On June 2, the documentary series Skin Deep will release a new episode dedicated to Kari Barba — one of the most influential figures in modern tattoo history and the owner of Outer Limits Tattoo in Long Beach, the oldest continuously operating tattoo shop in the United States.
Skin Deep is a docu-style series exploring the world of tattoo artists, tattoo culture, and the stories behind the art. Hosted by documentary filmmaker Josh Adams, the show takes viewers inside tattoo studios around the world through in-depth artist interviews, shop tours, and honest conversations about creativity, style, healing, history, and the evolution of the tattoo industry.
The upcoming episode focuses on Kari Barba, an artist whose career in tattooing spans more than 47 years. She began tattooing in 1979, entering the industry at a time when the tattoo world was far more closed off, rough around the edges, and especially difficult for women to navigate. Her story is one of resilience, talent, deep respect for the craft, and the ability to preserve warmth and humanity within an industry shaped by pressure, judgment, and constant change.
A major part of the episode is devoted to Outer Limits Tattoo, which has been based at 22 Chestnut in Long Beach since 2002. The location holds a special place in American tattoo history and was originally made famous by Bert Grimm, one of the most important tattooers of the last century. When Kari took over the space, she approached it with care and respect for everything it represented, preserving its memories, atmosphere, and historical value while turning it into both a fully operating tattoo studio and a standalone museum dedicated to the art of tattooing.
In the episode, viewers will get an exclusive tour of Outer Limits Tattoo Studio and History Museum, hear stories from different chapters of Kari’s career, and gain a deeper sense of how the tattoo industry has changed over the past several decades — from a guarded, hard-edged world into a global artistic scene where the personal stories of tattooers have become part of a much larger cultural history.
According to Josh Adams, Kari’s interview is heartfelt, honest, and deeply human. It is the kind of story that can resonate not only with tattoo professionals, but also with anyone interested in art, personal freedom, perseverance, and the people who help shape culture simply by staying true to their path.
The episode premieres Tuesday, June 2, on the Skin Deep YouTube channel. An early preview of the episode is available here.
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