(619)-299-4868 or visit 2913 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92104
Big City Tattoo
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Cynthia

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2-year apprentice and counting...

Originally I started out of high school to Junior College with a major in Nursing and a minor in Photography. I went down this path for six months, but it just didn't feel right -like it was for other people, but not myself.

I had thought about tattooing since I was about 15, and I am lucky to have a best friend whose parents are award-winning tattoo artists. After six months of college, I still wanted to be a tattoo artist but couldn't tell my mom. Finally, I sat down with her and told her that I wasn't happy, that I wanted to be a tattoo artist - and when I said it out loud, it felt right.

I spoke to my tattoo artist at the time about my decision and he directed me to several shops. I asked about Big City Tattoo but he said to try others instead. I went to four different shops and finally found an entry-level apprenticeship at one of them.

At first it was fine, but a couple weeks in I knew it was going to be a problem. They treated me like I was lowest of the low (and worse). Having known a professional female tattoo artist, I knew that this was not the way it should be.

One lucky day I took my artwork and went to Big City Tattoo, and to my surprise, Kinzie was there. It was rare for him to be there since starting cancer treatment. He and I sat down and talked, then I showed him my artwork. He looked at me over the top of his glasses and said, "You start Tuesday."

He looked me right in the eye and, with a sincere look, said "I just want to let you know, you are an Apprentice, not a 'Shop Bitch.' We don't say that here. It is an honor to be an Apprentice."

True to his word, the following Tuesday I started at Big City Tattoo. I am in an "old school," five-year Apprenticeship, the way it was done when Kinzie started more than 35 years ago - and I love it.

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Big City Tattoo | 2913 University Avenue | San Diego, CA 92104 | 619.299.4868
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