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.

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.

"Inktober's Spookiest Treat: Friday the 13th Tattoo Event at Electric Street Tattoo!"

Get ready to celebrate the eeriest day of the year with Electric Street Tattoo's thrilling Friday the 13th Tattoo Event! 🌙🦇

Date: Friday, October 13th

Time: 1PM- 10:00 PM

Location: Electric Street Tattoo Studio

320 E Oakland Park Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, Fla

333334

This October, we're conjuring up something special for all you ink enthusiasts out there. Join us for a day of spine-tingling fun, wicked designs, and unbeatable tattoo deals as we embrace the superstition and excitement of Friday the 13th.

Unbeatable Tattoo deals:

For this one-of-a-kind event, we're offering a bewitching selection of tattoos at discounted rates (no, not for $13 so please don’t ask, we will not go there lol). These tattoos are specially designed for Friday the 13th, featuring classic images like black cats, skulls, bats, and, of course, the number 13 itself.

Our Talented Artists:

Our skilled and award-winning tattoo artists are ready to bring your chosen design to life. Their expertise in traditional tattooing ensures that your Friday the 13th ink will be a true masterpiece. Whether it's your first tattoo or the latest addition to your collection, our artists are here to make it memorable

Join Us for a Day of Spooky Delights:

Important to note we will not be accepting appointments for this day, WALK-INS only and all Friday the 13th tattoos will be handled on a first come first serve basis so don't let superstition hold you back; embrace the tradition of Friday the 13th tattoos at Electric Street Tattoo. Whether you're marking this unique date for the first time or continuing a cherished tradition, we're here to make it unforgettable.

Prepare for a day of ink, fun, and unforgettable memories. Celebrate Friday the 13th with Electric Street Tattoo, where superstition meets artistry, and ink becomes legend. 🎃🦇💉

#FridayThe13thTattoo #Inktober #ElectricStreetTattoo

Electric Street Tattoo: South Florida's Premier Traditional Tattoo Shop is Now Hiring

South Florida is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and thriving tattoo scene. If you're passionate about traditional tattoo styles and seeking a rewarding career in the industry, we have exciting news to share!

Electric Street Tattoo, the best traditional tattoo shop in South Florida, is currently hiring talented individuals to join their team. Whether you're an experienced tattoo artist, a skilled manager, a friendly counter person, or an aspiring apprentice, Electric Street Tattoo offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a renowned establishment that celebrates the artistry of traditional tattoos. Read on to learn more about Electric Street Tattoo and the exciting career prospects they have to offer.

Electric Street Tattoo: Where Tradition Meets Artistry:

Located in the heart of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale , Electric Street Tattoo has established itself as a haven for tattoo enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of traditional tattoo styles. The shop prides itself on a team of skilled artists who specialize in traditional designs, including American Traditional, Japanese Traditional, and Neo-traditional. With a commitment to providing exceptional tattoo experiences, Electric Street Tattoo has gained a reputation for its outstanding artistry, warm atmosphere, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Tattoo Artists: Showcase Your Talent and Craftsmanship:

Are you a talented tattoo artist with a deep passion for traditional tattoo styles?

Electric Street Tattoo is seeking experienced tattoo artists who excel in the art of traditional designs. If you have a portfolio showcasing your skills in traditional tattooing, this is an incredible opportunity to join a team of renowned artists and create beautiful, meaningful artwork for clients. Electric Street Tattoo values creativity, technical expertise, and the ability to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for each client.

Management: Lead and Inspire:

If you have proven managerial experience and a thorough understanding of the tattoo industry, Electric Street Tattoo is hiring for the role of a shop manager. As the manager, you will oversee daily operations, coordinate artist schedules, and ensure the smooth functioning of the shop. This leadership role requires excellent organizational skills, a passion for customer service, and the ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Join Electric Street Tattoo as a manager and play a pivotal role in shaping the success and growth of this esteemed tattoo shop.

Counter Person: Create a Memorable Experience:

Are you a friendly and customer-oriented individual? Electric Street Tattoo is looking for a dedicated counter person to be the face of the shop. As the first point of contact for clients, you will provide exceptional customer service, assist with appointment scheduling, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the doors. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for creating a positive and memorable experience for each client.

Apprentices: Nurturing the Next Generation of Artists:

Electric Street Tattoo also offers apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring tattoo artists. If you're passionate about traditional tattoo and eager to learn from experienced professionals, this is an incredible chance to refine your skills and gain hands-on experience. Under the guidance of skilled artists, you'll have the opportunity to develop your technique, expand your knowledge, and embark on a rewarding career in tattooing.

Conclusion:

Electric Street Tattoo stands as the premier traditional tattoo shop in South Florida, offering an exceptional opportunity for talented individuals to join their team. Whether you're an experienced tattoo artist, a skilled manager, a friendly counter person, or an aspiring apprentice, Electric Street Tattoo provides a welcoming and inclusive environment to grow and thrive in the art of traditional tattooing. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to be part of a renowned establishment that celebrates the rich heritage and artistry of traditional tattoos. Join Electric Street Tattoos today and embark on an exciting and fulfilling career in the vibrant world of tattoo art.

Tattoo Shop Near Me: How Clients Find Us

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.

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.

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.

Walk-ins or appointments?

Seems to me the mobile age brought with it some confusion.Smart phones and appointment booking apps certainly have made the way businesses operate more efficient, or have they?Lets dig in.

‘Does your tattoo shop do walk ins or is it by appointment only?’ This question is normally by way of a phone call. But how did they find our phone number in the first place? By looking at analytics and simply asking our clients ,some sort of search led them to our tattoo studio. Google searches in the form of , “tattoo shop near me” or word of mouth from friends who might suggest a follow to one of our social media accounts like Instagram or Facebook. Either way at this point it’s likely a ‘call now’ button or DM is sent and initial contact is made. From there the question appears yet again , ‘Do you guys accept walk in tattoos or is it by appointment only?’

What’s become obvious to me over the years as technology grows is that a ‘walk-in’ tattoo client isn’t limited to a person driving over and walking into our studio and saying hey. It’s clear that folks do a lot of their walking around digitally. Why should shopping for your next tattoo be any different?
In order to answer the question first we need to ask ourselves what a walk-in client is in the first place? Historically this would have been an individual visiting a tattoo shop without prior commitment or appointment. No monies for goods or services has been exchanged nor is there any expectation of task to be completed day of. Basically a cold call for a good and, or, service.
But wouldn’t it make sense to assume that once a phone call is made and the conversation is had that at that point a verbal contract has been made?
It would go something like this:

Me, ‘Thanks for calling Electric Street how can we help you?’

You, ‘Yes I was wondering if your shop does walk-ins or by appointment only?’

Me,’Depends on how busy we are I have an artist available right now feel free and stop by’

You,‘ Thanks! See ya soon!’

In this example I would argue that a telephone ‘walk-in’ was able to secure an appointment even though no deposit was left. In all reality yes we may be overthinking it but a worst case scenario would be the above conversation followed by the client showing up and not having a tattoo artist available right away. How would that happen? Easy, if between the time of the phone call and the clients actual arrival we were to get an influx of other actual ‘walk-ins’ tattoo clients. Since no deposit was left in order to secure the tattoo appointment we are obligated to service other clients in order of first arrival.
‘But why do I have to wait? I called a couple of hours ago and made an appointment?’
You can see how this sort of thing can get tricky.

The long and the short of it folks is that your best bet to get in and get tattooed is to make the time to show up and brake the ice. We will always do our best to accommodate 😌

Tattoo gift cards

If you’re like me you enjoy gift giving but you struggle with shopping. Crowded malls , long lines and this year we have added COVID related stressors and mask mandates etc

If you start now you can try and do your holiday shopping online but with bottle neck supply shortages your gift purchases may still not arrive in time for the holidays

👉🏽ELECTRIC STREET TATTOO GIFT CARDS👈🏽

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. Normal 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