We were lucky to catch up with Jacob Danhi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacob, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

It takes a long time to learn and appreciate the art of tattooing. I did t have an art background prior so it took me a little longer but definitely made me appreciate it more. I think the most important characteristic of becoming a tattooer is being humble and open minded. For nearly 2 and a half years I draw everything I could all day every day, studied the history and origins of it and watched everybody in the shop every chance I could. You have to put in the work and be open to learning about every part of it upfront or you’ll fail well before you start.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got my start in Venice, ca as a shop helper doing typical things like helping and booking clients, cleaning the shop, setting up and breaking down stations, lunch duty etc. Eventually got very interested in art and the tattoo side of. As soon as I was practicing drawing enough I got the opportunity to learn the tattoo side of it and have been in love with it ever since. I change the way I tattoo a lot but tend to enjoy more black and grey traditional type of art. I think what sets me differently is technique wise how I like to shade my pieces and style I design them. I am most proud that I have had the honer of tattooing for two amazing shop families that have taught me so much and continue to everyday, that doesn’t happen too often and I’m forever grateful for that! I’m very open to accommodating any ideas that someone will ask me but like many tattooers, anything like the style I post the most on social media and my pre drawn designs will always push me harder to progress!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Well unfortunately social media is a huge part of tattooing today, only in the way that it just has built so many stereotypes and egos that I’ve noticed in the last few years have skyrocketed. I’m not saying that social media isn’t a helpful at all but if you’re not putting out quality tattoos and having fun, it’s just a waste of time. Follower counts are least of anyone’s worries, if you’re putting out rad tattoos, your audience will come, just need to be patient! That’s what saddens me a lot about up and coming tattooers now a days, especially when they had a big following even before they’ve picked up a tattoo machine, it’s just a trap that you have to keep in check. Tattooing is a privilege and we are so lucky to get paid to draw on people everyday, there’s no need to lose sight of the goal and take advantage of it by counting how many followers you have and just listen to your mentors and whoever wants to help guide you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Definitely the most rewarding is tattooing a design you personally pre drew on someone that they’ll have forever. That’s the most excited I’ve ever been and it makes me so happy everytime I get a chance too because it’s gonna push the way I want to tattoo and you’re helping me achieve that. I learned that early on and I also give everyone that tattoos me the freedom to do what they feel is the best so I can get the best tattoo out of them. It’s a very funny concept being able to draw on people for a living but I can’t think of anything better.

Contact Info:

• Website: Danhitattoo@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jacobdanhitattoos
• Facebook: Facebook.com/jacobdanhi