Golden tattoo artist Terry Weber would love to give you a tattoo, just don't ask him to ink an image of Satan or a marijuana leaf on your chest.

"We're a Christian-based shop. I don't do anything gang- or drug-related or something that implies violence or might be considered blasphemous," he said.

Weber said Faith Tattoo Gallery isn't a walk-in shop and that he is usually booked up to about a month in advance.

"Every artist is different. I don't do shock-value tattoos. I would explain to someone who wanted a devil on their neck that it is my work this is associated with. It's something permanent on their body. I want the reputation of the shop and my name to be intact," Weber said.

On March 24, Weber was working on a 12-inch long fish design on the right side of James Rudnicki's torso. Rudnicki graduated from Golden High School and attends the University of Northern Colorado, where he studies criminal justice. While he listened to his iPod, Weber inked a pale red into the tiny scales of one of the fish.

"We're already about 12 hours into this one," said Weber.

Part of the gallery at 809 13th in downtown Golden also houses Weber's wife Roxy's clothing boutique called Loyalty. Roxy Weber said, "Faith and loyalty are at the core of our beliefs."

Another aspect that sets Faith Tattoo Gallery apart is the shop only uses high-grade inks and offers vegan inks to customers who request it, Weber said.

Weber said the store, which opened last November will be fully staffed with four artists, including himself.

"It took me almost two years to find these artists," he said.

Those artists are Matt Abbott and Nick Wyatt, who currently work in the shop. Another artist was recently hired and will start April 16.

"We wanted to expand our beliefs of faith and loyalty and Nick and Matt share those," Weber said. He said the group of artists attend a non-denominational church in Castle Rock that is geared to a youthful community.

Weber also emphasizes how important cleanliness is in a tattoo shop.

"We're a single-use shop, meaning we dispose of all instruments after each use. We don't re-use anything," Weber said.

According to the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment's Web site, the county started inspecting tattoo establishments in 2002. Weber said the health inspector may come to his shop about four times a year.

"We passed with flying colors," he added.

Weber said, "You could be the best tattooist in the world, but if you're not doing it correctly, you shouldn't be doing it. I think we're a step above in cleanliness."

Weber said the cost of custom tattoos depends on the placement and complexity of the design. "Something tribal would go faster than a portrait." He charges a $75 minimum, while some tattoos cost up to $350. He mentioned the "sleeve" on client Aaron LeMaster, and said he's been working on it for more than two years.

In addition to the sculpture and framed artwork on the walls, Weber displays a collection of awards from contests he's entered. He said there are 60 to 80 contests in Colorado a year.

"I do one a year. I'm not into who's better than somebody else," he said.

He described the contests as being similar to fashion shows, where the client goes on stage to show his or her tattoo and walks through the crowd.

"There are different categories. For the winners, the customer gets the trophy," he said.

Weber said he thought tattoos had become more mainstream because it's considered an art form

"You don't go into a dirty shop. This is a gallery atmosphere now," he said.