San Francisco’s Tattoo City, under the legendary Eddy Deutsche, holds a revered place in tattoo history, much like the iconic “Realistic” style. For many, including myself, getting a tattoo from Eddy was a pilgrimage, a rite of passage in the world of ink. My own journey to receiving what I consider my “222 Tattoo” from Eddy is a story that spans years, continents, and a deep appreciation for tattoo artistry.
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, my first exposure to Eddy’s work was through Tattootime 5 and tales from travelers who had been inked by him. Even in the early 90s, Eddy was already a name whispered with respect. In 1992, during my first trip to San Francisco as a naive 21-year-old, Tattoo City at 722 Columbus Ave in North Beach was high on my list of must-visit places. Armed with a tribal arm design drawn by a friend, I eagerly sought out the master.
My eagerness led to a slightly awkward first encounter. Arriving at Tattoo City just before noon, I walked into a scene of Eddy mopping the floor, with a somewhat disheveled character observing – who I later learned was the renowned Dan Higgs. Unaware that they weren’t yet open, I was politely informed of my premature arrival. Despite the minor embarrassment of waiting outside, the anticipation only grew.
Funny enough, that initial visit didn’t result in a tattoo from Tattoo City. Instead, I found myself drawn to Leo Zulueta in Los Angeles, who ultimately executed my tribal design. Perhaps I wasn’t quite ready for Eddy’s style then, or maybe the timing just wasn’t right. However, the experience solidified my understanding of the importance of research and seeking out artists whose work truly resonated with me – a lesson Tattoo City, even without a tattoo, instilled.
Years passed, and my body became a canvas telling stories in ink from artists around the globe. In 1996, I attempted to book an appointment with Eddy again, but he was immersed in preparations for opening “222” – perhaps a new chapter or studio space, though details were scarce. By 2006, extensively tattooed and with a deeper appreciation for different styles, I finally returned to Eddy. In what felt like record time, he masterfully blasted a mask onto me. Just this year, he added wind bars with flames on my belly, seamlessly connecting the tattoos on my legs to my front, a testament to his evolving style and vision.
The wait for my “222 tattoo” – a term I use to signify work from Eddy during this later period of his career, possibly around or after the opening of his “222” venture – was long, but ultimately rewarding. It underscores a crucial aspect of tattoo culture: patience and the understanding that the best things, especially lasting art on your skin, are worth waiting for. My journey, from a wide-eyed tourist in the early 90s to a collector finally receiving a piece from Eddy years later, reflects the enduring legacy of Tattoo City and the timeless artistry of Eddy Deutsche, an artist whose influence continues to shape the tattoo world.
