Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Hayes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nick. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started tattooing 11 years ago. I was helping out my tattoo artist with his hot rod and he mentioned he was looking for an apprentice and I was looking for another career. I’d been working on hot rods and customs for the past few years and I felt like it was missing something. I loved creating, loved working with my hands, but I also liked the idea of making a difference in peoples lives. So I apprenticed under Big 5, owner of Union Electric Tattoo in Gardena, CA. After I spent a few years there, I went over to Third Street Tattoo in Hermosa Beach, CA where I’ve been for the past seven years.
I’m forever grateful for tattooing and every day I thank God for it. I didn’t expect to learn so much through it; about people, about doing business, and most of all what I’ve learned about myself. I never anticipated how gratifying it would be to help someone through a tough time by giving them a tattoo. My job has given me the opportunity to guide people through the loss of a loved one, to participate in fundraisers that helped people with cancer, people who’ve lost their house in a fire, and even victims of sexual assault. I think whats gotten me where I am today as a tattooer is remembering what it’s like to be the client and give them the experience I’d want. I try to be thorough with their tattoo. And I try to be honest with myself and the client about what I can do well and what I can’t and I think that people appreciate that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d love to say that tattooing came easy and that I didn’t have to go about it the long way but that’s just not true. I’ve always done creative things growing up so I had some foundation to start with. But I had no idea how hard it would be to put yourself out there as an artist. Being vulnerable can be scary. It took me a while to learn that fitting in felt safe but standing out felt right. It was challenging to find the right balance of doing things differently but still giving people what they asked for.
As I said before I try to remind myself what it’s like to be in the client’s shoes and treat them accordingly. It seems like when I started, I never wanted people to feel like they were being ripped off so I undercharged sometimes. I struggled to find the right balance for the first few years. Now that I have three children and a wife to take care of I’ve learned a little about self-worth and to be fair to myself in the process.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Third Street Tattoo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I pride myself on sticking to tattoos that will last. I try to look at the design and think how it will in 20+ years. I’m most known for doing American traditional, Japanese, “gangster” black and grey, and lettering.
At Third Street Tattoo, we really try to treat customers with understanding and I feel like our online reviews reflect that. We have the best crew we’ve ever had. Everyone has a good attitude and a good portfolio. Everyone is well rounded yet has their specialties and steady clientele.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are in the process of opening up another shop in South Redondo called “Deep Seas Tattoo” where I will be co-owners with my co-worker Andrea Revenant and Third Street Tattoo owner Jeremy Hartland. Im looking forward to this next chapter and getting creative with how we make Deep Seas stand out against the rest.
Contact Info:
- Address: Third Street Tattoo
331 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 - Phone: 310 519 7246
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @nickhayestattoo
- Other: @thirdstreettattoo
Image Credit:
Humberto Sanchez Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
