Arnoldo is one of the nicest, easiest to work with, non-judgmental and wonderful people I've ever met! He made my husband and I feel welcome and took the time to ensure the work we were asking for suited both of us as individuals. I highly recommend him. So often these days you run into Tattoo guys and ggirks who act so condescending and make you feel horrid---Not Arnoldo. We live in CO but are looking forward to our next Austin trip to book him again! Read Less

Arnoldo is not only a terrific artist, but also extremely considerate careful to make sure that his work suits his customers' wants.He has done a significant amount of work for me and I have always been extremely pleased with the results.I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a professional, talented artist with a mature demeanor who puts his clients needs first! Read Less

Did a lot of research on artists around Austin and found Arnoldo Carrillo. Not only is he amazing with over 20 years of experience, he is one of the nicest people I have met. Really is just as attached to his work as the person receiving it. He actually made me walk around and move to see how my body would move, so where as to place the tattoo. As most of you know I am pretty anal and don't trust many people let alone let them into my personal space. I can't say enough about him. And looking forward to finishing what he started. Check out his work on Facebook. Pictures don't do them justice. Read Less

Arnoldo was introduced to me by my husband. Their artist/client relationship started almost 20 yrs ago. He has completed over 10 tattoos between myself, my husband, my BIL and FIL. All of the work is exceptional. Read Less

Arnoldo is a true artist. I searched him out on the web and was compelled to go to him even more by the information regarding his work with reconstructive surgery patients, even though the work he did for me was not of that nature Read Less

I always trust Arnoldo to tattoo my skin because he capture the essence of my ideas and put them on my skin.He takes hisvtime to make a realistic work of art.He also cover up some tattoo that I have before and they look so good now. Read Less

Arnoldo has given me a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. I came in with many ideas of what I wanted, how, and where, Arnoldo put in the time and thought to help me focus these ideas into something I love more each day. He asked me to use words I want to describe my tattoo in order to understand the statement I intended to make and the relationship to portray between my pecan tree tattoo and myself. By listening to my intentions, inquiring about my tanning practices, and observing how my body moves he was able to give me a completely personalized tattoo that I feel deeply connected to. My experience was as personal to me as the tattoo I was left with as he had me stand and move in exaggerated motions to better understand the relationship between my tattoo and my body. The result is a dynamic nature scene that has been described as organic, stunning, vibrant, and reminiscent of watercolors. If you flip through his work you can see that this color work is not his norm and thus speaks to his artistic ability. I am impatiently waiting for the day I can return to get one of his signature black and white pieces. I must also add that as a public health professional I appreciated his dedication to sterilization and proper healing practices, a tattoo is only as good as it heals. Read Less

Arnoldo is a gentle-spirited, kind and creative gent who takes the time to share how he plans to apply the image.  His philosophy is such that the tattoo is complimentary to your body and moves with your shape; and the colors compliment your skin...I had a scar around my abdomen from a tummy tuck that was frankly unsexy.  Even after having another tattoo artist place skin tones on top of the scar it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for.  Arnoldo created a vine that suited my body and had just enough movement.  So far, I'm pleased with his work and look forward to showing off my sexy abs. Read Less

There is no other who I trust and respect to tattoo me then Arnoldo from Shades of Gray. I live in California and I had met Arnoldo previous through a family friend. He explained his work in great depth and had done work on some of his nephews, all sporting excellent artwork--I knew that if there was a chance to be in Austin I was going to have Arnoldo do some of the emotional Chicano/a related art I wanted on my body. Arnoldo isn't a brander, you don't show up and get stamped. He works with you, this was different from other consultations I've had with other artists who have worked on me (a few times in Santa Cruz, and one in Guadalajara), he made sure the imagery and text I wanted would flow in the location I requested. I love the result and I have since returned. Next trip to Austin, you'll know where to find me. I gotta say the whole experience is like pure meditation, one chair, an artist, a needle, and NPR flowing through the stereo. A girl couldn't ask for more. Read Less

Arnoldo is awesome, he is very professional and talented. I went in and got my very first tattoo. It was a huge shoulder tattoo. He made me feel so relaxed that I wasn't worried that it wasn't going to turn out good. It turned out awesome. He is damn good.Read Less

Thank you Arnoldo!  Best black and gray work ever!  Arnoldo is unlike any tattooist I have come across.  He wanted to know ME and what I was trying to express through my tattoo then looked at the anatomy of my body to see how its form and function would fit.  I have never had anyone do that.  I got my lower right leg completely covered and it is amazing.  BEST work I have had done in a long time.  Thanks again Arnoldo and Shades of Gray!  Next time I am in Texas I'm coming to see you! Read Less

This tattoo artist, Arnoldo Carrillo is something else. Fantastic. Talent beyond belief. I still can't get over how great my tattoos are and I got the first one from him over a year ago. Also, his shop is immaculate. And he's a great person to work with. Takes great care in all aspects of his art. This guy is easily the best tattoo artist around. Read Less

Arnoldo Carrillo, Master Tattoo Artist, at Shades of Gray Dermagraphics is by far one of the best tattoo artists in the country - let alone Austin, Texas. In a way, because of so many tattoo artists available and Arnoldo's refusal to sacrifice his art to trends and ""business"" tactics, Shades of Gray may also seem like one of Austin's best kept secrets. But if you are serious about your tattoo being a masterpiece created particularly for your own body, Arnoldo's artwork is a treasure you should seek and that you will cherish forever. I worked with three other tattoo artists and checked out copious amounts of other tattoo artists' work before finding Arnoldo, having him create my tattoos, and transcending my tattoo art to an entirely new and higher level. Not only is his artwork beyond any comparison to others. His ability to make tattoos uniquely for his client not only compliment one's body but become a part of one's body in ways beyond belief. People are amazed with my tattoos and hardly a day goes by without my receiving astonished compliments from people who see them. They can't believe a tattoo can be so great. They constantly say how they've never seen anything so good and that they never knew a tattoo could be so much on a body. Arnoldo Carrillo has a gift, a talent, that is far beyond most people's imagination. I am very grateful for his artwork and know there is no one better I could find for my tattoo artwork. Read Less

I've known Arnoldo for almost ten years and he is by far the best tattoo artist I've ever had. I have quite a few tattoo's and he practices the highest quality sanitation I've ever experienced. Very, very particular about everything he does. I would recommend him over anyone here in Austin!!!! Arnoldo, You ROCK. Read Less

Both myself and my gf got a tattoo there.. i got one on my left shoulder and she got one on her left back side. and they both turned out great.. we were so pleased we recommeneded it to her cousin who drove from houston to get her tattoo done.. and we are still brining ppl in to get their tattoos there. Read Less

I've had two tattoos done here. i was very pleased with my experience. Arnold is excellent!!! i explained what i wanted and it came out 100 times better then i could ever imagine. his shop i clean and he has over 15 years of experience i didn't have to worry about anything. it was nothing like any other tattoo shop i've been to. i will deffently be back!!! Read Less