Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Nguyen
Hi Tina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to art in all its forms—painting, drawing, ceramics, you name it. Back in school, I’d spend more time sketching on my friends’ arms or on paper during class than actually paying attention. My friends were my biggest supporters, constantly telling me I should become a tattoo artist. But at 15, that felt like a far-off dream, especially because breaking into the tattoo industry back then seemed impossible without connections. I was young, unsure, and honestly, pretty intimidated by it all.
Years passed, and I kept at my art, mostly for myself. Then one day, out of nowhere, someone reached out with an opportunity: an apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop. At that point, I felt like I had nothing to lose, so I went for it. I applied, showed up for the interview, and to my surprise, I got a spot as an apprentice.
I was lucky enough to train under an incredible mentor, Shifu Nha. He was the kind of artist everyone looked up to, including me. Not only was he immensely talented, but he was also generous with his knowledge and always willing to guide us through our mistakes. He taught me everything—the discipline, the techniques, and the craft of tattooing. Every day, I tried my best to perfect my art under his guidance and absorbed everything I could from the talented artists around me. Along the way, I met so many talented artists, each with their own unique style and approach. I always took the chance to pick their brains about tattooing—how they worked, how they approached different designs, and what techniques they used. These conversations helped shape my own style and pushed me to keep learning and experimenting.
Through it all, I’m incredibly grateful to have had such an amazing support system at home. My family and friends have been there every step of the way, cheering me on and encouraging me to keep pushing forward. Without them, this journey would have been a lot harder, and I’m thankful every day for their love and belief in me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey into tattooing wasn’t all smooth sailing. The passion was there from the start, but the path to becoming a professional tattoo artist was anything but easy. There were a lot of hurdles along the way, both in and out of the studio.
In the beginning, it felt like a constant uphill battle. Getting into the tattoo industry wasn’t simple—especially for someone without any connections. There were days I wondered if I’d ever find my way in. Even after I secured an apprenticeship, the learning curve was intense. I quickly realized that tattooing isn’t just about art; it’s about precision, patience, and the weight of creating something permanent. I made plenty of mistakes, and every slip-up felt huge because I knew I was working on someone’s skin, not just a canvas.
The mental challenges were just as tough. Self-doubt was a constant companion, especially in the early days. I was surrounded by seasoned artists who made everything look effortless, and there were days I’d question if I was really cut out for this. Pushing myself to improve and meet client expectations was exciting, but it could also be exhausting. There were stretches when I felt completely burnt out—when the pressure, long hours, and constant attention to detail felt overwhelming. I’d look at my work and think it wasn’t good enough.
But with the support of my mentor, Shifu Nha, and the encouragement of my friends and family, I kept going. Shifu Nha would remind me that everyone starts somewhere and that growth takes time. He, along with others in the industry, taught me to balance hard work with the time to recharge and reset.
Even now, there are still challenges. The pressure to evolve, stay creative, and keep up with the industry can be intense. But every struggle, every late night spent working, and every hard-learned lesson has made me the artist I am today. It’s these challenges that keep me grounded and remind me why I fell in love with tattooing in the first place: to create art that lasts a lifetime.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a tattoo artist, my work revolves around creating large-scale Asian tattoos that blend traditional elements with my own artistic approach. Specializing in these pieces allows me to dive deep into the intricate details, cultural symbolism, and storytelling that make Asian tattoos so unique. From full sleeves to back pieces, I love designing work that flows with the body and tells a story through meaningful imagery and design.
I take pride in creating clean, crisp tattoos, particularly through my shading techniques. Each piece is a vibrant expression of art that I strive to perfect. My attention to detail ensures that every design not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.
My personalized approach to collaboration allows me to listen to my clients’ visions and incorporate their ideas into the designs, making the experience more meaningful. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my journey through content creation, engaging with my audience and building a community around my work.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy as a tattoo artist is the ability to create meaningful art that resonates with my clients. Seeing their joy and excitement when they first see their finished tattoos is incredibly fulfilling.
I also find joy in the creative process—sketching designs, experimenting with techniques, and collaborating with clients. The support of my family, friends, and fellow artists is invaluable; their encouragement motivates me and inspires my creativity.
Being my own boss adds another layer of happiness, allowing me to set my own schedule and pursue the projects that truly inspire me. Additionally, making content while I tattoo lets me share my journey and engage with my audience, creating a sense of community that drives me to keep pushing my boundaries as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinantatts?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tinantatts?si=N6YJXYuDzZ9QYztp
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tinantatts?_t=8qxRtfJJRSp&_r=1
Image Credits
Shoutout to my videographers & photographers!
Instagram:
@jennykscanon
@dopeitsdamo
@sean.vestil
