The True Line Directory is Live.
This started as a simple list of breadcrumbs and a goal to leave tattooing better than I found it. It went from a basic note to a Google Sheet, then an Excel file, and finally into a fully functional PWA so the directory is live and searchable for everyone. It took a massive amount of work to get the formatting right, but we did it to keep the trade in the hands of artists and independent owners.
This only exists because of the community. Thank you for the suggestions, the DMs, and the emails. By coming together to highlight independent brands and artist-owned companies, we’ve built something for ourselves.
If you want to know how to help, it’s simple: put your money where your mouth is. Spend your money with people who are actually part of what we do and want to see this trade prevail.
True Line is 100% free and all the information is free. There is no catch. This is about unity and giving back to the tattoo gods.
We are still verifying every link and address by hand, so if you aren’t on here yet, please be patient. It’s not a dig—it’s just me and one other person doing the work. If you’re artist-owned or independent, you belong here. No favorites and no bias.
If you need to be added, message me and send over your logo.
Link in bio. Keep the craft and trade in the hands of the artist and independent and those that want to see tradition push forward.
#ruethlessirons #vestermfg
The website launch is about 6 days out. I’ve been working to turn that directory spreadsheet into a full PWA so you can have it right on your phone like an app.
Tattooing has been good to me my whole life. Everything I have has come from this, and I just want to give back so others get that same feeling of being part of this community. It’s always been about making your own path and finding freedom by going against the system— trying to make a path.
This isn't an organization, a union, or a group. It’s just an open, unbiased directory shared among peers so you can cross-reference where your dollars go. No favorites and no picking sides—if it’s independent and artist-owned, it’s in.
Like the Dan Higgs quote, it’s about nurturing something that came way before you because you hope it continues after you. This is about being in the middle and making sure this resource is here for the next person. At the end of the day, this is just about unity in the trade. People who are actually here to contribute will always find a way to work together.
I’m still adding to the list daily. If you’re an independent brand, hit me up. If you want your logo on the site for the launch, send it over now. Let’s keep pushing.
#ruethlessirons
#vestermanufacturing
To understand how Private Equity and one-stop shops change a trade, look at the history of retail. Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon used this model to replace independent ecosystems with centralized ones. These models provide a platform that looks like support, but the goal is to strip the asset.
It is not about benefiting the company; it is about benefiting the firm. These firms operate on a 5 to 7-year "Holding Period" to maximize value for a future sale. The handoffs are public record: Bunker Hill flipped to Audax in 2017. Bertram flipped to Trivest in 2021.
The one-stop shop model impacts local economies. Customer service lacks, products run out, and those hired have no interest in the work. Innovation slows as competition is eliminated. Product choice disappears when what looks like many options is actually just one or two manufacturers.
When competition is removed, quality drops. This happens across all platforms. This shift includes hiring call centers, outsourcing, and using day laborers to build machines. It is about profit maximization. Support those who support you.
#vestermfg #ruethlessirons
Welcome to Raffle Hour with Alex Trufant 😎
Nine machines. Nine chances.
We’re raffling off NINE custom tattoo machines built by some of the best in the world:
Tim Hendricks
Brian “Shankmade” Hibbard
Derek Jefferson
Ben Mack
Juan Puente
Vester & Ruthless Irons
Erik Inclan
This all goes down April 17th at the Oliver Peck Roast, during the 50th Anniversary of the Texas Tattoo Convention in Houston, Texas, featuring hundreds of the best artists from around the world.
💥 You do NOT have to be present to win.
🎟️ $100 for 1
🎟️ $200 for 3
Winners get pulled live at the roast.
If you wanna be there, there are still seats check the Facebook event or reach out to Alex Trufant directly.
To enter the RAFFLE:
Just send your payment through Venmo or PayPal (link in bio)
Make sure it goes to Alex Trufant
📞 (325) 374-7004
Nine machines. Nine chances.
Don’t miss it.
#HoustonTattooConvention #HoustonTattooArtists #HoustonEvents #TexasTattooConvention #TattooRaffle
I did a little maintenance on this Digger: new tube vice, brass with copper inlay. This Guillotine tube vice Digger is by far the best shader I have come up with.
🔥⚡️SHADERS — STEP IN CLOSER ⚡️🔥
We lit the forge and pulled out the FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PROTOTYPE SHADER —
crafted by THREE PAIRS OF HANDS / ONE SHARED FIRE
@ruthlessirons × @vestermanufacturing × ME
This rig is HANDMADE, RAW-BUILT, OLD-SOUL FUNK —
no factory shine, no plastic parts — just a shader that glides clean, packs smooth, and lives to work.
🎯 $22.20 TO ENTER
Hit the Big Cartel link in my bio and lock your spot.
🏆 ONE PERSON WINS THE MACHINE — STRAIGHT TO THE SPOILS.
💸 EVERYBODY GETS LOVE:
Whether you win or not, your entry comes with TATTOO CREDIT
good for ANY WORK WITH ME FROM NOW ON — UP TO $100 OFF YOUR PIECE.
I’ll match you on that credit.
Three hands on steel @ruethlessirons@vestermfg & me
Real tools Real craft Real ENERGY.
$22.20
LINK IN BIO CONTENT
ROLL THEM DICE 🎲🔥
⚡️222⚡️CONTENT
