Miami Ink Tattooists Design One-of-a-Kind Les Paul Studios

Lora Moinkoff | 12.08.2008

World-class tattoo artists Darren Brass and Chris Garver, most widely known for their roles on TLC program Miami Ink, recently collaborated with Gibson and Rock the Vote to hand design two Gibson Les Paul Studio guitars. Gibson donated these guitars for each artist to use to create their own one-of-a-kind piece that will go on display throughout the country and will eventually be used as fundraising for Rock the Vote.These special guitars can currently be seen on display at the Townhouse Hotel (150 20th Street, Miami Beach, Fla.) through Dec. 8.

Darren Brass

Darren Brass designed this remarkable Les Paul Studio in Worn Brown. This unconventional, tribal-inspired design speaks to Darren’s work in the art of graffiti. Throughout the ’80s, from New York to Boston, Darren covered anything he could with his gritty and colorful art, gaining a reputation on the streets as a budding artist. In 1992, Darren was introduced to the art of tattooing and soon became completely enamored by the concept of the human body as a canvas. In 1994, he landed in South Beach Miami at the home of the legendary shop Tattoos by Lou. Here he was mentored by the infamous tattoo artist Lou Sciberra. Darren’s command of traditional American tattoos along with his love of graffiti have developed Darren into one of today’s most talented and versatile tattoo artists. Find more information on Darren here.

Chris Garver

Chris Garver designed this Ebony Les Paul Studio with an intricate dragon. Chris began his career as a tattoo artist at the age of 17. In his early 20s, Chris moved to New York City, where he quickly earned a name for himself due to his talent, the quality of his work and his humble demeanor. In the years following, Garver's talent earned him the opportunity to tattoo in Asia, all of the Americas and Europe. His name has become synonymous with some of the best tattoo work in the industry of body ink. Already known as one of the best tattooers in the world, his recent role on the worldwide hit show Miami Ink has further solidified his standing as a world-class tattoo artist.  You can see the Asian-influence in this unique, meticulously designed dragon. Check out some of his work here.