Shelton Thomas: Fellowship of the Sleeve

When Shelton Thomas walked into Ink & Dagger for the Spring 2024 One Shot Wall Party, he had never been tattooed before. But all it took was one design on the wall—a black-and-gray tattoo of a man in a sailboat on the ocean—to change everything.

“I never knew a tattoo could even look like that,” Shelton says. “I knew I had to go for it.”

That flash tattoo became Shelton’s very first piece, but it was only the beginning. After meeting artist Robert Beeman, the two hit it off immediately. The experience was so easy, enjoyable, and unexpectedly fun that Shelton left not only with his first tattoo but also with a new friend—and an idea: maybe it was finally time to start a full sleeve.

Shared Interests, Big Ideas

Part of what made Shelton’s first experience so memorable was the instant connection with Robert. “Pretty sure we talked for three and a half hours straight,” Shelton laughs. “Robert’s attitude and the environment of the shop put me right at ease.”

As they talked, they realized how much they had in common—favorite movies, books, and video games. When Shelton mentioned wanting a sleeve that incorporated Castlevania, Lord of the Rings, and Elden Ring, Robert’s eyes lit up.

“I have always wanted to tattoo a Balrog!” Robert remarked. From there, the collaboration took off. Shelton pulled together a reference image board, Robert began sketching ideas, and within months, they were mapping out a full black and gray realism sleeve.

Building a Masterpiece, Session by Session

Robert is known for his signature black and gray realism style, and Shelton was blown away by the depth, contrast, and storytelling he saw in Robert’s portfolio. “If I was ever going to pull the trigger and get a full sleeve, I wanted Robert to be the one to do it,” Shelton says.

The two worked together over multiple sessions, slowly layering in details and pushing the piece further. “He knew that good work takes time, and he was willing to give me that time to perfect the project,” Robert explains.

Their last session was a full polishing pass, where Robert refined the entire sleeve. “Shelton was shocked at how big of a difference it made,” Robert says. “Working with him from beginning to end was a highlight of my year.”

Advice for Other Clients

Shelton’s advice for others looking to start their tattoo journey? “Look at dozens of portfolios. Find the style that really catches your eye and feels like it was made for you, and reach out to that artist. Have an idea in mind for your consultation, but trust your artist to take those ideas and turn them into the best tattoo they can be.”

For him, that trust paid off. “Robert took my half-baked ideas and created a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that I get to enjoy forever.”

Robert’s Take

From Robert’s perspective, Shelton is the kind of client every artist hopes for. “Our personalities and interests synced up quickly, which made it easy to transition from his first tattoo to a sleeve. During our sessions, I learned a lot about him and his work as an engineer, and the whole process was just a joy. I’m looking forward to working with him again in the future.”

Ready to Start Your Own Project?

Shelton’s journey is proof of how one tattoo can spark a lifelong passion. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about a large-scale piece, Robert’s portfolio is packed with the same black and gray realism that drew Shelton in from the beginning.

Take a look at Robert’s work here, and when you’re ready, fill out a booking request form to start collaborating on a piece of your own.