We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Phoenix DaArtist Irizarry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Phoenix DaArtist below.
Phoenix DaArtist, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
It started in the Bronx New York in 2004. I’d been doing graffiti and drawing since I was a kid. By this time due to a very rough up bringing the streets claimed me. I took a major risk in 2004 that would shape my life forever. I went to Oregon at the age of 17 , where I met a group of kids who engaged in some rather unsavory behavior. Being young desperate and homeless on unknown streets I tagged along. This mistake would cost me 15 years of my life in some of the worst prisons and situations imaginable. But I used this time wisely,honing my artistic abilities and challenging myself to learn new mediums through the prisons art program. I eventually taught myself how to tattoo by practicing on myself. Due to limited resources I became very resourceful and obtained the necessary things needed to make a homemade tattoo gun. Giving me a positive outlet to pass my days I became entranced by the world of art and artists. Soon after my release I opened my mobile tattoo studio and launched the INKEDWAYZ brand.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My brand offers the luxury of a professional tattoo shop environment in the comfort of their own homes. We also offer a wide variety of events including sip and paints, catered tattoo parties and private events. We specialize in cover up tattoos, photo realism and freehand custom designed one of a kind pieces. Our artists specialize in taking a clients dream tattoo and vision of what they want and bring it to life for them. For a lot of our clients they consider their sessions with us pain therapy. A lot of people are going through their daily lives with pent up stress or loss and work they don’t have time to go to a shop or afford the ridiculous prices now a days. So we bring the shop to you at your own convenience with great affordable prices and we even offer payment plans. Some people may not take tattoos well and just don’t want to be put on display in a traditional shop setting so by providing a mobile service we offer a safe sanitary and professional atmosphere right in your home. The best part is TIME IS MONEY you just coming home from work don’t know what you want for dinner but you know you really want a new tattoo. No problem we got you covered, you can now pay by the hour with our on call artist available 24/7. The idea for this brand came about because a lot of my clients are military veterans or suffer from an illness but love the arts and tattoo culture but are unable to afford the price of a brick and mortar establishment. So I found myself doing a lot of house calls and thought why not just make my business mobile and reach more people who need the convenience. And out of this idea I began my journey helping people overcome trauma and mental health issues as well as helping the healing process of some clients surgeries which left awful scares that no other artist would touch. I was able to bring them peace through beautiful custom pieces of art that they will carry forever. So overall we take pride in not only our skills as artist but our ability to help people who felt they had no other options left to obtain their dream tattoos and relieve themselves of traumas that have been holding them back.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think what really helped me build my reputation in my market is the quality of the artwork my clients get for the price and my ability to bring their vision to life right before their eyes with no stencil just straight hand to skin.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A moment in my career I realized I had to pivot is when I realized I was stagnant. I was losing the passion for what I loved to do. And I found myself heading down a dark road again. My life was suffering my business was great but I wasn’t there mentally. But my journey was just beginning. I met my amazing wife who motivated me to rebuild my business and rebrand myself who herself is a disabled veteran. Through her I was able to network and reach out to other veterans who wanted tattoos to tell stories of their life’s and traumas, to help them finally heal. So began INKEDWAYZ.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixdaartist?igsh=MTh6YmhmZWRxYXBnNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/inked_wayz?igsh=MXhyNGVjOHdkeXljdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Robert Irizarry
Phoenix DaArtist
Annemarie Torres irizarry