TRAVIS WHEELER
Fine Artist, Tattooer, Muralist
About
Travis Wheeler, also known in the art world as Borrowed Times, is a highly respected tattoo artist celebrated for his breathtaking realism and exceptional versatility across mediums. With a deep passion for visual storytelling and fine detail, Travis has carved out a reputation as one of the most skilled realism tattooists in the region. His work is known for its emotional depth, technical precision, and lifelike quality that leaves a lasting impression.
Travis’s journey into art began with street culture—his roots in sign painting and large-scale outdoor murals laid the foundation for his bold creative voice. Over the years, he has brought that same expressive energy into the tattoo studio, where he specializes in hyper-realistic portraits, nature scenes, and surreal compositions. Whether working in black-and-grey or color, Travis approaches each piece with the eye of a painter and the discipline of a craftsman.
In addition to realism, Travis is widely recognized for his incredible typography and lettering work. His background in sign painting and mural art has refined his ability to craft custom letterforms with personality, flow, and edge. Whether it’s a delicate script or a bold illustrative type treatment, Travis’s lettering tattoos are as thoughtfully composed as his imagery—balanced, impactful, and deeply personal.
Beyond the tattoo machine, Travis continues to contribute to the visual landscape through vibrant public art and mural work. His large-scale pieces can be found on walls and in communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, often blending urban grit with narrative beauty. Through both tattooing and muralism, Travis creates immersive experiences that connect with people on a personal level. The name Borrowed Times reflects Travis’s philosophy on life and art: that every moment—and every piece—is precious, temporary, and worth honoring. Whether you’re looking for a deeply meaningful tattoo, a standout piece of custom lettering, or a collaborative mural project, Travis brings passion, professionalism, and profound artistic vision to everything he touches.
Thanks to everyone who came out for our Summer solstice art show at the @witchinghourtattoo gallery. We’d like to especially thank the artists who brought some seriously beautiful work to our walls.•
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It was a pleasure celebrating the official beginning of Summertime with you all. The work will be on display for the next few weeks. Stop by anytime during regular business hours and also on weekends to take a look.•
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@abbywilliams.studio
@naturalistandco
@slaytheimage
@eveningglassdesign
@cordelorr
@cchampagnephotography
More coastal landscape tattoos please. I had a blast starting this oregon themed sleeve on Spencer. I’m booking for July and August. Black and grey realism, lettering tattoos, my idea or yours. Contact me via email through my website or DM directly.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #haystackrock #pacificcityoregon #pacificocean #blackandgreytattooing #tattoo #blackandgreytattoo #landscape #portlandtattoo #pdxtattoo
This summer is gonna be a good one. I turn 45 in a few days so at the very least half of this crazy ride is over. The last few years have turned my beard white and I just don’t give a shit anymore.•
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I’m going to paint walls, tattoo skin, display some artwork in some galleries and try to enjoy myself. The news is scary and seems to keep getting worse. Is that a reason to become bitter and lose your ability to enjoy things before the inevitable decline of civilization? Shit, we’ve got from row seats.•
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I don’t know about you but I’m going to spend the next half of my life enjoying the hell out of being alive. Sacrificing your sanity to the 24 hour terror cycle of current events doesn’t help anyone at all. It’s almost a little self serving to let it all turn you into a dickhead.•
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If the world is careening towards nuclear annihilation, and it certainly seems to be, we’d better enjoy these last days. Tip your bartenders, go for a bike ride, sit on the beach. Try to put your phone down a few times and let yourself relax a bit.•
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Regardless of your outlook, whatever’s about to happen is gonna happen anyway.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #portlandartist #pdxart #pdx #portland #tattooer #tattooing #blackandgreytattooartist #signpainter #signpainting #landscapeart
Come hang out with us for the summer solstice show and our pal @inkstress birthday. We have a bunch of rad art for display. It will be a group show featuring some great work by our friends and a fun night to celebrate longer days. Come have a beer with us and enjoy the days we’ve all been waiting for.
@eveningglassdesign
@slaytheimage
@naturalistandco
@cordelorr
@abbywilliams.studio
@cchampagnephotography
Here’s some fun tattoos I’ve gotten to do this spring. I’m booking tattoos for July and August if you’ve got some strange ideas for me. You can DM me directly or email me through my website. I’d love to do some more black and grey portraits, florals, script, lettering, or anything realistic.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #portlandtattooing #tattooartist #pdxtattoo #tattoorealism #letteringartist #typography #darkart #surrealism #witchinghourtattoopdx
Just getting my marketing materials ready for this hot, hot heat wave that’s coming our way this summer. I’m trying to keep this hog tan and tummy tight for beach weather if you feel me.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #typespire #goodtype #blackandgreytattoo #tattooartist #signpainter #signpainting #letteringartist #portlandoregon
Had a great time with this @mrbungleofficial album cover artwork on @gayb.oner69 . I’m looking to do more realistic eyes about this size. DM me for some fun eyeball tattoos in late June or early July.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #tattooing #tattoo #pdxtattoo #pdxart #pdxartist #portlandtattooer #blackandgreyrealism #realistictattoo #mrbungle #mikepatton #phantomas #faithnomore
I had fun finishing up this sleeve on my pal @akeishsmitty__ . I’d love to do more mandalas or symmetrical patterns. Always with the dogwoods for any application. DM me for a spot in July.•
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#tattooing #tattooartist #blackandgreytattoo #borrowedtimesstudio #tattoorealism #mandalatattoo #tattoos #dogwoodtattoo #floraltattoo #portlandoregon
Architectural Amsterdam photo dump because I’m still obsessed and I just need to see it again. I love the transitions between the Dutch buildings against the sky.•
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#borrowetimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #tattooing #tattooer #tattoos #signpainting #signpainter #amsterdam #dutch #netherlands #travelamsterdam
See you on June 6th from 5-9 for what seems to be a massive skate deck art show with @adxportland . Im really excited to be showing artwork in group shows again. I hope to do a lot more of it this summer and coming fall.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #lettetingdaily #typography #skateboardart #instaart #letteringart #letterartist #darksurrealism #acrylic #murals #signpainter #signpainting
I’m gonna live in, near, or around here one day. This year’s King’s Day celebration was an absolute blast with my girl @forestavintage •
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#netherlands #Amsterdam #borrowedtimesstudio
Occasionally I’ll get the chance to paint what’s in my head. I try not to overthink it. I just let out some creature I’ve been picturing in the darker recesses of my psyche. They almost always come out as an image vibrating with anxiety.•
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Something bubbling up from the sloppy guts of my brain. A philosophical wet fart. Existential dread from a sleepy part of my brain that once told me to piss in my own closet. The real me, so to speak.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #signpainter #signpainting #portlandsignpainter #tattooer #tattooing #lettering #letterart #letteringart #portland #portlandoregon
I’ve been lucky to be kept busy with a bunch of black and grey realism projects. But I’d also like to squeeze some small lettering projects in after longer tattoo sessions. I’m currently booking tattoos for late June and early July. Although if you want a word or a letter I can find a spot sooner. Feel free to DM me anytime about ideas or appointments.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringtattoos #tattooing #portlandtattooer #pdxtattoo #blackandgreyrealism #signpainter #signpainting #muralist #portlandsignpainter #oahu #honolulu #waikiki #letteringart #letteringartist
I’m not gonna lie. My brain is still in Amsterdam. I’ve been slugging away at this skate deck for the @adxportland art show after tattooing this week. Don’t get me wrong. Portland is beautiful in the spring. But what I wouldn’t do to have another coffee in VondlePark or watch a sunset on a canal in the Jordaan.•
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To all I’ve spoken with about the art show WRITERS BLOCK that I’m curating at @witchinghourtattoo in August. I’ll be crafting my official invitation email as soon as this art project is finished. I’m really excited about the possible line up. I’ll be in touch soon and thank you for your patience.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #tattoo #tattooer #signpainter #signpainting #portlandsignpainter #instaart #goodtype #thedailytype #pdxart #portlandart #typography #letteringdaily #letterartist #letteringart
I’m looking forward to a rad summer of making fun art on interesting people. I’m gonna do that, go to the ocean a couple times, and chill with my cat Ben. We’re really feeling’ ourselves these days.•
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What would make it better is to do some engraver tattoos or even this Bukowski portrait (which will be heavily discounted). Let’s live like the world is ending. Because it actually is. What’s your other option? Hoard toilet paper again. Let’s get some ink in your skin. Trust me, at this point, your parents don’t give a shit.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #tattooing #tattoo #blackandgreytattoo #tattooartist #cats #yellowcat #macdre #westcoast #signpainter #signpainting #pdx #pdxartist #letterart #realismtattoo #instaart #instagood
My life is alright.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #typespire #signpainter #signpainting #portlandsignpainter #instaart #instagood #amsterdam #portland #tattooartist #dutchart
Jumping back in head first after one of the most inspiring trios of my life. The summer is coming full throttle and I’m super stoked about everything I’ve got lined up.•
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This deck will be at the annual @adxportland skate deck art show this summer and the deadline is coming up quickly. I’ll be continuing some painting projects for my @witchinghourtattoo friends. Then I’ve got some fun murals and signs lined up. All while tattooing my butt off.•
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We’ll be hosting a summer solstice show on June 7th with a bunch of talented woman. Please come out and support them. I’ve also been working behind the scenes to curate a large group lettering show on August 1st. I’m calling it WRITERS BLOCK and it will feature graffiti writers, sign writers, typographers, designers, tattooers and calligraphers. Basically anyone who’s made letters a way of life for themselves. Im very excited about the tentative lineup. More info to come on that soon.•
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Thanks to everyone keeping me busy and helping keep my life this awesome. I won’t let ya down.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #typespire #goodtype #typography #tattooer #tattooing #signpainter #signpainting #letterart #letteringartist #amsterdam #portland #pdx
This is what makes me happy. Dutch canals, long walks through cities far older than my American brain can fathom, and most importantly my forever fiancé @forestavintage . We’ve been together almost 20 years now. Engaged for the last 10.•
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Every time we get wedding money together we are reminded that we hate being on stage reciting lines. So we take off somewhere that seems like a dream. Iceland, Amsterdam, Prague, the German Alps… anywhere that makes life feel like the fantasy we were hoping for in our early 20’s.•
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I was 27 when fate put us both at the same table with the same problems. Trust issues, insecurities, all of life’s difficult little conundrums bundled into two young people. Now we’re not so young. You could say we’ve grown up together.•
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Ten years ago we stumbled upon Kings Day in Amsterdam while traveling. I had a ring in my pocket that I was afraid to pop on her. I finally got the courage to ask her to marry me on the 4th floor of a Dutch walk up. It was a great try but left some romance to be desired•
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This time I meticulously planned an evening at one of our favorite bars in The Jordaan district @tweeprinsen and asked her again. This time I had our friend @47sunsjewelry make a ring to fit perfect against my grandmother’s ring. She really knocked it out of the park and helped me do this thing the right way.•
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I’m a really lucky person. Great friends, great partner, loving family, travelled more than I would’ve ever thought possible. I can’t wait to see what the second half of our lives will bring. I know I’ll be able to deal with anything that comes my way as long as I have Amanda by my side.
Dutch photo dump:
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1) Amsterdam script drawing
2) Rembrandt’s portrait of a young man.
3) Lomanstraat
4) Rijksmuseum
5) Pan Figure on Antique Cabinet
6) Caesar Von Everdingen -Young Woman Warming Here Hands
7) Bronze statue Rijksmuseum
8) Albert Van Heijenstraat
9) hand painted window
10) Vermeer mural @muralkings #beyond
11) Vondel Park
12) Overtoom
Be back shortly, I went all the way to Amsterdam to climb stairs, drink beer, and eat Doner Kebab at midnight.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #typespire #goodtype #signpainting #signpainter #alwayshandpaint #amsterdam #netherlands #tattooer #tattooing #letteringtattoos
Some healed and some fresh. I’m excited for a busy summer @witchinghourtattoo . May is almost full and I’m beginning booking for June. Let’s do some fun tattoos.
Black and grey realism, lettering tattoos. My idea or yours. DM me anytime.
Wrapped up this little coffee sign for my pals @hitoptavern . I’ll be heading to Amsterdam tomorrow for the King’s Day celebration. So if you don’t hear from me I’m just drinking beer on a canal somewhere in a sea of orange shirted Dutch people.•
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Big thanks to all my clients and fellow artists for making this rad lifestyle possible. Stay tuned to see one of the largest parties in Northern Europe.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #handmade #typography #typespire #goodtype #signpainter #signpainting #portlandsignpainter #signage #letteringart #letterartist #letteringdaily #portland #amsterdam #kingsday
I’m super stoked to see how this tattoo I did on my friend Tim has healed up. I’m headed to Amsterdam to spend Kings Day with my favorite lady @forestavintage . But when I’m back I’d love to do some more large lettering projects. Most of May is booked up so I’m looking for some fun stuff in June. If anyone wants to do a forearm or thigh tattoo with some decorative lettering please hit me up. DM or email anytime. I’ll be offering a super affordable flat rate on larger projects all throughout June.
Had a chance to visit my friends @hitoptavern yesterday. Wore a black t-shirt in the sun like a rookie too. Got most the way through some beveled block letters. Had too many cups of coffee, got sun burnt, overheated, and drank a couple of cold beers when I was finished. The day couldn’t have gone any better. Well, maybe a white shirt could’ve done some good.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #signpainting #signpainter #portlandsignpainter #letteringart #letteringartist #portland #pdx #portlandoregon
Thanks for coming through Cassidy! Got some lettering next to a good ol’ @happyfangsart . Nice to be in good company.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #typeface #typewriter #letteringtattoo #tattoolettering #lettetingdaily #typography #blackandgreytattoo #portlandtattooer #pdxtattoo #tattoo #tattooartist
I’ll just leave this here.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handlettering #letteringdaily #typography #signpainting #portlandsignpainter #alwayshandpaint #letteringart #letterartist #portland
It’ll be ice cream season before ya know it.
Anytime I get an MF DOOM tattoo request I get stoked. Always a pleasure talking with you @sayyswearrr . Keep fighting the good fight brother.•
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This spring is really turning out to be an epic one. I’ve got a really fun project coming up with my friends @hitoptavern and a trip to Amsterdam to celebrate my anniversary with the lovely @forestavintage . •
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I’ve also got a really killer group lettering art show coming up in August with @witchinghourtattoo . I’m finalizing the details this month and then I’ll make the big announcement.•
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #signpainting #signpainter #letteringdaily #typography #tattooing #tattooshop #blackandgreytattoo #portlandtattooer #letteringartist #letteringtattoo #hiphop #mfdoom #mfdoomtattoo
Yesterday was just one of those amazing spring days. I woke up early to do some maintenance on my mural on Foster so I had breakfast on the roof of Roundtable. Then off to @archive.pdx to finish my piece before an electric fence goes up.•
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After that I headed down to @witchinghourtattoo to catch the @toomuchcoffeeman exhibit where I met up with Lauren from @letterpdx to brainstorm some ideas for a lettering art show for the month of @typecon here in Portland.•
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Everything feels exciting again and I want to thank everyone for coming out to talk about art. I’ll have some big announcements very soon about a really special art show I’ve been dreaming about for a decade. We’re going to bring the lettering community something special in August so stay tuned. •
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#borrowedtimesstudio #handmade #handlettering #muralist signpainter #tattooer #tattooartist #portlandsignpainter #typography #designer #letterart #letteringartist #portlandart #pdx #pdxartist #instaart #instagood
