.About Trappin Ink
Trappin Ink is more than a tattoo shop—it’s a movement. Built from the ground up by Kenneth “Slim” Gulley, Trappin Ink has grown from a single vision in Duncanville, Texas, into an internationally recognized brand that represents creativity, culture, and community.
What started with Trappin Ink MAG, a magazine dedicated to showcasing tattoo artistry and lifestyle, has expanded into a powerhouse name known across the U.S. and beyond. Trappin Ink now hosts major tattoo conventions, high-energy community events, and even produces a reality TV series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the grind, the art, and the culture.
From the flagship shop at 603 East Highway 67 in Duncanville, TX, to events that bring together top artists, vendors, DJs, and sponsors, Trappin Ink stands as a hub where tattoo artistry meets entertainment. Whether it’s our Juneteenth Tattoo Festival, Back-to-School Bash, or our reality competition series bringing “Best of the Best” artists together, every project is designed to uplift artists, give back to the community, and showcase the culture at its highest level.
Slim’s journey—from subleasing a suite to learning the business side, to building one of the fastest-growing platforms in tattoo culture—proves what relentless hustle, vision, and authenticity can create. Today, Trappin Ink MAG is internationally known, with features on award-winning artists, head-to-head tattoo battles across state lines, and a growing fanbase that tunes in not just for tattoos, but for the lifestyle, the culture, and the story.
At Trappin Ink, we don’t just put ink in skin—we put life into the culture
Kenneth “Slim” Gulley – Founder & CEO of Trappin Ink MAG
Kenneth “Slim” Gulley is the visionary behind Trappin Ink MAG, a platform dedicated to tattoo artistry, culture, and business. As a tattoo artist, magazine publisher, event organizer, and podcast host, Slim is committed to creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work, compete, and grow.
In 2023, Slim launched Trappin Ink Mag Bash, his first tattoo competition, setting the stage for future industry events. He later created and ran the Battle of the Sexes tattoo competition, further establishing his influence in the tattoo world. In 2023-2024, he kicked off the Trappin Ink MAG Show competition to launch the reality show Best of the Best, working with artists from Black Ink Crew. In 2024, he traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, for a head-to-head Texas vs. Memphis battle, where he won Best of Show alongside Charles Chapman. In 2025, he competed at the Ink Masters Tattoo Convention, marking another milestone in his career.
Beyond competitions, Slim owns Trappin Ink, a tattoo shop in Duncanville, TX, where he tattoos and collaborates with top artists. He also runs D-Town 2 Yo Town Podcast, giving a platform to creatives and entrepreneurs. His latest project, the Best of the Best Tattoo Competition, blends tattooing with reality TV-style filming, pushing the industry forward.
From publishing and event hosting to tattooing and networking, Slim is dedicated to building a movement where artists can thrive, compete, and gain recognition on a larger stage.
