Draper Huntington Beach, CA

SWARM

A 20-year tattoo artist; I got my start in a head shop/tattoo shop which was very popular in the late 90s. Spending time on the Las Vegas strip in casino shops then ending up in a custom shop, eventually, the pandemic forced me into finally opening my own shop in 2021. I enjoy doing Star Wars and pop culture tattoos. In my spare time, I enjoy running (10 full marathons), spending time with my wife and daughters, and playing video games ⸺ What advice would you give to

someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)

Don’t make big plans and overthink them. Pick a shop near you and check it out. In most shops, there are so many rad things to pick from. Pick something that you like, not what someone else likes ⸺ What

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

business? My dad thought I was insane. In my first shop, I got paid $20 a day if I did not do any work. It was on Old Fremont Street. It was just enough to get the bus, eat lunch, and return the next day. I did that for a year! Eventually, I started moving up through the shops ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When someone stands up, looks in the mirror, and smiles. It’s very satisfying. I think people don’t think about all the behind-the-scenes things that go into a tattoo; all the extra drawing time and pressure that goes into each tattoo ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I had a young brother die in 1993. At his after funeral get together, my aunt’s boyfriend had a fresh wizard tattoo on his arm. I was 12, and it immediately sparked my interest. I always drew on my arms after that ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get an apprenticeship from a true tattooer. Do your time, then work at a walk-in street shop for 3-5 years. There’s no price on the experience you can get from that. ✕