Merced Tattoo and Piercing Co. Robert Benson

DOOISM

Originally from Los Angeles, CA. Started apprenticing and tattooing in 2015 in Los Angeles. Have tattooed in South Korea, all over the United States, Israel, and Europe ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Eat your veggies, drink lotta water, be nice, and tip well ⸺ What did your

family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo busi-

ness? Dad and mum are very supportive ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Traveling and meeting other tattooers and interesting people from all walks of life ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Long story short, after finishing engineering school, I felt bored, applied and got into design school, was drawing a lot, thought about tattooing, asked a family friend who tattoos about apprenticeship, got introduced to their shop, worked, dropped out of school, rest is history! ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work? Everyday life, my friends, what I’m eating for dinner, places I travel to, and occasional psychedelics ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nope, not really, just no one under 18 ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Better machines, better supplies, cool stuff now no longer cool, other stuff coming back, so on and so forth, endless cycle ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Not really; been very lucky to have cool clients! ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Have fun with it and try very, very hard! ✕

Independent Artist