Mary Le San Jose, CA

8 Years

Tattooing

San Jose, CA

Location

Independent Artist

Blackwork/Dotwork Watercolor

Specialty

@uhhhhtaco

Instagram

marytacoink

@yahoo.com

MARY LE

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Originally I started off doing hair the Vietnamese way, but I have always drawn since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to find my mentor to learn the craft. I had no ambition or confidence in myself until I learned to tattoo. Tattooing has really saved my life, and now I’m happy to say I have been a shop owner for four years.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo

virgin) Make sure you do your research on the artist and if their style matches what you want. Don’t let the fear of pain deter you from getting the tattoo where you want it because pain is temporary, but the tattoo is forever. Also, please eat a full meal before your tattoo; I know it can be hard if you’re anxious, but it’s better that way.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

My dad said cool, but just don’t get any tattoos. My friends were mostly supportive.

What would you say is your favorite part

of the job? Making new connections and seeing how happy my clients are. The challenge of pushing my artistry to be better and being able to be creative as a career.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Ever since I was young, I’ve always seen body art as amazing. I’ve always doodled on myself; I thought being a tattoo artist would be an amazing job.

Who are your favorite

artists? Shige, Zihwa, Horitomo, Tishtattoo, etc. there are just so many great artists on Instagram that it would be a long list.

What do you think is in store for the future of

tattooing? I believe in time, there will be more education, and I’m hoping to see great artists offer workshops; I’d be down to travel to go to a class from a renowned artist.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

Always strive to learn. You will have good and bad days, don’t let the bad days eat you up too hard. Learn from them and try to think how you can improve from the situation. ✕