Death Before Dishonor tattoo studio was founded in 2008 by Paco Excel. Located in the heart of Downtown San Jose, DBD hosts a variety of talented artists, each with their own unique approach to tattooing. The result is a home away from home you can visit to get inspired and get drilled by some of the Bay Area’s finest. 
 
Death Before Dishonor is the offspring of New Skool Tattoo, a legend which many veterans to the industry remember well. Take a quick stroll around our Victorian home style building and you’ll even see an original New Skool sign still hanging outside. New Skool was originally founded in 1995 by Paco Excel and Adrian Lee. It then blossomed into a full house with artists such as Ron Earhart, Grime, Adam Bardon, Matt Shammah, Nate Banuelos, Craig Toth, Jason Kundell, Taki, Mike Giant, and Phil Holt. And we’ll never forget… R.I.P. Schmo. As much as the giants rose, nothing good can last forever, and thus Death Before Dishonor rose out of the name and space we all recognize.
 
If you can’t visit us in person at the moment, explore the site, get to know us, and stop in to get tattooed by some of the best artists in the Bay Area. 

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