American born tattooist, Dan Dringenberg is a master tattoo machine builder. As a tattooist and machinist Dan combines his knowledge of how to create a clean tattoo, with how the proper tools contribute to each jobs success. His customer base in the United States attests to the appeal of his craftsmanship and style.
As a child Dan and his brother Rob made a tattoo ship in the their bedroom closet. As a teen Dan began to hang around Fat George’s Tattoo Shop in La Puente, CA. As he began to learn the art of tattooing, He would eventually teach himself how to tune a tattoo machine. George, Impressed with his mechanical instinct, offered these words “..As long as you live, there will always be a need for good tattoo equipment..”
Inspired by that, Dan began making tubes and machines out of his fathers garage in 1992. One tube then one machine. His hard work and perseverance led him to where he is today.
Dan’s history as a tattoo machine builder is outstanding. Recognized as a major influence to other top tattoo machine builders in the industry today. He has established himself as a machinist of considerable importance.
His career tattooing led him to work at Classic Tattoo in Upland CA, Old Pasadena Tattoo in Pasadena CA, with Bob Roberts at Spotlight Tattoo in Hollywood CA, with Juan Puente and Chris Garver at Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club in Hollywood CA, and Inflictions Body Art in Covina CA.
Few tattoo machine builders bridge the gap of integrating new ideas and moving beyond the simple assembly of machines so successfully. Dan lists Paul Rogers, Scott Sterling, Amund Dietzel, Bill Jones, Percy Waters among his prime influences for tattoo machine building.
He began traveling the tattoo convention circuit with Corey Miller, Juan Puente, Running Bear to name a few. In1996 an incorporated Dringenberg Tattoo Equipment. Unfortunately his rise to success was interrupted by a mistake that cost him a few years of his life.
In 2000 Dan got his chance to start again. First he made 50 tubes then 100. He worked hard and continued to pursue his dream; to make the best tattoo equipment he could possible make.
In addition to tattooing and making tattoo machines full time, He continues to take part in the convention circuit, Both United States and Europe.
In 2003 Dan moved his machine ship to a larger more self-reliant space. As his career moves forward, Dan draws upon the same love of tattooing and machine building that has always filled his style and craftsmanship.
Dan is truly a creative force in the tattoo industry.
Website: dringenbergtattoo.com