Meet Julz | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Julz, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Learning not to take things so personally. Finding ways to look at my work objectively has been a driving factor in setting a new and better baseline for myself. I have really had to work at this, so it’s definitely become a habit in practice.
Also, staying consistent.

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’ve always loved creating. I grew up taking art classes over summer break and spent a lot of my free time painting/drawing/crafting. When I went to college, I was under the impression that it was a means to find work in a very traditional sense. Maybe if I had a little more self-confidence at the time, my journey would be different.

After several years in the workforce, I had made the decision to pursue tattooing- just before the pandemic hit. This was a huge roadblock that led to me (temporarily) moving back to Ohio, where I spent my time building a portfolio and applying to various shops around the country. My plan was to move wherever I was offered an apprenticeship and I was ready to go anywhere.

The stars aligned, and Supersweet had a spot for me. I had been tattooed by the shop owner, Erin Raeman, several months prior and we had gotten to know each other. I immediately moved back to LA, and was working full-time while spending my days off in the shop shadowing Erin. Nothing could have prepared me for how challenging the coming months would be. Learning something new is not easy, especially when you are your own harshest critic. Only in recent months have I felt some semblance of confidence that could put my mind at ease.

Nothing about this journey has been easy but it has without a doubt been worth it. Tattooing has introduced me to some of the coolest people I’ve ever met, as well as some friends who I will have for the rest of my life. It is a skill I will not take for granted, and one that I intend to exercise & improve for as long as I am able.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think its impossible to cross everything off of my LA list but I would start in Echo Park, where I live and work. We would start the day walking to Supersweet for coffee. Immediately head to the Silverlake Flea to shop, followed by Big Bud Press and Raven’s Things Collected. For lunch, Monty’s Good Burger. If we were to head out for cocktails, The Semi Tropic, Bar Flores, The Short Stop, and Spirit House are all great spots within walking distance of each other.

Hiking would also be on the agenda- Wisdom tree and Wildwood Canyon are two of my favorite spots for a “quicker” hike. The Brand Library trail is challenging and there is always a cool exhibit inside the library. Next stop would be breakfast- my two favorite breakfast spots are Millie’s Cafe in Silverlake and Bea Bea’s in Glendale, I don’t eat meat or gluten and there are a ton of choices at both places. Also, the patio seating.

For a more low-key day involving air-conditioning, I’d want to head to The Broad and have reserved tickets to the Infinity Rooms exhibit. Maybe swing by Little Tokyo while downtown.

I recently went to a Candlelight Concert where Nirvana songs were covered by a string quartet at The Zipper Concert Hall- it was an amazing experience so if the timing lined up, I would want to share that.

I also am a California Neighbor Pass holder at Universal Studios and do not get tired of going. That is always an option for my visitors.

The spectrum of things to do and see in Los Angeles is endless and there really is something for everyone. I’m grateful to call this city my home.

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?
The team at Supersweet.

Instagram: @justjulztattoos