Today we’d like to introduce you to Mervin Carballo.
Mervin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small town in the Philippines. I was in a rough crowd so I got my first tattoo when I was 13 out of teenage rebellion and trying to be edgy and different.
I’ve always been interested in drawing and art but didn’t pursue it until I was 24. I bought a second-hand tattoo machine from a friend and pretty much just improvised and experimented with it. I practiced on fruits and on myself until word eventually got out and friends started inquiring.
In 2014, I became a part-owner of a tattoo shop where I also tattooed a lot of US Navy personnel. This was in my hometown, Olongapo City, one of the US Navy bases in the Philippines.
In 2015, I had a trip to India for pilgrimage purposes where I was able to see ancient art in temples. I’ve also seen a lot of little girls drawing Mandalas free-hand which I found very impressive and inspiring. This got me into geometric shapes and henna patterns.
I moved to America in 2017 which has been like stepping into a new dimension. The people and the culture are so different so it was a very big adjustment. It also took some adapting working as a tattoo artist here because usually your work as an apprentice first and learn the ropes from a more veteran artist. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that privilege so I had to learn everything from trial and error and experimentation. On the bright side, I have been surrounded by people who are career-oriented and have been supportive of me through my adjustment period here.
Nowadays, I am blessed with a steady stream of clients who have heard of me through word of mouth or social media.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Moving to a new country and not knowing anyone. It was difficult to get started as a tattoo artist with a specific style. I first worked at a walk-in shop in Pacific Beach where the clientele was mostly tourists who wanted simple linework or sometimes drunk people. Lol.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in line work, floral, sacred geometry, henna and ornamental patterns so people usually go to me specifically for these. This is heavily influenced by my spiritual beliefs.
How do you think about luck?
On the lucky side, I have the connections that I made where I have learned a deeper understanding of my style and artwork in general. On the latter, I’d say I don’t believe in bad luck as we gain positive learning experiences from bad situations.
Pricing:
- $250 (per hour)
- $1,400 (full day)
Contact Info:
- Email: inksanity108@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedic_electric/
Image Credits:
Portrait by Melissa Gregory
