Welcome to Toad and Jaguar Tattoo, located in the heart of downtown Vashon, WA. Our goal is to provide a clean and safe space for individuals of all skin colors, body types, and genders to feel comfortable while getting meaningful permanent art.

click here to book

tyler tattooing a mushroom in a the kills shirt

I've been a tattooer for 12 years now and oil painter for over 20 years. My wife and I traveled the country in our truck camper and sprinter van in search of the perfect place to open our dream studio. After three years of nomadic life, we discovered the PNW paradise that is Vashon Island, Washington, and we knew it was the exact place for us. Alexis works as a nurse while running Toad and Jaguar with me. When you reach out to book an appointment, you will hear back from one of us.

We aim to provide a spa-like experience for clients. While getting tattooed is entirely an act of self-love and self-care, it hurts and can bring up challenging emotions. I use trauma-informed care in my tattooing practice--meaning that I understand everyone has some form of trauma and I thoughtfully chose my language and actions with that in mind.

tattoo portfolio

Health & saftey standards

At Toad and Jaguar, safety is a priority. Our studio itself is fully licensed by the state of Washington and operates in full compliance with all required layout, sanitation, and procedural regulations. Tyler maintains current certifications in Bloodborne Pathogens training and CPR, along with an active Washington State Tattoo Artist license. Tyler only uses disposable needles and grips--which arrive in sterile packaging and are used on one client then disposed of properly.

Tyler has a deep understanding of the importance of mindset and environment for many different kinds of adventures--including getting tattooed. When you come to our studio, you'll notice that we've put a lot of thought into what we can do to make your experience here as amazing as your tattoo.

No animals were harmed in the making of your tattoo. Tyler only uses the highest quality ink that is made without any animal products and has never been tested on animals.

vegan & cruelty-free inks

set & setting

About the Artist: T. R. Kaltredier

Tyler Kaltreider’s journey as a professional artist began 25 years ago, in the Seattle area, working in photography and cinematography. He moved to Los Angeles in 2005. In those years, he was fortunate enough to get to travel to several continents as part of documentary crews. Kaltreider also worked on many television commercials, music videos, and even a reality show.

In 2006, he got pretty sucked into oil painting and put his energy fully into painting and mark-making on different found surfaces—mixing two- and three-dimensional worlds and tableaus. By 2007, Kaltreider was sharing his works at galleries, including Cannibal Flower, and had a residency at The Hive in downtown Los Angeles.

After a relocation to the East coast and five years of dealing with gallery politics, Kaltreider decided it was time for a change. Things happening in street art and tattooing had always captured his imagination and aesthetic. Despite the fact that consistent, unsanctioned street art had the potential to fulfill his sense of aesthetics and humor, it would likely exacerbate the financial issues in his life at the time. As he saw it, pursuing body art could be both creatively and financially rewarding.

Tattooing has been incredibly fulfilling for Kaltreider from the very start and continues to motivate and push his imagination. At this point, his painting and tattoo practices have become very integrated—continually influencing each other in a more seamless design process that allows his natural drawing and mark-making style to be present from concept to final tattoo.

Many clients choose their subject for symbolic—rather than purely aesthetic—reasons. Regardless, it is always Kaltreider’s primary goal to work with each client to create dynamic, well-crafted, original, and recognizable art that is both bold and detailed—lasting a lifetime.

Kaltreider remarks, “After 12 years of tattooing, an extremely rewarding aspect for me has been seeing the profound impact tattoos can make on someone’s sense of self. Even after seeing it time and time again, and it always amazes and humbles me to be a part of improving someone's wellbeing.”

Whether it's on skin, on walls, or in the form of merch, Kaltreider makes work that speaks to him and is continually elated each time someone shares that appreciation.

About