Paragon Tattoo Studio | Tattoo Shop in Brownsville, TX

Paragon Tattoo Studio storefront in Brownsville, Texas

About Paragon

An established, working studio

Founded in 2023 in Brownsville, Texas, Paragon Tattoo Studio is an independent tattoo and creative studio built by artists and driven by individuality, craftsmanship, and bold visual expression. The studio brings together award-winning tattoo work and distinct artistic voices in a culture rooted in creative exchange — spanning Traditional Japanese and American Traditional to Neo-Traditional, anime-inspired, and character-driven work, with each artist contributing a style and perspective of their own.

The studio operates on an appointment and consultation basis, maintaining professional hygiene and studio standards, with resident artists Manny Abete and Sheryl Mei working full-time out of the space alongside regular guest artists from across the industry. Paragon holds a 5.0-star rating across 12 Google reviews.

Hours

Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday. Appointments & consultations by booking.

Location

123 Old Port Isabel Rd Ste C-11
Brownsville, TX 78521

Studio Standards

Licensed, hygienic, and professional studio practices for every client and session.

Google Reviews

What clients are saying

5.0 out of 5 · 12 Google reviews — read them all on Google →

“Just recently got my tattoo done by Manny and the experience was amazing. During the process, I thought there is no way this tattoo can get better but it just kept getting better. I will definitely come back again!”

Gilberto Tovar-Valle · Google Review

“Manny is my only tattoo artist. I love his work so much I am willing to drive from Dallas, Texas to Brownsville, Texas just to get my next tattoo. Honestly the whole crew here is excellent. So clean and professional.”

Veronica Paredes · Google Review

“Awesome work is being done here. Will be back for more!”

Juan Rios-Garcia · Google Review

“This place is great, offers great service and does excellent tattoos.”

Limerick Fresh · Google Review

“I traveled about an hour to get my tattoo done at Paragon Tattoo Studio, and it was absolutely worth the trip! The artist’s work is phenomenal and truly inspiring. From the moment I walked in, the customer service was top-notch—friendly, professional, and attentive to every detail. I’m thrilled with the final result and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality ink and exceptional care!”

Athena Layla · Facebook Review

“Definitely recommend these talented artists — amazing work, and the cost is proportional to the quality. Totally worth it.”

Zar AJ · Facebook Review

“Beats tattoo shop in the 956!!!!”

Micah D. Paxman · Facebook Review

The Artists

Meet the studio's resident artists

Two full-time artists working out of Paragon, each with their own specialty and clientele.

Co-Founder & General Manager — Color Tattoo Specialist — 8-Time Award-Winning Artist

Manny Abete

Traditional Japanese American Traditional Neo-Traditional Color

Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Manny Abete has spent nearly a decade developing a bold and unmistakable approach to color tattooing. As Co-Founder and General Manager of Paragon Tattoo Studio, he has played a central role in shaping the studio’s identity, culture, and creative direction.

Manny’s work spans Traditional Japanese, American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, and anime-inspired tattooing, defined by bold composition, saturated color, and imagery built to hold its presence over time. His work has earned eight awards across major Texas tattoo conventions, including multiple first-place honors in Japanese, Traditional Japanese, and Color tattooing.

Awards & Recognition

20261st Place, Best Traditional JapanesePalm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20261st Place, Small ColorPalm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20262nd Place, Small TraditionalPalm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20263rd Place, Small Neo-TraditionalPalm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20251st Place, Best Japanese (East Side)Palm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20253rd Place, Small Neo-Traditional (Rio Neo)Palm City Tattoo Expo — McAllen, TX
20232nd Place, Small ColorGolden Wave Tattoo Expo — San Angelo, TX
20233rd Place, Medium ColorGolden Wave Tattoo Expo — San Angelo, TX

American Traditional eagle and shield tattoo by Manny Abete

Japanese-style oni and koi tattoo by Manny Abete

Neo-Traditional color tattoo by Manny Abete

Color Tattoo Artist — Illustrator & Merchandise Designer

Sheryl Mei

Color Tattooing American Traditional Neo-Traditional Anime-Inspired Animated Characters

Born in Minnesota, Sheryl Mei is a color tattoo artist with four years of experience and a visual style that is instantly recognizable. Her work blends American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, anime-inspired imagery, and animated characters with bold outlines, vivid color, and a playful sense of personality — giving each tattoo a bright, expressive presence of its own.

Beyond tattooing, Sheryl also designs original merchandise and illustrated goods, bringing the same colorful, playful visual language into every part of her creative work.

Anime-inspired character tattoo by Sheryl Mei

Jigglypuff anime character color tattoo by Sheryl Mei

Yoshi animated character color tattoo by Sheryl Mei

Beyond the Residents

Guest artists

Paragon regularly welcomes guest artists from different regions and creative backgrounds, bringing new styles, perspectives, and energy into the studio.

Guest Artist

Juan Palomares

Black & Grey Realism, Neo-Traditional & Color — Award-Winning Artist

With seven years of experience, Juan has developed a versatile approach to tattooing rooted in precision, strong composition, and storytelling — spanning black and grey realism, Neo-Traditional, vibrant color, and complex cover-ups. His work has earned recognition at the Ghost Tattoo Expo and Palm City Tattoo Convention.

Black and grey realism rose and butterfly tattoo by Juan Palomares

Color realism skull and rose tattoo by Juan Palomares

Color anime-inspired tattoo by Juan Palomares

Guest Artist

Swan

Neo-Traditional, Illustrative & Floral — Award-Winning International Artist

With more than a decade of experience, Swan has developed a distinctive visual language built around intricate detail, bold linework, deep contrast, and controlled color. He has taken part in major conventions across Asia and Europe and earned 1st Place in Large Color at the 2016 International Warsaw Tattoo Convention.

Illustrative bird and rose tattoo by Swan

Illustrative skull and spider tattoo by Swan

Guest Artist

Zake

Micro-Realism & Fine Line — Black & Grey Tattoo Specialist

Zake has developed a distinctive style centered around micro-realism, fine line tattooing, and custom black-and-grey work — blending delicate illustration with detailed realism, precise linework, and subtle shading built to reward a closer look.

Fine line micro-realism astronaut tattoo by Zake

Beyond the Studio

Collaborations & Events

2023

LIVE LAVISH × Paragon Tattoo Studio

Apparel & Graphic Design Collaboration

In 2023, Paragon Tattoo Studio collaborated with LIVE LAVISH on graphic designs for multiple apparel releases. The collaboration paired Paragon’s tattoo-influenced artwork with LIVE LAVISH’s apparel line across several product drops.

Visit LIVE LAVISH → · Instagram →

Hoodie Hood apparel design from the LIVE LAVISH x Paragon Tattoo Studio collaboration

Prime Time apparel design from the LIVE LAVISH x Paragon Tattoo Studio collaboration

LIVE LAVISH apparel worn as part of the Paragon Tattoo Studio collaboration

2026

SISU × Paragon Tattoo Studio

Upcoming Pop-Up & Tattoo Event

Paragon is planning a 2026 collaboration with SISU, a local fitness and lifestyle business, centered on a pop-up and tattoo event. Paragon may also participate in one of SISU’s upcoming community events.

Visit SISU → · Instagram →