3 minute read

ABBEY SHAW

from Tattoo Industry Magazine: Issue 21 Baby Goth

from Tattoo Industry Magazine: Issue 21 Baby Goth, page 138

YAYA TATTOOS

I am a 25-year-old artist from Joplin, MO, who started out as a self-taught oil painter and ended up lucky enough to tattoo full-time ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I am largely inspired by the belle époque or art nouveau era and my uncle, John Roberts, who is a professional oil painter. I also love Audrey Kawasaki’s portraits of women ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Take good care of your body (aka hydrate, rest, eat, moisturize your skin) and research artists heavily to make sure you find the best fit for you. This is essential when it comes to getting beautiful work ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family and friends didn’t expect it because I was going to college for classical music and was nearing the end of my degree. They support me wholeheartedly, especially my parents, husband, and close friends ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is when I get to form wholesome relationships with my clientele and see how tattoos positively affect their self-esteem ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It wasn’t hard for me to get an apprenticeship. I went in for my first tattoo and befriended my artist. It all started there. My apprenticeship was hard, but I’m so glad that I powered through ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)

I am really okay with tattooing any location on the body; however, I will not do the tattoo if my client makes me uncomfortable or hasn’t showered. I will also not do any hate symbols ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Allow yourself to be human and realize mistakes happen because that is what makes art and tattooing so special. Also, don’t forget to take breaks! ⸺ How would you advise someone to go about getting an apprenticeship? Research shops and mentors. Be persistent but listen carefully to what they tell you. Build a portfolio of different mediums such as oil paintings, graphite or ink drawings, watercolor, and acrylic. Show your passion for art and tattoos. Don’t slap something together 5 minutes before you go to the shop. We can tell. ✕

I was born in Bremerton, Washington, and raised in Oakland, California. I have family in both states, so I bounced back and forth quite often. I ended up graduating from Alameda High and then attended college for a short while in Berkeley. During my first semester, I realized that going to school wasn’t what I wanted. So I moved to Las Vegas with my best friend, and I started my first tattoo apprenticeship.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from the Pacific Island & Polynesian culture. Artistically I look up to many tribal artists like Usomaniak out of Kent, WA., Bong out of Las Vegas, Mike Fatutoa (known as Samoan Mike), ThaKuya out of San Diego, and many more. The purpose behind tribal art itself inspires me to learn more and pass on the knowledge I’ve learned from my peers and elders.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be ready mentally, financially, and physically. Meditate, breathe deep, and come to terms with the pain. Tattoos aren’t cheap. They are a lifetime investment, so make sure you choose the right artist and also be ready to pay the premium price for great art. Please be mindful of your hygiene. We spend hours on end with our beloved clients, but we don’t want to smell your armpits or any other of your crevasses. Take a shower, wear deodorant, and brush your teeth.

Bring some food/snacks, drinks, and electrolytes to your appointment. It will help your body endure the pain.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Never stop learning. Never think that you have learned enough. Always be a student of the game, no matter how good you think you are. Also, learn how to finance your income. Us tattooers don’t have the same financial setup as those who work for an employer. We don’t have a 401k, a retirement plan, a health plan, or automatic tax deductions. We have to plan all of that ourselves. So make sure you aren’t screwing off with your money. Put some away for your kids, for your future, for your taxes, and keep receipts of all your business purchases. Stay humble on your journey. ✕