No Surrender Studios - Becoming Art

Wise Owl

2011-02-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

It's not often you see a black and grey tattoo come from Zack Ross. This is the first he has done in quite a while, and if you ask me, he should keep 'em coming.

The Red Queen's Race

2011-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you are running as fast as you can just to keep up with those around you? You, my friends, are running the Red Queen's Race.

An excerpt from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass:

"Well, in our country," said Alice, still panting a little, "you'd generally get to somewhere else -- if you run very fast for a long time, as we've been doing."
"A slow sort of country!" said the Queen. "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"

by Zack Ross

Second Place Large Color

2011-02-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Zack Ross for winning 2nd Place in Large Color for Erin's Audrey Kawasaki piece at the Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo! Hell yeah!

New Project

2011-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Zack Ross started this fancy, monocle wearin' lady during his stay in Houston on tattooer Russ Bagwell of Texas Body Art. Nice stems Russ.

Russ Abbott Tattoos Zack Ross

2011-01-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

During the 2011 Star Of Texas Tattoo Art Revival, Zack got his second foot tatty by Russ Abbott of Ink and Dagger. Classy pig and rooster don't ya think?

What's New?

2011-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

So we made it through the slow season on top and we're ready to keep the ball rollin'. Zack Ross has been spending some time tattooing at Johnny Jackson's shop, Texas Body Art, in Houston, TX making some new clients and spreadin' the No Surrender love. Check out the new work from Mr. Ross!

Audrey Kawasaki Inspires One Of Zack's Best

2010-12-31T19:25:00.000-08:00

Erin DeWitt came to Zack with a painting by one of her favorite artists, Audrey Kawasaki, and gave him creative freedom to do what he wanted with her tattoo. Just goes to to show you a great reference makes for a great tattoo. With the combination of great skin, a tough ass chick, and three long sessions with one more to go has easily made Erin's tattoo one of Zack's best pieces to date. Stay tuned for the final product which should be posted before January is over...

Great Job!

2010-12-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

Alex Gardner has been doing some really awesome tattoos lately! Check out some of his new work below.

A before shot of the cover up. Tribal is never a good idea.

Now you want to make an appointment with Alex, right? 512.396.8288.

Poodle!

2010-12-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

Zack Ross started this poodle on Stephanie a while ago at the Texas Tattoo Roundup convention and recently got the opportunity to finish it.

Tye Harris at No Surrender

2010-12-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

Tye Harris has been doing some traveling and guest spotting at different tattoo shops around Texas. Today he joined us at No Surrender to do a rad portrait.

Check out some of Tye's recent work below.

'tis the season

2010-12-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Spiked eggnog, ugly sweaters, and the dreaded holiday shopping. But you're in luck! Be the one to give your friends the most unique, exciting present; the gift of ink. Stop by our Hopkins location today to pick up a No Surrender Studios Gift Certificate.

Alex Takes Tattoo of the Day

2010-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Alex Gardner for winning Slingin' Ink Magazine's Tattoo of the Day! Alex did this cover up on Adam Burdine while Adam was guesting at No Surrender. Check out Slingin' Ink's Facebook for other tattoos of the day!

Half Goat, Half Rabbit, 100% Brutal!

2010-12-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

The goatalope by Zack Ross. Done in a single 7 hour session. Needs one more to clean it up.

Devil's Hand and Tiger Bat

2010-11-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

Work in progress foot piece by Zack Ross. Devil's hand dragging him down to hell is the idea behind this one.

Update on the work in progress tiger bat by Zack Ross. This is after the third session.

Horse and Buggy

2010-11-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

So Timmy B. was back in Texas to pick up his car that was wrecked the first time he came to Texas. During his visit he did this awesome horse tatty on Billy's neck. Took a whoppin' 6 hours and still needs a background.

If this horse could talk it would say "Uh buh".

Billy did this lil tattoo on Timmy's leg in return. Fair trade, right? Hah.

Sweetz & Bugz

2010-11-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Better pictures of Courtney's sweets and bugs tattoo by Zack Ross, Timmy B., and Billy Weigler.

2010-11-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

"Every act of rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being." -Albert Camus

By Zack Ross

Let Me See Your Peacock!

2010-11-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Carly's peacock by Evan Lovett. Evan will be guest spotting at Art Machine Productions in Philadelphia, PA November 20-23 and is now taking appointments! E-mail classictouchtattoo@gmail.com

This and That

2010-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

A No Surrender medley:

A work in progress zipper snapper by Brandon Lantz.

Lovely leaves by Mr. Alex Gardner.

Medicine wheel by Brandon Lantz.

An adorable dinosaur by Zack Ross.

One more from B. Lantz. Thunderwood.

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

2010-11-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Okay this post has nothing to do with Guy Fawkes, but take a look anyway! Here are a few more pieces Timmy B. did while he was guest spotting at No Surrender Studios.

This owl is done on Brian Harris, a tattoo artist from Misawa, Japan. He flew into Houston for the U.S. Tattoo Masters Competition, but since that convention was postponed until 2011, Brain took a road trip around Texas stopping at tattoo shops along the way.

Shel Silverstein cartoon on Miss Stephney.

Scholarly owl on Ben.

This piece is a collaboration between Timmy B., Zack Ross, and Billy Weigler. Sweets and bugs. A little bit left to go on this one.

Brand Spankin'

2010-11-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

New tattoos from Brandon Lantz!

[click photos to enlarge]

Boxing Cherubs for his two little boys.

Flying cross.

Tare panda tattoo covering up an unwanted birthmark.

And for shits and giggles, Mr. Ross and Billy Weigler showin' the camera some love.

Timmy B. Tattoos Zack Ross

2010-11-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Timmy B. tattooed Zack's head (ouch) during his guest spot at No Surrender Studios. The piece is of a tattoo machine near and dear to Zack's heart (and head!) with a snake wrapped around it. Timmy killed it in one long, late night session. Check out the video!

Slingin' Ink

2010-10-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

Jesse Alvarado of Slingin' Ink Magazine stopped by the LBJ shop today. He is traveling around Texas to personally meet tattoo artists and shop owners. Their first issue launched in Novebmer of 2009 and they have continued to promote local tattoos and art since. Support Slingin' Ink and check out their website and facebook!

Medusa and Heart and Praying Mantis, Oh My!

2010-10-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

The shop has been stayin' busy and don't forget Timmy B will be guest spotting at No Surrender soon so if you haven't made your appointment yet, get on it! E-mail timmynitemare@yahoo.com

Below are some pieces from Zack Ross.

[click photos to enlarge]

Corey Good (aka @CoreyTexas), former drummer of Modern Day Escape, and his medusa torso piece. Still a work in progress. Check out Corey's clothing line http://hyebyeclothing.com/!

The lovely Tabby's chest piece Zack did a while back but we're just getting some good pictures.

Jay's praying mantis taking a blood bath.

Billy Rose Strikes Again!

2010-10-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

A couple new pieces from Billy Weigler. Billy's art has definitely progressed since his apprenticing years at No Surrender and I'd say these tattoos really showcase his talent.

[click photos to enlarge]

Who Says?

2010-10-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

These are some new pieces from Brandon Lantz. Also! We've hit 1,000 followers on Facebook! We are excited, and if you haven't checked it out yet go HERE.

See title.

Beast mode, ha.

Bombs away!

The stink fist of fury.

In The Works

2010-10-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple large tattoos Zack Ross recently outlined. You can expect to see lots of updates on these two!

Fu Dog sleeve.

This ones a tiger bat and coffin torso piece with some roses and filigree.

Also, check us out in this months issue of Weird Magazine!

Magazine photos by Deleigh Hermes! Thanks girl!

Hannah's Fairy Update

2010-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

These are healed pictures of Hannah's fairy by Zack Ross. Still a bit more to go on this one.

Brandon Lantz Trio

2010-10-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

The best things come in threes, right? Brandon has been hoarding his tattoo photos, but finally posted these new ones!

Danielle's fish; a refreshing twist to the day of the dead themed tattoos.

Brandon's infamous script skills.

A memorial tattoo.

Timmy B Comes to Texas

2010-09-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

No Surrender Studios is excited to have Timmy B of Cherry Bomb Tattoos (in New Port Richey, Florida) guest spotting at our shop October 26-29. If you'd like to make an appointment with him, shoot him an e-mail at timmynitemare@yahoo.com. To see more of Timmy B's work, visit his website www.NiteOwlTattoo.com.

More of Timmy B's work below!

Tattoos and Art by Mr. Lovett

2010-09-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Evan did this moth while at the Texas Tattoo Round Up in Dallas, TX.

New stomach piece on Jess.

The following two pics are scratch board art.

More Texas Tattoo Round Up

2010-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from the Texas Tattoo Round up in Dallas.

Zack working on Dustin's black and grey owl.

Zack working on a music note.

Hector Cedillo and his pouch.

Timmy B. and Jenni, won tattoo of the day on Saturday with that little number. He will be guest spotting at No Surrender in late October!

Randy Prause and the portrait he did of himself on a friend.

Billy and Bailey

Texas Tattoo Round Up

2010-09-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

The 12th Annual Texas Tattoo Round Up sponsored by the Eternal crew was a success. Good times with great people. We'll post more pictures from the convention, but in the mean time here are a few pieces that Zack Ross worked on while in Dallas.

Fun little music note.

The following three are part of Dave's in progress harpy sleeve.

More b&g work on Dustin's owl.

Check back for more convention pics!

Flower Rib Piece by Evan Lovett

2010-09-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Both Evan Lovett and Zack Ross will be working the 12th Annual Texas Tattoo Round Up Convention in Dallas, TX September 17-19. Below is new piece from Evan.

Bad Girls of Disney Video

2010-09-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

We have shown some progression of this Disney villainess sleeve on our blog before, but Zack Ross just finished a session and we thought it was worth updating. It will be a few more sessions before Shannon's sleeve is finished though.

Permanent Cosmetics by Jay Greenberg

2010-09-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

No Surrender now offers Permanent Cosmetics including permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, and full lips by Jay Greenberg. Jay is both licensed and certified. She is working at our Hopkins location so giver her a call at (512) 396-8288 with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

Eyebrows

Eyeliner

Eyebrows and Liner

Eyeliner

Full Lip

Tattoo Education with Guy Aitchison

2010-09-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, we're a little behind on finding this, but below is a funny commercial advertising TattooEducation.com. This site was created by Guy Aitchison and is meant to educate tattoo professionals and keep them informed of relevant tattoo related material. Check it out.

(via TattooEducation.com)

Half-Sleeve and Rib Piece by Zack Ross

2010-09-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

Erin's tattoo is almost complete, just needs one more session to finish up some details.

This rib piece is a collaboration Zack Ross did with Ben Corn of Big Bear, CA. You can check out more of Ben's work HERE.

Brandon Lantz Reppin'

2010-09-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Piercings by Kasey Burnham

2010-09-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Throat anchor!

(photo taken right after the piercing was done)

The top of her navel was pierced before but was too shallow, so Kasey re-pierced the top and added the bottom piercing.

Kasey works at our E. Hopkins location. Stop by or call (512) 396-8288 to make an appointment!

Olivia Zephyr Sanders

2010-09-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

No Surrender Studios is proud to introduce our newest member to the family, Miss Olivia Zephyr Sanders. She is working at our S. LBJ location; call (512) 754-9341 to make an appointment! In the mean time check out her work:

(cover up)

Brandon's Torso

2010-08-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Below is a short video of Zack Ross tattooing his apprentice Brandon's manly torso piece.

Sugar Land

2010-08-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

A two session tattoo by Zack Ross

Roadrunner Robert

2010-08-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

The epic roadrunner fighting a snake pit-to-knee tattoo (by Zack Ross) continues. I've lost count what session what we are on, but it's really coming together. This size tattoo is difficult to photograph, but once it's finished we'll post some good ones.

First Annual Billy Week

2010-08-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Healed Elbow Rose

2010-08-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Healed shot of the elbow rose by Billy Weigler aka Billy Rose.

Scar Cover Up

2010-08-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

by Evan Lovett

Final Product

Pocket Watch

2010-08-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

by Evan Lovett

Mother & Daughter Tattoos

2010-08-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

by Zack Ross

WIP Torso Piece

2010-08-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

by Evan Lovett

Audrey Kawasaki Inspired Tattoo

2010-08-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Erin's Audrey Kawasaki Inspired Tattoo by Zack Ross

Tiny Tats

2010-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

by Billy Weigler

Horse by Evan Lovett

2010-08-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Healed Picture

Mr. Bubba Ward

2010-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

After one session:

After second session:

Kiss from a Rose

2010-08-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

By Brandon Lantz

Electric Love

2010-07-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

By Brandon Lantz

State of Being

2010-07-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Texas by Brandon Lantz

Would You Light My Candle?

2010-07-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

WIP by Zack Ross!

Erin's Yellow Brick Road Half-Sleeve

2010-07-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Boar Foot Piece by Zack Ross

2010-07-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Zack Ross did this foot piece while in Dallas at his friend Billyjack's, shop Artistic Encounter.

Leap of Faith Tattoo

2010-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Leap of faith tattoo by Zack Ross. Tyler told Zack a story that he was inspired by and from that story Zack created this imagery. In progress, after two sessions.

Harpy Sleeve

2010-07-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Update of Dave's harpy sleeve by Zack Ross

SAVE THE TATAS!

2010-07-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Save The Tatas tattoo by Brandon Lantz!

Elbow Rose

2010-07-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

by Billy Weigler!

The South

2010-07-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

By Brandon Lantz: "The Lettering and the Texas were there by themselves originally. I re-outlined them, Texas and put the beginning of a burst behind the state. This guys arms are pretty big and the pistols are almost life size."

Lady Liberty and Merlion Update

2010-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

A completed Lady Liberty by Zack Ross.

An update on the Merlion, also by Zack Ross.

Biomechanical Leg Sleeve

2010-07-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Rodney's biomechanical foot piece by Zack Ross. The beginning of a leg sleeve.

July 4th

2010-07-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Alex Gardner - A No Surrender Addition

2010-07-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Alex recently joined the No Surrender team and is now working at our Hopkins location. To schedule an appointment with him call 512.396.8288!

TOE TATZ!

2010-07-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

By Mr. Billy Weigler

Sacred Geometry

2010-06-30T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sacred Geometry 2, originally uploaded by brigadoon317.

A sacred geometry piece infused with the all seeing eye by Brandon Lantz.

$25 off!

2010-06-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

$25 off!, originally uploaded by nosurrenderstudios.

Cherry Blossom

2010-06-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Collaboration between Zack Ross and Evan Lovett

Piercing Special at No Surrender!

2010-06-27T16:30:00.001-07:00

Piercing Flyer, originally uploaded by nosurrenderstudios.

Birdman

2010-06-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Evan Lovett has been dubbed the birdman because he is always tattooing birds.

Tool and Scripture

2010-06-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

By Brandon Lantz

Brandon talks to his client after getting tattooed at No Surrender Studios.

Western Sleeve

2010-06-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

In progress shot after the second session.

Zack Ross explains Travis' western sleeve after the first session.

Red Right Hand & Crown

2010-06-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

By Brandon Lantz

"What if the breath that kindl'd those grim fires
Awak'd should blow them into sevenfold rage
And plunge us in the Flames? or from above
Should intermitted vengeance Arme again
His red right hand to plague us? what if all
Her stores were op'n'd, and this Firmament
Of Hell should spout her Cataracts of Fire,
Impendent horrors, threatning hideous fall
One day upon our heads?"

-Milton

Billyjack and Stephanie

2010-06-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Billyjack and his wife Stephanie of Artistic Encounter Tattoo in Dallas, TX came to San Marcos to get tattooed by Zack Ross. Stephanie's adorable owl cover-up on her leg is a collaboration between Zack and Billyjack. Billyjack is getting a full torso cover-up. Check out Billyjack's Shop at http://www.aetattoo.com/

This is a couple days after the first session. Not quite finished.

Below is Zack's commentary on Billyjack and Stephanie's tattoos.

Slappin' Da Bass

2010-06-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Brandon Lantz: This was a fun little tattoo on a really cool client. He is a guitar player for the army and while on his short leave from a tour in Iraq he decided to get married, jump out of a plane and get some Rush album art tattooed on his arm. Seize the day my friends! Of course we made "I Love You Man" jokes and in this picture he is in fact "Slappin' the bass, man."

Tattoos by Scott Spencer

2010-06-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

No Surrender Family Photo

2010-06-11T21:21:00.001-07:00

Back Row: Billy, Lawry
Second Row: Tyson, Kasey, Tye, Scott, Bubba
Third Row: Brandon, Evan, Jenni
Forth Row: Zack

Brandon LANTZ [get it right!]

2010-06-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Brandon- "Fraternity symbol on a dude's bicep. This tattoo was a workout but it came out great. I look at it and I can't help but think of Will Ferrell. "AHHHH AH! I AM A STRONG MAN! I DRIVE A DODGE STRATUS!" Wow. I hope somebody else knows what I'm talking about..."

Unicorns. Never. Die

Merlion

2010-06-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

After living in Singapore for 10 years, Mike wanted to get a tattoo of the symbolic statue of a Merlion. This is the sharpie drawing of Mike's sleeve that Zack designed.

After the first session Zack completed the outline and even did some color.

In this video Zack explains the first session of Mike's Merlion sleeve.

Trinity Symbol

2010-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Billy did this Led Zeppelin trinity symbol and feather tattoo.

Great Job!

2010-06-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Billy Weigler is not being neglected on the No Surrender blog, it's just like pulling teeth to get this guy to take a picture of his client and their tattoo! So here it is readers, Billy's big debut.

The Massive Tattoo Continued

2010-06-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Robert is back for a 3rd session on his pit-to-the-knee roadrunner fighting a snake tattoo.

AHHHHH

2010-06-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of Janet Leigh from "Psycho" on the side of Jenni's calf done by Tye Harris. Took about 7 hours to complete. Tye was pretty amazing with this one. At the end of this month he will be leaving to do some traveling, so if you want a portrait make an appointment fast! Call the shop at 512-396-8288!

Flamin' Owl

2010-06-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

This owl surrounded by flames has taken Zack a total of 18 hours and it's still incomplete. He recently added the tree and moon above the owl. The tattoo wraps underneath the arm where a rat is holding its tail scared for its life.

Oo la la

2010-06-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Little tattoos done today by Brandon at No Surrender Studios San Marcos, TX. In this picture we have a "Psalms 13:2" and a rustic, wrought iron James Avery-esque' heart. Thank you ladies and keep on keepin' San Marcos classy.

Black and Grey Portraits

2010-05-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

New additions to Tye's portrait portfolio

Tattoos by Evan Lovett

2010-05-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

New tattoos from Bubba!

2010-05-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Done at Southside Tattoo in Austin

Done at the Tattoos By The Bay Convention in Corpus Christi

Collaboration Tattoo

2010-05-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Footage of Zack and Timmy B working on Bailey's collaboration tattoo. This won Tattoo of the Day and Best in Show at the Tattoos by the Bay Convention.

Final Product

Setting the stencil

Awards

2010-05-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

While at the convention, the shop walked away with many awards! Zack won 1st in Best Traditional, 2nd in Small Color, 2nd in Large Color and 2nd in Best Sternum. He also won 1st in Tattoo of the Day and 1st in Best Artist of the Show on a collaboration piece with Timmy B!

Tattoos By The Bay Convention

2010-05-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

The No Surrender Studios artists went to the Tattoos By The Bay Convention in Corpus Christi over the weekend.

Zack and Jorge's booth.

Tye and Bubba's booth.

Lexi getting a collaboration tattoo by Timmy B and AJ. Won Tattoo Of The Day!

Zack working on Raquel's backpiece.

Kennith, a No Surrender guest artist, working on some tribal. He works at Heritage Tattoo in Murrieta, California.

Menso

2010-05-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Two of Zack's friends flew in to San Marcos from California to join the No Surrender team at the Tattoo By The Bay Convention in Corpus Christi. While he was in town, Menso created this graffiti banner in front of the Hopkins shop for customers and traffic to watch.

Cosmic Sunflower

2010-05-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

This guy is a painter and brought in one of his sketches of a strange looking flower. Brandon really, really liked the concept and asked him if he could play with it, and this is what Brandon came up with- a cosmic sunflower. The two decided that this is how stars are born. They plan to add other strange plants to his leg later.

Military Michael

2010-05-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

While Michael was taking a little vacation from the military, he got this German, Irish and Russian inspired sleeve. This is the first session and will require one more to perfect it. Zack worked for 11 hours on this piece while Michael sat like a champ.

Greek Mythology

2010-05-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Alex is getting a greek mythology inspired sleeve by Zack. He made his appointment two months before he turned 18 and drove to San Marcos from Houston on his birthday. His full sleeve will include Poseidon, Zeus and Hades.