Hey, Aloha friends! Today, I want to share a story that often comes up among tattoo artists: How did I get my start in the tattooing world? So, let's rewind and dive into the early days.
When I was around five years old, I had my first encounter with a tattoo shop. It happened shortly after watching the movie 'Matilda' and learning the word "revolting." In the shop, there was a preserved baby lemon shark in a jar on the shelf, and, well, I couldn't help but blurt out, "Wow, that's revolting!" Let's just say it wasn't the best choice of words, and I got scolded for my lack of tact.
Growing up, tattoos were a significant part of my dad's life. He had been getting tattooed for as long as I can remember and always emphasized proper etiquette and respect in these places of ritualistic ink slinging.
Fast forward to 2019 when I found myself living in beautiful Hawaii. By then, I had already gotten a few tattoos from my friend Drew, whom I met through another buddy. I used to draw these silly and funny dick designs, which I affectionately called "Sticky Dickers" because they were perfect for turning into stickers. Drew noticed my graphic skills and dropped a bombshell on me: "Hey, you should seriously think about becoming a tattoo artist."
A tattoo artist suggesting I give tattooing a shot? It blew my mind! I wasted no time and asked Drew if he would take me under his wing as his apprentice. Unfortunately, unforeseen family emergencies tied him up, and he urged me to seek an apprenticeship elsewhere. Little did we know that COVID was just around the corner.
In February 2020, I found myself stocking shelves in the storage room of a Waikiki-based skincare company. The burnout was real, and I decided it was time to quit my job that summer and pursue art full-time. With four months of savings and zero income, I hoped that something would catch on during that time to kickstart my artistic journey.
Then, on March 26, 2020, COVID began shutting down Waikiki and halting tourist travel to Hawaii. It was the perfect catalyst for me (and MANY others at that time) to embark on a new path.
In July-August 2020, my girlfriend (now wife!) and I stayed with a buddy in Kula, Maui. We helped him with yard work while staying in a guest house on the property. Directly outside there is an avocado tree that grows avocados the size of your head. Katie and I could share one over 2 days. There's this magical valley on Maui with some powerful energy. If you ever get the chance, go find it—it's something special.
During that time, I contemplated studying for a real estate license to set myself up for financial success. But 75% into the course, I realized it wasn't for me. I literally could not stay awake while studying and I dreaded spending time trying to learn more about it. Instead, I dreamed of owning a beautiful, vibey private tattoo studio in Hawaii. It felt like the perfect fit.
This is Katie and I in the hills of Kula about to do some yard work.
I begin reaching out to artists that I find on IG with the hashtag #hawaiitattoo - one in particular is my favorite and he is actually the one that responds the quickest...though he still declines because he already had an apprentice at the time. I ask him if he'll still give me some guidance as I seek out an apprenticeship elsewhere. He says he will and that if I want to book an appointment with him, he'll still take a look at my stuff. This gives me time to start drawing more and getting the hang of what tattoo designs look like.
I should also note that during this trip I proposed to my then gf who became my fiancee on that trip and is now my wife of almost 2 years :)
We now had to get back to Oahu and find a new place to live since we left our lease and put everything in storage while we were in Maui. That is a story for another time because there's a lot to unpack with that one...no pun intended.
Now back on Oahu and living in Waikiki again...albeit reluctantly...
I find out a former coworker actually OWNS a tattoo shop down the block from where I'm now staying and I can walk there and apprentice under him! SCORE!
The first day I'm to show up and help this lady apply numbing cream on her back in advance of a long tattoo session she has that day. I meet her at the front of the shop before it opens and walk her inside since the artist/owner will be there later to actually tattoo her. I walk back towards the front of the shop after letting her in and notice tracks on the floor into the shop....they look like my shoe tracks....and it looks and smells like dog shit. :( I check my shoe....and yes...I stepped in it AND tracked it ALL THE WAY into the tattoo shop that I haven't even REALLY started in yet.
Somehow I was allowed to stay at that shop and continue my apprenticeship.
However the universe had other plans....
and I will save that as a good jumping off point for part 2.
In part 2 I will discuss my first official apprenticeship and then how it blossomed into a full blown apprentice adventure of a lifetime!!!
**UPDATE: READ PART 2 HERE**
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next one!