A Bond Between Brothers
By Sarah Negovetich
Photography by
Kim Torres Photography and Becca Sankey Photography
When most people think about a tattoo parlor, they envision scenes from old movies: Sweaty bikers sitting around a dark, dungeon-like room in a thick fog of cigarette smoke. But walking into Trufant Brothers Tattoo couldn't be a more different scene. Bright walls, lots of colorful art, and smiling faces are what greeted me when I went looking for why Trufant has become one of the premier tattoo shops in West Texas.
The shop opened in 2005 with only two artists, Aubrey and Alex - brothers, as the name suggests, who are passionate about what they do. Alex, the younger of the Trufant siblings, got his first tattoo - a colorful dragon on his left shoulder – at the ripe age of 14. The next day, 17-year-old Aubrey got the same tattoo. And the day after that, their dad made it three times the charm. Afterward, the brothers knew their future and spent the next several years becoming artists.
Their dad found a building in San Angelo and offered it to his sons as a way for them to finally make their dreams come true. Alex, who still had a few years of service in the Air Force left, told his brother, "I'll be out in a minute," and convinced his commanding officer to let him out early. Trufant Brothers opened its doors and, according to Aubrey, "It was a dream."
But they didn't stop there. Aubrey and Alex have traveled the world learning and studying with some of the best tattoo artists around and attending conventions to hone their craft. After attending several events, Alex came to Aubrey with the idea of starting a convention of their own. Aubrey considers himself a "calculated risk taker" and needed some convincing, but Alex called it his Field of Dreams. "You know: if you build it, they will come,” he said. And they did. Over 50 booths are showcased each year at the West Texas Tattoo Convention. The brothers pride themselves on providing a personal touch for each artist who attends, but they credit the people of San Angelo with the convention's success.
"Everyone is welcomed with open arms,"
- Alex Trufant
Aubrey and Alex have sacrificed a significant amount of money and time with their families to continue to travel and grow their skills as artists. Their dedication to the craft is what has allowed them to not just survive, but prosper when so many other tattoo shops have closed. That, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Both brothers spoke about their gratitude for their families and their parents, as well as their love for each other. Alex said he's "learned more from Aubrey than anyone else," and Aubrey had to hold back tears when talking about his brother. "The respect we have for each other keeps pushing us to be better," he said.
For those who might worry that the brothers will get too big and move to a larger city, you can set those fears aside. Aubrey proudly stated, "It's been a pleasure getting to do this in San Angelo." And Alex agreed. "We can't leave this place," he said.
No matter what comes next for Trufant Brothers or the West Texas Tattoo Convention, one thing is crystal clear: These brothers will continue dreaming and living life to the fullest...together.
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