Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Balena.
Hi Danny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Daniel Balena Aka “ TattooDanny” was born on Long Island N. Y.
Danny is an accomplished Tattoo Artist with over 20 years of professional experience. Danny is the owner of Mob Ink™️ Tattoos and established Mob Ink ™️ in 2004. Keeping his inspiration for art through Graffiti, Balena began tattooing in 1998 after a 2-year apprenticeship. TattooDanny has tattooed some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and Professional sports!
With Recording Artists ranging from Kodak Black , Lil Wayne and 50 Cent to athletes such as Udonis Haslem, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson.
Alongside 50 Cent and The G Unit, TattooDanny completed 3 separate 50 city domestic tours and one European tour stretching across 13 different Countries.
Currently, TattooDanny remains extremely passionate about his work! Danny is focused on producing High-Quality Tattoo Work, the Evolution of Mob Ink™️ and raising his Daughter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my career, I have faced several significant challenges that tested both my professional discipline and personal resilience. One of the most consistent challenges has been maintaining relationships while balancing the long hours and commitments required by my work. The demands of working late evenings and weekends often created conflicts with family and social responsibilities, making it difficult to sustain balance.
In addition, the intensity of deadlines and expectations required me to consistently push beyond standard schedules, which sometimes led to personal sacrifices. While these commitments strengthened my work ethic and ability to deliver under pressure, they also highlighted the ongoing challenge of finding equilibrium between professional dedication and personal well-being.
Ultimately, these experiences taught me valuable lessons in time management, prioritization, and boundary-setting, while also underscoring the importance of making space for personal relationships and health alongside professional achievement.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist and entrepreneur specializing in tattoo artistry and creative design. I have always loved and been passionate about black and grey tattoo work, which has become the foundation of my artistic style. Every tattoo I create is fully custom, designed specifically for each client while incorporating their personal influence to ensure the piece is meaningful and unique.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of tattooing many celebrities, including well-known rappers, NFL players, NBA athletes, NHL hockey players, and UFC fighters. This exposure has not only elevated my craft but also challenged me to deliver artwork that meets the highest expectations.
What sets me apart is my ability to create artwork that tells a story—pieces that carry deep meaning for the individual while also standing out as timeless works of art.
How do you think about happiness?
I love tattooing . Nothing makes me happier than my beautiful daughter Gianella .
Pricing:
- In shop : $250 per hour
- Out of shop local : $350 per hour
- Out of state : $500 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mobink.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobinktattoos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MobInkTattoos/
Image Credits
Travis “ TK” Benfeida
