Acala Tattoo Collective

HVH Pick

Ink • Art • Ritual

What They Are about

Acala Tattoo Collective moves at a different pace than most tattoo studios. Machines buzz steadily, sketchbooks open across workstations, and conversations between artist and client unfold with patience and intention. The environment feels focused and creative rather than chaotic, designed to give artists the time and space needed to execute thoughtful work. Tattoos here are not rushed appointments, they are collaborations that evolve from consultation to final session with the kind of care serious collectors value.

As a brick and mortar studio, Acala Tattoo Collective has been open for just over a year and a half, but the artists behind it bring anywhere from 6 to 20 years of experience tattooing throughout the Hudson Valley. Many of the team were born and raised locally, now raising families of their own in the same communities, while others were drawn here by the region’s natural beauty and deep appreciation for art. That mix of roots and perspective gives the studio a strong sense of place while still feeling creatively expansive.

Founded by Brian Faulk, the studio brings together a roster of artists including Carolina Villalón, Jason Carpino, Jason June, and Maxwell Shoberg, supported by managers Krystal and Isla who keep the operation running seamlessly. Styles span Japanese inspired large scale work, black and grey realism, American traditional, illustrative tattooing, cosmetic and restorative work, along with ornamental pattern work and sacred geometry. Each artist operates with a distinct voice, but shares a commitment to strong composition, technical discipline, and tattoos designed to hold up over time. If a project falls outside their scope, they will point clients toward the right artist locally, reinforcing a philosophy rooted in integrity over volume.

That collective structure is what gives Acala its identity. Each artist works within a private, fully curated studio space, creating an environment that feels closer to an art studio than a traditional shop. At the same time, the shared space encourages collaboration, with ideas, techniques, and influences constantly moving between artists. The goal is simple and unwavering, make the best tattoos possible with full dedication to the craft.

For collectors throughout the Hudson Valley and well beyond, Acala Tattoo Collective has become a true destination. Clients travel from Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, across the region, and from around the country for large scale work, sleeves, backpieces, and fully custom projects. On any given day, multiple large scale pieces are in progress alongside first time clients receiving the same level of attention and care. It is a studio built for both the serious collector and the person walking in for their first piece, with an experience that meets both at a high level.

Our Notes

• Custom tattoo studio located in Wappingers Falls in the Hudson Valley
• Open just over a year and a half with artists bringing 6 to 20 years of local experience
• Artist roster includes Brian Faulk, Carolina Villalón, Jason Carpino, Jason June, and Maxwell Shoberg, with managers Krystal and Isla

• Brian Faulk specializes in Japanese inspired tattooing with bold, readable compositions influenced by Buddhist and Western imagery, often drawn directly to the skin
• Carolina Villalón is one of the area’s most experienced cosmetic and restorative tattooers, also working across American traditional, illustrative, and minimalist styles
• Jason Carpino is widely known for sacred geometry, dotwork, and ornamental pattern work, with highly precise, intentional compositions
• Jason June blends Japanese and American traditional through an illustrative lens, incorporating mysticism, symbolism, and esoteric elements into his work
• Maxwell Shoberg focuses on large scale black and grey realism with strong contrast, negative space, and clean, long-lasting readability, including standout biomech work

• Styles include Japanese, black and grey realism, American traditional, illustrative, cosmetic and restorative, ornamental pattern work, and sacred geometry
• Appointment focused studio with dedicated walk in days, described as “by appointment or chance”
• Private, fully curated tattoo rooms designed to give each artist and client a personalized experience
• Studio operates as an art driven collective rather than a traditional street shop
• Hosts guest artists, flash events, and community driven initiatives including charity flash days and art nights
• Clients travel from across the Hudson Valley and the country for large scale and custom tattoo workChoose the artist, not just the studio. Every Acala artist operates independently and specializes in different forms of tattooing. Explore the individual portfolios before submitting your inquiry.

Brian Faulk creates bold Japanese-inspired work influenced by traditional imagery, Buddhist art, and Western symbolism. He frequently works on large-scale pieces drawn directly to the body.
Carolina Villalón specializes in permanent cosmetic and restorative tattooing while also working in American traditional, illustrative, and minimalist styles.
Jason Carpino is known for sacred geometry, dotwork, ornamental patterns, and highly precise compositions.
Jason June blends Japanese and American traditional influences with mysticism, symbolism, and illustrative detail.
Maxwell Shoberg focuses on large-scale black-and-grey realism, strong contrast, biomechanical imagery, and designs created for lasting readability.
Appointments are strongly recommended. Some artists book weeks or months ahead, especially for large or multi-session projects.
Thursday is walk-in day. Walk-ins are accepted Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. based on artist availability. Calling or checking Acala’s social media first is recommended.
Come prepared for your consultation. Bring reference images, sketches, approximate dimensions, placement ideas, stylistic preferences, and an honest budget.
A deposit is required. Deposits vary by artist, apply toward the finished tattoo, and are nonrefundable. Acala requires at least 48 hours’ notice when rescheduling.
Tattoo clients must be 18 or older. Bring a valid photo ID. New York does not allow tattooing minors with parental consent.
Prepare your body for the session. Eat a full meal, get a good night’s sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs, and wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the tattoo area.
Use Google Maps or Waze. Acala warns that Apple Maps may send visitors down the road. The studio is on the second floor of 2 Chelsea Ridge Mall, next to Robbie’s Too Deli & Pizza.
Public studio hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual artists may maintain separate appointment schedules.