Eddy Herrera recently earned the prestigious Critic’s Choice award for Best Tattoo Artist at the Best Of 2026 event, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. Known for his intricate designs and attention to detail, Herrera has become a go-to name for tattoo enthusiasts in Fort Worth.
As a tattoo collector myself, with a personal collection of ten tattoos, I frequently admire the artistry of local tattooists, particularly through the impressive work showcased on my friend Cori O. When asked for a tattoo artist recommendation in Fort Worth, Cori immediately mentions Eddy’s name, reflecting his esteemed reputation in the community.
My first encounter with Eddy took place during a relaxed bingo night at a local bar, where I observed him transforming mundane registration marks into stunning, detailed portraits using nothing but a multi-colored pen. This moment piqued my interest in learning more about him and his artistic process.
Having previously admired his work, particularly the tattoo of Chappel Roan’s eyes on Cori’s leg, I decided to further explore Eddy’s portfolio on Instagram (@eddygtattoo). The diversity and quality of his tattoos left a lasting impression, showcasing his commitment to growth and innovation as an artist.
During a conversation at the Renaissance Tattoo Collective, Eddy reflected on his decade-long career in tattooing. He recounted memorable projects, including a standout Darth Maul piece, which marked his first attempt at such a style—a clear indication of his artistic talent and willingness to experiment.
To understand what makes his work resonate with clients, I spoke with Travis Lewis, who has two tattoos by Eddy, including a poignant portrait of his late spouse. Travis shared his excitement about his Elvira Mistress of the Dark tattoo, stating that it garnered significant admiration in an online fan group for its realistic execution. Another client, Shannon Osbakken, praised Eddy for making the tattooing process seamless and enjoyable, noting his professionalism and rapid execution.
As our conversation wrapped up, Eddy expressed a strong desire for his clients to leave with a positive experience, much like my own that night at the bar. He emphasized his commitment to efficiency and technical precision, ensuring that every client feels proud of their tattoo, which is evident in the high quality of his work. His recent accolades are a testament to this dedication.
Renaissance Tattoo Collective, formerly known as Dark Age Tattoo Studio, also celebrated multiple wins this year, including the Critic’s Choice for Best Tattoo Studio and Readers’ Choice awards for Best Customer Service and Best Place to Work. Eddy’s fellow artist Rember Orellana shared the Readers’ Choice honor with Lady Karina from Chosen One in Arlington, while Katie Burm secured recognition as Best Piercing Artist.
Stay tuned for further highlights and promotional details about our Readers’ Choice winners in the upcoming weeks in Winners’ Circle. For inquiries, please reach out to Marketing@fwweekly.com.
