Creativity in Ink Displayed

By Michele Robertson

Art takes on many forms, from drawing and painting to fiber arts, culinary arts, floral artistry, digital, literary, the list goes on and on. The ways to create seem endless. Downtown Carlsbad has many forms of art to delve into.

A new addition to the art scene in Downtown Carlsbad is Cavern City Tattoos. Owned and operated by Nick Dinero, a recent transplant to the area. He started his career at Flesh F/X tattoos in Mentor, OH; now Dinero has brought his talent to the Cavern City.

“I have been in the tattoo industry for almost 20 years and considered a tattoo artist for about 10. I started out as the shop apprentice and then worked my way up cleaning, piercing, and tattooing,” Dinero said.

Open since September of 2024, “We are still new and setting things up and making art for the walls,” Dinero shared. Customers are able to reach out beforehand and send inspiration pictures for the work they desire to have tattooed. Or they can walk in with an idea and have it done that day. Flash art can be found on the walls within the shop, which are designs ready to put on the body.

“Hanging out and getting to know people is always a fun part of tattooing. If the tattoo is in an area like the arm or leg, we will usually talk and joke while the tattoo is being made,” Dinero remarked.

“If you are an aspiring tattoo artist, there are plenty of things you can do to hone the craft of making a tattoo. Painting or even tattooing fake skin, but in my opinion, the craft of tattooing is more than just the tattoo. It is based on great customer service, sometimes even ceremonial experience of marking the skin, blended with good bedside manner and art,” said Dinero.

Dinero regularly has specials going on, more details can be found on his social media pages about current specials. Currently, he is running deals on full days/large pieces. “You can also rent the place out and have your own tattoo party here with me as your artist,” he said.

Discounts are available to those located in the downtown district, first responders, police, veterans, and teachers. There is no shop minimum, and tattoos are priced by piece, not by the hour. Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments are needed for large tattoos and coverups. Appointments also ensure your tattoo happens that day. A Sunday in late February saw a dozen or so appointments taking place from morning till late into the night.

“The addition of Cavern City Tattoos to our MainStreet District has enhanced the creative economic makeup of our district. The artistic perspective a tattoo shop can bring is endless through the unique design ideas that the art of tattooing can bring to life,” said Kat Davis, Executive Director for Carlsbad MainStreet.

“Since opening, Cavern City Tattoos has already participated in some of our events hosted by Carlsbad MainStreet with our holiday stroll and POPup Art Event, which added a new creative element to offer the community and event attendees. We look forward to our continued partnership with them and the growth of the creative economy in Carlsbad,” she said.

Cavern City Tattoos is located at 211 W. Fox St. in Carlsbad. Hours are 12-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Text 440-606-3265 to set up an appointment or check out their social media channels for photos of tattoos done and to see current specials or make an appointment.

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/CavernCityTattoos/

https://www.instagram.com/caverncitytattoos/

https://www.instagram.com/dinero_art/