WELCOME TO CHIMERA BODY ART 

El Paso/Juarez native Rudy “DOC” Baltier discovered his love for art at just five years old. However, his devout Catholic mother disapproved of the taboo nature of his drawings, briefly stifling his artistic expression. As school assignments increasingly called for art-based projects, he was given the freedom to create once again—and he never looked back.

 

DOC’s journey into tattooing took a pivotal turn when his wife, believing in his talent and passion, prepaid his tuition to tattoo school. Under the guidance of Bill Pouge, he honed his craft and set his sights on opening his own shop. The road wasn’t easy—he faced countless slammed doors and rejections. Refusing to give up, he boldly walked into a city meeting and made an impassioned case for his vision. Emphasizing the family-oriented nature of his tattoo shop and the positive impact it would have on surrounding businesses, he finally secured the approval he needed.

 

Today, Chimera Body Art is a thriving hub of creativity—a melting pot of different styles, talents, and personalities, all rooted in a strong sense of love and family. DOC credits his faith in God and the unwavering support of his wife for helping him turn his dreams into reality. His ultimate goal? To build a life where his wife only works if she wants to and his children never lack for anything.

 

Having served as a committee member for the first annual Antelope Valley Tattoo Expo, DOC looks back on his journey with gratitude, recognizing the blessings he’s been given—both in his family and in the tight-knit ink community he’s built.

 

At Chimera Body Art, you’ll find more than just incredible tattoo work—you’ll find a welcoming family of artists dedicated to their craft.