“I’ve tattooed plenty of nipples,” says Deanna James, owner of Eden Body Art Studios and star of Ink Master on Paramount+. The award-winning tattoo artist is referring to the areolas of the Baroque nudes that have become her signature, but those aren’t the only ones she is tattooing. For the last two years, she has utilized her distinctive style to tattoo nipples on clients who have undergone mastectomies. “It changes people’s lives,” she says. “It’s been awesome.”
The Booker T. Washington-trained artist, who opened her studio in an empty storefront near T Bar M Racquet Club, refuses to charge reconstruction clients for the 45-minute sessions. Averaging one pair per week, the in-demand James keeps her bookings for these particular tattoos open at all times. Clients requesting one of these appointments can expect to be seated in her chair in about six weeks.
It wasn’t until a breast cancer survivor stumbled into her shop in 2017 and requested help that James realized she could use her artistic talents to change lives at a much larger scale. This first appointment, with an overwhelmed client, opened her eyes to the setbacks of medical reconstruction. “She had nipples that a doctor had done,” James says. “This is another reason why I do them, because doctors are not artists.”
Tattooers are often able to permanently fix botched surgical reconstructions, which can come out misshapen or discolored and distort over time. James first evaluates the breast tissue and what she has to work with, and then she gives the client some options. “The cool part of this is, you can have whatever kind of nipples you want,” James says. “If you didn’t love them before surgery, you can say I want them smaller this time, or larger or darker or lighter or more pink or heart-shaped.”
Since perfecting her technique, James has begun offering seminars teaching fellow tattoo artists how to do the same, under one condition: they must also provide the service free of charge. So far, James has taught more than 50 artists in Dallas and New York City.
James’s canvas isn’t limited to the breast. She also tattoos near perfect re-creations of priceless pieces by Roberto Ferri, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Recently she’s been exploring the depths of her own artistic abilities by trying her hand at original pieces. “Finding that thing that no one has done yet, something that can make me unique, is something I’ve been chasing for forever,” she says. “I’m always trying to find something new.”
James was propelled into tattoo superstardom after winning on Ink Master: Angels and appearing on several subsequent seasons of Ink Master. Now her clients travel the country for the dramatic vignettes that only she can create. To her knowledge, she is the only artist in the world creating large, photorealistic Baroque tattoos. For clients wanting one of her famed pieces, her books open for a single hour every three months.
While James is grateful to have found success in her niche, she says she’ll continue to make time in her busy schedule to tattoo free nipples. “It’s important because otherwise I don’t feel as fulfilled,” she says. “If I’m just doing tattoos for myself and for money, it’s awesome. But the most fulfilling moments are when I get to work with these people, and everyone’s crying, and everyone’s so happy.”
Find Your Next Tattoo Studio
Today, some tattoo studios are adorned with spotless marble floors, photo-op walls, and even full-time photographers. If you’re going to be in pain for prolonged periods of time, you might as well do it in style. Here are some of Dallas’ top tattoo studios for your next ink. —Reagan Mathews
Mother’s House
2512 Oak Lawn Ave. | 972-209-8333
After two years of searching for a location, owner and tattoo artist Brieana Jones landed on restoring a 1920s Oak Lawn house. So stepping in the door of Mother’s House is like stepping into an episode of That ’70s Show, only with a coffee and mocktail lounge in the kitchen. Keep an eye on their Instagram for occasional walk-in Wednesdays and “Tarot and Tattoo” workshops.
Third Eye Gallery
2025 E. Levee St., Ste. 6703 | 972-707-7064
Freddie Trevino opened the Design District’s first tattoo studio in 2016, after realizing his celebrity clients needed a private space for appointments. With dark gray walls, red velvet curtains, and antique furniture, the vibe is what customers call “Texas gothic.” The eight award-winning artists manage their books independently and set their own rates. Check out Trevino’s art in the gallery at the back before you leave.
Eden Body Art Studios
13360 Preston Rd. | 972-803-5828
It was the middle of the pandemic when Ink Master star Deanna James and her husband, Colton, set out to redefine “tattoo parlor.” James started with an empty storefront beside T Bar M Racquet Club and filled it with floor-to-ceiling windows and greenery walls. It might be hard to squeeze in an appointment for piercings or body art from the 10 friendly artists who throw compliments around like confetti, but keep an eye on their Instagram for flash sales.
This story originally appeared in the October issue of D Magazine with the headline, “The Body Artist.” Write to [email protected].
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