Tattoos for Those Who Wander ~ By 20+ Year Artist Stephen Carballo
Stephen Carballo is a fine line tattoo artist known for his light touch, clean work, and grounded presence. With 20+ years in the art world — from surfboards to murals — he now specializes in tattoos that feel like they were always meant to be there. Whether you meet him in LA or during one of his guest spots, it’s always just you, him, and the work — unrushed, intentional, and real.
Stephen is a traveling tattoo artist based in Venice, CA, known for meaningful fine line and micro realism tattoos for those who wander. With 20 years of experience, his work is subtle, detailed, and personal — always done one-on-one in a calm, private setting.
Now in Durango for a limited guest spot (June 5-6 2025) — book your session while he’s here!
I create tattoos for people who move through the world with a sense of wonder — travelers, seekers, quiet rebels. Every piece is clean, intentional, and built to last.
Booking is easy but spots are limited. Sessions are 2 hours, the process is breezy, and when we're done you’ll walk out with a tattoo with a touch of destiny—something that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Let's make magic, Durango!
Wondering what to expect?
Here’s everything you might want to know before booking. From how the design process works to what kind of tattoos I do — no stress, just straight answers.
Most of what I do is fine line, minimalist, or micro-realism — from flash designs I’ve already drawn to fully custom work created together at your appointment. I’ve done everything from tiny symbols to detailed pet portraits and subtle tributes. Whether you bring a reference or pick something that speaks to you, we’ll make it flow naturally.
Most tattoos start one of two ways — you either pick something from my deep flash library (fine line and micro-realism), or we sketch something up together. Either way, we’ll dial it in live and keep it clean. A typical piece takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, but I book 2-hour blocks so the whole process stays relaxed. Bigger idea? Multiple tattoos? We’ll just add another session!
I’m in Venice most weeks, usually tattooing Tuesday through Saturday — four sessions a day. I travel often (my son’s a professional snowboarder), so I keep the schedule flexible. Right now, it’s pretty easy to get in — but that can change fast, so the sooner you reach out, the better.
Most of my tattoos fall in the $250–$350 range. Once I know what you’re thinking, I’ll send over a quote and deposit link — simple. The form below is the best way to start. Just tell me what you’re into and I’ll take it from there.
Still have questions? Let's talk!
Client Reviews
Five‑star reviews from LA to Lisbon fuel every clean line I pull. See why adventurers, designers, and first‑timers still finding themselves alike trust me with their stories.
Every quote above is a healed piece in the wild.
Ready for a tattoo worthy of a rave review? Let's create it together.
Swipe through a living journal of subtle statements: single‑needle memorial tattoos, micro pet portrait work, and miniature scenes of celebrating the open wild, my tattoos carry their weight in whispered memories.
Adventure's calling. Let’s map out the dainty tattoo that belongs to you.
Schedule a one-on-one session with LA artist Stephen Carballo — minimalist tattoos that feel timeless.
The Los Angeles River ~ Tattoos by Stephen Carballo
Fine Line & Micro-Realism Tattoos for Those Who Wander
Text me: (424) 317-8652
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