PhillyJoe Bringing His Tattoo Artistry To Newtown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — After making a name for himself in Bensalem, PhillyJoe is bringing his tattoo artistry to Newtown.

Joseph Thomas, one of the Delaware Valley’s premier tattoo artists, will be opening his new business - PhillyJoe Tattoo Studio - on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 159 North Sycamore Street.

A daylong grand opening celebration of Newtown's first tattoo studio will begin with a VIP reception at 11 a.m., followed by a public ribbon cutting and welcoming remarks at 12 p.m.

Beginning at noon and continuing throughout the day, PhillyJoe will be giving away $4,000 worth of free tattoo work, conducting studio tours, offering a chance to meet the artists, showing off its portfolio, offering free music by Edgar Packer until 7:30 p.m., and serving refreshments.

Inside his new studio, PhillyJoe has created “a one-stop shop” for tattooing and related services, including piercing, makeup, lash extension, and tattoo removal.

“Whether you're looking to get tattooed, explore our cosmetic services, or simply enjoy an unforgettable day or night out, this is a place built on passion and purpose,” said Joe.

“What I deliver is an experience like no other,” he says. “You’re getting something that’s permanent. Not only is it permanent on your skin, the experience is permanent. If I can deliver something that encourages and motivates you, inspires you, pushes you or makes you feel loved, that is the experience I’m delivering and what I’ve been delivering for the past 13 years.”

PhillyJoe’s Tattoo Studio is located inside this building at Sycamore and Jefferson streets in Newtown. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Joseph Thomas, the owner of PhillyJoe Tattoo Studio. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Since leasing the former oriental rug building earlier this year, he has invested thousands of dollars into upgrading the space, transforming the first floor into a lobby and waiting area for customers, renovating the second floor into a special event space and turning the basement into an upscale tattoo studio, where the artistry will be taking place.

“We treat our clients like family, ensuring a welcoming and respectful atmosphere,” said PhillyJoe. “Our focus is on creating original, one-of-a-kind tattoos that reflect each client's unique story, delivered with exceptional skill and care. At PhillyJoe's, excellent service is a priority from start to finish.”

In addition to spotlighting his talents, PhillyJoe said the studio will support both aspiring and established tattoo artists, offering guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their dreams.

“What drives me most is creating something beyond the ordinary,” says PhillyJoe, who hopes to turn the space into a place where the community comes together for special events like comedy, karaoke and poetry nights. “This is about building a space where art, expression, and community collide - where people can experience something truly different.”

Growing up in North Philadelphia, life wasn’t easy for the aspiring artist. In fact, life was brutal, landing him in prison at one point.

“But you got to get yourself out of that small pond and into a bigger one,” he says.

From almost day one, he had an artistic talent. In his younger days, it manifested itself in graffiti and murals.

“Some kept me out of trouble, and some were done illegally,” he admits.

Tattooing was never on his radar screen. “I never saw myself being an artist. I just loved doing it. Whenever I did it, it was a hobby. It was just a matter of saying to myself, ‘Hey. This makes me happy.’”

At one point, PhillyJoe said he was arrested and spent some time behind bars. But it was while he was incarcerated, he met another inmate who noticed his talent and encouraged him to consider a career in tattooing.

“He was the guy who enlightened me to tattooing. I still denied it. I told him no. It wasn’t something I was interested in. He didn’t pressure me, but what he did was help me to understand my gift. My gift was that I could create.”

PhillyJoe has now morphed that simple suggestion into a successful career.

After 13 years of tattooing professionally and making the impossible possible time and time again, he’s now walking into this next phase of his life with pure faith and excitement.

“PhillyJoe Tattoo Studio represents more than just a business - it's a dream I've been building, and I couldn't be happier about what's ahead.”