TATTOO MAKER
AUSTIN x LOS ANGELES
Deidge, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began art as a small child, about 5 or 6 years old I can remember tracing all the art my mother would sketch, she is an artist and a graphic designer, creating custom lettering pin striping cars and mural painting. in Jr High school I made stationary in printing class that read “custom tattoos by Deidre” (my real name) the funny thing is I was in 8th grade… that is like so long before tattoos were popular and I really didn’t have much exposure to them except for my uncles had them. My early art was lettering and graffiti throughout middle school and high school and once I finished college I began my apprenticeship to become a tattooer. I have been tattooing since the early 2000’s throughout Southern California the majority of my career has been in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles though I have been working more recently in Northeast LA and Downtown as well as traveling for work the last few years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I made a lot of poor choices in my early tattooing career 20 years ago which caused huge distractions, which in turn stunted the growth of my abilities and career. I eventually got it together and have been tattooing daily without any interruptions for 16 years. Tattooing has saved my life and restored my faith in human connection on more than one occasion.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I split my time between Unbreakable Tattoo in Studio City and Three Kings Tattoo in Highland Park. I specialize in Neo-Traditional / Floral / Geometric / Coverups / Color tattoos. I am known for my floral work and my cover-up ability.
What I am most proud of as an artist and tattooer is the ability to provide my clients with custom quality tattoos at a fair rate.
What sets me apart from others is the time I take with my clients designing the perfect tattoo.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to continue to grow as an artist, by working for an art mentor like Sung Song at unbreakable I learn so much. I am also excited to grow with my family of artists over at There Kings which is a new shop in the Los Angeles area through a Veteran on the East Coast and amongst the very best of tattoo shops in New York.
I plan on continuing to travel and guest spot several times throughout the upcoming year as well as hit a few conventions with my female tattooer crew “Babeland”.