Meet Steven House | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Steven, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
A few reasons, my main one getting into it I wanted to practice and embrace Polynesian tattooing, to also connect with other artists with the same purpose. I grew up around Polynesians of different backgrounds and I always admired the pattern work, each cultures traditional or style of tattoos, tattoo history and tattoo culture. I was really drawn to it. Later in my career I discovered Filipino tattooing. Myself being half white, half Filipino, I was very interested in learning more about this side of my culture and wanted to lean more towards this style to practice and embrace it as well. It’s now the majority of tattoo requests I get asked to do. I pursued the path of a tattoo artist to have the opportunities to give someone a tattoo that can be seen as a representation of their culture on skin and as a form of identity connecting back to their roots. I still offer other styles of tattooing although Filipino and Polynesian design are my main focus.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My clientele for sure, they keep me on my toes. I’m always looking forward to the next piece I’m going to do, whether it’s adding onto an existing project or beginning a new one. I’ll constantly come up with ways in my head or on paper on how I want to approach the next piece and how I want it to look. Keeps me mentally busy as well when I’m not tattooing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When it comes to food and hanging out, I like food markets. There’s the historical Grand Central Market in LA which is a personal favorite, Rodeo 39, Anaheim Packing District, The OG farmers market around The Grove LA. Some of my other favorites would be North Italia, Yamashiro Hollywood, Porto’s bakery, Republique and I’ll throw in Shake Shack or In n Out. Places to see or go to I’d suggest Disney Land, Universal Studios, Redondo or Hermosa beach, The Broad or LACMA art museum and the Hill top Park in Signal Hill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many names come up when I think of people that have helped and supported me along the way, who have also guided me to where I am today. My close friends and family (especially the ones that allowed me to tattoo them in the very early stage of my career), fellow artists that I know, have worked alongside with, every person that’s received a tattoo from me and finally and foremost, three mentors that have had a huge impact on my life and career; tattoo artists Sulu’ape Steve Looney, Sonny Daniel and Art Viveros.

Book Shoutouts:
• Tatau Marks of Polynesia
• Filipino Tattoos Ancient to Modern

Website: www.skanvastattoo.com

Instagram: stevenjhouse