I used to find my meaning in service โ as a medic, a first responder, and a Soldier. When those chapters ended, I had to redefine what meaning looked like. I feel blessed that I found art and tattooing to fill that need.
Community is where legacy grows legs. Itโs where art and service meet, where stories overlap, and where meaning is multiplied. Itโs not just about who stands beside us โ itโs about who keeps us standing.ย
And if I can leave something behind โ through my tattoos, my art, my story โ that makes someone else stand taller or feel seen, then thatโs the kind of legacy I want to continue building.
My purpose is evolving โ part healing, part storytelling, part helping others find meaning through art. If I can create something that helps someone see their own story in a new light, then Iโve done more than tattoo; Iโve connected.
Whether itโs a reckless choice, a rough patch, or a bad tattoo you learned from, resilience is the art of turning the temporary mess into lifelong meaning. Itโs about owning your past without letting it define your limits.
The two koi represent balanceโthe constant movement between opposing forces that defines growth. Light and dark, strength and vulnerability, discipline and freedom. Acceptance is about finding peace in that balance, not trying to erase one side or the other.
Patience means trusting that progress is happening even when you canโt see it yet. Every pass of the needle, every line drawn, every step forward mattersโwhether in art or in personal growth.
Just like a tattoo doesnโt come together in one stroke, healing doesnโt happen in one session. Itโs about consistency, patience, and being willing to let someone guide you who has the experience to help. That takes trustโand trust isnโt easy.
Tattoo artist improving shading skills with Tattooing 101โs Artist Hour while joining Inktober 2025โprogress, practice, and keeping it fun.
So if you are struggling with what you are seeing as failures, take a moment to breathe, learn from the lessons that life is teaching you, and then keep putting in your reps.ย And once you figure it out, take a moment to celebrate your success.ย And maybe figure out how to share your lesson…