Meet Daryl Lao | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Daryl, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art is in my blood, it was a no brainer. Having a dad who’s an artist gave me a unique perspective and inspiration. I’ve been around art all my life, since I was young, I looked foward to going to tattoo conventions with my family. I couldn’t wait to finish highschool and apprentice under my dad MasterMike. I am now 21 years old and 3 years into my apprenticeship, I want to keep growing, learning and building on this legacy my dad have bestowed upon me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a style that I am learning from my dad. It is evolving everyday and I am including things that is shaping me through my apprenticeship. Compared to traditional asian art our style is more aggressive, more masculine. We want our clients to feel they’re wearing a suit of armor like a warrior. I am just proud to be doing what I love. I’m lucky my family owns a world famois tattoo business. I am honored and privilege my dad took me under his wing. Getting into the shop was easy. But continuing to learn and apprentice will always present a challenge. You have to keep going you have to keep working hard. The lessons I’ve learned along the way. Is that nothing comes easy. Everything has to be earned. Dedicate yourself into the craft, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Finally what i want the world to know about my brand and my story. Is that I belong to the Inkfiend Art brand, its a story that represents, building something from the ground up. Its also about my family and and art that inspires a warrior mentality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend come over to visit me for one day. First thing we would do is tattoo time with me at Inkfiendart tattoo in Alhambra. Then lunch at In N Out a classic california burger. Or HoKee cafe, hong kong style confort food. In the evening to end the day with some fun and games and drinks at Top Golf Montebello.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I just want to give a shout out to my family, for the love and support. And of course to my dad who is also my mentor, in my art and career.

Website: https://inkfiendart.com/our-family/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL_ugpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp_CoVeZigtrqddCNXBrULiGxsC2jTlKn6KhAcp2hqFK7OMY3v81CGBIIAAd5_aem_fWhkCInAg_KKtMv6c0vm_g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryl_inkfiendart?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==