Move to San Diego
Working out of the original Guru in Pacific beach.
It’s been a long while since I’ve written a blog post, and so much has happened. I’ve traveled, progressed in my craft, crossed state lines, and fallen in love. Things have picked up and life continues to move faster.
I’m writing this from my new home shop, Guru tattoo in San Diego, CA. I was offered a position here back in May 2022. Being that Guru was a shop I had always admired and thought highly of. I said yes and made the move from Las Vegas in a couple of months.
I had been working at Bad Apple Tattoo in Las Vegas at the time for about 10 months. That’s a pretty short stint to be wanting to up and change shops, especially after having done that at Seven 10 months prior. I love working at Bad Apple and it wasn’t an easy decision. I didn’t want to burn a bridge with my boss and good friend Edd, We talked the night I got offered the job. I couldn’t believe how supportive he was despite the fact that he might lose an artist. He told me that if I didn’t do it it was a mistake. It really solidified our friendship. If you’re ever in Las Vegas, definitely check out my friends at Bad Apple. they do the best work in town.
Things Have been great at Guru. I find myself working next to late night warriors. Guys that are constantly giving my opportunities to grow my technique and strengthen my weaknesses. The shop culture is so awesome here. Everyone is trying to get better and grow. People will tell you exactly how you might improve a drawing and that is gold for a tattooer that is trying to get better. Most people will give you some empty compliment, I think knowing how a drawing can be better is much more valuable.
Someone who has become one of my closest friends at the shop, on one of my first days, took me aside one day and taught me about back pieces. how to compose them, what spots should be avoided for focal points, problem areas etc. This took about two hours. To take that time with me after only knowing me a couple weeks was one of the kindest gifts I’ve ever received. Sean Dorfler, thanks brother, I’ll always be thankful for your advice and our talks about life and tattooing.
Contrast has been a main focus for me lately. Trying to figure out how to make things more readable is a major objective for me currently. I want people to see my tattoos across the street and know exactly what they are.
