Charlie Cartwright "Good Time Charlie"

Good Time Charlie

Pioneer of Single-Needle Tattooing: The Legacy of Good Time Charlie Cartwright

Charlie Cartwright, widely recognized as the pioneer of single-needle tattooing and the professional black-and-gray fine-line technique, revolutionized the tattoo world in the mid-1970s. Specializing in custom freehand designs and mastering all styles, Charlie’s contributions to East L.A.’s art scene laid the foundation for a movement that continues to inspire artists worldwide. A star of the film Tattoo Nation, Charlie’s journey from a teenage hand-poke artist to a legendary innovator spans decades of dedication to his craft.

From Humble Beginnings to Tattoo Trailblazer

Born in Pasadena, Texas, in 1940 to a Pentecostal preacher, Charlie’s fascination with tattooing began at the age of 15 in Wichita, Kansas. Tattooing from the back seat of his 1946 Chevy sedan, he practiced hand-poke methods, crafting one-of-a-kind designs directly on skin without stencils or professional tools. His inspiration came from a full-body tattoo he saw as a child—an intricate jungle scene that sparked his lifelong pursuit of artistic mastery.

Charlie's Navy enlistment brought him to San Diego, where visits to tattoo parlors introduced him to professional tattooing. He received his first tattoo from Tahiti Felix Lynch and later observed the unique assembly-line technique of Painless Nell and her sister Jo. These experiences set the stage for his journey to Long Beach’s iconic Pike, where he encountered legendary artists like Lou Lewis, Burt Grimm, and Owen Jensen.

The Birth of "Good Time Charlie" and Fine-Line Tattooing

In 1973, Charlie’s talent caught the eye of Jimbo Laporte of West Coast Tattoo. After impressing Zeke Owen with his first tattoo using a professional machine, Charlie joined West Coast Tattoo’s Pike location. Here, he earned the moniker “Good Time Charlie” and honed his craft in the bustling environment of the Pike, tattooing military personnel, locals, and tourists.

As the Pike’s popularity waned, Charlie set his sights on East Los Angeles, opening Good Time Charlie’s Tattoo Parlor in 1975. Collaborating with Jack Rudy, Charlie introduced fine-line black-and-gray tattooing—a style inspired by the Chicano community’s "penitentiary-style" art. This single-needle technique transformed the tattoo industry, laying the groundwork for modern photorealism. Charlie's shop became a hub for innovation, attracting artists eager to learn and share knowledge.

Beyond Tattooing: Creativity and Family

In 1977, Charlie embarked on a spiritual journey, selling his shop to Ed Hardy and returning to Wichita, Kansas. There, he founded Creations for Christ, a multidisciplinary art studio fostering creativity within a Christian framework. Though short-lived, the venture expanded Charlie’s artistic horizons, incorporating wood, leather, and painting into his repertoire.

Charlie returned to tattooing in 1980, opening Good Time Charlie’s End of the Trail in Wichita. Over time, the shop became a family endeavor, with all three of his children joining the trade. In 1987, Charlie relocated to Modesto, California, reopening End of the Trail, which remained a family-run institution until its closure in February 2020.

A Legacy That Lives On

At 76 years old, Charlie reflects on his storied career with gratitude, stating, “I’d do it all over again.” Though retired from tattooing, his artistic spirit endures. After dedicating 11 years to his "Indian Project," Charlie continues to create, inspiring new generations of tattoo artists and enthusiasts. From his groundbreaking fine-line innovations to his enduring impact on tattoo culture, Charlie’s legacy is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and creativity.

Source:

Good Time Charlie's Tattoo Parlor. "About." Accessed December 26, 2024. https://www.goodtimecharlie.net/pages/about