Legendary Color Tattoos by way of New Milford, CT

Using the word "legendary" sounds ridiculous when describing my own work, but here's the deal - I'm an artist working out of New Milford's Skin Deep Ink in Western Connecticut. I've been in this industry for a long time for a reason. I specialize in deep, color-rich tattoos using the highest quality ink on the market.

color tattoo of an alien in a test tube by Connecticut tattoo artist, Joe Swider
Starbrite Colors Tattoo Logo
Sabre Cartridges Tattoo Logo
Evolution Tattoo Needles Logo
Stealth Tattoo Guns Logo
Worldwide Tattoo Supply Logo

Get to Know My Style

I'm a flexible artist and if you look through my portfolio, you're going to find a number of styles - both traditional and modern. Without question however, you'll find I'm known for these big, bold, pop-off-the-skin color pieces. In other words, I'm happy to follow your vision and you're going to get results you love, but if you give me carte blanche on your canvas, you're going to leave my chair with artwork that gets seen from across the room.

  • Space girl Tom Petty tattoo by CT artist Cracker Joe Swider
  • Baby Groot Tattoo by Connecticut Tattoo Artist Cracker Joe Swider
  • Test tube alien fetus by Connecticut tattoo artist Cracker Joe Swider
  • Hillbilly Opossum Tattoo by New England tattoo artist Cracker Joe Swider
  • Harry Potter pug tattoo by CT artist Cracker Joe Swider

  • "I've had work done by most of the top guys in Connecticut and NYC. Without question, Joe's color game is straight-up legit. There's ZERO chance another needle is touching my skin if that's what I'm getting done"

    - Some Dude | Yelp (Sept. 2017)

  • "Joe did a fantastic job on my tattoo! A true artist! I sent a descriptive email including pictures of what style I wanted from each pic. His sketch was the perfect combination of what I wanted so I didn't even ask for any changes. Joe paid extra attention to the fine detail of the style I wanted, placement, etc."

    - Ashleigh B. | Yelp (May 2017)

Upcoming Events & Guest Artist Dates


Mass Tattoo and Arts Festival

Massachusetts Tattoo & Arts Festival

Host Hotel - Sturbridge, Mass
March 23rd - 25th, 2018

Let's Get Something Scheduled

Everything below helps me understand what we're working on so I can get back to you as quickly as possible. However, if filling all this shit in is a deal breaker, feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call.

 How do I get in touch with you?
 What are we working on?
 What's your schedule look like?

I'm generally really quick about getting back to you, though obviously if I've got someone in my chair or you decided you wanted some new ink at 2am, it might not be instantateous.