David “davey” Spataro
Wolves will be wolves…
…no matter whose skin they’re in.
tattoo artist
I began my tattooing career in 2005 with a traditional apprenticeship. After several years working in a “street shop” developing an understanding of the basic skillsets; I set out to find a place where I could focus more on each tattoo and the individuals wearing them. In 2018 after over a decade of training at a new shop and various conventions, I opened Okami Tattoo. Meant as a place to focus on my art, while helping other artists find the right environment to create their best work too. It has been a great honor to work along side a talented crew as we all learn and grow together.
painter
Aside from tattooing I also like to work in a wide variety of other mediums. These often include oil painting, ink washing, digital art and design. These other art forms not only help me learn new methods and principles, but allow me to experiment with them to apply in future tattooing projects.
I think I will always have a certain soft spot for more hands on and traditional mediums like painting. Sometimes I find the more relaxed pace of working with paint allows me to really lose myself in a piece for hours on end.
a wolf at heart
Its no secret to anyone who knows me that my pup is a major part of my life. In an era of tattooing that pre dated the exposure it has now, I spent a lot of time with my dog. I think the pack mentality of the dog dad experience really inspired me in creating Okami Tattoo. Like a pack we thrive together.
the shop IDEOLOGY
“Now this is the Law of the Jungle, as old and as true as the sky, And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die. As the creeper that girdles the tree trunk, the Law runneth forward and back; For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
okami tattoo
Located in central northern New Jersey, we are on the edge of somewhere, and a vast network of moutains, state parks, lakes and trails. We have on site parking, private booths, and the most modern and up to date procedures and practices. Here we all strive to make each piece our best work, and a fun experience.
the great outdoors!
I also enjoy all the perks of living in the woods and mountains.
When I’m not making art I can usually be found out in nature either with the dog, my wife, or the bike. I find a lot of inspiration while out in the woods and I often wonder if thats why I have so much fun making floral themed tattoos???
