We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful August Henson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with August below.
August, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers
In the beginning I was living in Arkansas looking for a tattoo apprenticeship. I made the wild leap to move to Oahu, Hawaii in search for just that. I moved with no friends or family there, no car, apartment, job. Determined to make it. After a few weeks on the island I was exploring an abandoned skate park on the north shore I was told about. when I walked up I came across someone spray painting one of the walls. I introduced myself, complimenting the spray he was working on, sharing with him that I had just moved there and was looking to learn to tattoo. in that moment he reached in his pocket and pulled out a business card that said Streetfelt Tattoo and told me I could stop by anytime. After that I went in every week for months and soon became Marko Livingston’s apprentice! All for going on a whim in the Hawaii Jungle.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m a southern raised artist from a small town in Arkansas. My father is an artist and is who initially inspired me to pursue tattooing. Long nights watching him tattoo, Late nights drawing. I never questioned that this is what I was meant to do. (Thank god I ended up being good at drawing)
I’ve spent the last five years learning and traveling the world. absorbing as much knowledge i can. I’m so proud of myself for self motivating to do something more with my life. It was a long hard trek to get where I am now but I’m so thankful for every bump in the road along the way.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
When I was younger I actually used to draw little ‘tattoo designs’ for my friends to get tattooed when they were older. From that and then on to commissioning art pieces throughout my teen years and drawing more comprehensive designs. I moved to Hawaii and began doing Henna on the beach as practice for tattooing and a way to make money during my apprenticeship. Eventually doing henna from a stand until I fully transitioned into a tattoo apprentice! :) for the last three years I’ve been tattooing full time and it’s been absolutely sublime.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Being outgoing!!! It sounds so simple but it really has proven to be the most effective thing in my career. Engaging with people in the community throughout daily life. I’m always happy to talk about tattoos, wether just to educate or even have it turn into a potential client. I firmly believe being friendly and good conversationalist has led me to the greatest clients and opportunities of my life!
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