Issue 32 web-2.pdf

When did you know that you wanted to be a tattoo artist and whatwere the first steps you took to learn the craft?Actually, I loved tattoos when I was a little boy, but there was not aprofessional tattoo shop in China at that time. It wasn’t until the endof 1998 that I started to think about opening my own tattoo studio.The reason I chose to do this is because I didn’t like the lifestyle oftraditional society. I wanted to use my hands to make my art become areality, which makes me feel fulfilled.Can you tell us more about the shop you work at, what it’s likeworking there, and what a typical day is like there?Right now, I have two shops - one in Los Angeles, California andone in China. My wife, Gloria and I live in Los Angeles now so wespend most of our time tattooing in L.A. The shop there is still newso we are slowly building up a following and developing our clientele.The pressure of opening a new studio is considerable, having to payrent without a large customer base. It would be nice to have as manycustomers in L.A. as I have in China, but I am sure that will come intime. If I am not busy, I like to read and draw to kill time. No matterhow busy I am in China, I force myself to find a quiet place to draw fortwo or three hours, I’ve never stopped in 10 years. I have more time inAmerica, but I tend to do less drawing and more reading.Describe how you go about creating a tattoo from concept tofinished design and how you try to put your own unique touch onyour tattoos?Generally, I sit down with each customer before we begin and communicatewith them on what their needs and desires are as far as adesign is concerned. After I get a clear idea from them, I have to tailoreach design to fit the customer’s body. Each person is different as faras bone structure, muscle tone, skin type, et cetera, and I try to understanda bit of their personality as well. A strong customer will need68 InkSpiredMagazine.com