CESAR CABRERA

9 years before getting my apprenticeship and kick-starting my career. It is hard work and definitely not for the weak, but it taught me so many valuable lessons and has made me appreciate my life and where I am now. It really goes to show that it’s never too late to go after what you want.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

People I’ve met throughout my tattoo career. It started with my mentor Dan O’Brian at Nite Owl in San Diego, CA. I was the guy that was always asking questions, and he gave me room to grow. Most of the techniques I use, though, come from a very good friend of mine, Chowder; he works at Hideaway in San Diego, CA. He’s always had the patience to work with me and answer my ridiculous tattoo questions.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I was and am very lucky to have supportive friends and family. They always push me to do what makes me happy and to always work on bettering myself and my work.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love meeting new people and interacting with clients. You can learn so much from those around you, and I’m fortunate enough to have a job where you are forced to talk to me for a couple of hours while I inflict pain on you. I’m kidding! You don’t have to talk to me, I understand. But I do love my conversations with clients.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was about 6 years old, and I saw my first head-to-toe, tattooed person out in the wild, and I thought to myself, “I want to look like that.” He also had what I now assume were all black contacts, but at the time, I was convinced he was a lizard man. ✕