Jake

Plus do your research...all they had to do was look around this site some and see LSTers have clearly laid out what would be a good tattoo show.

*cough* TATTOO AGE *cough*

"To me tattoos have always represented a time in my life. Maybe I'm not the 16 year old who loves the idea of a sun on my hip anymore but I certainly can appreciate the 16 year old girl I was once before."

Exactly. I think the permanence is kind of refreshing. We all change but most of us like to sweep our old self under the rug and pretend it didn't happen. It's kind of humbling to have that reminder that "oh shit I was stupid/naive/different" too.

awesome. thanks scott and tim. real talk at the end about integrity and quality.

here's a slightly more radical approach that works for certain kinds of people..

sell everything you own. quit that job and live with bare minimum bills trying to stretch the money you have as long as possible. you won't have a choice but to pour yourself into baking in order to get yourself operating at a functional level before that money runs out.

some people thrive under this high-pressure sink or swim scenario.

whatever you choose to do- good luck!

I agree with almost everything that's been said in response but Robin brings up a really good point that segues into something I've been struggling to put words to. I think the naivete of Shant's question prompts a knee jerk reaction in people. ESPECIALLY among those who have practiced the craft for years/decades. Generally it's a justified response... But in this specific case it may be a bit overkill

Realistically, Dari's advice is the most sound in my opinion. Go get some tattoos. Get acquainted with the culture. If there's no credible tattoo shops near you Shant then save up and travel to a world renowned artist. See if it's something you really want to be a part of. I doubt anyone becomes a musician without first listening to music. Tattoos, like everything in life, is the same. How do you know it's what you want if you haven't experienced anything more than the most fleeting elements of it?

PS - It's probably best not to tell the person giving you your first tattoo that you want to push ink. More than likely they will instantly put you in that mental category of "people trying to get something from me- ignore"

so stoked to start my day by watching this

I keep coming back to reread one liners that have stuck with me and every time it grows on me as a whole.

At first the flow distracted me, but now I appreciate how simultaneously reflective and real that flow it is.

i dig it. has a Hunter S. Thompson-esque vibe to it.

Such an amazing source to hear all this great bay area history from!

And to Robin/MsRad- I went and made my first appointment at Temple about two/three months ago having never actually met Freddy and he was nothing but cool to me. There's a reason the shop phone number is 510-451-NICE and the appointment card says "Freddy Corbin's Temple Tattoo "Good Times"" on it...

those nine minutes flew by. great interview

seeing those pictures is making me hungry all over again...

And since this is a tattoo forum feel free to post pictures of tattoos you have that illustrate these values. I know Lochlan for instance has "fidelity para vida" on his knuckles.

great interview! bring on part 2!

I think this question and the personal variation I ask myself "where do I want to be 1 year from now and what are the steps I need to take to get there?" are both super helpful for keeping from becoming stagnant. In a sense they're the same question- you could easily die in a year. I find the 1 year thing a lot easier to focus on though personally. I can create small, workable steps to take towards my bigger goals that way.

Currently my 1 year list includes:

-Write and record an album I'm completely happy with

-Start to create some form of autonomous self-employed income, no matter how small

-Continue to work on becoming a more balanced and happy person who contributes positivity to people around me

-Take a vacation

-Read at least 2 challenging books a month

I love these sort of questions. I'm always a little bummed for someone who can't think of things they want to do because it makes me wonder what they're living their day to day lives for. I know if I'm not working towards something I feel like I'm floundering.

good stuff. I looked forward to loading up a new part of this interview every day. Bring on more!

Rad! Loved the box of gloves tip! hahaha

I honestly can't recall but that's a great way to describe somebody. He moved there around 3 years ago if I remember correctly and looking at the shop's old staff that's gotta be him then. Time to edit the list..

Here's my small list. Hard to get tattooed when you're dead ass broke and don't wanna go to a scratcher! Hoping to scrounge some cash together to tack another name on at SFO convention this month tho...

Scott Sylvia (multiple- chest, belly, arm, legs)

Juan Puente

Nick Rodin

Mike Lucena

Doug Hansen (multiple)

Iggy Vans

Josh Colaci

Hey Dean- what's the story behind you getting tattooed by an 11 year old boy??

Also does anyone care to share stories of getting tattooed by their wife/significant other? I noticed a lot of you had wives on your lists

is that on your ribs? ironic quote considering the location then!

Post some pictures! I really liked watching Juan tattoo me too. Super smooth

I just saw some pictures Shawn Barber posted of Memoir Tattoo and I just about shat myself. It's fucking GORGEOUS

wow... high curved ceilings, wood floors, tons of art- that's a classy shop!!!

I'm no tattoo artist but I know a change of scenery/a change of pace/a sabbatical will do wonders for my art. When you hit a wall sometimes you just need to take a week off and let new ideas take hold and old ideas recirculate and come out stronger. For instance, I went on vacation guitarless for a week and came back and was amazed at the melodies that came pouring out after all the work my subconscious did while I was gone. It's the same for writing and photography for me too.

Not to say that regular practice isn't equally if not more important... but there's a definite time and a place for a sabbatical that's artistically and mentally/emotionally beneficial.

And Dari- I love the entryway to Temple Tattoo. Such a great vibe when you walk in.

I totally agree with you Julio (and you had me laughing) but the people you're complaining about are probably the same people who don't floss/shower/considerately prepare before any other appointments either. Douchers will be douchers and stinky people apparently are oblivious to their own stench (or just are sadists and want to watch us suffer through our interactions with them!)