We were lucky to catch up with Rob Westphal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rob, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I did a traditional apprenticeship under Scott Cooksey in North Dallas for two years to learn how to tattoo! I don’t think I would do anything to speed up the process, as it brought me patience and gave me ample time to hone my drawing skills, etc…
I feel like drawing skills are the most essential part of my trade – if the drawing isn’t any good, then the tattoo won’t be any better!

Rob, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Rob Westphal and I make tattoos at Welcome Stranger here in East Dallas! I feel most at home doing Japanese and American traditional work in either color or black and grey. Infusing old heavy metal and fantasy imagery into these styles is even better! Mostly I just love making cool tattoos for cool people in any style!

I’d like to think I set myself apart from many other tattooers here in Dallas by pouring my heart into every piece I make, and by providing clients with a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment when they come to get tattooed. I feel that tattooing is an incredible tool for people to reclaim their bodies and boost their confidence, and I am honored every day that people trust me to facilitate that for them. Nothing matters more to me than my clients being in love with their new tattoo!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Waking up every day and making art, whether it is a painting or a tattoo, feels like a dream. Seeing the confidence that a client has after getting a new tattoo, whether it’s a Pinterest tattoo, or a Japanese sleeve, is one of the best feelings I can feel on a weekly basis.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I worked as a project manager in the construction industry before I pursued tattooing, and while the income was guaranteed and stable, I didn’t feel fulfilled with my life. I was in my mid-20s and knew I had to make a change for my future self. I decided to walk away from that career to pursue tattooing. I wasn’t in it for the money, and I figured I’d probably be making less money in the tattoo world. I knew that if I could wake up every day and express myself and create something, life would be exactly what I’ve always hoped it could be. I was right!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.welcomestrangertattoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robwestphal.tattooer/?hl=en