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Dan "Wes" Wesley 

Creating bad-ass Tattoos in Columbus, Ohio since 1997

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My tattoo career began when
I was 7 years old. 

Well, at least that’s when I became obsessed with tattoos. It all started when I first saw my grandfather's WWII friends and their faded military tattoos. Fast forward to 1985 and Motley Crue with their sleeve tattoos sealed the deal…I knew I would be heavily tattooed!

 

ink wall

My Obsession with Tattoos

Jump to 1988. On my 18th birthday I got my very first tattoo, which was a Panther on my arm that was done by Jan on Broad St in Columbus Ohio. 

After high-school, I had thought I wanted to be a chef and so by time I graduated from culinary school in California in 1993, I had 6 tattoos. 

tattoo machine

Enter the Tattoo Apprentice 

In November of 1996, I began realizing that a career as a chef was not going to work for me. So I packed up my art work and started knocking on the local tattoo shop doors, looking for an apprenticeship. Back then there were maybe 22 or so local shops in town, and 21 of them said NO. It was Kevin who finally said YES and gave me a shot. 

Over the next 6 months I would earn the chance to learn tattooing techniques and styles, by serving as the shop bitchThis meant everything from cleaning toilets, washing windows, making needles, and even painting walls. In the end it was worth it. Kevin taught me how to tattoo. 

old body language studio

Founded Body Language Tattoo Shop

Most people don't know this, but in January of 1999 I actually opened Body Language in the exact spot it is today on S Hamilton Rd in Columbus, Ohio. This was my primary business for about the next 10 years.

self made training

My Fitness Businesses

I have a lot of other passions and one of them happens to be endurance racing.  So in In 2011, I opened my second business, founding a triathlon store called Triformance Swim Bike Run.

A few years later in 2014, with the triathlon shop up and running, I sold part of Body Language to my former apprentice, Joey Knuckles, and he came on as my business partner at Body Language.

In 2018, continuing down the path fo fitness-oriented businesses, I sold my remaining shares of Body Language to Joey and founded a gym called the Self-Made Training Facility.

wes in studio at bodylanguage 1

Full Circle Tattooing

The year 2020 was my rebirth into professional tattooing. Like a lot of businesses at the time, the COVID-19 pandemic would pretty much crush my fledgling gym business.  That whole experience made me realize that how much I truly love my career as a professional tattoo artist.

Looking back now, it was the BEST decision I've ever made. I love tattooing, and I love meeting new people in the shop. Most of all, absolutely love the reactions I see in a satisfied clients face, as they look in the mirror for the first time at their brand new tattoo.

What My Clients Say About My Work

This was my first tattoo. Wes talked me through everything so I’d know what to expect. He was personable and easy to talk to. He made the process as smooth and easy as possible. He listened to all my thoughts and was able to translate it to paper, then me. His work was great! I made the right choice in going to Wes!

5 Start Google Review by Carrie Keck
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value

Found Wes on Instagram and saw some of his amazing work. Messaged him and said I was interested in a patch tattoo he had up for grabs.
He was able to get me in quickly and we are now working on the background of it. Wes is an awesome artist and makes sure that you're comfortable. He and all the people at Body Language are awesome. Friendly fun clean environment. Can't wait to go back

5 Star Google Review from Mike Huber
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality

My first ever tattoo and Wes was totally amazing! Super professional and thoughtful throughout the entire process. I shared with him in advance of my appointment how nervous I was and he made me feel right at home. Taking my Dad for his first in a few weeks. Can’t wait to get my next one.

5 Star Google Review by Shannon Kurek
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value

I had a tattoo that I wanted covered up. Wes designed the most beautiful piece and it looks amazing!! I am absolutely in love with my new tattoo!! The details he gives them and the vibrant colors are gorgeous!!! I will be going back to Wes for all of my future ones and I’m already thinking about my next one!!! Thank you so much, Wes!!! I can’t wait to design my next one with you!!!

5 Star Google Review by Racquel
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value

Wes did a patch tattoo for me and I absolutely love it! He took a basic concept and added all the detail to really make it a complete piece. The shop was clean and everyone was great. I highly recommend taking a look at this shop if you're looking for a great tattoo!

5 Star Google Review by Ariana Fridrich
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value

My husband, daughter and I recently got our first tattoos from Wes. The overall process was awesome and we love our tattoos. I have since gotten a second one and have a third one scheduled. We highly recommend Wes. He is fantastic.

5 Star Google Review by Dave Calvert
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value

I set this appointment up online for my sister and I to both get our first tattoo! Wes made us feel very comfortable and made sure we were okay during the whole process. We ended up getting 3 tattoos first time around and ready to get more!! Thanks Wes ☺️

5 Star Google Review by B Ambrozy
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality

I had a tattoo with Wes on Saturday. Wes was very professional, so kind and easy to talk to. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. He’s very talented and delivered exactly what I wanted. I was so happy to add Wes’s art to my collection. Highly recommend!!

5 Star Google Review by Marissa Dotson
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality

My Tattoo Pricing & Retainer Packages

After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. I have found that tattooing in 2-hour sessions allows time for the skin to heal in between session, which ultimately produces a better end result, while also meeting my clients pain tolerance levels. I work to stay booked with sessions for up to 6-months in advance. 

The pricing and packages below have been designed to give you control and flexibility on how we approach your tattoo, based on your desired size, level of detail and budget.  During your Tattoo design consultation, I will be able to estimate the number of hours your desired design will take to complete and we can then get you into the best package.

Small Tattoos & Walk-ins

For smaller tattoos of any style. Price is based on size, difficulty and body location.
Minimum of $100

Medium-Sized Tattoo Package

For medium sized and more detailed tattoos that will require 4-6 hours of work.
$230/hr

Large-Sized Tattoo Package

For Large-sized tattoos of any style that will require between 14-18 hours of work
$210/hr

Have Questions on my Pricing Packages?

Feel free to contact me with any questions you have, or you can go ahead and schedule a free tattoo design consultation where we can discuss your desired design and I can give you a ball park estimate on what it will take to complete. 

columbus-first-responders

Honoring our First Responders with a $50 Gift Card

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible work our first responders do every day. You are the unsung heroes of our communities, always ready to put yourselves in harm's way to help those in need. To help celebrate, I'm giving out "Wes Cash" to our first responders for their next tattoo. 

Claim Your $50