George Rodriguez is a tattoo artist for whom art has become not just a profession, but a way of life. He considers his work “his wife” – an unconditional love that defines the quality of every stroke. In March 2026, together with his long-time partner Jose “Jay” Alvarado, he opened a new studio, Old Soul Tattoo Club, in The Arbors shopping center in University City, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mobility as a Philosophy
Before the studio opened, I met Rodriguez while he was working on a complex cover-up on a back, using a mobile setup. This is not just a technical solution – it’s his philosophy. “My mobile case is fully equipped like a studio. I can work sterilely anywhere, but the main thing is the moment. If inspiration strikes, if there’s time, if everything aligns – I’m ready to work immediately,” he explains.
For him, being accessible to clients is more important than making money. “Money only has value because people assign it value. I’m confident that through consistency, I will be successful, so I’m not chasing it right now. If I start hunting for money and become greedy, I’ll miss the best part of this experience.”
Scar Cover-ups: A Challenge and a Mission
Rodriguez is currently working on a cover-up that is itself a cover-up. “The first layer was done by a student on a couch. We now know that’s not how it should be done – it led to scarring, which I have to work with today.” He specializes in scar cover-ups because many artists avoid this work. “It’s not just art – it’s a chance to give new life to something a person wants to hide.”
A Journey Through Eight States
In his first year of work, Rodriguez traveled through eight East Coast states, trying to find his place. He stopped in Charlotte, Richmond, tried different cities, but didn’t feel satisfied. Only in his second year, after seeing a therapist, did he realize he needed to create a home where he was. “I decided to turn my current location into what best suits me.”
One of the key moments was returning to Richmond for a guest spot. In three days, he did 17 tattoos, slept on the floor, and worked non-stop. “Everything turned out as if I had always been there.”
Unconventional Training: From Mechanic to Master
Rodriguez did not undergo typical training. He worked as a mechanic until he injured his back, then became a bartender in Concord. There he met a tattoo shop owner who rejected him because he didn’t speak Spanish. Rodriguez returned, began observing the work, and learned from one of the artists who spoke a little English. After two to three months, he was given a machine and told, “You’re ready.” The first result was poor, but after a correction from another artist, he understood the essence. His tenth tattoo was a face.
Training Apprentices: Why He Isn’t Taking Them Now
Rodriguez believes his experience has shown him the importance of self-reliance. He doesn’t take apprentices now because he is still learning marketing, communication, and art creation himself. “I can’t teach someone if I’m not confident in these things myself. Besides, training takes time away from my own work.”
Artificial Intelligence: The Death of Art?
As a master of American traditionalism, Rodriguez is strongly against the use of AI. “I don’t see the benefit in Pinterest or generative AI. It kills art. Composition, execution, style – that’s what makes a piece unique. If you can’t draw a sketch, how are you going to do a tattoo?”
New Studio: Old Soul Tattoo Club
The studio is located in The Arbors, University City, Charlotte. Rodriguez and Alvarado have created a space where any style can be worked on. Alvarado specializes in black and grey realism and Japanese work, while Rodriguez focuses on traditional and fine lines. They often collaborate on large projects on backs and legs.
“We wanted to create a place where you don’t have to fit into a box. Here, everyone can be themselves,” says Rodriguez. The studio opened in March 2026 and has already become a place where art meets humanity.
George Rodriguez’s story is an example of how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take on difficult challenges can lead to the creation of something more than just a business. His approach to scar cover-ups, mobility, rejection of AI, and attention to detail make him one of the most interesting artists of our time. Old Soul Tattoo Club is not just a studio, but a space where art lives, breathes, and changes lives.