Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Tsai.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got my first tattoo at Resurrection Tattoo from the owner and my mentor, Peter Sun. This was around 2010, and I stopped by the shop several times within a couple of months to finish the piece. During that time, I would chat with and soon became familiar with Peter, and after asking about the industry one day, I was very fortunate to have been offered a position to apprentice under him. After apprenticing for about a year, I started tattooing. Due to some personal circumstances during that time, however, I had to leave the shop and went on hiatus for a couple of years. Fast forward to 2017, after the issues were resolved, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to return to the shop to restart my apprenticeship. I started tattooing again around 2018, and am now an artist at Resurrection Tattoo.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been obstacles and challenges along the way. A tattoo artist is not the ideal career for many, so one of the biggest challenges is having to deal with the criticism and stigmas that come with that territory. Starting out as an apprentice, and even now as an artist, there are also times of financial difficulty when trying to build clientele. Another big obstacle for me was that I was stuck in a toxic (personal) environment when I was starting out, which was what ultimately led me to my hiatus from the industry. Luckily, I was able to get out of that situation with help from family and friends.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
When it comes to tattooing, I don’t limit myself to a specific style, and I try to be as versatile as possible. I try to tattoo all styles: Asian, realism, traditional, etc., and anything I haven’t done, I’m always willing to try. What I’m most proud of professionally is how far I’ve come since I started, and how much further I know I can go as I learn and progress as an artist. The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, so there are always new tattoo machines, techniques, and styles being developed, and with it, us artists have to grow, too. I think what sets me apart from others is my drive and motivation. My daughter is my motivation to constantly become better, and make sure each day I’m better than I was yesterday, both as a father and artist. I know that I have to set an example for her and give her someone she can look up to proudly.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city definitely is a good place for tattooing due to its diverse mix of art and culture. For someone looking to start tattooing, I would recommend finding a proper apprenticeship at an established tattoo shop.
Pricing:
- Shop minimum: $60
Contact Info:
- Address: 1802 E. Huntington Dr. Ste. E
Duarte, CA 91010 - Phone: (909)618-5675
- Email: edwardtattoo@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/edwardtattoos
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/edwardtattoos
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/sjKzYJP3dY
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