Today we’d like to introduce you to Gasp Four.
Hi Gasp, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was in a trucking business for about nine years when I finally stopped and realized how much time has passed by. I knew that in there that if I didn’t make a change that I would do this for the rest of my life and that scared me with no plans I Put in my two weeks and for about a year I got to enjoy some time away from work and got to spend some designated time getting to know myself I’ve always been into art whether that’s music photography or drawing I knew of a shop that had a lot of hype that was local in my area A friend of mine worked there and I knew that if the owner got to know me that there would be a chance that I could find an apprenticeship with him fast forward a month. I am an apprentice at a local shop. I quit my part-time job on the spot I committed and put in 475 hours in three months worth of work my friends called me crazy but I found peace and love in this industry. It’s very cliché to say but fast-forward four years a lot has changed so many highs accompanied by a ton of lows but I can say this with my heart and soul that tattooing save my life now I am seven months into owning my first shop, I work beside one of my best friends business has been good. Work has been consistent and my clientele base is some of the best that I’ve seen personally I am so thankful for the kind of support that I’ve gotten some days are hard, but we’re only human but after a long session and I can see the joy and excitement for my clients. It’s always a subtle reminder that such a small thing as a tattoo can do such a large impact in a person may be a memorial Tattoo or maybe even a spontaneous adventure there are so many tattoo artists in Minnesota and every time I receive a email or message on Instagram asking if I could tattoo them. I am so grateful because out of so many artists I was chosen for your piece of art. I have gone through hardship. I have gone through times where I felt like there was no escape tattooing has brought so much joy and love in my life. How can I not do my absolute best every day with something that has done so much for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would be lying if I said that everything was smooth and silky depression and anxiety goes hand-in-hand with Tattoo Artist. There are days that the drawings the clients and the emailing the social media. It can be a lot sometimes balancing all of those things as well as trying to have a social life. It’s not always easy. Some people will describe me as dramatic. I believe that I am passionate. I love art anything art, but sometimes doing designs that are somewhat simple or maybe something that you don’t agree with all the way can strip you from your love and passion of heart, reminding yourself that every client is an opportunity to grow and practice no matter the size no matter the intricacy, but we are our own boss and that can be difficult at times finding the motivation to give you all every day and that’s not the case but we’re only human so we try our best in the beginning. I had a very hard time with drugs and alcohol. I already had a mix of that before tattooing and once I had more freedom, I made some poor choices roughly about two years in. I had my first scare at a overdose and ever since then it’s been easy to say no. Not because of fear of cutting my time short on this planet, but really the impact of me leaving early for my close friends and family. It’s difficult to do things for myself at times, but it’s almost effortless to do it for loved ones. Being first generation and reflecting on everything, all the sacrifices my mom and dad for me and my siblings. It’s very easy to get lost in the sauce as some might say, but it’s even easier to make sacrifices for the people you care about.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a tattoo artist in downtown Minneapolis I am known for my anime, black work, fine line micro realism tattoos I have been tattooing for four years now I have put in everything I have into tattooing I remember the first day I drove to the shop as an apprentice I was so scared that I wouldn’t get to where I wanna be, but regardless of my thoughts, my body refused to give it anything less than my absolute best every day my friends call me hardheaded but I like to think I’m devoted to getting the job done. I remember a friend of mine mentioned that tattooing is what makes me cool and I clarified that it’s not tattooing. no matter the industry, no matter the job, I’ve always been the type of person to go above and beyond. We have such limited time on this floating rock. Why not give it our absolute best at whatever we’re doing may that be a line cook in chipotle may that be a truck driver swerving through icy roads I’ve always been the type to want to excel and apply myself. I also hope that I inspire folks to do the same lead by example and my father is the hardest working man I have ever met with such a positive and good attitude every single day and I know that every single day wasn’t a good day, but he knew that I was watching so I’m not sure who is watching when I’m working, but in case someone is, I promise to do my absolute best
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support can be as easy as a follow or a mention on Instagram sharing my card or information to friends and loved ones. It’s very simple. I hate how much my career is based on social media, but I also know how much of an impact social media is so I’ll play nice, just kidding. I’m terrible at emailing back and responding to messages on Instagram only because I start my day super early. I end my day pretty late so finding the time can be a bit of a struggle, but I will get back to all emails and messages so reaching out to me directly through email or my Instagram page is the best way to get in contact with me.
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