Life & Work with Ye Li of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ye Li.

Ye, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The first time I saw tattoos on TV and watched tattoo artists at work, I thought it was incredibly cool. I told my mom that I wanted to become a tattoo artist when I grew up. At the time, I was in middle school. Unfortunately, my mom had very conservative views about tattoos and strongly opposed the idea.

Although her opposition affected me and kept me from entering the industry for a long time, I never stopped following outstanding tattoo artists and their work. It wasn’t until I came to the United States that I realized tattoos do not limit career paths as much as I once believed. After many conversations, my mom gradually let go of the idea that tattoos automatically mean limited career opportunities.

Later, I learned that a tattoo shop was accepting apprentices. I was extremely excited and went in for an interview the very next day. That was how I began my apprenticeship. Over the course of a year and a half, I gradually found my own style.

I’ve always been drawn to the style I work in now, but I didn’t pursue it at the beginning. I allowed myself to explore and experiment with different styles, and I never felt that time was wasted. On the contrary, I believe that experience made my tattoo career more complete.

Today, I mainly focus on abstract tattoos and on improving or covering existing tattoos for my clients. I truly enjoy where I am now.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, this journey was far from smooth.

At the beginning, I didn’t know that it was possible to apprentice at a shop for free. I paid $3,500 to apprentice at my first shop and spent two months there, during which I didn’t tattoo a single real client. After those two months, I moved to Los Angeles, where I continued my apprenticeship at two different tattoo shops.

At these two shops, I learned different skills and perspectives. Although my income was far from ideal, my passion for tattooing never faded. During my first two years of tattooing clients, my average monthly income was only $1,000–$1,500. Still, I remained committed to the craft.

My time apprenticing at these shops allowed me to meet many talented tattoo artists and build meaningful friendships. Overall, my tattoo journey has been challenging, but it has also been full of adventure, growth, and reward.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating abstract tattoos that flow with the client’s body structure and muscle lines. I’m known for a dark, flowing tattoo style that often conveys a moody, intense atmosphere. At times, I also incorporate elements from anime and video games, designing tattoos by treating my clients as characters within those worlds.

What sets me apart most is my ability to adapt quickly and respond to a wide range of challenges—whether it’s covering existing tattoos, filling empty spaces, or reworking and refining tattoos built on previous work.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success means creating work that holds value for others—whether my clients love the tattoos I create for them, or other people find inspiration in my work

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cendrastudio.com/booking-yetat
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ye.tat

Image Credits
@cendrastudio