Custom Black & Grey Realism
Statuary-style religious pieces, dark illustrative work, and Chicano-style portraits rendered in detailed black and grey. Every design is drawn custom for the client and the placement, from forearm pieces to full sleeves.
Josue - Tattoo Artist - Sherman Oaks
Meet Josue, Tattoo Artist
Josue is a tattoo artist at American Ink in Sherman Oaks specializing in black and grey realism — religious pieces, memorial portraits, and large-scale custom work from half-sleeves to full back pieces.
Instagram @tattoogun_1
- Black & grey realism
- Religious & memorial portraits
- Sleeves, chest & back pieces
Artist Profile
Get to know Josue at American Ink.
Josue is a tattoo artist at American Ink in Sherman Oaks specializing in black and grey realism. His style is defined by smooth shading, strong composition, and a deep respect for detail — religious imagery, portrait work, and Chicano-style lettering rendered in soft greys, with color used sparingly where it counts.
He is most at home working at scale. Half-sleeves, chest panels, and full back pieces make up much of his recent portfolio, planned around the body and built over multiple sessions when the design calls for it. Every project starts as a custom drawing: clients bring references, photos, and ideas, and Josue develops a design that fits the placement before any needle touches skin.
His range runs beyond black and grey. Bold American traditional color pieces, illustrative work, fine linework, and clean script lettering all sit in his portfolio, and reworking older tattoos — touch-ups and custom additions to existing sleeves — is a regular part of his week.
Clients notice the detail. "Had some touch up work done and some custom add ons to a sleeve that I started 20 years ago and Josue did an amazing job," reads one 2025 Google review. Another regular calls him "creative and detailed in his work." To start a piece with Josue, visit American Ink on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks or call (818) 907-6114 to set up a consultation — walk-ins are welcome when his schedule allows.
Memorial & Portrait Tattoos
Portrait and memorial work developed from your reference photos, with lettering and meaningful details worked into the design so the piece tells the story you want it to.
Sleeves, Chest & Back Pieces
Larger compositions planned before the needle starts — half-sleeves, full chest panels, and back pieces like the roaring lion in his portfolio, completed over multiple sessions with the design mapped to your body.
Profile Detail
What Josue brings to American Ink.
Josue is a tattoo artist at American Ink in Sherman Oaks specializing in black and grey realism — religious pieces, memorial portraits, and large-scale custom work from half-sleeves to full back pieces.
At the Sherman Oaks studio, Josue covers black & grey realism, religious & memorial portraits, and sleeves, chest & back pieces.
Work Gallery
Recent tattoo work by Josue.
From @tattoogun_1 on Instagram.
Review Proof
What clients say about Josue.
Had some touch up work done and some custom add ons to a sleeve that I started 20 years ago and Josue did an amazing job. This shop the best tattoo and piercing studio in town. Don’t think twice, get it while the getting is good!
I love this place. The atmosphere is great. My main artist, Josue, is creative and detailed in his work. This place is my go-to for my tats. I def recommend.
Page FAQ
Josue Questions
Short answers for search snippets and real visitors.
What tattoo styles does Josue specialize in?
Josue's core style is black and grey realism. His portfolio at American Ink in Sherman Oaks leans heavily on religious statuary — the Virgin Mary, San Judas, Archangel Michael, crucifixion scenes — along with memorial portraits, dark illustrative pieces, and Chicano-style script lettering. He also works in bold American traditional color, with chest pieces like a wings-spread bat and a classic flying eagle, plus illustrative color work such as red spider lilies. If you are deciding between styles, bring your reference images to a consultation and he can talk through what will work best for your idea and placement.
Does Josue take on large pieces like sleeves and back pieces?
Yes. Large-scale work is a regular part of Josue's portfolio, including half-sleeves, full chest compositions, and a full-back roaring lion piece. Bigger tattoos are planned first and completed over multiple sessions, so the process starts with a consultation to work out the design, placement, and how many sittings to expect. American Ink is at 14159 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks — call (818) 907-6114 or stop by the shop to talk through a larger project with him.
Can I get tattooed by Josue as a walk-in?
American Ink accepts walk-ins, and smaller pieces can often happen the same day — but Josue's availability is not guaranteed for walk-ins. Larger custom work and portrait pieces need a consultation and a scheduled appointment so the design can be drawn in advance. The surest path is to call the shop at (818) 907-6114 or come by 14159 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks to check his schedule and get on the books. Tattoos at American Ink start at the $150 shop minimum.
Where do I find Josue at American Ink?
American Ink Tattoo Studio is at 14159 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, on Ventura Boulevard. Walk-ins are welcome when an artist or piercer is available; call ahead to plan around Josue's schedule.
Book / Visit
Start a project with Josue.
Call the Sherman Oaks studio or send a consultation request with the project basics.
(818) 907-6114 14159 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Monday-Saturday: 10 AM-10 PM Sunday: 10 AM-7 PM