How old were you when you started to tattoo? Who was the first person you tattooed? And what was the tattoo?
I was 17 years old; I tattooed my homeboy's clique on his arm after that I tattooed everyone in his clique.
Do you paint with other media?
Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.
I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?
I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!
From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.
Do you paint with other media?
Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.
I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?
I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!
From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.
What is the inspiration for your tattoo style and designs?
Some of my inspiration for my design concepts and art style comes from my own personal experience; low-rider and hip-hop Culture, pre-Hispanic influence and the desire to create the best piece of art without any set of boundaries.
Is there anything you would like to say to the people looking into getting a tattoo?
Everyone, make sure you know what you want. The tattoo needs to means something to you because tattoos are forever. And remember if you want to get a top notch tattoo don't expect to pay nothing less than top notch for it. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.
Is there a waiting list to get a tattoo?
The waiting list is One week to Three weeks, but the shop is open just about every day for you to come down and tell us about your tattoo and setup the appointment.
How do you decide a price for a tattoo, what features do you consider?
Most of the tattoos I do are custom designs so I don’t charge by the hour because I don’t just trace and tattoo existing designs so I charge by the tattoo piece. There are many different factors for the price of a tattoo. Some of the things that I consider on a piece are the style, the size, where it will be. Whether it is in color or black and grey. Also if it is an existing design or something we have to create from scratch.
What do you recommend someone do, to prepare when they are coming in to get tattooed?
I recommend for them to know what they want, or at least have an idea; that way I can help them to create an original piece.
In your experience, what steps work best for healing a tattoo?
Follow the proper instructions from your artist and make sure you get tattoos from a professional established studio. We provide an aftercare brochure with suggestions for all of our clients.
If you have to describe your artistic style, what would you call it? Can you still achieve different styles of tattoos when they are requested?
It’s really hard to describe an art style. Some of things that influence my work are street lifestyle, graffiti, Chicano culture, and urban style. I specialize in black and gray but I do a lot of styles; traditional, new school, Japanese, and tribal tattoos. What I bring to Seattle is my original take on this culture that can only be put down by artists who have been shaped by that culture, no one is doing this style in Seattle, and that where my originality shines.
You are the only tattoo artist in the shop! Does it get hard on you? How many tattoos have you rattled off in 1 day?
I am the only tattoo artist at the shop. It’s never hard for me because I love what I do and the work that comes with achieving great art. I always make sure that I give enough time on each piece to create the best work. Sometimes I only do one large tattoo a day and I’ve done fifteen small pieces in one day as well.
What stands out to you about the Seattle tattoo scene?
I think the Seattle tattoo scene is very diverse, there are great artists here, and that’s what makes Seattle strong.
Interview by Cristin with Alex (Dzul's frontman for marketing/promotions)
What other things do you do in your spare time?
I provide the marketing and team direction for the Dzul team. I like to explore different art expressions applying that to my art and the way I do things.
What mediums do you use to create art?
I'm a photographer and graphic designer, so I use traditional and digital mediums. One of my favorite mediums is airbrush; I airbrush on t-shirts, cars, just about anything. Any other chance I have, I spend doing photography on tattoos, lifestyle and fashion.
Do you have any special up-coming events?
Every year we do airbrush in 12 to 15 fairs throughout the Northwest.
This summer beyond the fairs I will be doing a special exhibition of photos and art with my brother and Dzul's crew at the shop. The photos will showcase the lifestyle of some of the people who come through the shop to get their tattoos and interesting people that I run into. The exhibition will also showcase original art pieces from my brother and me.
Don't forget to check our calendar for our upcoming fair and events throughout the summer.
How about plans for the future?
One of my goals is to release a Dzul clothing line by the summertime and have a grand opening presentation with a fashion show. The clothing line is going to have Dzul’s original spin and perspective fusing art, fashion and culture, representing our generations’ lifestyles.
Lets talk more about your photography. What unique qualities come from your work? What goals do you have for your photography in the future?
My photography work focuses on tattoos, fashion, and unique lifestyles. I want to capture the images of real people with an interesting character who come to the shop to get work done or some people I meet on a regular basis and showcase them through my work.
One of my goals is to create a book documenting the tattoo lifestyle, and an artistic compilation of my photography.
If I were to walk into your store right now and want an airbrushed t-shirt, how long am I going to wait? Is it expensive? Can I bring you my own items to get airbrushed like my purse or a skateboard?
It depends on the complexity of the design, the assignment and our workload at the time of purchase. We do our best to get the work out fast. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or a few days.
We do custom airbrush; the price will depend on the design, it begins at $15 but the sky is the limit. It really depends on how intricate the design and what we have to do to get it done.
We can airbrush on various surfaces from textiles, wood, ceramics, leather, plastic, metal, and with the right approach we can airbrush on just about anything. We sell different styles and colors of plain t-shirts, tops, and sweaters for men and women but we always encourage everyone to bring their own items, whether it’s your clothes, shoes, skateboard, purse, car; anything that you would like to be airbrushed.
What other services and products does Dzul provide?
We offer custom airbrush, tattoo, piercing, urban apparel and accessories. Pay us a visit, we have so many products to choose from, you will find something unique for you.
What advice could you give to aspiring artists so they can achieve success like you have?
I see extremely talented artists who wait for things to happen and come to them, needless to say that doesn’t work most of the time. My advice to them is to expose their work for people to appreciate it, and to make moves on their own to get the right exposure to achieve success.
