Biography

Nick Wagner has been tattooing in Jacksonville Florida for 16 years. Due to the current back log of work, Nick is only taking requests for his waiting and cancellation lists at this time. The waiting list is for projects that will need a long term commitment (1/2 sleeves, sleeves, back pieces, etc.), and the cancellation list is for tattoos that can be one or two sittings was Nick has random openings in his schedule. While he tends to stay booked up solidly, it can't hurt to text or call to leave a message with Nick directly, at 904-403-9813, to see if he has any availability on short notice. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

The best way to contact Nick is by sending your name, phone number, a brief description of the tattoo you'd like to get, and any reference images to him at blackhivetattoo@gmail.com. Please be patient, as Nick will usually get back to you with an answer or any questions within a week.

Because of the large amount of requests, he will need to be a little more selective of the projects he takes on in the future. Also, people who are interested in getting something from his suite of existing designs and putting down a significant deposit will have the opportunity to get a special hourly rate (detailed below). Take a few moments to look at Nick's portfolios, here and through our flickr.com link on the "shop info" page, to get a feel of his style and range. 

Keep in mind, if Nick suggests that you get tattooed by another Black Hive artist, it is not to say he thinks it is a bad idea, it just means he either thinks another artist is a better fit for your project, or it's just not his cup of tea. It's better to have the artist that is the best fit and excited to tackle your project, than forcing Nick to do something that he is not comfortable with. In any event, Nick would like to thank you in advance for you interest in his work. 

Nick Wagner is $200 for any new clients (12/2011 and later). All of Nick's  clients (tattooed previous to 12/2011) will continue at the previous hourly rate of $200 an hour for less than 3 hours, and $160 an hour for 3 hours or more.

HOWEVER, for all clients, old AND new, there is an option to getting a lower rate of $150 an hour if you choose to select from one of Nick's personal designs. To get the special hourly rate, these designs require a larger non-refundable deposit and less flexibility in regards to placement and size. Stop by the shop to look at Nick's current stock of designs as they are limited and, as usual, will only be done once. You CAN get one of the designs without the increased deposit, but the usual hourly rate and size/placement restrictions will apply. Picking one of these designs will not affect anyone's place on Nick's waiting or cancellation lists, only the hourly rate. 

And now, for those who are interested, a short bio:

Nick Wagner began tattooing in 1995 at Westside Tattoo where Rahbe West apprenticed him. After 4.5 years building his skills, Inksmith&Rogers bought the shop he worked at and asked him to stay on as the manager.

For the next 7 1/2 years Nick worked with a larger group of artists, returned to college to augment his practical experience at the shop with more formal training, and did guest spots at other tattoo studios around the country to polish and broaden his range of skills and styles.

In 2007 Nick took a spot at a new appointment only studio. The idea was to create an environment where clients would get more individualized attention. After a brief stay Nick decided narrow his focus even more and open his own shop in Riverside. This was the beginning of Black Hive Tattoo.