David “Izzy” Irizarry isn’t the kind of artist you can limit to one creative box. At Ink & Dagger, he’s known for his versatility, creativity, and ability to make each tattoo feel completely custom. Whether he’s pulling from comic books, classical art, or indigenous design, Izzy creates bold tattoos that hit hard visually while telling a story. His contribution to the shop goes beyond just technical skill—he brings a wide-open approach that makes every client feel like they’re walking away with something that’s uniquely theirs.
Going All In
Izzy’s tattoo journey started young—and a little rebellious. At 15, he snuck off and got his first tattoo: his family’s last name, IRIZARRY, in bold letters across his back. His family wasn’t thrilled, but that first piece sparked something.
While serving in the Marine Corps, Izzy’s interest in tattooing grew, and he started learning part-time at night. After college and a corporate job, he finally went all in in 2008. Over time, his family not only accepted it—they became his biggest supporters.
A Versatile Approach to Tattooing
One of the things that sets Izzy apart is his refusal to be boxed into just one style. Instead, he’s spent years studying and becoming proficient in a wide variety of tattoo approaches—everything from bold traditional to smooth realism.
This versatility gives him the ability to design tattoos that actually fit his clients, not just a template or trend.
When you sit in Izzy’s chair, he’s not thinking in limited terms. He’s blending techniques, pulling inspiration from different art forms, and tailoring each tattoo to feel personal. For clients, that means getting a piece that’s truly theirs.
Inspiration Everywhere
Izzy draws ideas from all over. He’s a lifelong fan of comic books, fascinated by indigenous art, and inspired by wildlife photography. He also loves pulling from pop culture—though only once it’s aged enough to feel timeless.
On top of that, he admires the classics: painters, sculptors, and all the art history that shaped his own creative lens. This mix of influences shows up in his tattoos as designs that feel layered, dynamic, and packed with detail.
Dream Clients and Big Projects
Izzy’s favorite projects are big ones—the kind of large-scale tattoos that flow with the client’s body shape and tell a powerful story. He loves designing pieces with dramatic, larger-than-life characters, exaggerated lighting, and strong contrast.
His ideal client? Someone who’s in it for the long haul, ready to commit to the process, and willing to let the tattoo unfold naturally. For Izzy, it’s not just about a quick tattoo—it’s about building something astonishing together.
Life Outside the Studio
Away from the tattoo machine, Izzy wears a lot of hats. He’s a father, an athlete, an outdoorsman, and an artist in other mediums. Just like with tattooing, he’s always moving forward, always learning, and always finding new ways to challenge himself.
Work With Izzy
Getting tattooed by Izzy is all about collaboration, trust, and bold storytelling. He thrives on big projects—sleeves, backs, full-body designs—that push the boundaries of what a tattoo can be. His clients come ready to commit, open to spontaneity, and excited to let his creativity run wild.
Check out Izzy’s portfolio to see his range, then hit the booking request form to set up a free consultation. Bring your ideas—he’ll help you turn them into something unforgettable.