2 minute read
John Lapides Colorado Springs, CO
I am a 24-year-old tattoo artist raised in Los Angeles, CA, and currently tattooing out of Colorado Springs, CO. Being a past military dependent, my apprenticeship was in a small town called Mildenhall, England, in the UK. I spent almost two years there, being taught from the ground up everything I know about tattooing. Getting to meet artists from all over Europe and the rest of the world exposed me to many influences and cultures that have shown through in my art and personality. My time overseas prepared me to become a successful, full-time tattoo artist once I moved back to the States.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)
Advertisement
Know what you want but definitely be ready for your tattoo artist to take some creative liberties with your idea. An inperson consultation is never a bad idea. Getting to sit together and talk about your ideas, what might work and what might not, is really what makes a good tattoo. Being able to see how a client reacts to certain ideas and getting to hear the back story helps to create your perfect tattoo. Being a decent human being helps, too, so we know we’re working with someone who genuinely cares and appreciates the work we put into the design.
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of
tattooing? Work hard and be passionate. That’s it. Good things come to those who put in the effort. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top. Surround yourself with like-minded people who want to watch you succeed and are going to help you in any way they can. Your success isn’t based on what everyone else is doing. If you want to be a good tattoo artist that people look up to and respect, you better be ready to put in the long hours and go get it for yourself. Don’t do it for anyone else. I think it’s super important to be passionate about this industry and put in the hard work that comes with it. It’ll all be worth it in the end.
What do you think is in store for the future
of tattooing? I think the world of tattooing will only get better as time goes on. With more talented artists emerging and machine technologies advancing, our job is becoming much easier, and hopefully, this skyrockets the tattoo industry higher than we can imagine. ✕
JOHN LAPIDES
3 Years
Tattooing
Colorado Springs, CO
Independent Artist
Blackwork Traditional
Specialty
@spray.day
