Ink City wins Reader’s Choice gold

Mario Ybarra is recognized as the tattoo artist gold winner of the Reader’s Choice awards.

Ybarra, in practice since 2019, is honored by the recognition. He and wife Sonia operate Ink City in the Mason Mall since 2019.

“A tattoo represents artistic freedom, without talking,” he said.

Ybarra talks about the changes in the art, including new machinery in applying the art.

“The old school method of the tattoo gun has been replaced with the rotary tool. The process of removal is relatively uncommon but far more effective than practices utilized in previous years,” he said.

Ybarra specializes in what he identifies as “realistic art.” Florals and especially roses are very popular. Other art styles include tribal, armed forces, portraits and traditional, which includes memorials for loved ones.

The artwork is certainly not inexpensive. An average tattoo may cost about $500.

A normal sitting is about two hours.

Close to 70 percent of the industry utilizes black and gray colors only.

Ybarra has watched his clientele grow from 500 to over 3,000 over the years he’s practiced.

Ink City is located on the Mason Mall, suite six and can be reached at (707) 954-1279.