Ted Wallen
Fine Art · Tattoos · Visual Storytelling
I'm Ted Wallen, a New Jersey artist, painter, and tattooer with more than three decades of professional experience.
My artistic foundation was built through drawing, painting, and tattooing, but inspiration comes from everywhere—old cars, bicycles, music, roadside Americana, vintage signs, pop culture, and the people I meet every day.
Tattooing taught me discipline, design, and craftsmanship. Painting gives me the freedom to explore ideas without limitations. Together, they have shaped the way I see and create art.
Today I continue to work, paint, and create from White Lotus Tattoo, producing original artwork, custom tattoos, and whatever project captures my imagination next.
Fine Art
Paintings · Illustrations · Mixed Media
My paintings are rooted in a lifetime of drawing, tattooing, and observing the world around me. Influenced by surrealism, pop culture, street art, classic illustration, and fine art traditions, I create work that balances bold imagery with emotional depth.
Many pieces begin as sketches, memories, or fragments of ideas collected over decades. These elements are layered together to create paintings that feel familiar, dreamlike, and personal. I am drawn to strong contrast, expressive color, and imagery that encourages viewers to discover something new each time they look.
Whether working in oil, acrylic, or mixed media, my goal is to create artwork that tells a story while remaining visually striking from across the room.
Tattoos
Tattooing has been my profession and passion for more than three decades. My approach combines strong fundamentals with custom design, creating tattoos that are both visually impactful and built to stand the test of time.
I enjoy working in a variety of styles, including traditional, neo-traditional, illustrative, black and gray, and custom concept-driven pieces. Every tattoo begins with understanding the individual wearing it and developing artwork that fits both the story and the body.
My focus is simple: create tattoos that look great today, heal properly, and remain strong for years to come.
About me
Art has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
Long before I became a professional tattoo artist, I was the kid who was always drawing. Sketchbooks, notebooks, scraps of paper—if there was a surface available, I was filling it with ideas. What started as a childhood passion eventually became a lifelong pursuit that has now spanned more than three decades of professional tattooing and countless hours spent painting, designing, and creating.
Today, I divide my creative energy between fine art and tattooing. While each discipline has its own challenges, both are rooted in the same foundation: strong drawing, thoughtful composition, and the desire to create images that connect with people on a personal level.
My paintings draw inspiration from a wide range of influences, including surrealism, classic illustration, pop culture, tattoo imagery, music, and everyday life. Many pieces begin as loose sketches or fragments of ideas collected over years and are gradually developed into finished works that balance imagination, storytelling, and visual impact. I am particularly drawn to bold contrasts, expressive color, and imagery that rewards a closer look.
Tattooing has given me the opportunity to create artwork that becomes part of someone's life story. For more than 30 years, I have worked with clients to transform ideas, memories, and experiences into custom tattoos designed to last a lifetime. Whether working on a small meaningful piece or a large-scale custom project, my goal is always the same: create artwork with integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting value.
Outside the studio, I enjoy many of the same things that have inspired my artwork throughout the years. I have a lifelong love of bicycles and the sense of freedom they provide. I enjoy restoring and working on cars, building and fixing things with my hands, and spending time outdoors. These interests often find their way into my artwork, sometimes directly and sometimes in more subtle ways.
Community has always been important to me. White Lotus Tattoo is more than just a workplace—it is a second family made up of talented artists, friends, and clients who have supported my journey throughout the years. I am grateful to continue creating art, meeting new people, and sharing the things I love through both painting and tattooing.
Whether you're interested in an original painting, a custom tattoo, or simply exploring the work, thank you for taking the time to visit and be part of the journey.
Ted will have three paintings on display at Powell Lane Arts in their upcoming show called, Groovin’ Where Art Meets Music. Details are posted on the announcment.