Color realism tattoo of a red kraken coiled around a stone lighthouse under a night sky, by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.
Large-scale color tattoo of a mountain landscape with a river running through it, by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.
Dark samurai warrior tattoo in armor, by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.

Custom, large-scale tattoo art with a fine-art approach — color realism and black & gray built for the body it lives on.

TATTOOED
THEORY

Color Realism ✦Black & Gray ✦Full Sleeves ✦Back Pieces ✦Cover-Ups ✦Digital Concept Art ✦Color Realism ✦Black & Gray ✦Full Sleeves ✦Back Pieces ✦Cover-Ups ✦Digital Concept Art ✦

Every piece is custom made for each client - and together we can make an amazing piece come to life built just for you.

SELECTED WORK

THE PORTFOLIO

Every piece is drawn custom for the client — nothing off the wall, nothing repeated. Click any piece to view full size.

Tattoo of a woman's face with eyes closed and flowing hair, surrounded by cosmic and abstract designs on a person's arm.
Tattoo of Marvel superheroes Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor on person's arms.
A colorful tattoo of a red octopus entwined with a lighthouse on the person's arm.
Color realism tattoo sleeve of a dark knight on horseback holding a sword, riding through a burning city with skulls and flames.
Tattoo of a medieval knight in armor with a city skyline and fiery background, spanning across the person's arm.
Tattoo of a woman's face with a leopard, inked on a person's arm.
Tattoo of an angel with large wings, holding a sword, on a person's arm.
Tattoo of a woman's face with flowing hair, flames, and abstract patterns on skin
Black and gray tattoo of a detailed realistic wolf's face surrounded by orchids and other floral elements on a person's arm.
Tattooed arms featuring realistic skull illustrations surrounded by flames and flames with roses and abstract patterns.
Book cover titled 'Color Theory for Tattooing' by Javier Antunez, featuring vibrant, abstract, and colorful artwork related to tattoo design.
Book cover titled 'Design Theory for Tattooing' by Javier Antunez, featuring a collage of tattoo designs and artwork.
Cover-up tattoo before and after: a dark gas mask piece covered with a blue phoenix rising in flames, tattooed by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.
Cover-up tattoo before and after: a small feather and birds design covered with a deep-space galaxy scene in blues and purples, tattooed by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.
Digital illustration by Javier Antunez titled Ice Cream Man, a grinning figure in a white coat with an exposed brain served like a sundae.
Digital art print by Javier Antunez of Tattooed Theory.
Digital art print by Javier Antunez titled Torment.
Cover-up tattoo before and after: a faded black tribal biohazard symbol on the wrist covered with a red rose and dark thorned stem, tattooed by Javi Antunez at Tattooed Theory in Mooresville, NC.
See all color work →See all black & gray →See all cover-ups →See all digital art →
The Artist

I’m Javi.

My wife and I run Tattooed Theory, a studio in Mooresville — one client a day, no rush. Every piece is created custom for each client. I have been tattooing for 20+ years and hope to get 20+ more. What is the piece you have in mind? Send me an inquiry and I’ll be in touch asap!

Cover-up after - Javi Antunez reworked the same forearm into a full-color blue phoenix rising from flame.
Cover-up before - a black and gray gas mask and shark tattoo on the forearm.
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Cover-Ups

OUT WITH THE OLD,
IN WITH THE NEW TATTOO

Drag the handle. That's the whole pitch.

A bad tattoo doesn't have to stay a bad tattoo. Cover-up work is problem-solving at the highest level - building a piece you're proud of on top of one you're not.

Ask About a Cover-Up
Client Words

DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT

★★★★★

Javier Antunez of Tattooed Theory is one of the best in the business! I am very happy with my experience working with Javi and have received many compliments on my tattoo. I will definitely choose him again for future tattoos. He can bring any idea to life with meticulous artistry. With over 18 years of experience, he is a true professional and master of his craft.

Ro Co · Google Review · May 2025
★★★★★

Javi is straight up one of the coolest dudes around, not only that literally one of the best artists I’ve ever encountered. I can’t recommend him enough. The only reason I was able to sit for 8+ hours is how skilled the dude is. If you have been wanting one then jump on it immediately!

djoker96 · Google Review · 2025
★★★★★

Javi and family is the only parlour ill ever go. The professionalism is through the roof. Not to mention one of the best artist in the country.

Krazy Cabz · Google Review · Sep 2024
How It Works

FROM IDEA TO TATTOO

01

THE CONVERSATION

Submit the booking form with your concept, placement, and references. Javi personally responds to every inquiry - email or text, whichever you prefer.

02

THE DESIGN

Your piece is drawn custom for your body and your story. Pricing and the design process are laid out up front - no surprises, no cookie-cutter flash.

03

THE SESSION

Private studio, one-on-one focus, museum-grade execution. Aftercare guidance included so the piece heals as strong as it was laid in.

Published Work

THE FIELD MANUALS

The theory behind the ink - in print.

The Tattooed Theory Field Manuals break down the fundamentals most artists learn the hard way: how color actually behaves in skin, and how to design pieces that flow with the body instead of fighting it.

Color Theory Design Theory

BEFORE YOU ASK

  • Custom work is quoted by the project, not a menu. After you submit the booking form you'll get the full pricing and design-process breakdown up front — no surprises mid-project.We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • No walk-ins, no flash off the wall. Everything is drawn custom for the person wearing it — except Design-Ready drops, which are pre-drawn originals you can claim as-is.Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • It varies with travel and project load — the Books Open indicator in the header is always current. Serious inquiries with clear ideas move fastest.We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • Usually, yes — cover-ups are some of the most rewarding work in the portfolio. Send clear photos of the existing piece in the booking form and you'll get an honest answer about what's possible.You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • Private studio in Mooresville, NC — about 20 minutes north of Charlotte. Address shared with booked clients.We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

The Studio

The studio is just twenty minutes north of Charlotte NC.

Tattoo studio in Mooresville — I only schedule one piece per day so we can take our time making sure everything is as perfect as it can be. Every piece starts with a conversation. Click below to start your piece’s journey.

Tattooed Theory807 Williamson Rd #201
Mooresville, NC 28117
Start your piece → Tell me the idea, the placement and roughly when — I’ll reply by email or text, your call.
Mooresville, NC