Today we’d like to introduce you to Gray Pham.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I initially went to college with the intention of pursuing a career in graphic design, eager to create and express my own style. However, I quickly realized that the structured nature of the field stifled my creativity, making it difficult to fully express myself in my work. After two years of struggling to find my place, I made the tough decision to drop out of college. My path took a dramatic turn when I met my mentor, who was also my tattoo artist at the time. His guidance and the artistry I saw in his work inspired me to pursue tattooing, a journey that was both challenging and transformative. It took years of hard work, self-doubt, and growth, but eventually, I found my true calling as a tattoo artist, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the path I’ve walked.
Four years after meeting my mentor, he finally took me in as his apprentice, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my journey. Learning the craft and finding my own unique style wasn’t easy—there was so much to absorb, not just from my mentor, but through countless hours of practice and self-discovery. After nearly three years of honing my skills, I decided to broaden my horizons by traveling and doing guest spots, where I had the opportunity to meet and learn from other talented artists along the way. One pivotal moment came when I visited Seattle at the start of 2022. The city sparked something in me, and I knew I needed to try something bigger, something new. I made the leap and moved to Seattle, facing a series of challenges along the way. But with persistence and the support of a close friend, we opened a private tattoo studio together in September of 2023, marking a significant milestone in my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was never smooth sailing, but I’ve come to realize that we don’t truly learn or grow unless we face challenges. As a new tattoo artist in an industry with limited resources, I didn’t know any better and ended up getting scammed out of my money. It was a hard lesson, but now, I can look back and laugh at the experience. Financial struggles weren’t my only obstacle, though. Moving to a new state and trying to establish myself in a completely unfamiliar environment was tough. Finding new clientele has been an ongoing challenge, especially with so many incredibly talented artists around me. Despite these difficulties, each setback has taught me something valuable, and I keep pushing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After a few years of exploring different styles, I eventually found my true calling in botanical work, with a desire to blend Asian-inspired motifs into my designs to create something unique with each piece. As a newer generation tattoo artist, I focus on building a genuine connection with my clients, ensuring they have a positive experience, especially those getting their very first tattoo. There’s a deep sense of pride in seeing the happiness and confidence my art can bring to someone, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m contributing to their personal journey in such a meaningful way.
How do you think about happiness?
“What makes you happy?” is such a complicated question to answer. As English is my second language, I tend to think about it more in terms of feeling—words like “joy” or “something that makes me feel warm.” For me, happiness often comes from the connections I make with others, especially with my clients. I love hearing the stories they share with me, the personal experiences and memories that shape their tattoos. There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing the joy on their faces when they see the final piece—whether it’s tied to a meaningful chapter from the past, a symbol of something they’re looking forward to, or a boost in their self-confidence. Even the laughter shared over a silly matching tattoo with loved ones brings me happiness. It’s these moments, big or small, that make me feel truly grateful for what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grayphamm.art/portfolio/tattoos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayphamm/
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/f6jkg3E
