My new artform: The art of tattooing

Here you'll find all my tattoo designs (flash) and tattoo art. This is my new artform. I'm a newbee in this field and I plan to publish my development. I already did about 8 to 10 sets of flashes with Ariel Cruz. He owns Cruz Creations Tattoo in San Jose, CA where I started having interest in tattooing. I did a few tattoos already and overcame the fear of those first tattoos.

I had no clue that I would be in this direction. I was drawing since I could talk and never stopped. Painting is my first love. I'm into commercial art for my living and never thought that I would be tattooing. I was laid-off (after 9 years)in my job as a production and graphic artist. My money from the government (EDD) was gone and I would take any job to support my family. Then came my old friend John saying he knows a person who owns a tattoo shop and I should learn how to do it. I was hesitant at first but quickly realized I had to do this. I was really nervous going to the shop because you know how tattoo shops can be intimidating.

I met Ariel Cruz, Nancy Plew and Billy Truong at the shop. I met a lot of other guys that hang out at the shop and I also got the hang of hanging out at the shop. I actually became an employee at the shop doing tuesdays and thursdays. I was doing custom designs for customers and still, at that time thought that this was my goal.

After about 8 sets of flash, a bunch of custom designs and 2 years of joining the gang doing custom drawings in tattoo conventions all over California, I've decided it's time to learn this artform. At this time, I'm fully aware how other tattoo artists can be selfish in sharing their knowledge. You know how they say that you have to ink yourself before you can be a real tattoo artist or be an apprentice in a shop and serve the master.

I need not worry about those because I already have the blessings of the artists at the shop. They know and I know I can draw. They all agreed to be my teachers. The main thing in doing tattoos is DRAWING. Not inking yourself or being an apprentice. Nobody owns this artform and nobody can stop me from doing this as long as people are willing for me to ink them.

I have no tattoos and am proud of it. I'm confident enough to tattoo without having tattoos myself. Pain you said? Did you ever have a gout attack for 6 months straight? I killed myself a long time ago so don't ever fucking talk to me about pain again.

MelVC