01/31/2026
Today I close my tattoo studio, primarily due to the economic downturn. When people struggle to cover essentials, luxury services like tattoos are the first to go. While others may be closing for different reasons, I’ve seen artists claim that leaving the industry means you never loved it — and that’s nonsense.
I earned my place through a real apprenticeship: cleaning shops, answering phones, prepping stations, running autoclaves, handling errands, and working another job just to survive. I’ve commuted ridiculous distances — sometimes nearly three hours each way — and even paid more in tolls than I earned in a day.
Over my career, I’ve endured theft, droughts, threats of blacklisting, disrespect, and being pushed aside after giving notice. I’ve rebuilt from nothing, given away countless free tattoos, discounted major pieces, and stayed professional even when clients didn’t. Through it all, I showed up on time, sober, prepared, and charged honestly without bait-and-switch tactics.
I’ve worked for terrible bosses and great ones, alongside famous artists and unknown grinders like myself — people just trying to improve. I’ve stayed humble, put in the time, and respected the craft. You can question my methods or decisions, but don’t question my love for tattooing. You don’t know me.
