Artist

I was trained as an illustrator at the Academy of Art University, SF. I learned to tattoo from my mentor, Chow, at Talisman Tattoos in Modesto, CA. I now own Legion Art Collective in Roseville, CA, where I live with my 4 kids and beautiful girlfriend ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from everywhere. I never know what will make me feel inspired; sometimes, it’s conversations with people, places I visit, movies that I love, music, or art; other times, Renaissance art or amazing tattoo artists that I follow the work of. I think the most important thing is that I find something that makes me feel the type of emotion that I want to convey in my work. I particularly enjoy occult imagery, historical photography, classic cinema, horror art, and the list goes on ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family and friends have always been supportive of my career path as an artist. It’s hard enough to make it as an artist; to try and do it with- out support from friends and family would seem almost impossible to me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of this job is getting to hang out with friends and make art all day long. I really enjoy the people I work with, and I really enjoy the people I tattoo. Getting to build those relationships is the real success of a tattooer ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve known I wanted to be an artist ever since I was 3, but I never really considered tattooing until I was about 20 years old and some of my old high school buddies dropped a bunch of cheap tattoo equipment in my lap, and I fell in love with tattooing immediately ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Find a good apprenticeship, respect tradition, but also make your own path as an artist ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Frank Frazetta, Bernie Wrightson, Lewis Hine, Gustav Dore, and Alphonse Mucha. ✕

I was born in the bay area but grew up in Sacramento. More like Suburbia right on the outskirts of South Sacramento, Elk Grove. I have always been into art since a very young age, and my family has always been supportive of my creativity. After I graduated high school In 2014, I tried college out. Sacramento State, to be exact. Only a week in, I knew right away that college wasn’t for me. It wasn’t until after dropping out that I really began to pick up knowledge and hear and see a lot of things that had to do with tattooing, like LA Ink (the show); Ink Master was one of the most popular shows at the time. From there, I put together a portfolio of some paintings and drawings and put up an ad on craigslist that said, “Seeking Tattoo Apprenticeship,” and I was contacted shortly after; probably around early 2015.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) For someone wanting to get their first tattoo, I would tell them to do their research on any artists that spark their interest. Whether they are local or across the world, if they like a specific artist, it doesn’t hurt to inquire and look into their booking process. After choosing an artist and setting an appointment, just flow with the process. Loosen the reigns and trust the process.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

When I first told my family & friends I was going to drop out of school and take tattooing seriously, everyone, and I mean everyone, second-guessed my decision. Everyone told me to stay in school or go back to school etc. Now, my own grandma stops people in grocery stores and admires their artwork. She will tell me the next time id see her how beautiful so and so’s arm was at the grocery store.

Who are your favorite artists? I’ve always looked up to Carlos Torres, Eric Marcinizyn, & Miguel Ochoa.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The most important advice I’d give someone new to tattooing would be to stay true to yourself and just seek growth within yourself, for yourself; artistically, businesswise, and spiritually. Most importantly, have fun. ✕