Today we’d like to introduce you to Mu Shi.
Hi Mu, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Started in the basement of a family home, with little resource and high driven energy in the field of art, he started tattooing himself and eventually tattooed his close trusted friends. College may have gotten in the way of him perfecting his craft. To resolve that, Mu Ku decided to take his tattoo skills to Bethel University where I started tattooing my friends and many individuals who were interested in getting tattoos for cheap. As time went on I slowly became more confident in my tattooing skills, I decided to up-charge to cover my equipment expenses and upgrade on more costly tools. With less than 2 semesters left on my belt, I decided to go all in with my tattooing hobbies hoping it’ll provide me necessary support for living circumstances at the time. As I further educate myself in tattooing industry, I found out it is costly to become a licensed tattoo artist at the cost up to 10k working under an experienced tattoo artist. Since I have all the tools in hand, I decided to keep charging and saving until I’m able to become an apprentice. With the support of my personal saving and effective income from tattooing, I am able to save enough to finally become an apprentice through who is now a good supporter and a full time licensed artist in his supervised space inside a mall. After getting my licensed I decided to contract a stay with him at his newly opened up shop called Medallion Ink on Payne Ave for up to 6 months before taking a leap of faith to have my own studio. With enough research, I found a right fit to open up my own tattoo studio on White Bear Ave which I called K’nyaw ink for the time being.
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?
The road was as smooth as butter but I’m driving at a speed of an F1 car with many twists and turns. How can or should I maneuver when I do not see the road ahead? Doing research, more research along with experience which helps me get to where I’m at today. The financial support has been the most difficult to build everything up at a premium level. To provide the best care, best equipment, best crafts. Not for myself but for my clients. There are general struggles of learning to become an entrepreneur, running a business through my art and crafts. Besides those things, the small internal candle has never been out of flame.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full time artist as well as running business full time. Mainly, tattoo shop/studio is what I’m most focused on but I do e-commerce, merchandise, photography (wedding mainly), and other things on the side as well. I am proud of everything accomplished knowing that everything came to reality with some learning obstacles. I believe I am exploring the artist realm on the world as I am not specialized or skilled in not just one thing and become the best at it. I am know for the guy that does it all and settled with none.
What makes you happy?
Anything and everything I find it to be artistic and it gives me fulfillment and freedom internally which I would put it in the happy side. Without seeking, it’s naturally there, I just have to be content with what’s already created and well crafted by our creator.
Pricing:
- Tattoo minimum rate starting at $80 and change based on size and details
- Photography starting at 100 and all vary with what the clients are looking to get
- Merchandise vary mmarketstore.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mmarketstore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mukutattoostudio?igsh=MXczaWl4ejRzZzgzcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/NoLg7aHtp3Y?si=tJbkVmoCByA8Cs7x
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/muku_journey?igsh=N2xmajJma3Q0dWhi&utm_source=qr
