Robert Pho – Student of the Game
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
I’ve always been into art. Around five years old, every time I got in trouble, my mom would pretty much, you know, beat me or send me to room, all I did was keep drawing. Art always gave me this feeling of being free. Whenever I drew, it took me to different places, usually just to take me away from whatever scene I was in. Whether I got in trouble with my parents or, you know, at school. So when I was in prison, art saved me in many ways. It took me to a different realm, giving me sense of joy and freedom.
During that time, I think it was just more of a passion and also some and then combined with my hustle mentality, kind of brought me to thing that you just had to do. Because of the lifestyle that I was in, where I am now, you know because everything I did was all related to in Youth Authority, seeing a lot of inmates there coming out with all this heavy ink on them really inspired me. Somehow I found my way borrowing somebody’s machines. They kind of just briefly showed me how to do it. And it wasn’t an apprenticeship or anything like that, it was just a brief description on how to Tattoo pretty much. I borrowed the homemade machine and made myself some ink. started tatooing on myself, and I just fell in love with it. Slowly but surely, work Add to my roommates, and everybody started seeing my work and then I just kind of made my way, building a name for myself. and started making a living like that.
I also learned how to hustle at a very young age. My dad had a donut shop, and I was baking for him at about 12 years old; I would bake all night. I first fell in love with making money that way. That, with tattoo-ing, and the combined with my hustle mentality, kind of brought me to where i am now, you know because everything i did was always related to art; if i wasn’t tattooing I would be drawing on handkerchiefs for people or doing art on something. I would draw art on tumblers for like 20 bucks. It just helped me to escape, and at the same time, gave me a way to hustle.
What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing ?
Still, to this day, when I do art, it just takes me to a different place. Skin Design now has eight shops in seven different states, and we’re continuing to grow. Seeing the growth from the beginning to where it is now is very exciting. Seeing a lot more tattoo artists, a lot more tattoo shops are being open, more artists getting involved, producing all this amazing art. I don’t think it’s ever going to stop: I mean, it really is a multibillion-dollar industry with a lot more people looking at it as art; it’s exciting, you know, And I’m excited to stay around as long as I can, to be able to see what else it’s going to evolve to.
How has tattoo- ing changed since you first entered the industry?
Tattoo art has changed so much since I started using a homemade machine guitar string Back then, we didn’t have much to work with we would use homemade ink or Indian ink and a guitar string that was a single needle. So we had to do everything with that. You know, creating line work. creating shading, doing big back pieces or letters on people, that was the only option that we had. Where we are today, having the option to use multiple needles at the same time. A machine that’s made to give you everything that you need to create what you want to create is just amazing. Technology has changed so much, even with using Pads to pull references. Like, it’s just incredible. And I’m just glad that I’ve been able to witness all that, and I’m still a student of the game, you know, still to this day, using everything that I can with all the tools that are out there.
How has your team impacted your work?
My team has impacted me just as much as I have impacted them because we work as a whole. I think for me, doing what I do also feeds the whole entire team as well as whatever they do feeds me. I definitely see that we are going to be making an even larger impact in the future. We are working on an academy right now where we’re going to have multiple apprentices who they’ll pay tuition to attend to learn. A lot of artists have frowned upon that because teaching wasn’t something that was approved, especially from a lot of the older generation. So for me. coming from that time and having this type of vision now, I know for a fact that we’re going to change the industry.
Angel Antunez
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
I grew up in Southern California, where the tattoo culture was very prominent. I had friends and family members that were all heav ily tatted, and it was just around me all my life growing up.
Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?
At first, I had trouble finding an apprenticeship. I went to every tattoo shop in Orange County and was turned down by all of them until I got to LowRider Tattoo Shop in Santa Ana, CA. From there, my mentor Reels Kicks had me go through a wax on wax off type process that consisted of cleaning the shop and providing the artist with every thing they needed to design and draw on my off time.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?
Homework! I would say homework is the best thing anyone could do before any tattoo. Get to know some of your favor ite artists and get to know their styles and what are the reasons you enjoy that artist’s particular work. Consult with your artist to make sure you’re getting the tattoo you want to get. Make sure you’re doing everything on your part to make your tattoo experience an enjoyable one.
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
I love the community aspect of the job, but I think what I enjoy the most is the art aspect every day. Each day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn from each piece on each client.
How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist?
I think the pursuit of great art is what always will drive me to be inspired. The world of art is a real thing, and I believe that art is not necessarily ever done; it’s just left alone for an extended period of time. That’s where I find comfort in the everyday practice of tattooing.
Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist?
I would say my biggest challenge comes from trying to find a good work-life mix. It’s not easy juggling 2 kids and a wife at home, so I think finding the right amount of time for everything is the biggest obstacle that I face each day.
Cat Castro
Cat Castro is a tattoo artist from Southern Califomia that has worked her way up the industry through intrinsic motivation and dedication to her craft. Over the years, she has practiced many different techniques to gain experience and be able to execute a variety of styles. Through her journey, she has found a passion for producing eye-catching portrait and realism tattoos. This work is constantly developing as she strives to transform her client’s visions into personalized artwork that reflects them individually. While Cat is looking to evolve within her own skill set, she is always willing to help and give input to fellow artists. The drive to improve and lift others up alongside her has led her to take on a mentoring role with newer artists. She hopes to someday make a last ing impact on the industry and inspire others to do so as well.
Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?
It was difficult getting an apprenticeship. At the time I entered the industry, there weren’t as many female artists, and most shops didn’t have room for an apprentice. I had to get my foot in the door at the first hole-in-the-wall shop that would take me. I had a rough and very old-school apprenticeship. I scrubbed toilets, got hazed and harassed all day, and spent hours on my feet sterilizing tattoo equipment. It was humbling having to stand outside holding a sign, making hand stencils, cleaning the shop, and not being allowed to tattoo until I earned it. I learned to tattoo on the only cheap coil machine I could afford at the time. It was mandatory for me to learn how to completely take it apart and put it back together before I was allowed to tattoo. The apprenticeship was usually discouraging, and I was put down more times than I can remember, but I never gave up hope that I could still make it one day. I knew it was temporary, and if I stayed motivated, I could work my way up to where I wanted to be.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?
The advice I would give to someone getting their first tattoo would be to know what you want and have it come from you. There’s a lot of pressure for the first one, and you’ll get a lot of outside opinions. Stay true to what you like and really think about what it’ll be like for you long term. As long as you feel confident that you know yourself, you can choose something big, small, meaningful, meaning- less, traditional, etc. Everyone is different. Choose something that will age well with you. Also, get comfy for the appointment and bring lots of snacks! It’s funny, but I’ve had people be so excited about their tattoo that they wear the wrong clothes for their appointment (long sleeve shirt for a shoulder tattoo). Don’t try to impress, either. Wear something comfortable and remember that your clothes can get ink on them! For the snacks, candies, and hydration are always a bonus to keep you from passing out.
MARIIO LINKS
My name is Mario Beltran. I was born and raised in Fontana, CA. I’ve been tattooing for 12 years now. My art journey originally began with graffiti at age 13 as I could only draw letters and never any type of faces; whether it was a realistic or cartoony style, I just couldn’t.
While on this journey, fast forward to age 17, as I’m still heavy into the graffiti scene, I found myself about to start a family of my own at a young age. I then knew I had to think of an alternative that wouldn’t get me into trouble if I still wanted to do something I love, and I was in love with art. I first thought the closest thing to a spray can would be an airbrush!! brought this idea up to my brother-in-law, “Cranky,” who is a shop owner, and he said, “No. If you wanna make money, you need to get into tattoo- ing.” Then my cousin “smiley” started tattooing there shortly after this, which motivated me more to start tattooing. I immediately dropped my graffiti style to learn how to draw lettering styles that were common for tattoos, like old English and script–I wanted to be able to draw my own custom versions of these styles.
My first attempt at drawing script was inspired by my oldest brother, who is incarcerated. He would send these amazing drawings with amaz- ing custom lettering to our mom until I asked to borrow one that said “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” in the script; as my 2nd oldest brother was sitting with me, he had an idea as to the fundamentals of the script and gave me some tips to get started as I attempted to copy my oldest brothers letters. I then found myself drawing script lettering on “EVERYONE at
school for money ($1-$5); it was a pen that really looked like a real tattoo. My cousin “Smiley” then let me borrow 2 tattoo machines to get started and told me to use those until I saved enough money to buy my own. Then my whole life changed. Ever since then, my life has consisted of 2 things, tattooing and my family, the best support team (my amaz- ing wife Jennifer and now 3 daughters, Leilani, Melanii, and Rosemari.) Fast forward 11 years later to 2020, I got blessed with a dedicated client, “Drew,” that flew in every other week from start to finish till his sleeve, which consisted mostly of portraits, was completed. He then goes and gets a huge dope cover-up done by the master Robert Pho who is an artist in a small group that was ahead of their time in this indus- try, and I looked up to since I started tattooing.
Next thing you know, I got an Instagram direct message from Robert Pho and Orlando Quintanilla acknowledging and appreciating my hard work; it meant the world to me! Now it’s 2022, and I find myself blessed with the amazing opportunity to be a part of the world-famous Skin Design Tattoo Family!
Who or where do you get your inspiration from?
Generally speaking, I would say family, friends, clients (that typically turn into friends), and the team around me that has now become family.
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the artist/client interaction and the relationships that can blossom. The actual act of tattooing is only a fraction of the experience.
DANIEL AGUIRRE JR.
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
The thought of bringing my drawings to life on skin.
Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?
The hardest part was actually coming out of my comfort zone to interview for an apprentice- ship with Robert Pho. It was difficult initially because I had to move 2500+ miles away from home with just my luggage and no clientele.
Who or where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from my mentor Robert Pho and my peers; I also get inspired by my previous pieces. I’m always looking to improve to be more efficient while providing quality work.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?
Go big or go home, don’t come hungover, and eat a good meal before your session.
What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?
There were a few that were weary, but the majority were excited for me.
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Bringing my client’s vision to life and their expression when they see the completed piece for the first time.
Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)
Tattoos on the male genitalia.
Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it?
I tattooed a female below the crease of her butt, and she literally cried for three hours straight with tears in her eyes.
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?
Always be ready to learn, sacrifice, put in the work, and don’t give up!
What do you enjoy most about tattooing?
I enjoy a nice solid day of tattooing and good vibes at the shop.
Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done?
I don’t have a favorite, not yet.
Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist?
Moving 2500+ miles away from my family and having to build my clientele.
Jane Min
My name is Jane Min. I started tattooing with no art background and no tattooing background.
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
My first big tattoo sparked my interest in tattooing.
Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?
It took persistence to get the apprenticeship Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from skin design tattoos.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?
Just do it.
What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?
My family was super supportive of me getting into the tattoo business.
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is meeting people from all different walks of life and creating beautiful artwork
Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)
I’d do them all!!!
Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it ?
I attempted to do a cover-up earlier on in my apprenticeship, and it didn’t turn out so great, but it was definitely a learning experience.
How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes?
I see the tattoo industry becoming more than just the art aspect of it.
What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry?
The common misconception people have about the tattoo industry is that it’s taboo.
Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done?
All my tattoos are my favorite because I’ve learned something new with every piece
How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist?
I stay inspired and motivated by being around a great supportive team.
How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life?
I balance it by including my family on this journey to becoming a successful artist.
NIGEL PARANGAN
Hello! I am a 23-year-old tattoo artist from San Francisco, California. I apprenticed and worked under Robert Pho at Skin Design Tattoos. I’ve been tattooing for two years, starting at the location in Honolulu, and I am continuing my work as a resident artist in Orange County.
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
I have always had a small interest in tattooing, but I never thought of it as a career until I met Robert Pho in March 2021. I was inspired by the work I saw when I walked into the shop, and I knew I had to be here with this company.
Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?
I walked in and asked Robert, and he said yes. But unfortunately, it wasn’t so simple. I was a full-time student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a chemistry major but dropped out in my fourth year to apprentice at the shop. For the first three months, I came in seven days a week, and after that, a minimum of six days a week, 9-16 hours a day. My apprenticeship was hard, and it pushed my mental and physical limits. Some days I would run on 3-4 hours of sleep, and sometimes none at all. But I made a lot of life-long friends who went through the same things (my fellow apprentices) and some who supported me through this vigorous learning phase (clients).
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?
Be a good person; that’s it!
What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry?
Some common misconceptions might be that tattoo artists are bad company, uneducated, and or drugged out. Not everyone.
Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist?
Staying motivated is sometimes rough, especially when you are sad or upset. You just gotta move on and pick yourself back up.
How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life?
Sometimes I can’t. Sometimes differ- ent aspects of my life will suffer, even at my best. The only thing to do is to adjust until it’s right!
REENA PHO
My name is Reena Pho; I’m 19 years old and the youngest artist at Skin Design Tattoo. I’m the oldest daughter and apprentice of tattoo legend Robert Pho. I’ve been tattooing for over 1.5 years and recently made a move from our Honolulu location to our Orange County studio. I plan to one day work in every SDT studio and continue the legacy my dad built.
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
I’ve always known from a young age I’d want to pursue tattooing. I grew up hanging out in my dad’s shop and going to conventions; art was ever-present in my life. Seeing my dad work every day was my primary inspiration.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?
Make sure your design is something you truly want and sit on the idea for some months. Many people come to get tattoos just to get tattoos and end up regret ting their decision and later covering it up/removing it, I’d say it’s best to have a solid idea before committing.
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?
one of the biggest things i see stopping artists from growing is their ego. Know that there is always something to improve on, and constantly look for ways to grow. People who get a big head and think they’re the best right away typically stay stagnant in their work because they see no flaws they can correct. Stay humble and know it’s a constant learning experience.
What do you enjoy most about tattooing?
I enjoy getting to bring both my and my client’s ideas to life. Being trusted enough to put my art onto someone forever is something that’s very special to me. I especially love it when they come back to show how it healed; it motivates me and helps me improve my techniques.
How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist?
I’m constantly surrounded by incredibly talented artists with so many different styles to offer. Seeing their work motivates me to get better at my craft and to try new things to see what works for me. My apprentice team is a huge part of that as well we’re always pushing each other to be better and support one another in our struggles.