My name is Joel Van Goor, and I’m your tattoo artist. I grew up in Frederick, Md. and started tattooing in 2006 at The Body Gallery in Sterling, Va. I’ve been in New Orleans since 2014 and I opened my studio at the start of 2024.

I specialize in tattoos of food and drink. Why? It’s a fun way to make each tattoo personal for each client: everybody has their own favorite food that, when they think about it, makes them smile. I especially love making tattoos that are built to last a lifetime: with solid linework and bold color.

When I’m not working at the shop, I spend much of my spare time performing nature studies (visiting zoos, museums, birdwatching, etc.), practicing animation, exploring the city, and vending at art markets.