Without question, Star Wars is one of the most successful and beloved franchises in cinematic history. It has entertained many audiences, inspired countless fans, and it has grossed more than $10 billion worldwide! Then, it is no surprise that it has spurred many films, TV shows, video games and — tattoos?

Since 2010, West Coast-based tattoo artist Matt Robinson has been tattooing at Anchor Tattoo shop in Vacaville, California. “Growing up in California, the Latino culture is all around you. It has definitely shaped my life for the better,” Robinson told mitú. “I would say there are techniques that I have used in my work.”

Likewise, Star Wars has been a significant part of his life, and allows him to combine his talent and his love for movies to create amazing pieces of art. 

“I remember as a kid we had the 3 original films on VHS and I would watch those all the time and play with the toys,“ Robinson states. “It definitely made an impact on my life as Star Wars is still one of my favorite franchises and the main subject matter I tattoo.”

The California tattoo artist took a lot of what he learned from these films into his art.

“Apprenticeship was definitely not easy,” he remembers. “But amongst the lessons the franchise has taught me, the one that has stuck with me is to never give up.  The process itself was a great learning experience and the skills I learned have lasted me my whole career.”

Throughout the years, Robinson has undertaken many Star Wars tattoos. 

“It’s hard to remember the first, but it was probably the Alliance Starbird or an X-wing Starfighter,” the artist explains. When asked to pick his favorite tattoos, It is even harder for him choose but he had the following to say about these four:

R2D2

This first one was fun because we were able to go big and we were able to add the scene where Princess Leia gives R2 the plans for the Death Star.

Matt Robinson, Instagram: @MRTattoos89

Darth Maul

Next would be a fun Darth Maul I was able to finish a sleeve with. Darth Maul is definitely my favorite character, and he’s super fun to tattoo.

Matt Robinson, Instagram: @MRTattoos89

Bo-Katan Kryze

Third is a tattoo of Bo-Katan Kryze I made at the Emerald City Comic-Con. This one was special because my client showed the actress Katee Sackhoff the tattoo and she liked it so much that she wanted to take a picture with me and the tattoo.

Matt Robinson, Instagram: @MRTattoos89

Ahsoka Tano 

Lastly, another fun one would be Ahsoka Tano and Morai. I made this tattoo at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim so not only doing it at the show was great but both of these characters are awesome.

The inspirational space saga has motivated millions through epic scenes and powerful quotes such as: “Through passion, I gain strength.” 

And Robinson has definitely made a strength of his passion! His creativity and passion for Star Wars have made him a sought-after tattoo artist for fans, and he looks forward to continuing to create amazing Star Wars-inspired tattoos for years to come.

“I’m grateful where tattooing has brought me in my life both at home and Comic-Cons around the US,” he exclaims. “I’m honored to have tattooed at Star Wars Celebration and being a licensed LucasFilm artist.”

The designation of licensed artist for the franchise came from Matt Robinson’s love for Star Wars and continues allowing him to part of a group that travels to different shows.

If you’re a Star Wars fan looking for some May the Fourth inspiration, you can follow him on Instagram @MRTattoos89, TikTok @M.R.Tattoos89, and Facebook @MattRobinsonArt.