Daily Inspiration: Meet John Can Erdinc

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Can Erdinc

Hi John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Here I gather some information for your consideration:

John Can Erdinc, the founder of 1MM Tattoo Studio, is a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist renowned for his expertise in fine-line geometric tattoos and micro-realism. Originally from Istanbul, John holds a degree in architecture from Istanbul Technical University, one of Turkey’s premier institutions. Before transitioning to tattooing full-time in 2016, John honed his skills across various creative fields, including graphic design, photography, videography, and animation. This multi-disciplinary background profoundly informs his approach to tattoo art, blending technical precision with artistic depth.

In 2019, John moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a key figure in the city’s tattoo community. His work at 1MM Tattoo Studio is distinguished by its meticulous craftsmanship and meaningful storytelling. Whether designing intricate fine-line tattoos or bold, colorful pieces, John’s artistry resonates deeply with his clients, turning their personal visions into permanent works of art.

Beyond tattooing, John is passionate about marine science, which inspired the launch of @1ml.Aquatics. This ongoing project focuses on the photography and time lapse videography of saltwater and freshwater habitats. Through his work with coral farms, John is contributing to the broader dialogue around coral farming and marine conservation. His unique blend of artistic talent and scientific curiosity continues to push boundaries, both in the tattoo industry and in the world of marine biology.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I moved to Los Angeles, it was right at the start of the pandemic. The city was on lockdown, and we were all confined to our homes. This period of isolation seemed to prompt a lot of people to turn inward, reflect on themselves, and, for many, that meant considering new tattoos. In a way, it sparked a kind of renaissance for the tattoo industry. Those days felt like a golden era for tattoo artists. Now, as life gradually returns to normal post-pandemic, it’s clear that the last few years have brought significant changes across the board, and the tattoo industry is no exception.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I pride myself on more than just technical skill—hospitality and attention to detail are cornerstones of my work. I believe in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for my clients, where their ideas, emotions, and future projections are central to the design process. Every tattoo is a collaboration, and I ensure that my clients’ visions are not only met but enhanced through careful consideration of their stories and desires.

Beyond the artistry, I’m committed to the long-term care and aging of tattoos. I offer a unique aftercare service, encouraging clients to return for a check-up six months after their tattoo is completed. During this visit, I assess how the tattoo has healed and blended with their skin tone, offering a retouch if needed, and even a small tattoo gift as a token of appreciation for the time they’ve invested in the check-up session.

I also run a blog dedicated to sharing up-to-date information about tattooing for enthusiasts. I’m always looking for new boundaries to push in the industry, and if there’s an innovative path to explore, I’ll be the first in line. My goal is to not only create art but to ensure it stands the test of time, both in design and durability.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, the biggest risk I would take is pursuing my biggest dream: exploring this continent deeply, side by side. The fascinating part of tattooing is how it opens the door to travel the world so effortlessly. That’s why I’ve been considering hitting the road, spending weeks visiting different states and cities, immersing myself in natural beauty, and meeting people from all walks of life. This journey would not only enrich my personal experience but also allow me to connect with more marine enthusiasts along the way, blending my passions for both tattooing and marine science.

Leaving home with no fixed plan for returning could easily be considered a risk. However, I see it as an opportunity to embrace adventure, to grow both as an artist and as an individual. Taking risks like this helps me push boundaries and explore new possibilities. Ultimately, it’s about embracing the unknown and allowing it to shape who you become.

Pricing:

• Free retouch
• Free tattoo
• Min $200
• Median $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1mmtattoo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/1mm.tattoo
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/1mmtattoo/
• Twitter: https://X.com/1mmtattoo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@1mm.tattoo
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/1R09KygQhL
• Other: https://www.reddit.com/user/1mmtattoo/