NEWS — Star Wars

Mr. Chad James, @chadjame5, is what one might describe as the atypical tattoo guy. With a passion for sports that involve inflated balls and those with stitches, Chad always looks like he’s on his way to the ball park. It’s not just the way he looks, it’s that this guy is the ultimate sports fan!

Chad and his wife, Josielyn, have a son named Brooklyn (as in Dodgers) who is on his way to becoming a college basketball star! Mr. James’ entire summer is dedicated to shuttling Brooklyn around to basketball tournaments all over the west in hopes of getting a scholarship. We wish him the best of luck. Surely all that hard work will pay off.

Like all of the artists here at Studio 21 Tattoo, Chad recognized his interest in art at an early age. In the fourth grade he won a Lake Erie art contest back in Columbus, Ohio. That gave him the confidence to continue drawing and painting.

Much of Chad’s art was influenced by eighties Saturday morning cartoons. He loved watching Johnny Quest, Thunder the Barbarian and Scooby Doo. At some point he became fascinated with drawing his shoes. He illustrated his shoes like a mad man! Must have been great training because this dude can really draw.

Like many artistic eighties youth, Chad became enamored with graffiti art. In high school he specialized in sports related graffiti. He was so inspired he decided to pursue a career in the arts. Chad attended Columbus College of the Arts in the early nineties where he aspired to have a career with Disney or Pixar.

Eighteen years ago Mr. James decided to take up a career in tattooing. He tattooed in Ohio before relocating to Las Vegas. After a few years of working in a shop on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip he was offered the opportunity to join the team here at Studio 21. We’re all glad he did! His irresistible personality and good looks make him a perfect fit! 

A versatile tattooer always stays busy in Las Vegas if he is willing to work hard at it. Chad says “I like to work” which is another reason we believe he’s found the right environment here. His “New School” art style is apparent in the numerous paintings he has on display here in the studio. But wait, there’s more! Chad can proficiently execute traditional style, portraits (black/grey and color) and pretty much anything you bring him. A well rounded, hard working artist is what you will find in Chad James. A no bullshit, get ‘er done kinda guy. That’s our man Chad.

To view more of Chad’s artwork visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/rocket5art/

To check out Chad’s tattoo portfolio https://studio21tattoo.com/artists/chad-james-tattoos/

Charlie Spencer

Co-Owner/Tattoo Artist

Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, Inc.

J Wood, commonly known as Swarm, a long time resident tattoo artist with Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery in Las Vegas, NV. For those who have frequented our studio, you know the extent of his passion for Star Wars, the film series based on the adventures of various characters in a galaxy long ago and so far away, as we all know. His love of Star Wars passion is reflected in his everyday lifestyle, whether in his traditional style of tattooing Darth Vader and other similarly themed characters or his meticulously smooth tattoo style watercolor artwork.

Swarm has recently expanded his interest by joining the 501st Official Costuming Legion, which is a volunteer organization for the sole purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts to promote interest in Star Wars at events and contributing to local communities through charity fundraising and other volunteer work. The 501st Legion is very focused on the building and wearing of quality authentic costumes as part of their devotion to bringing fans together. Swarm not only collects action figures and memorabilia, but now participates in the 501st Legion activities by visiting hospitals, local events and even parades in full storm trooper costume. He is one of millions participating in the worldwide pop culture phenomenon of Star Wars, and loving every minute of it! The local 501st group is the “Neon City Garrison” which keeps Swarm busy with as many events as he can squeeze into his busy schedule.

Most days you can catch Swarm at Studio 21 Tattoo Wednesday-Saturday if you are interested in Star Wars themed tattoos or otherwise. You can follow him on Instagram @darthswarm. https://www.instagram.com/p/BWS2SFph51Q/

For a more comprehensive look at his tattoo portfolio visit www.studio21tattoo.com. For more information on the 501st check out their website www.501st.com to learn more about the organization. Their Instagram @official501st and the local group is @neoncitygarrison.

Event: May 22, 2011 – “Heart Wars” @ Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, Las Vegas, NV 6-10 PM- Star Wars themed art show, raffle, food trucks and Sailor Jerry Rum drinks. Throughout the night teams battled to see who could raise the most money for the American Heart Association. 100 % of money raised from art sales, raffle tickets went to the charity raising a total of $3460. Although Studio 21 Tattoo raised the most money, we turned the trophy over to the next highest fundraiser team, FUKU Burger. Many local, as well as out of state artist contributed really creative artwork of all mediums to the event. Costumed Star Wars figures were available for photos and the food trucks provided a variety of great food. The event was a big success. Their artist’s time and effort was greatly appreciated toward the cause. The evening was dedicated to a dear family friend, Holly Bayliff, who died unexpectedly at 31 yrs. of age from heart complications. This is a glimpse of some of the artwork, please visit our Studio 21 Tattoo Fan Page Photo Albums to view more of the art. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/