Living in ink

Jared McFarland sits at his station on the second floor of Valley Indoor Swap Meet where he works as a tattooist at L&G Tattoo in Panorama City, Calif. The buzzing sound of the tattoo guns fill the studio where the other artists are busy working on their clients.

Before placing needle to skin, McFarland prepares by cutting a rectangular slice of aluminum foil and taping it firmly on the table. He then places a dime sized drop of petroleum jelly onto the foil and squeezes ink into a small cup which he will dip the needle into. Stencils are normally used to outline the design the client wants and it allows them to approve the placement before the ink makes a permanent mark.

Once the client approves, McFarland presses on the petal at his foot to activate the needle and create the tattoo.

As an art major at Pierce College, McFarland’s ultimate goal is to become a museum curator so that he may be able to bring his knowledge and love of the arts to others.

Below: Pertolieum Jelly, a stensil, and a tattoo power supply box sit at Jared McFarlands station as he prepares to tattoo Stephanie Landin at L&G Tattoo in Panorama City, Calif. on Nov. 4, 2016. The Petroliem Jelly allows the needle to slide more easily over the skin durring a tattoo.

Above: Jared McFarland, an art major at Pierce College, works on a tattoo for Mario Torres at L&G Tattoo in Panorama city, Calif, on Nov. 4, 2016. McFarland’s ultimate goal is to become a museum curator so that he can spread his love and appreciation of art to others.