Embroidery Tattoos: The Art of Ink ‘Sewn’ into Skin by CJ Ugarte at Electric Street Tattoo
Patch work Tattoo Lisa Simpson
In the vibrant heart of sunny South Florida there’s a unique art form blossoming on the skin of tattoo enthusiasts, and it’s all thanks to the brilliant work of CJ Ugarte at Electric Street Tattoo. Specializing in Patch Work, or the intricate ‘Embroidery Tattoos’, CJ has been turning heads and adorning bodies with designs that defy expectations.
Embroidery and patch tattoos are CJ Ugarte’s specialty. Request a tattoo with CJ, or walk in daily from 1pm and ask at the counter.
Mans Best Friend Patch Work Tattoo
Embroidery Tattoos: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Craft
Embroidery tattoos are a relatively new phenomenon in the tattoo world, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for their unique aesthetic that mimics the look of actual embroidered patches on the skin. This style is a testament to the versatility and creativity of modern tattoo artists, who continue to push the boundaries of their craft.
Magic Kingdom Disney Tattoo (Mickey and Minnie Mouse)
CJ Ugarte: A Maestro of the Embroidered Illusion
CJ Ugarte has been perfecting his craft since 2008, becoming well-rounded and versatile in many styles. However, it’s his focus on composition and designs made to last that sets him apart. His dedication to perfection is evident in every piece he creates, ensuring that each tattoo is not just a work of art but a lasting tribute to the individuality of his clients.
Florida Marlins Tattoo
GO MARLINS!
The Electric Street Tattoo Experience
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Electric Street Tattoo is a hub of creativity and excellence. The shop boasts a team of award-winning artists and has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking high-quality tattoos2. It’s a place where free consultations meet a safe, creative space, welcoming tattoo collectors and first-timers alike.
Embroidered Military Patch Tattoo
Why Choose Embroidery Tattoos?
Embroidery tattoos stand out for their textured, three-dimensional appearance that looks as if threads have been sewn directly onto the skin. It’s a style that combines the ancient art of embroidery with the modern art of tattooing, creating a fusion that’s both classic and contemporary3.
Scout trooper Patch Tattoo
The Process: Crafting an Embroidery Tattoo
The key to a successful embroidery tattoo lies in the artist’s understanding of light and shadow, as well as their ability to layer colors to create the desired three-dimensional effect. CJ Ugarte excels in this, using small strokes in various colors to achieve the look of embroidered patches, while keeping the design itself elegantly simple3.
Miami Hurricanes Embroidered Patch Tattoo
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Talent
CJ Ugarte’s embroidery tattoos are more than just a trend; they’re a celebration of artistry and tradition, woven together on the canvas of the skin. At Electric Street Tattoo, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, a commitment to excellence, and the chance to wear a masterpiece crafted by a true specialist in the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo collector or considering your first piece, CJ Ugarte and Electric Street Tattoo invite you to experience the beauty of embroidery tattoos, where every stitch tells a story.
Want a patch that looks sewn on? That’s CJ Ugarte’s work. Request a tattoo with him, or walk in daily from 1pm and ask at the counter. Gift cards work for his tattoos too.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
Pizza patch tattoo
Betty Boop patch tattoo
Boba Fett patch tattoo
What Is a Walk-In Tattoo? How Walk-Ins Work at Electric Street Tattoo
Walk-ins welcome every day from 1pm at Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Pick flash, first come first served. Tips and FAQ.
The door is open. Walk-ins welcome.
Open the door and the flash wall hits you first: swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, eagles, skulls, hearts. Pick one, pick the size, pick the spot. If an artist is free, you can wear it today. That is a walk-in tattoo at Electric Street Tattoo — see it, pick it, wear it the same day.
No appointment. Show up during open hours, choose a design, and get tattooed when a chair opens. American Traditional shops have worked that way for over a hundred years, and so do we at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Walk-ins welcome every day we are open.
Walk-in hours and address
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County.
Tuesday–Saturday: 1pm–9pm
Sunday–Monday: 12pm–6pm
Walk-ins start at 1pm every day.
Phone: (954) 666-1138. Map: contact page. Also see walk-in tattoos.
How walk-ins work at our shop
Come in during open hours. No appointment needed.
Pick your design. Choose from the flash on our walls and in our books, or bring a simple idea or reference photo.
Get matched with an artist. Whoever is free and right for the style takes you. Walk-ins are first come, first served, in order of arrival. Ask at the counter — Josh, Nick, Lexi, CJ Ugarte, Lyandra, and Edson are on the crew.
Get a price and size. Your artist sets the placement and gives you a price in person before anything starts.
ID and paperwork. Bring a valid government photo ID. You fill out a consent form.
Stencil, then tattoo. You approve the stencil on your skin, then you get tattooed.
Aftercare. You leave with instructions. Also see our aftercare guide.
Calling ahead doesn't hold a spot
People often call and ask "do you take walk-ins?" Yes. But a phone call is not an appointment. If three people walk in between your call and when you arrive, they are ahead of you. The best way to get tattooed today is to come in. We'll always do our best to fit you in.
What flash is (and why walk-ins love it)
Flash is a sheet of ready-to-tattoo designs, drawn so you can pick one and get it that day. Our walls are covered in classic American Traditional work — bold outlines, solid color, designs that read from across the room and hold up for years. Browse, pick the size and placement, and ask if you want a small change. More on our traditional flash page and in American Traditional tattoos.
Flash on the wall is fair game for walk-ins.
What you can get as a walk-in
Flash. Swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, eagles, skulls, hearts, anchors, and more — the designs traditional shops were built for.
Small to medium custom. Lettering, a simple custom design, or a small idea your artist can draw on the spot.
Friday the 13th and holiday flash. On special flash days, walk-ins are the whole point. See Friday the 13th tattoos.
For more on classic swallows, anchors, and pinups, see Sailor Jerry tattoos.
Holiday and Friday the 13th flash days are built for walk-ins.
Best times to walk in
Come early. Walk-ins start at 1pm, and earlier in the day leaves the most chair time.
Small and mid-size pieces fit easiest. Sleeves, back pieces, and cover-ups usually need planning — request an appointment for those.
Not sure about today? Call (954) 666-1138 and ask how busy it is. A call still does not hold a spot.
What makes a good walk-in tattoo
A design already on the wall, or a simple idea an artist can draw fast
A clear size and placement
Flexibility on which artist takes you — match the style, not only a name
Time in your day for a possible wait
A government photo ID
Want one specific artist, a guest date, or a multi-session piece? Book ahead. Walk-ins shine when you want bold traditional work today.
When to book an appointment instead
Walk-ins are great for most tattoos. Request an appointment if:
It is a big piece, like a chest piece, back piece, sleeve or multi-session work. Some bigger pieces need a deposit to lock in the time.
You want a specific artist, especially if they are often booked. For example, CJ Ugarte recommends booking ahead for embroidery patch tattoos.
You want a guest artist. Guests like Alex Joelle and Marco Cardenas work on select dates, by appointment only.
It is detailed custom work that needs drawing time.
You can only come at one exact time and cannot risk a wait.
Tips for a smooth walk-in
Eat first and drink water. Do not drink alcohol before your tattoo.
Wear clothes that show the spot (short sleeves, shorts).
Bring your ID and know roughly what size and where you want it.
Be ready to wait if the shop is busy. We'll give you a wait estimate whenever we can.
More answers: tattoo FAQ.
Nick at work. Walk-ins get matched with whoever is free and right for the piece.
Traditional parlor vs. private studio
Private studios usually work by appointment only, one client at a time, and many do every style. A traditional parlor like ours keeps flash on the walls, takes walk-ins, and focuses on bold American Traditional tattoos that hold up for years. Longer read: traditional tattoo parlors vs. private studios. Need a set time for a big custom piece? Request an appointment. Want a tattoo today? Walk in.
Why we're a walk-in shop
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Owner Josh Cabrera started his apprenticeship in Miami and has more than 25 years in the chair. The shop has 1,100+ Google reviews. Flash on the wall and an open door is how traditional shops have always worked. Meet our artists, or see the short version on our tattoo shop in Oakland Park page.
320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Come in.
Walk-in tattoo FAQ
Does Electric Street Tattoo take walk-ins? Yes, every day we're open. Walk-ins start at 1pm and are first come, first served, in order of arrival.
Do I need an appointment for a tattoo? No, not for flash or most small to medium tattoos. Book ahead for big pieces, guest artists or detailed custom work.
Can I call ahead to save a spot? Calling doesn't hold a spot. Walk-ins are first come, first served, in order of arrival. If you need a set time, request an appointment.
What should I bring to a walk-in tattoo? A valid government photo ID, a design idea or reference, and clothes that show the spot.
What is tattoo flash? Ready-to-tattoo designs on the wall or in books. Pick one, pick the size, and get it the same day when an artist is free. See traditional flash.
What's the best time to walk in? Walk-ins start at 1pm, and earlier in the day leaves the most chair time. Call (954) 666-1138 to ask how the shop looks before you head over — a call still does not hold a spot.
Is there a walk-in tattoo shop near me in Fort Lauderdale? Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd in Oakland Park, serves Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (954) 666-1138.
Tattoo Shop Near Me: How Clients Find Us
Looking for a tattoo shop near you in Fort Lauderdale or Oakland Park? How clients find us, and where to find Electric Street Tattoo.
As the owner of a tattoo shop it’s important for me to know where our clients are coming from. I’ll admit this has been an area of weakness for me in the past. I’ve only recently started to realize that as a business owner I have an obligation to wear many different hats. What does this mean exactly? Well, for me, it means that sometimes I get to be a tattoo artist and other times I get to be whatever the shop needs me to be. And this can be damn near anything lol.
Something I read a long time ago,
”Some people work ON their business, some people work in it”. It’s a fine line but one that should not be ignored. I’d like to think that I can do both depending on circumstance.
From word of mouth to Google
Twenty years ago our clients found us mostly through word of mouth. Word of mouth and referrals kept us busy and fed. This was also before ‘Smart phones’. We were all carrying flip phones back then and life was simpler. It’s safe to assume that most of our tattoo clients were local to our area and either heard about us through a friend, family member, or simply by driving past our shop on their way somewhere.
The world has changed.
So how are folks finding goods and services these days? Well, a large portion of our foot traffic, in particular, can be attributed to the one and only GOOGLE. That’s right folks, the worlds largest search engine is at least partially responsible for how people are getting tattooed these days. Dollar for dollar definitely the undisputed champ!
Yelp and reviews
A close second would be Yelp. More of an online web directory, Yelp’s platform is used by both businesses and consumers alike.
It doesn’t surprise me anymore when our clients mention they found Electric Street Tattoo on Yelp. People shop different these days and tattoos are no exception. On Yelp you can browse tattoo shop listings and compare locally. More importantly, you can browse through reviews and see what experiences other people have had with these tattoo shops.
Keep in mind folks, reviews aren’t an exact science. Like with most things there will be your fair share of bad apples who may abuse these review platforms so take it all in with a grain of salt. It’s my feeling that if a tattoo shop has been around long enough and been able to sustain a strong rating, you’ll probably be in good hands. Yelp’s terms of use and review guidelines might even be a little more strict than Google’s but they are both very clear on the do’s and don’ts. And while a lot of your Yelp reviews will be featured for the public to see many of them will be redirected towards the ‘unrecommended’ section never to be seen or heard from again, regardless of their authenticity.
Tattoo shops near me
One of the most common searches for people looking to get tattooed is simply ‘tattoo shops near me’.
Yep, that’s it lol.
Folks just want to go somewhere close. They don’t want to drive and they don’t seem to necessarily care about referrals either. They want convenience. So it seems to me that the word of mouth and tattoo referrals we used to depend on twenty years ago are now in the form of Google, Yelp, Bing, Yahoo etc. I would even say that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and the like make up for a very small amount of gross revenue. It’s been said tongue in cheek, Facebook is for business, Instagram is for fame.
I disagree.
Google is for business, who needs fame.
Find Electric Street Tattoo
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334. (954) 666-1138. Tue–Sat 1–9pm, Sun–Mon 12–6pm. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County.
Sailor Jerry Tattoos: Who He Was and What the Classic Designs Mean
Classic Sailor Jerry flash designs
Sailor Jerry was Norman Keith Collins (1911–1973), a Navy veteran who tattooed in and around Honolulu's Hotel Street from the 1930s until his death. His bold black lines, tight color palette and clean designs (swallows, anchors, pinups, eagles, ships) helped define the American Traditional tattoo. Decades later his flash is still tattooed every day, including at our shop in Fort Lauderdale.
Want a swallow, an anchor, or another classic off the wall? Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo.
Who was Sailor Jerry?
Collins was born January 14, 1911, in Reno, Nevada. As a teen he rode freight trains and hand-poked tattoos, then learned the electric machine from Gib "Tatts" Thomas in Chicago. He joined the Navy at 19, and his travels in Asia started a lifelong study of Japanese tattooing.
He settled in Honolulu in the 1930s. In World War II, Hotel Street's bars and tattoo parlors were where thousands of servicemen spent their shore leave. Collins tattooed there, then at 1033 Smith Street in Chinatown, his last shop. He also skippered a tour boat, played saxophone and hosted a radio show as "Old Ironsides." He died in Honolulu on June 12, 1973.
Norman Collins, aka Sailor Jerry, outside his Honolulu shop
The Sailor Jerry style
Sailor Jerry redrew the sailor tattoos of the 1920s and '30s cleaner and bolder. As historian Matt Lodder puts it, his designs are "simple and stripped-down enough that they look great in the skin, are readable from a distance, and age superbly."
Bold black outlines that hold for decades.
A limited palette. Mostly black, red, yellow and green. He mixed his own pigments, including one of the first purples that held up and was safe.
Flash. A huge catalog of ready-to-pick designs: anchors, swallows, eagles, roses, mermaids, pinups.
Japanese influence. He traded letters with Japanese masters, especially Kazuo Oguri (Horihide). He sent American inks and got back ideas on composition and backgrounds.
Craft. He built his own needle setups and machines, and he was an early adopter of single-use needles and autoclave sterilization.
Sailor Jerry style mallard duck tattoo by Josh
Classic Sailor Jerry designs and what they mean
Most of these old sailor tattoos come from navy superstition. Sailor Jerry didn't invent them, but his versions became the standard.
Swallow: safe return home. Tradition says one for every 5,000 nautical miles.
Anchor: stability, often with "Mom" or a sweetheart's name.
Nautical star: finding your way home.
Ship: adventure, and making it back "Homeward Bound."
Pinup: the girl back home.
Hula girl: a souvenir of Hawaii and Hotel Street.
Eagle: patriotism and freedom.
Panther: toughness, usually mid-attack.
Dagger: courage and sacrifice ("Death Before Dishonor").
Pig and rooster: protection from drowning.
Traditional Sailor Jerry style swallow tattoo
Sailor Jerry's legacy
Collins wanted his shop to go to one of his protégés, Ed Hardy, Mike Malone or Zeke Owen, or else be burned. Malone took it over as China Sea Tattoo. Through Collins's contacts, Hardy went to Japan in the early 1970s to work with Horihide. In 1999 Hardy and Malone co-founded Sailor Jerry Ltd., which put his designs on clothing and launched the Sailor Jerry rum. His flash has hung in museums, and the 2008 documentary Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry tells his story.
Why his tattoos are still everywhere:
Timeless: classic Americana that works for every generation.
The traditional revival: his flash is at the center of it.
Craftsmanship: bold will hold, and they still read clearly decades later.
Personal meaning: a loved one, a milestone, military service, the sea.
They tie us to an era when tattoos stood for defiance, camaraderie and individuality.
Electric Street pays respect to Sailor Jerry all around our shop
Getting a Sailor Jerry style tattoo in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Owner Josh Cabrera started his apprenticeship in Miami and has more than 25 years in the chair. Our walls are covered in flash, and our artists care about the tradition: Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, and the rest of that lineage.
Pick a classic off the wall or bring a custom idea. Walk-ins are welcome, or request a tattoo. Then follow our aftercare guide.
Next in tattoo history: Stoney St. Clair, the circus sword swallower who became a sideshow tattooer.
Sailor Jerry flash I painted several years ago (Josh)
From our reception room
Sailor Jerry tattoo FAQ
What is a Sailor Jerry tattoo?
A tattoo in the style of Norman Collins: bold outlines, a few strong colors, and classic designs like swallows, anchors, pinups and ships, often straight from his flash.
What do swallow tattoos mean?
A safe return home. Sailors traditionally got one for every 5,000 nautical miles.
Is Sailor Jerry the same as American Traditional?
Not exactly. American Traditional is the whole style, built by many tattooers. Sailor Jerry is its best-known name.
What are sailor tattoos?
Designs sailors wore as travel marks and good-luck charms: swallows, anchors, nautical stars, ships, "Hold Fast" knuckles.
Where can I get a Sailor Jerry style tattoo near Fort Lauderdale?
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, (954) 666-1138. Walk in or request a tattoo.
If a swallow, an anchor, or a pinup has been sitting in the back of your mind, we can tattoo it. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a time with one of our eight artists. A gift card works too, if you’re giving one.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
Tattoo gift cards
If you’re like me you enjoy gift giving but you struggle with shopping. Crowded malls, long lines, you name it.
personalized tattoo gift cards
Tattoo Traditions
Here at Electric Street, we value and appreciate the art and history of tattooing. Tattooing has been around since as early as 3370 BC! Many different countries and cultures have used tattoos for different reasons; such as showing status, representing a tribe, honoring a lost friend or lover, or simply showing off ones freedom.
Tattooing is a tradition.
Tattooing through the 20th century gave way for evolution and growth in style, technique, and equipment. Through the 1910’s - 1930’s, tattoos were mainly found on sailors or sideshow performers at the circus as it was not something very common to see. In the 1940’s, the pioneer of traditional tattooing was on the rise. Norman Keith Collins, better known as “Sailor Jerry”, changed the basis of tattooing in America. He added color to his tattoos which made them stand out. His nautical and military themed designs were very popular amongst those in the service. Eventually, people who were just proud to be Americans were getting patriotic Jerry style tattoos. Tattoos became a symbol of strength and masculinity but was not widely accepted as it was still given a negative social stigma. Over time, tattoos became more popular and more accepted in society. Machines were build better and stronger, inks were made brighter and more diverse, and designs got more intricate. There have been many men that paved the way for modern tattooing and through them, we believe in keeping the tradition alive. We are simply standing on the shoulders of giants.
Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
Ready for your next tattoo? Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a time with one of our eight artists. Prefer to give one? A gift card goes out by email in minutes.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.