Meet Hale | Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hale, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was raised ina construction family. I grew up knowing work ethic,seeing and knowing how hard construction is it was never the dream job. I always drew,I was that five year old giving myself a half sleeve with markers. In middle school it clicked that tattooing was a thing. I’m from a small town so there wasn’t major exposure or information on that sort of thing. With a collection of magazines I realized what I wanted to do with my life. I applied the construction work ethic to tattooing and during my apprenticeship was in the shop 7 days a week putting as much time into improving my art work and learning what I could. I love art and tattooing it’s an endless opportunity to improve and learn. It constantly changes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I feel due to my upbringing I appreciate what clients go through to afford to be tattooed. Working hard jobs what sets me apart is my preparation. I value their time, I aim to make them comfortable and to have a memorable experience. I’m very proud of my growth in ability through the years. I appreciate my reputation being positive amongst fellow tattooers and the community.

I’ve always been consistent in my personal and professional life. My days have been rinse and repeat with purpose.

I have had a few curveballs thrown my way from starting from such a small town means I didn’t have a huge social following or network to promote myself I took time and had to grow organically. I was setback with a brain surgery a few years ago that still gives me some hard days, between being stubborn and some luck it hasn’t been enough to stop my progress,

I’ve learned word of mouth is bigger than anything. How you make people feel in this business is important. Separating the business and artistic part of tattooing is mostly based on passion.

I want people to know I’ll always do my best to educate through the process, give them their moneys worth, and try to entertain the throughout the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would probably start outdoors, I enjoy grilling, so outdoors in Anza or Aguanga. Potentially fishing at Lake Hemet. Take a visit in Old Town Temecula, Baily’s restaurant /nightclub.

Being from Anza makes it challenging to go to places like coffee shops, malls, parks. We didn’t do that it was pretty much all hikes, off roading, and being at each other’s houses.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without the support early on from family I wouldn’t be where I am. My parents never discouraged tattooing, even so far as being the first people I tattooed. My wife was very understanding and supportive seeing me gone for long hours everyday. My focus often being just on the next step in my career. Clients have been everything. So many have been ready to sacrifice some skin so I can pursue an improvement or growth in my practice. As well as so many becoming friends through the years getting to know them and their lives. A lot of fellow artists I owe credit to knowledgeable I’ve gained that has helped me improve on my work. Artists all over the country I owe some gratitude for pointers and inspiration.

Instagram: @troubledink

Yelp: Dark Helmet Tattoo shop

Image Credits
Inkcon Samantha Castorena