3rd Generation Ink
126 Heights Blvd, Houston, Texas, 77007
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Why Choose 3rd Generation Ink?
3rd Generation Ink carries genuine institutional weight in Houston, founded by Larry Shaw II of the legendary Shaw family tattoo dynasty. The shop consistently delivers across multiple styles, Japanese, neo-traditional, black and grey, and cover-up work, with a roster of skilled artists who handle both detailed detail and larger pieces with equal precision. The studio maintains a clean, welcoming environment and the artists earn repeat business through professionalism and craft.
About 3rd Generation Ink
3rd Generation Ink lives up to its name. Founded by Larry Shaw II, a third-generation artist from the Shaw family tattoo dynasty, this Houston, Texas studio carries the kind of history that runs deep. One longtime local remembers her friend Lisa getting her first tattoo at the original Westheimer location back in the late 1990s, and the word around Houston is that the place remains an institution. The range here is wide, and the artists know their craft. They handle traditional American and old-school work, Japanese irezumi, neo-traditional, black and grey, fine line, color, and illustrative pieces.
If you are carrying a tattoo you would rather not have anymore, they are known for expert cover-up work, and custom design is their bread and butter. Ask anyone who has been inked here and they will tell you the artists take the time to talk through what you want, whether it is a small addition or a full back piece. There are several talented hands to book with. Mickey has a loyal following, with folks coming back for everything from small pieces to large-scale work, and his professionalism and kindness get mentioned as often as his skill. Neil draws people in through his Instagram and keeps them with precise, clean work and easy conversation.
Julio, Cristian, and Josh all get high marks too. One regular who sat six hours with Cristian said it never felt that long, and that the price was fair for the work. It is the kind of shop where people get work done by three different artists and rave about every one. Cleanliness comes up again and again. Their own website notes they follow sterile, licensed practices, and locals consistently describe the studio as spotless, comfortable, and welcoming.
The owner has a reputation for being genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, which sets an easy tone for the whole place. With a strong reputation built over hundreds of visits, 3rd Generation Ink is one of the more respected tattoo shops in Houston. People who get inked here tend to already be planning their next piece before they leave.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“Mickey has done a few tattoos on me that still look beautiful and he just started my back piece. Mickey is professional, kind, and his work speaks for itself.”
“The studio was clean, comfortable and made me feel welcome. I've had work done by both Neil and Julio and both pieces turned out impressive and so much better than I imagined.”
“Extremely clean and well established. All the artists are amazing and the owner is very friendly, knowledgeable and professional!”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About 3rd Generation Ink
3rd Generation Ink works across a wide range: traditional American, neo-traditional, Japanese irezumi, black and grey, fine line, color, illustrative, and cover-ups. The studio is particularly known for its Japanese, neo-traditional, and cover-up work, backed by artists like Mickey, Neil, Julio, Cristian, Josh, and Eric, each bringing distinct strengths across these styles.
The studio has a team including Mickey, Neil, Julio, Cristian, Josh, Eric, and Tristan, each with their own following. Mickey is noted for detailed back pieces and honorary tributes, Neil for precise, professional sessions, and Cristian and Josh for consistent, clean linework. Founder Larry Shaw II carries the Shaw family's third-generation tattoo legacy into the shop.
Yes, cleanliness comes up again and again in local word of mouth, with the shop consistently described as clean, comfortable, and welcoming. As always, check that any studio you visit follows the Texas DSHS regulations and posts its own sterilization and licensing policies, which 3rd Generation Ink documents on its own site.
3rd Generation Ink traces its roots back to an original location on Westheimer, with clients recalling tattoos there since the late 1990s. Founded by Larry Shaw II, a third-generation member of the Shaw tattoo family, the shop is regarded locally as an institution with deep ties to Houston's tattoo history.
Yes, the studio takes on multi-hour and ongoing projects, including back pieces and detailed custom work. One client's back piece with Mickey is an ongoing project, while others describe sessions running two and a half to six hours for detailed shading and precision work, suggesting the artists are comfortable with both quick pieces and larger commitments.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 713-485-5062
- [email protected]
- Address
- 126 Heights Blvd, Houston, Texas, 77007
How 3rd Generation Ink Compares
in Houston
More reviews than 84% of tattoo shops in Houston
Opening Hours
- Monday
- 10AM-10PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-10PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-10PM
- Friday
- 10AM-12AM
- Saturday
- 10AM-12AM
- Sunday
- 10AM-10PM
Business Details
- Service Options
- Onsite services
- Payment Methods
- Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
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