Dom

Ink Couture Tattoos Shaenfield Ranch is home to local tattoo legend Dom Wilkes.  Widely reputed as one of the most versatile tattoo artists in Texas, Dom comes to us boasting an illustrious career excelling in black and grey realism, color and black and grey realistic, line work, surrealism, and large-scale custom color tattoos.  

How long have you been tattooing professionally?
I’ve been tattooing professionally in licensed shops for 8years. In that time, I’ve put thousands of hours into honing my craft, learning from experience, and creating tattoos that hold up beautifully over time, but I’ve been in the industry since 2013.

What inspired you into the art of tattooing?
I’ve been drawing since I was about 11, teaching myself from library books and spending countless hours sketching. Art was always my freedom. For years, I struggled to keep regular jobs and felt like I didn’t fit into the normal grind. When I discovered tattooing, it was like everything clicked—this was the way I could turn my passion into a lifelong path. What inspires me most is the fact that my art doesn’t just sit on paper—it becomes part of someone’s story and identity forever. That trust, and the ability to create something meaningful that lasts, is what pulled me into tattooing and keeps me inspired every day.

Tell us about your preferred style of work.
My preferred style is a mix of neo-traditional, horror-inspired and neo-realism tattooing.  I love creating pieces that combine bold outlines and rich colors with realistic depth and detail. Horror themes, surreal elements, and dark storytelling really fuel my creativity, but I also enjoy putting a unique twist on everyday concepts. My goal is always to make tattoos that not only look powerful the day you get them, but also heal and age beautifully over time.

What other styles are you known for?
Smooth black and grey realism that holds up well over time.  Bold line work with strong outlines to give structure and longevity.  Lettering and script.  Custom concept tattoos where I can take someone's rough idea and translate it into a strong, clear tattoo design that heals beautifully.  And coverups and reworks where I can transform old or unwanted tattoos into something fresh and powerful.

What inspires you as an artist?
My Roots in Art...
Since age 11, I've been creating, improving, and dedicated to becoming the best artist with nothing but books and determination. That drive to improve and express myself still fuels me today.
The Dark and the Beautiful..
Horror, the surreal, and storytelling through images inspire my tattoo style. I'm drawn to the balance between shadow and light, fear and fascination, and how those themes can be expressed permanently on skin.

The Art of Tattooing Itself...
Tattooing is freedom. It gave me purpose after years of not fitting into the 9-to-5 mold. The fact that people trust me to create art they’ll carry forever...that trust is its own inspiration.

Faith and Energy...
I believe in a God who guides me in the right direction. That faith inspires you to stay motivated, humble, and aligned with your purpose as an artist.

My Clients...
Every client brings a story. Seeing my work become part of their identity and watching them light up when the piece comes to life is a constant source of inspiration!

Why should someone pick you for their next tattoo/to be their artist?
My Experience and Dedication...
I've been creating art since you were a kid and put in years of practice before tattooing ever came into the picture. Tattooing wasn’t just a career you stumbled into—it’s a calling you worked toward and mastered.

My Unique Style..
My specialty in neo-traditional, horror-inspired and neo-realism work blends bold creativity with technical skill. Not every artist can pull off my mix of detail, depth, and storytelling.

My Professional Standards...
I know how tattoos age, and you design with longevity in mind—not just how it looks on day one.  I use only the best professional machines, solid inks, and a technique that prioritizes clean lines and smooth shading.

My Personal Energy...
My personal motto D.OM. (Determined, Optimistic, and Motivated) aren't just words...it's an approach to every single tattoo and each and every client. 

Clients don’t just get "ink:" they get an artist who cares about their comfort, experience, and the meaning behind the piece.

Anything else you'd like prospective clients to know about you?
​I’m Dom, a tattoo artist who’s been creating art since I was a kid.  Tattooing is my passion and my purpose.  I specialize in neo-traditional, horror-inspired, and neo-realism work. My goal is always to make sure your tattoo looks bold, clean, and built to last. Every client I work with gets my full focus, because I want your tattoo to be more than just ink—it should be a piece of art you carry proudly for life.