Assassin Tattoo Houston — Resident Tattoo Artist
DAVID
Large-Scale Eastern Custom Tattooing
Rooted in Eastern art and traditional painting, David creates large-scale custom tattoos inspired by Buddhist imagery, mythology, and Japanese-influenced compositions. His approach combines hand-drawn planning, freehand design, and thoughtful composition in both color and black & grey.
Portfolio
SELECTED
WORKS
Back pieces, full-leg work and sleeves — Eastern subjects composed for the body, in color and black & grey.
Painter · Designer · Tattoo Artist
THE
ARTIST
David is a tattoo artist, painter, and designer whose work is deeply influenced by traditional Eastern art.
In 2008, he founded Dai Tattoo in Beijing, developing an artistic practice that combines classical visual traditions with contemporary tattoo composition. His work emphasizes large-scale custom projects, including back pieces, sleeves, and full-leg tattoos.
Beyond tattooing, David explores drawing, mural painting, and traditional artistic techniques. His research into Dunhuang mural art informs his understanding of form, movement, symbolism, and composition.
Now based at Assassin Tattoo in Houston, David brings this artistic foundation to custom tattoo projects in both color and black & grey.
The beauty of tattooing is not found in imitation, but in the patience and refinement that allow art to emerge from within.
2008
Founded Dai Tattoo in Beijing
Conventions
International Tattoo Convention Experience
Practice
Fine Art, Drawing & Freehand Design
Conventions & Judging
INTERNATIONAL
RECOGNITION
Selected moments from David's work in the international tattoo community.
-
Invited Judge
2016
Beijing International Tattoo Art Festival
Invited by the organizing committee to serve as a judge at the 2nd Beijing International Tattoo Art Festival.
-
Convention Recognition
International Tattoo Convention Recognition
Moments of recognition from international tattoo conventions, reflecting David's dedication to tattoo artistry and professional excellence.
-
Convention Participation
4 Countries
International Convention Experience
Tattoo conventions in Beijing, Langfang and Nanning, London, Frankfurt, Winnipeg and Toronto.
Drawing · Painting · Research
BEYOND
TATTOOING
Drawing and painting sit at the center of David's practice — from sketchbook studies and Dunhuang mural research to large wall paintings. Less common subjects are worked out in hand-drawn concepts first, and some designs are drawn freehand directly on the skin.
Phoenix — Sketch to Tattoo
Sketch → Color Study → Finished Tattoo
Freehand Toad Design
Freehand on skin
Hand-Drawn Guardian Concept
Design drawing
Dunhuang-Inspired Painting
Painting
Dunhuang Art Study
Field research
Mural Painting
Large-format wall painting
Ready to Begin
BOOK WITH
DAVID
Custom tattoo projects at Assassin Tattoo & Piercing in Houston, Texas.
01
Share Your Tattoo Idea
Tell us the subject, placement and approximate size through the booking form.
02
Review Your Project Details
Design direction, placement and scale are reviewed for your project.
03
Schedule Your Tattoo Session
Book the session time for your tattoo.
Prefer to talk in person? Free in-person consultations are available at the studio, 4–8 PM. This is separate from the tattoo booking form above.
Studio: 604 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Assassin Tattoo & Piercing · 604 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 · assassin.ink