Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ken Kahler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ken, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
I just always remember early on in this career 15-20+ years ago being constantly categorized for my looks, and immediately looked at like a criminal or drug dealer. older women would clutch their purses when i would walk by them. It was always so comical to me because i have always tried to do so much for my community. I am constantly trying to give back and never forget where i came from. Now i am viewed as a very involved figure in my community, it’s just a relief to see things change so much for this industry on the way it’s viewed, it makes me love it even more each day!
Ken, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I grew up in the pacific northwest, with little to no parental guidance. Growing up in the foster care system left me kinda scarred and lost. I have always been heavy into art my whole life. I remember drawing tattoos on me and my friends with markers at a young age, then it somehow turned into real ones during my high school years. I was hooked! I dropped out of high school my senior year, lost, homeless and nowhere to go i hopped a bus to Texas for a new start.
Since arriving in Texas 2005 i have kept my head down and worked my tail off to be where i am today, which is one of the top rated custom tattoo shops in the Houston area! to get here it took 12-15 hour days 7 days a week until i built a name for myself. i am extremely proud to just leave a legacy behind for my son and for him to see that no matter your situation, you can always make something for yourself!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The absolute best part of being an artist is never feeling like im having to get up in the morning and work! I get to do what i love each and every day and i would only wish that kind of life for anyone, and if you’re not happy doing what you’re doing right now, then change it! Only you and you alone are responsible for the outcome of your life…PERIOD
How did you build your audience on social media?
The first thing i want people especially in this industry to understand is that it doesn’t happen overnight like everyone expects it to! it took me years to get where i am, and there were multiple just perfectly timed tattoos i have done that went viral on social media allowing me to have news and media coverage that definitely helped blow my social media up and my local presence. With that being said, i have never really cared too much about any of it. I simply enjoy what i do every single day and if it’s something cool, then i will post it, but i never wake up and let social media control how my day or life is going to turn out. live your life and share those moments on social media if you want, but don’t let social media control how you live. I simply use it as a tool for exposure of my work
Contact Info:
- Website: hitlistink.com
- Instagram: @hitlistink
- Facebook: facebook.com/hitlistinkstudios