Sad Boy Needles (Pablo) is a Phoenix-based tattoo artist and founder of Sad Boy Studio. Born and raised in Phoenix to Mexican immigrant parents, he has been creating since he could hold a crayon—designing for his father’s business by age 10 and published in Lowrider Arte Magazine by 13. 

After stepping away from art school, Pablo launched a streetwear brand in 2008 that gained attention from artists such as Mac Miller, MURS, Atmosphere, and Wiz Khalifa, as well as brands including The Hundreds and Stüssy. For over a decade, he continued building culture in Downtown Phoenix through coffee, brands, and community-driven events rooted in connection, accessibility, and giving back. 

In 2019, Pablo shifted that creative drive into body modification, bringing with him a background in professional piercing before fully committing to tattooing. With 5 years of tattooing experience, his work is known for clean fine-line execution, black and grey tattoos, and emotionally driven custom pieces—no tattoo too small, no idea too big. By 2023, he opened Sad Boy Studio, a private Downtown Phoenix tattoo space designed to feel more like an art installation than a traditional shop. 

Community is central to everything he builds. Sad Boy Studio regularly supports local creatives, hosts benefit flash events, collaborates with nonprofits, and creates space for people who are often overlooked to feel seen, safe, and respected. His work extends beyond tattooing—it’s about care, representation, and standing on principle. 

Sad Boy has collaborated with institutions and brands including the Phoenix Art Museum, Complex Magazine, and the WNBA, among others. Beyond the studio, he hosts pop-ups, flash events, and community-focused activations throughout Phoenix and beyond.