Anniversary in Aiea

Only 4 days until the anniversary of giving my first professional tattoo to a willing friend in the Sacred Art Kapolei tattoo shop. I feel nostalgic, but at the same time, I would never wish to go back to that time. This past year of tattooing has taught me so much about myself, the industry, art, and people in general. Overall I’ve managed to keep a positive view on my apprenticeship experience, but there were definitely soaring highs and some very low lows that almost broke me. Let’s jump in on the recap.

So, I’m working at the Sacred Art Aiea location now, and this is a shop that my mentor owns! Good things have already come from this change. I’m doing better tattoos, I’ve got more solid direction from more experienced artists and most of my clientele are sailors. To not leave a big gap since my last post, I’ll gesture widely to explain what really happened in Kailua that I’m not there anymore. If you asked an owner, it was because I was stirring up too much trouble with the artists on that side of town. And I’ll be honest, I definitely was. I was incredibly bored at a new shop where I was pushed to perform as a seasoned tattooer while still technically an apprentice. That’s just a fact. I’ll just leave it at there was, and is still a lot of drama to unpack that didn’t have anything to do with tattoos.

I genuinely wish I had the bandwidth to really unpack everything that has happened since my last post on this page, but it’s best that I keep it brief. I’ve been moving at what feels like light-speed and I don’t really know any other way to travel. Foot on the gas pedal and pray.

Here are some photos of my time and tattoos from Kailua before we move on:

Now— I’ve been at the Aiea shop for a little over 4 months. I have a 25 minute commute, which is definitely longer than an 5 minute one, but like I said, it’s been worth the trade off. I’m really happy to be working alongside artists that actually understand what snaking clients means and don’t give weight to such a silly concept.

Without going off on another tangent, I’ll redirect to where I’m currently located at: I’m back in Ohio where I’m from, and doing my first guest spot. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to get out and explore for myself independently. On my way here I made a little pit-stop in Orlando to see a new friend who gave me some great advice, audio book suggestions to listen to, and inspiration to fly into my next destination with.

So far, I’ve managed to do a good handful of tattoos while I’ve been here. The shop is incredible and everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I’ll make another post soon with the tattoos i’ve done and with some more intention on an overview of my trip. Until then, I’ll catch y’all on the flipside.

Xoxo,

Dani