Terry Ribera – San Diego Tattoo Artist
Sketches
Paintings
You can see more of Terry’s work on his personal website HERE.
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[...] Terry Ribera opened the doors to his bright and airy Remington Tattoo parlor in July, and is celebrating its new place among the North Park community with a grand opening party this Saturday at 8pm. The parlor, named after the classic Remington typewriter, brings together clean, modern design and industrial revolution/apothecary style antique decor to conjure a nostalgic sense of craftsmanship, artistry, good taste and tradition passed on from discerning masters to enthusiastic apprentices over a long history of tattoo culture. Ribera, who was born in the Bay Area, previously worked in San Diego parlors like Tahiti Felix’s Master Tattoo and Avalon Tattoo II before opening his new shop, where he spends his days immersed in artistic tradition with tattoo artist Arnold Santos also working by his side. Ribera gives us a glimpse into what it means to take these skills and artistry so seriously that it becomes an almost magical culture: “When I first was learning to tattoo it was very exciting. I really liked being called an apprentice. It had an old ring to it, like I was the student of some long lost, secret culture of artists. People today expect to be given a chance simply because they’ve asked for it. That’s not how tattooing works, or at least not how it used to work. I remember being taught how to make needles, and the owner of the shop explaining to me that it was a precious secret. That this thing that he was teaching me was what the “scratchers” at home tattooing in their garages wanted to know. I was taught how to tune machines and to carefully choose which companies to buy product from. I hand painted flash designs, and even made pigment at one point. I have tattoos on me from ink and needles that we made, machines that we tuned. Now I run into tattooers who have had three to four apprenticeships in a year. Irresponsible tattooers just freely hand out our secrets. I miss how tattooing used to have a lot of magic to it.” [...]
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Terry don’t know if you remember me, Kathi’s friend from England? Anyhow love your knew venture. Remingtons looks amazing, your work is incredible and I wish you and Jen much success. X
Hello Dawn! Sorry its taken so long to respond – Jen usually handles the webstuff but took a break after we got everything up and running
We havent been able to respond to comments in a while! 
We’re preparing for our Grand Opening Party so we’re back to getting everything together. Thank you so much!
Hey Terry,
Congrats on your new venture. Love the site and blog. A few years back you did my “oranges/waves” tattoo. It’s time for another – I’ll give you a holler. Best regards, Greg
F’in amazing work. I put this guy up with any of the big dogs in SD…and I am just browsing.
Hey Terry,
The site looks great, and the shop sounds really cool! Must be so exciting going forth on your own adventure here. Cant wait to come check out the new place in October
-Will
Hey Terry Congrats on the new shop I knew you were going to do big things when I got my tattoo from you wayyyyy back in the Master Tattoo days. Im not sure you remember me but I think im probably 1 of your worst customers,well was,hopefully you will have a chance to work on me again i would love if you could finish my arm (i had my daughters name and a ganesh)done by you many years ago,once again Great Job and nice site
Terry it’s good to see that all is well. Congrats on Remington Tattoo. I am amazed with your work. I remember you as a kid sitting on your bed drawing. It’s great to see you still at it.
I still sit on my bed drawing. Thanks a lot Doc, I really appreciate the kind words.
Just browsing but love your work Terry…Thinking about getting a piece as big as the wolf and red riding hood, what’s an estimate on how much that would cost me?
Please contact our Assistant Pete 16197958915 to have those questions answered. Thurs-Mon 2pm
Please contact my Assistant Peter to have those questions answered. Typically the wait is 6 months, however right now it is closer to over 9 months.
Thank you,
Terry
16197958915
Thur-Mon call after 2pm.
Been browsing the site/artwork for awhile too. Finally stopped by the shop yesterday. Talked to Nathaniel, real down to earth and nice guy/artist. Hopefully will get some work done someday.