Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Wessman.
Hi Luke, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began in a humble outhouse within a Tennessee hippy community, born to parents who had transitioned from army veterans to a more unconventional lifestyle. As a child, my family hitchhiked their way to California, where I spent my formative years in the vibrant landscape of southern California. However, life took an unexpected turn when my parents left me at the age of 14, forcing me to navigate homelessness while relying on both friends and the streets to survive.
During my teenage years, I juggled two to three jobs simultaneously in a determined effort to create a sense of stability. Through hard work and determination, I achieved this goal, becoming an electrician by the age of 18. Yet, destiny had different plans for me as the world of tattoo artistry began to beckon.
At the age of 19, I embarked on an apprenticeship at the renowned Lucky’s Tattoo Parlor in downtown San Diego, where I meticulously learned the craft from the ground up. In a twist of fate, I eventually became the owner of the very shop where my journey began. For a decade, I honed my skills as both a tattoo artist and a business owner, learning invaluable lessons along the way.
Opportunity came knocking when I was invited to join the team at Miami Ink on Miami Beach. Balancing responsibilities between Miami and my San Diego studio, I contributed to running the shop and engaging with a diverse clientele, which included celebrities, athletes, and fellow artists. This journey led me to New York City, where I played a pivotal role in opening New York Ink in the heart of the SOHO district. Over six remarkable years, I had the privilege of tattooing an array of notable figures and soaking in the vibrant culture of the city.
My path took an unexpected turn as I encountered a spine injury that compelled me to seek medical treatment in Germany. Following my recovery, I ventured westward to Hollywood, where I continued my craft while yearning for new experiences. Today, armed with a distinguished client list ranging from the streets to elite circles, I operate primarily by appointment and referral, offering my services to Hollywood’s elite and jet-setting across the globe. You can find me at the Bike Shed in Downtown Los Angeles or within my private speakeasy-style studio nestled in Orange County.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of a tattoo artist is a dynamic blend of excitement and challenges. As I mentioned earlier, my journey has been far from smooth sailing, marked by a significant obstacle – a spine condition that developed as a result of years spent perfecting my craft. This condition reached a point where it necessitated a major surgical intervention, casting doubts on my ability to continue practicing the art form I had dedicated myself to and leveraging the hard-earned reputation I had built over time.
Fortunately, the surgery, conducted in Germany, proved to be a success. Following this pivotal medical procedure, I’ve reentered the world of tattooing with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Over the past seven years since the surgery, I’ve fully immersed myself in my work, creating intricate and meaningful tattoos and doing the highest level of design work for a diverse clientele.
While my journey has encountered its fair share of obstacles, the spinal condition stands out as the most formidable challenge I’ve confronted. The prospect of losing the physical capability to pursue my passion and sustain my livelihood was an immense and daunting reality I faced head-on. Through unwavering determination, persistence, and the expertise of medical professionals, I triumphed over this significant setback and continue to thrive in the realm of tattoo artistry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I possess expertise across a diverse spectrum of tattoo artistry, a result of my extensive experience spanning over 20 countries worldwide. Through these global ventures, I have established a reputation for being versatile and capable, adeptly navigating various styles ranging from intricate fine lines to timeless classic traditions.
Throughout my illustrious career, I have cultivated impactful collaborations with renowned entities such as Topps, Hermes, Chevrolet, Spotify, Harley Davidson, Urban Decay, and an extensive array of others. What sets me apart is not only my rich understanding of tattoo art history and techniques but also the exceptional clientele that I have had the privilege of serving. My affable and approachable demeanor, coupled with an innate ability to discern and fulfill each client’s unique vision, further elevates the caliber of service I provide, consistently delivering an unparalleled end product.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that LA offers so many things, from great bars and restaurants to iconic attractions like the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. And all types of good, hardworking people. Oh yeah, the beaches and the epic sunsets.
What I like least about LA is the traffic, the homeless crisis, and the high cost of living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lukewessman.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lukewessman/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-wessman-4125095b
