I’m Levi, and I’ve been tattooing for over 15 years. I grew up in northwest Louisiana—the part that’s practically East Texas, not the Louisiana most people imagine with jazz and beignets. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, starting with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sketches that covered just about every notebook I owned. What started as doodles has turned into a life where my passion and job are one and the same—a pretty rare and awesome thing.
Now I’m based in San Diego at Emaki Tattoo Collective, where I focus on creating bold, illustrative tattoos. My style blends detailed line work, striking imagery, and a love for storytelling. From anime-inspired characters to skulls, snakes, and pop culture icons, I enjoy designing pieces that feel as personal and unique as the people wearing them. My art is often playful and bold but always crafted with care and attention to detail.
When I’m not tattooing, I’m spending time with my incredible wife, Ashley, and our two awesome kids. We love finding moments to laugh, explore, and just enjoy the chaos that comes with family life. I also travel a few times a year to guest spots and conventions, soaking in inspiration and connecting with new clients.
If you’re looking for a tattoo that’s as unique as you—or just want someone who’s down to collaborate and have a few laughs along the way—I’m your guy.
Below are some common questions I get. Check those out, but if you can’t find what your answer, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help answer any questions I can.
FAQs
-
Please e-mail me at levihiltontattoos@gmail.com.I will respond to your email as soon as possible to gather more information from you, including any reference pictures you may have. You will need to respond to me with all of the information I need. If your e-mail is incomplete it will take longer for you to get an appointment. Typically, the information that I need will be a description of the tattoo you want, any photos/references of the tattoo you may have, a photo of the area where it is going to be tattooed on you, and where you are traveling from. For custom work be as descriptive as possible and you can send as many references as you like. A deposit is required for appointments, which can be done via PayPal or in person at Emaki Art Collective. Deposits vary depending on the size and detail of the piece you are getting.
Note: I do not copy any tattoos, it is very disrespectful to copy someone's custom design. If you send me images of tattoos, send them as reference and inspiration. -
As of now I run $200.00 an hour. Most of my sessions are 4 to 6 hours on average, for a decent sized custom tattoo. Please note that this is subject to change at any time.
-
Yes, I require at least a $100 deposit for an appointment. Depending on what you are wanting to have done it may be more. I do not draw until the appointment is set and a deposit is paid.
-
It usually takes a few hours to get a concept sketch ready and I usually have a few things to get ready at any given time. For that reason, I don't get anything ready without a deposit and I also may not be able to show you a sketch until the time of your appointment. I typically get each design ready the night before.
-
Emaki Art Collective in San DIego’s Mission Valley
-
I try to do a few conventions and guest spots every year. The best way to know when I may be traveling is to follow me on but you can also follow me on Instagram.
-
Depending on the time of year, it could be in a week, or not until a month or two down the road. Summers are usually a little busier and winter is usually slower. Weekends are usually booked out a little further though. Most everyone prefers a weekend appointment. I’ll do my best to work with your schedule when I can.
-
I work from 11am-7pm(ish) Tuesday- Saturday, every week.