MIKEY

With over 15 years of industry experience, Mikey has spent his time studying and practicing primarily Black and Grey Realism, Japanese and Polynesian style tattooing. With this unique mix of knowledge, he has been able to carve a name for himself in an industry jam-packed with amazing artists. 

Born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, Mikey has been exposed to tattoos from a very young age. Hawaii is known to have a rich history of tattooing that carries into modern day. With the vast majority of Hawaii being of Polynesian or Asian heritage, these would be the primary styles of tattoos seen around the islands and what would soon shape the foundation of Mikey's tattooing.

After graduating high school Mikey would relocate to Phoenix AZ, to pursue further education. While attending classes he would begin experimenting with Tattooing friends and classmates in his free time. This continued for a couple years until graduation and Mikey would soon move back home to Hawaii. While in Hawaii for the initial few years of his career he began the process of learning and practicing his craft. Being of Japanese decent, his primary passion was would be the Japanese style of tattooing. At a Polynesian based studio he was given the opportunity to work under and learn from the renown Sulu'ape Akiu Sale. Here he was able to gain vast knowledge of the fundamentals and design of Polynesian tattooing.

Upon relocating to California, Mikey would spend the next 10 years working at Ocean Front Tattoo, on the world famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. In this time, he has tattooed thousands of people from all ends the world, traveled to numerous states and countries, worked as a guest artists in various studios and attended dozens of tattoo expos. Through his travels, he has gathered valuable knowledge and industry insight. Mikey has also collected numerous awards for his work along away.

Since relocating to Los Angeles, Mikey has studied and worked hard to develop his skills as a Black and Grey artist. Working with many great artists over the years he taken his abilities to new levels. In a rapidly evolving industry he is committed to staying up to date with the latest equipment and techniques to ensure his clients always receive the highest quality work available at the time. 

Currently Mikey co-owns a private studio located in the heart of the Los Angeles Arts District with a focus on large scale Black and Grey, as well as Japanese inspired tattoos. Occasionally you can still find him on beautiful Venice Beach, taking walk ins to keep in touch with his street shop roots.