For the past four years, I’ve been honing my craft as a tattoo artist, having found my way into the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. What began as an investment in a tattoo shop here in Buckeye, AZ, quickly turned into a passion. Originally, I was set to move to New York State, but when the pandemic changed those plans, I stayed put and dove into tattooing. Before all this, I spent 15 years as a welder and welding inspector, and at that time, I believed I couldn’t even draw a stick figure. Yet, tattooing showed me a whole new way to express creativity and connect with others. Tattooing captivates me because of the variety of styles I can flow between. I’ve drawn inspiration from countless artists in the industry, too many to name. However, what stands out in my approach is my belief in the power of bold lines and heavy black points, particularly for realism. Seeing how thin lines and light tones heal over time has reinforced my commitment to strong, lasting work. One of the most rewarding aspects of tattooing for me is performing coverups. It’s incredibly fulfilling to restore a client’s confidence by transforming an old or poorly done tattoo into something they can be proud of. That experience of rebuilding hope is what keeps me inspired. I’ve worked on some larger projects in my short time as a tattoo artist, including a massive back piece featuring an octopus that covered up a previous tattoo. I also enjoy creating Disney-themed pieces, and lately, I’ve been experimenting with blackout tattoos combined with white and color overlays. When I’m not tattooing, you’ll find me outdoors camping, fishing, or riding horses. I also enjoy working with AI to create systems that streamline my shop’s workflow, and I’m passionate about making murals and giving back to the community whenever I can.