Today we’d like to introduce you to Candi Kinyobi.
Hi Candi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a tattoo artist, a native of Los Angeles, and a second-generation Japanese American. I currently work at Dark Horse Tattoo in Los Feliz.
My background is in Printmaking, which is where I got my degree in woodblock and intaglio. Before tattooing, I also learned the craft of sign painting in San Francisco at a sign shop called New Bohemia Signs.
I started my apprenticeship with Jesse Tuesday at his small but mighty shop in Ocean Beach in the Sunset district of SF. I’m very fortunate to have gotten a thorough and well-rounded education from him and Hannah Wednesday who is Jesse’s first apprentice.
I worked at Tuesday Tattoo for a total of 8 years, starting out as a Shop Helper, then as an Apprentice, and graduating as a Tattoo Artist.
In 2018 I decided to move back home to Los Angeles and started taking residency at Dark Horse Tattoo.
Here in LA, I continue to do all styles and all sizes, from small walk-in tattoos to large-scale sleeves, back pieces, etc. On top of having that variety, I have been focusing on elevating my knowledge and skills of tattooing in Japanese style and imagery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been pretty lucky. I initially fell in with Jesse Tuesday, my mentor, who is a respected tattoo artist who’s been in the game for a while. Through him, the community I got folded into has been very supportive and nurturing.
When I moved back to Los Angeles, the crew at Dark Horse was the same- supportive and part of that same small, strong community of tattooers.
If I can talk about any challenges, I’d say I find it continually in the actual craft of tattooing- all of the facets of it, from the technical, applying the tattoo, being competent at drawing, the specific knowledge of the rules in Japanese tattooing, etc. It takes a lot of studying, practice, diligence, work ethic, but I would say it has been a satisfying journey to face these challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I spend most of my time tattooing. I specialize in Japanese style but am pretty versatile at doing other styles of tattooing as well.
I’m proud to be recognized as part of an elite group of tattooers. Most of my heroes are my friends, acquaintances and colleagues. For that, I’m proud to have worked and continue to work hard enough to be respected by them and the clientele that seek me out for my work.
I believe that one of the things that set me apart and is relevant to my tattooing is my background. My parents immigrated from Japan and raised me and my brothers in Los Angeles, but did their best to immerse us in Japanese culture. I grew up seeing the same images I tattoo in my home, movies, and children’s books that I grew up with. I went back to Japan very regularly as I was growing up and have a deep relationship with the stories and designs, I tattoo every day.
I try to give my clients an experience that I would want when I tattoo them. I try to accommodate as much as possible but also am direct when I know a concept or idea won’t work best. Tattooing is such an intimate experience and something that the person will carry with them forever, not only physically but also in their memory of that experience. Believing that, I try my best to give them a pleasant experience and treat them and their work with respect and care.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
For tattoo appointments, folks can reach out to me via email ([email protected]), Instagram (@candikinyobi), or Dark Horse Tattoo.
I also take commissions for paintings, design (Very open to types of projects), logos, signs, and other types of creative collaborations.
Word of mouth to me is the best support. Even if you don’t want to get tattooed, spreading the word about me or my work or keeping me in mind for projects is always appreciated
Contact Info:
- Website: https://candikinyobi.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: candikinyobi
