Paul Taylor Tattooist| Sacred Rose Tattoo

Paul started tattooing in New Orleans in 1990. He had a short apprenticeship with tattoo artist Fernie. He was left on his own, to defend for himself. A mostly self taught tattoo artist. He started taking art classes at colleges, that went on for 6 years.

Arriving in San Francisco in 1993, after working in Santa Cruz at Body Adornments, Paul Taylor followed with a few stints at some well-known local shops. In 1998, he began working with Karen Roze of Sacred Rose Tattoo in the Mission District--a post that he enjoyed for nearly 10 years. 

Here, he enjoyed a lively shop that allowed him both creative control and space to develop his skills and amass a core clientele of dedicated customers. Being part of a walk-in street shop in an eclectic neighborhood also enabled Paul to broaden his styles.

While his tattooing shows a great diversity, it is his focus on Tribal Art and large works that has gained him some international fame. Influenced by the traditions of indigenous tattooing societies, Paul was attracted to the global reach and networking abilties of the convention circuit.

Learning the significance of ancient organic forms and incorporating them into his emerging styles, Paul's work has garnered numerous awards and accolades in the tattoo industry, particularly with his bold tribal pieces.

 Besides working with other artists around the globe, Paul has had the opportunity to witness ancient tattoo traditions first hand in his travels to Borneo, Malaysia, and Tahiti. In fact, he even tattooed a Borneo elder from the Iban tribe while learning non-electric hand-tapping techniques.

This less-invasive and more communal technique (requiring an assistant to stretch the skin taut) creates striking body works that can age well up to fifty years and evolve with the wearer. It also seems to be less painful and often is accomplished with very little to no bleeding by the subject.

In 2010, Paul opened --a private studio on Treat Avenue in the Mission District.  This quiet and focused environment allows him uninterrupted time to connect with and decorate his clients, who seem to appreciate a private place to enjoy these life-changing experiences. 

2020 Back working with Karen Rose at Sacred Rose Tattoo in Berkeley CA. Went well for 3 years. He enjoyed working with new co workers, in a new huge shop. He focused on large color work. Creating Greek gods and Goddesses master pieces with mythological animals. Mostly doing color organic images, trees, flowers, and animals. He has also, enhanced his black and gray work to a new level. New instagram page paultaylor7799

2023 Paul has opened his first street shop, with co-owner, tattoo artist Rachel Giavasis. Gifted Spider Tattoo. A new modern custom shop, with plenty of space, calm, and comfort, for the client and artists. Tattooing in the loft of the two level shop, with lots of windows and high ceilings. His best work is soon to come, out of this new sanctuary. Focusing on Greek Mythology , Bioorganic and Biomechanical, Trees and Flowers, black and gray nature, and hand tapping techniques. He can do any kind of tattoo, that a client ask for…

 Come by and check us out.