Noel Laabs Boise, ID

I’m a born and raised Boise native, and I love my town. Art of all kinds has been a huge part of my life well before I was in the tattoo industry, from painting to jewelry making and even dancing. I’ve been professionally tattooing for six years, and before that, I did an eighteen-month apprenticeship. If I’m not tattooing, I’m usually at home taking care of my new family or making something cool ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? A scene from a movie, something I see out on a walk, or just a feeling I go off of to start a drawing ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) The advice I like to give people is to not get too worked up about it. It’s not as bad as people make it out to be and should be an enjoyable experience ⸺

What did your family and friends think about you getting into

the tattoo business? My friends and family were pretty supportive for the most part. It did take my parents a bit of warming up to their kid not having a stable nine-to-five job with benefits, though. But after seeing how happy I am after all my hard work, they’re very proud of me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The gratification I get from making people happy with my artwork. Whether it’s a memorial tattoo, covering scars, or just wanting something pretty, I’m stoked that people come to me in search of that closure or piece they’ve wanted forever ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always been a bit of a weird kid and was fascinated with tattoos and body modifications. I wanted to be a part of something where different people like me are celebrated ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? At this point, it could be anything. When I started my apprenticeship, all we had were coils/rotary machines and a light table to make designs with. Everything is wireless and digital now; only time will tell what new advancements will be made ✕

NOEL LAABS