Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Garcia
Hi Steven, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It started a long time ago when I randomly bought a tattooing kit online because I was bored. I was living with roommates at the time and they encouraged me to do it. Since I had been drawing from a young age, it felt natural to lean towards tattooing. I gave it a couple of tries on some fake skin that the kit came with and I was horrible at it. Regardless, my friends still thought it was cool and one of them even offered themselves for me to practice on. I was super hesitant at first but decided to build up the courage and try it out. Needless to say, it was terrible. I had no idea what I was doing and I had only watched two or three YouTube videos the morning of that day in hopes that I could understand the process. Even though my friend was super happy with it and didn’t care if it looked bad, I felt super discouraged and decided that I was never going to do that again. Years later, I found myself borderline depressed because I didn’t feel happy working my 9-5 retail job. At the time, I was still drawing and it was the only thing that brought me joy. So I made the decision to take a leap of faith and find a job that was at least close to doing something creative, regardless of the pay. I was lucky enough to find a desk job for a tattoo company that happened to have a school. I remember being in the interview for the job and seeing all of the students learning and practicing on fake skin and I knew that I had to be there. I gave it my all in the interview and got the job. The company then noticed that I could draw and offered me the chance to learn to tattoo. I was extremely hesitant because of my first experience but I still gave it a chance. This time I wanted to give it my all. So with the tools given, I practiced every day. In the morning before work, on my break at the office and at night when I got home. I wanted to prove myself that I could do it. Almost a year later, I was good enough to join my first studio and became a licensed tattoo artist. That was three years ago and since then I have been grateful enough to guest spot in different studios, participated in a few tattoo conventions and made a bunch of friends a long the way from across the world. I truly love what I do. I currently work at a tattoo studio in the heart of downtown Kissimmee with some amazing artists. It is truly a blessing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no, not at all. It’s definitely been difficult in many ways. Taking a leap of faith is always difficult. I became obsessed over the idea of being good at what I was doing, and that had its ups and downs. I lost friendships, disconnected myself from family members, it was a lonely road. Also, adding the fact that I was new to tattooing made it difficult to support myself financially, let alone my family. So it has definitely not been easy, but it’s not impossible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a tattoo artist that specializes in black and gray/blackwork tattoos. The one subject matter I love doing the most is anime! I have always been a huge nerd when it comes to pop culture, and I always will be.
I am most proud of being able to scratch that creative itch that I have always had and make awesome art pieces for people in the process! Watching my clients faces light up after seeing their new piece is why I do what I do.
I would say what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. I take great pride in my work, so you’ll always receive the best from me.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I learned, as cliche as it sounds, is that consistency and perseverance is key to achieving your goals. You’re the only one that’s stopping you from being the best version of yourself. Love and obsess over what you do, and you’ll never regret a day in your life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/create.inks?igsh=MWtkd3dwdms4c3g2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://form.jotform.com/242725514804051
