Tattoos for Those Who Wander ~ By 20+ Year Artist Stephen Carballo
About Stephen Carballo
Venice Beach Tattoo Artist — Traveling Fine Line Work from LA to Anywhere Adventures Happen
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.
Now based out of Venice, CA, Stephen tattoos by appointment only at his private studio off Abbot Kinney Blvd. This quiet, focused space is where flash meets custom, and clients come away with minimalist tattoos that last.
LIFESTYLE VIBES ~ TATTOOS FROM A FELLOW WANDERER
Meet Stephen Carballo
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.
Why Clients Choose Stephen for Fine Line & Micro-Realism in Venice Beach, CA
A calm, collaborative proces
Every session is one-on-one and designed to be relaxed and personal. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, you’ll feel taken care of from first message to final wrap.
Precision & softness
Years of experience have honed Stephen’s touch. Clients often describe the tattooing process as surprisingly painless and the healed work as ultra-clean.
Creative depth
A lifelong artist and wanderer, Stephen’s tattoos are shaped by travel, craftsmanship, and narrative meaning. You’ll leave with more than just a design you’ll carry a piece of your story.
Fine Line Tattoos for Those Who Wander
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!
Latest Work from My Portfolio
Fine Line & Micro-Realism Samples
Swipe through a living journal of subtle statements: from single‑needle memorial tattoos to micro pet portraits to miniature scenes of celebrating the open wild.
Adventure's calling. Let’s map out the dainty tattoo that belongs to you.
How Booking Works
Stephen books sessions in 2-hour blocks. A typical piece takes 10–60 minutes, and the extra time ensures a no-rush experience. Here’s what to do:
Fill out the form on the booking page or DM on Instagram.
Fill out the form on the booking page or DM on Instagram.
Include your idea, size, placement, and any inspiration.
A deposit secures your time, and Stephen responds quickly with options.
📍 Appointments available Tuesday through Saturday when in Venice. ✈️ Stephen also tattoos in cities like Durango, Austin, and Denver. Dates announced in advance.
Wondering what to expect?
Straight Answers Before You Book
Fine‑line ink should never come with fine‑print confusion. Below are the questions I hear most from Venice locals, cross‑country wanderers, and first‑time collectors answered in plain English so you can lock in your date with total confidence.
What kinds of tattoos do you offer? Can I bring an idea, pick from flash, or request something custom?
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.
How do sessions work? Will I see the design before? How long does it take?
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!
When are you available? How far ahead should I book?
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.
What does it cost? Do I need to leave a deposit? How do I book?
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
Here's What My Clients Say
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.
Minimal Tattoos with Maximum Meaning
Schedule a one-on-one session with LA artist Stephen Carballo — minimalist tattoos that feel timeless.
Locate Me In Venice, CA 90291
LA Roots, Global Reach
You'll find me at 2324 Abbot Kinney Blvd (by appointment only please to keep things relaxed for other clients). The Los Angeles River Tattoo sits at the crossroads of surf culture and art history: just a quick bike ride from the Ocean Front Walk and the Venice Boardwalk and short drive from Santa Monica Pier.
Whether you’re local or landing at LAX, schedule your appointment or text me for same-day availability with a humble and respectful artist who has tattooed across the world and collaborated with brands like Vans and Sea Shepherd.
Catch me while I'm in town! I tattoo on the road more about half the year.
From Sketch To Skin, Your Story Deserves The Sharpest Line
Small Tattoos with a Big Impact
You’ve scrolled the proof, met the process, and felt the vibe. The next move is simple: pick a date, bring your idea, and watch it settle on your skin like it always belonged.
Schedule a one-on-one session with LA artist Stephen Carballo for a minimalist tattoo that feels timeless.
The Los Angeles River ~ Tattoos by Stephen Carballo
Fine Line & Micro-Realism Tattoos for Those Who Wander
Text me: (424) 317-8652
© 2025 LA River Creative Space LLC - All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Terms