roger_vasak

When you start off, it can be really confusing.

You don’t really know where to start and you get a lot of advice from people.

Here’s 7 things that I always kept in mind and really helped me become the artist I am today.

Client’s third big piece with me — did both his sleeves, now we’re on his back. Four sessions in. He wanted to be able to take his shirt off and intimidate everyone at the pool.

What you can’t tell just by looking: this whole thing is a cover-up. Pain: 8/10, and there’s zero trace of what used to be there.

Swipe through for some other backs I’ve done recently — a few of those are cover-ups too. But which ones are coverups? 😉

How painful is a hand tattoo?

You’d be surprised, it’s actually not that bad.

I have both hands tattooed.

During my tattoo sessions, the pain on the center wasn’t bad at all. Maybe a 5.

However, when I got to the web and fingers, that’s where the pain came kicking.

Around there was an 8.

The sudden switch in pain made me think my tattoo artist was pi**ed at me.

The experience itself was not bad. Plus it gets done in 1 session and a touch up.

If you’re debating on a hand tattoo, it’s well worth it as I get a lot of compliments for it.

For my clients, after the initial memory of pain faded, they quickly hit me up for another hand tattoo.

My dad worked 7 days a week with barely any sleep. No savings left because he barely made enough to keep a roof over our heads.

He told me that saving was important.

But life didn’t agree with that. We didn’t have enough for college so I took loans and financial aid.

It wasn’t enough so I worked on the side.

But my mom got sick.

I had to drive home every few days so I quit working.

I didn’t have enough money for rent so I got kicked out of my apartment.

Parked at the beach and slept there for the nights I couldn’t drive back.

I wanted to save but life didn’t let me.

At 30, I finally caught up.

In 2009, market crashed. Most graduates weren’t able to get a job in the field that they majored in.

Me included.

I took a job at the bank.

I barely made anything.

Car broke down on most hot days.

It was 95 degrees and my car broke down off the freeway ramp. I had to push it off while getting honked at.

There was nothing for me here.

I wanted to see the world.

But my girlfriend had her own goals.

I left to see the world at 25. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be both of us.

But that turned around later.

I was gone for 3 years and saw the world.

Came back with a whole new perception of life.

At 28 I moved back with $800 in my account.

For the past 3 years, I was teaching.

But I knew it wouldn’t make a good salary.

Tech industry was booming while I was gone so I made it a point to get in.

I drove 3 hours a day in traffic to get an opportunity to start a new career.

My family never owned a home.

I never even thought about it because I barely knew people who did.

We rented our whole life.

Even after buying, I still call mortgage “rent.”

When I turned 32, I was in a good place financially and decided to do it.

It wasn’t the best time or the best house.

But it was the right move for me.

I was let go at 34 from my tech job.

I interviewed for a few offers.

I got offers but during one of my interviews.

I realized I didn’t want someone to control whether I can pay for my food and rent.

I wanted to take it into my own hands.

I was always thought being a tattoo artist was the coolest job.

I looked at myself and t

Would you get a leg sleeve for your first tattoo?

I don’t get much time with her most days. The days I do, I make them count. What’s one thing you do that’s shaping your kid?

Full sleeve with chest Miyamoto Musashi inspired samurai, Hannya, and dragon surrounded by lotus flowers.

Thanks ja.maalll for putting your trust in me.

I’m Roger from Inkfiend OC. If you’re interested in a tattoo text me: 6262471912.

Fudog full sleeve tattoo outline done over one session.

One of the things that I’m really grateful for is clarity.

After I got married and had my daughter, everything was based on them. They were my North Star.

Go out and get drunk? Me: No, my daughter wouldn’t get superdad the next day.

Watch a new movie? Me: Let’s wait and watch it together.

Where should we go on vacation? Me: are there activities for my daughter?

Life gets clear and simple.