Meet the Artist
Vegas, Senior Artist and Owner of TRU Tattoo studio
In addition to their impressive tattoo artistry, Vegas is the host of "The Teardown," a captivating tattoo podcast. On this show, Vegas engages in intimate conversations with remarkable guest tattoo artists, delving into the intricacies of the tattoo industry. "The Teardown" boldly explores often overlooked topics in the tattooing world, including Trauma-informed practice, Anti-Black racism, colorism, sobriety, apprenticeships, and more. The podcast not only sheds light on these crucial issues but also features artists who are actively challenging industry norms. Through these conversations, "The Teardown" aims to foster creativity while advocating for the creation of safer and more inclusive spaces within the tattoo community.
Meet Vegas, the visionary behind The Rose Underground and owner of TRU Tattoo Studio, a BIPOC-owned and operated space that proudly includes and honors Trans and queer individuals. With over a decade of tattooing expertise, Vegas is a sought-after expert in color tattoos, particularly on clients with melanated and dark skin. As a key figure in the Toronto tattoo community, Vegas sparks crucial conversations about colorism and anti-Black racism.
Their impact extends beyond the studio – Vegas has crafted resources, organized workshops, and facilitated education, transforming how tattoo artists approach anti-racism practices in Toronto and beyond. Beyond tattoos, Vegas is a dedicated community organizer, showcasing 11 years of experience in the social work sector, specifically addressing issues of anti-Black racism within Family policing (Child welfare).
Drawing from diverse experiences in various street shops, Vegas brings a unique set of skills to their craft. Specializing in color illustrative, American traditional, cover-ups, and fine line tattoos, they continue to push boundaries and create meaningful art.
Publications
Publications
Publications
Toronto star This Toronto tattoo shop has become a haven for diverse artists. Here's how they're taking on the industry's challenges:
Daily hive Black tattoo artists making space for themselves outside of white-dominated industry:
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/good-news-stories-canada-telus-black-tattoo-artists
BlogTO top 10 tattoo artists:
https://www.blogto.com/arts/2014/11/the_top_10_tattoo_artists_in_toronto/
Toronto Star - Artists say the tattoo industry is on the brink of ‘radical change’:
Black dollar magazine - Toronto's TRU Tattoo Studio bringing trauma-informed approach and inclusiveness to industry:
Toronto Life - “If you don’t want to wear a mask, your tattoo can wait”:
https://torontolife.com/tag/vegas-ink/
Greater Toronto- More than Skindeep :
https://tdotcommunity.ca/project/more-than-skin-deep/
VICE Canada: