Death’s Head Hawkmoth

The death’s head hawkmoth is an ominous creature that has inspired many artists. It can be found across artistic genres from literature to  paintings to movies. This large moth can produce a loud, screeching sound.  Their yellow,  brown,  and black color patterns resemble  that of a honeybee, and they are often found invading beehives. The death’s head hawkmoth can omit the same scent as the queen bee to go undetected while feeding on honey. Its most notable feature is perhaps the human skull pattern found on the thorax.

I love drawing and painting moths. I’ve always been fascinated by moths, maybe because I’m a night owl. Even as a youngster, I often found myself staring at the pattens on their wings and watching them flutter erratically in the light.  Moths have become one of my favorite subjects to tattoo.

Thank you, Daniel and Kim, for getting my original designs!

Berkeley finest tattoos

True love Tattoo just turned 17, established in 1998 by Dave Moore.  True love has made a lot beautiful tattoos here in southwest Berkeley.  Some of the most respected artist in the tattoo world have work here on San Pablo. Dave has watched many businesses come and go but he is here to stay.

A lot of love went into our new location, 2700 San Pablo. The new shop is twice as big and open everyday. We also take walk-ins every day and continue to produce the highest quality tattoo possible. The artist: Dave Moore, Daniel Herlihy,  Amanda Go and Matt Klass.  We have all dedicated our lives to tattoo and continue to grow as artists.

Tattoo by Dave More

Tattoo by Daniel Herlihy

Tattoo by Amanda Go

Tattoo by Matt Klass

Follow True Love Tattoo on Instagram @truelovetattooberkeley

The Hip Commute

Forest Stearns and I love making art. We like to smash our styles together and see what happens.  About a year ago we started creating animals on bikes.

At the moment, our art is on display at Alchemy Coffee Collective located at 1741 Alcatraz in Berkeley.  They have great coffee.

Check out our art. The show will be up until the end of July. Some pieces are still for sale.

Bring some cash,  and go home with some art and a caffeine buzz.

Artwork by Daniel Herlihy and Forest Stearns

A Maiden’s Revenge

Here is a painting I made for a group show  titled “Death and the Maiden” in Chico, CA. The painting is on display at the 1078 Gallery until July 19th. My painting is titled “A Maiden’s Revenge”

My take on the theme is that the Maiden plays the role of death.  She has been betrayed and hurt. She seeks revenge on her abuser, guided by her death spirits to give her strength, a clear path, and the power to kill.

The Maiden has completed her task. She is proud of her kill and puts her trophy on display.

Although slightly satisfied at the moment, she still feels pain and has had the taste of blood….

Here is a reaper spirit tattoo I made on Chris from Eye of Jade in Chico. Thank you, buddy. Check out the 1078 Gallery and Eye of Jade if you’re ever in Chico, California.

Illustrative Tattoos

Here are some illustrative tattoos that I’ve been really into lately.

I really enjoy this style of tattooing. I feel like these tattoos will all have great longevity. Thank you very much to all my clients.  If your interested in getting tattooed, you can find me at True Love Tattoo in Berkeley, California. 2700 San Pablo Avenue

Valentines Day

True Love Valentine’s Day Special: We are promoting love and traditional tattoos. Join us tomorrow for $50 tattoos off of our true love flash sheet. Get them while they’re hot, Friday we go back to the regular price. Doors open at 1:00 first come first serve. True Love Tattoo 2630 San Pablo ave in Berkeley

Painted by Amanda Go and Daniel Herlihy

Grampa Lee

Today is the day a great man was born. He was a huge inspiration in my life. I think of his sayings daily to help me along. I feel very lucky to know him as I did. Grampa you are a part of me that I am very proud of.  And I will tell Adeline stories of Grampa Lee.I got this tattoo Started shortly after he passed and today I got it finished for his birthday. Thank you very much Natasha for doing such a beautiful job. Check her out at Sugarfoot Tattoo in San Mateo, California.

Fear the Reaper

A quick reaper painting, part of a series to be shown this year. A sneak peek and a promise to keep up on my blog this year.

2012 was a year filled with many life changing events. It would have been an extremely exciting year to write about but days flew by. I will share the stories in up coming post.

14 Years….

Today is True Love Tattoo’s anniversary, fourteen years in the making.  I am very happy to be a part of such a talented family. This is a quick little painting I made as a gift to the shop. Thank you True Love and thank you to all my clients for making my life possible.

” True Love Tattoo was established in 1997.

The goal of the shop is to provide our clients with the highest caliber of work, artistically and technically.”

True Love Tattoo

I now work at True Love Tattoo in Berkeley, California with Dave Moore and Viktor Macias. Best tattoo shop in the East Bay. Come by sometime to check out the portfolios. We our located at 2630 San Pablo. You can find me there Tuesday – Saturday 1 – 8

Please  stop by to say hello. I would love to talk to you about your next tattoo. Free parking around the block.

DanielHerlihy.com