Meet Wil Wang

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

Hi Wil, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because, for me, art is a way of expressing emotions and stories that words sometimes can’t capture. Tattooing, especially, allows me to connect deeply with people; each piece I create is a part of someone’s personal journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply inspired by nature, and animals are a central theme in many of my pieces. I believe each tattoo tells a story that’s unique to the person wearing it—whether it’s a tribute to someone they’ve lost, a symbol of where they come from, or something deeply personal. What sets my work apart is the attention to detail and the emotional connection I aim to create with each piece.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. Like any artist, I faced doubts, rejections, and times when I questioned my path. But I learned to push through by staying focused on my passion and surrounding myself with supporters who believed in me. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and resilience. Success in this industry doesn’t happen overnight; it’s about consistently showing up, working hard, and staying true to your vision.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my works and story, it’s that my art is about connection. I’m not just creating designs; I’m helping people express parts of their lives and experiences. For me, that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.

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 my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d put together an itinerary that really shows off the best of L.A.—from culture and food to art and chill spots.

We’d kick things off by diving into L.A.’s art scene. We’d hit up spots like The Getty Center and The Broad to see some world-class exhibitions, and check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for a mix of contemporary and classic pieces. I’d also take them to some local galleries, and we’d wander around the Arts District to find the coolest street murals.

Food-wise, we’d go on a serious culinary tour of the city. We’d start with authentic Mexican tacos at places like Guelaguetza, grab some sushi in Little Tokyo, and definitely hit up Quarters in Ktown for some top-notch Korean BBQ. L.A.’s got it all, so I’d also show them some hidden gems with awesome international flavors. For brunch or a relaxed evening, we’d head to a few trendy spots in Silver Lake or Venice Beach that come with killer views.

One night, we’d unwind at a cigar bar in Pasadena, where we can kick back, enjoy a cigar and a drink, and get into those deep conversations that only happen in a cozy, laid-back spot. We’d end the week with some beach time in Malibu, maybe even a quick hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.

L.A. is such a melting pot, and it’s the people—from artists to musicians to folks just doing their own thing—that really make it special. It’s all about connecting, exploring, and soaking up the vibe of each neighborhood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to a few incredible people. First, my mentor Hailin, who introduced me to this industry and helped me truly understand it. I’m also deeply grateful for the unwavering encouragement from my wife—her support has been essential. And of course, a huge thank you to everyone who appreciates my work; your enthusiasm keeps me going. All of these elements together have brought me to where I am today, and I’m thankful for each one.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilwang_tatt/

Image Credits
wilwang_tatt（Yuan Wang）