“ As ancient as time, as modern as tomorrow.”
About Sharky & LHCTX
Lonely Hearts Club TX is the exclusive private studio of world-renowned American Traditional tattoo artist Sharky Pitts. Tucked away in the scenic hill country of San Marcos, Texas, it has been aptly coined "Texas' Tiny Tattoo Temple." Situated on Sharky’s private property this unique studio offers a one-of-a-kind tattoo experience. With nearly 20 years of professional tattooing under her belt, Sharky draws from a wealth of knowledge gained under the mentorship of legends like Pete Giaquinto and Lyle Tuttle. Sharky is also known for her “On the road” approach to tattooing traveling by train, motorcycle, and conversion van several months out of the year guesting at renowned Traditional shops all across the country such as Daredevil Tattoo NYC, Taylor Street Tattoo Chicago, Leo Zuletta’s Spiral Tattoo Ann Arbor, and Tattoo City San Fransico.
Celebrated for her distinctive blend of dark feminine, metal, horror, and vintage influences, Sharky crafts one-of-a-kind custom blackwork designs for clients who travel from across the globe to experience her artistry. Sharky has been featured in numerous magazines, shows, and podcasts, including "Books Closed", "So Your Kind of a Big Deal", and "The Chris Gethard Show". She also hosts her own online interview series, "Welcome to the Backroom" , alongside Rich Fie. Sharky is also an accomplished tattoo historian and writer. As a Black, female, queer-owned business, clients can expect a healthy, modern, and comfortable tattoo experience at LHCTX.
❃Services❃
Largescale
$1000.00 day rate (6-7 hours)
$200.00 per hour (5 hours or less)
*Discounts applied to consecutive day sessions
Whether you're embarking on your journey into the world of large-scale tattooing or looking to enhance your existing collection, Sharky stands as one of the nation's foremost artists in creating cohesive, large-scale tattoos based on ornamental, geometric, illustrative, and traditional motifs. Her bold and unique approach to design, coupled with an exceptional eye for body shape and flow, ensures each piece is a true work of art. Let Sharky guide you on the transformative journey to fully adorning your temple walls.
Minimalist
$100.00 and up
Itty bitty, teeny weeny—who says big tattoos get to have all the fun? Some folks assume that if their design isn't massive or super intricate, Sharky won't give it a second glance. But nothing could be further from the truth! Sharky can make your minimalist tattoo dreams a reality, no matter how small. And since these mini masterpieces typically take 30 minutes or less, they're priced on a sliding scale. (Hands, faces and necks welcome.)
Acetate Tattooing
$100.00-$600.00
In the early 20th century—well before stencil machines existed—tattooers would etch their shop’s designs onto acetate sheets. These acetates were then dusted with charcoal powder and pressed onto a client’s skin, forcing the artist to work at breakneck speed before the machine’s vibration wiped away the charcoal. This tried-and-true technique appeals to serious collectors of traditional tattoos and to tattooers eager to deepen their appreciation of American tattoo history. Sharky’s acetate collection is nothing short of extraordinary. Some were handed down by mentors, others were bartered for, and still others were photocopied from fellow artists while on the road. If you’re yearning to experience that old-time tattoo magic, look no further.
Blastovers
$200.00 per hour
Sometimes we’re ready to leave a tattoo behind, yet other times we want to acknowledge our personal growth without completely erasing who we used to be. That’s where the blastover tattoo comes in. Rather than being confined by the lines of your old tattoo, a blastover moves with your body’s natural contours, letting the new design flow freely. With Sharkys blackwork expertise, she flawless creates bold statement pieces to dress over your original design (s).
Pet Portraits
$200.00 per hour
Animals > Humans. Sharky is a lover of all creatures great and small. Whether it’s furry, slimy, feathered, or has more legs than you can count, you can trust Sharky to nail your animal portrait every time. She even offers watercolor animal memorials painted with your fur baby’s ashes if you’d like a truly unique tribute. When it comes to animals, Sharky’s heart knows no bounds!
Script
$200.00 and up
Sharky is one of the area’s best freehand script artists! Whether you want something large or small, simple or highly detailed, she’ll draw your lettering directly onto your skin, ensuring it perfectly complements your body’s natural shape and flow.
American Traditional
$200 minimum
Bold lines and iconic imagery—when people think of "tattoo," American Traditional is often what comes to mind. Sharky’s career began in the street shops of New York and New Jersey, where traditional tattooing became the foundation for all her work. Her steadfast dedication to this style, both in technique and lifestyle, is truly unmatched. If you’re looking for a blackwork traditional tattoo, either as a one off or to begin/add on to your traditional collection, your search ends here.
Ornamentals
$200.00 per hour
Ornamental designs play a key role in Sharky’s custom work, prompting clients from near and far to seek out and collect her one of a kind pieces. With her precise eye for detail and symmetry, Sharky is the ideal artist for this style of tattooing.
Blackwork/Blackout
$1000.00 day rate (6-7 hours)
$200.00 per hour (5 hours or less)
*Discounts applied to consecutive day sessions
Shadows that move—a transformative style forged through heavy, absolute black—this is Sharky’s unmistakable signature.
Ready To Book Your Appointment?
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(Zoom consultations available)
