memorable experience.

For the past 13 years, we’ve celebrated our anniversary by organizing fundraisers to support individuals in need and various charitable causes, such as The Share House, which helps battered women and children. We’ve also raised money for those struggling with medical bills and recently for the victims of the Maui fires. This year, we’re holding our anniversary celebration in October/November and hosting a fundraiser to support the family of Chris Johnson also known as Chris St. Curtis, a beloved tattoo artist at Mystic Owl who passed away earlier this year. We’ll be offering $50 flash designs, with all proceeds going to Chris’s family, full details for the event along with the precise date will be posted very soon on our website mysticowltattoo.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take my friends to a Braves game and check out some of the nearby restaurants. We’d definitely hit up The Vortex in Atlanta, and I love supporting our local Marietta businesses, like Base Camp, Marietta Diner, La Suprema Bakery, and Thaicoon. Can you tell I love food?

Depending on the time of year, I’d also take them to Chalktoberfest at the Marietta Square, and perhaps a concert at the Tabernacle in Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Looking back, I realize how many people supported me along the way, often in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. My mom, for example, would make photocopies of my flyers at work when I was 16 so I could pass them out to promote my tattoo business. Thirty years ago in Mexico, tattooing wasn’t widely accepted, and there were no licenses or formal ways to learn, like apprenticeships. Growing up, tattoos were viewed very negatively, but I was fascinated by the art. At a young age, I started tattooing friends and family, trying to figure it out using the only resources I had—American tattoo magazines. I made my own pigments, needles, and tattoo machines, and even then, I dreamed of one day owning my own shop.

I now realize how much the people around me shaped my journey. From childhood friends who let me practice on them, to the incredible mentors I had during my formal apprenticeship, I am deeply grateful. I especially want to thank my mentors, John Madigan, who is sadly no longer with us, and Mark Madigan. They had a profound impact on my life and were instrumental in igniting my passion and pushing me to pursue a career in tattooing.

Website: https://www.mysticowltattoo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticowltattoo/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MysticOwlTattoo

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mystic-owl-tattoo-marietta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MysticOwlTattoo

Image Credits
All photo of tattoos taken by Vince Villalvazo, candid shots taken by Chris St. Curtis, and Jessi Weaver.