Today we’d like to introduce you to John Sombrio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first began my tattoo journey while attending school at Cypress College in Orange County, California. A friend of mine helped me purchase my first tattoo machine, as I was just a broke college student. Growing up with art being such a passion of mine, I assumed that tattooing would be an easy transition. That definitely was not the case! After practicing on myself and a couple of friends who allowed me to use them as a guinea pig, I decided to go ahead and put the thought of tattooing on the back burner. Although I stopped tattooing, I still continued to draw, sketch, paint and most importantly study and research more into my culture and other cultures of the pacific. After a year long hiatus of no tattooing, I moved back down to my hometown of San Diego, California, where I was fortunate enough to start an apprenticeship at the World Renowned SLAND TAT, where the real journey into my tattoo career would begin. Knowing that this was what I really wanted to pursue as a career, I gave up and sacrificed a lot. I quit my full-time job, dropped out of school and sacrificed any free time I had to give my all to Tattooing. A wise man told me that the only reason I could not progress in my craft was because I knew I had that safety blanket (my job) to fall back on. So God willing, I took that leap of faith and never looked back. Today I currently own and operate a Private Studio located in Chula Vista, California.
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?
There is no such thing as a “smooth road” in the tattoo industry, at least not in the beginning. Anything worth having is going to be difficult. Tattooing is not a typical 9-5 job, and it’s a very unforgiving art form. We can draw on paper and erase, the human skin on the other hand has no room for error. Learning the proper techniques is everything. Tattooing can take a toll on your body as well, hunched over for hours on end and having to angle our bodies in weird ways in order to pull off a straight and clean line. Some days are better than others for sure, but it all comes down to the client and making them happy. As long as I know that they are happy and proud to wear my art on them, it makes all of these “struggles” go away.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Tattoo Artist specializing in custom freehand contemporary Polynesian, Filipino and Pacific/ Oceanic Art. I am known for a unique flow which contours the body and creates pieces for clients who want to be connected to their roots. It gives them a sense of identity and also a reminder of who they are and where they come from. I take everything they give me and I transfer their story into pattern for them to wear proudly for life.
I am most proud of who I’ve become as a person through all of the hard work, headaches and heartbreak thats come from this career choice. I’m proud to represent my culture and most importantly proud to Glorify God in my art.
What sets me apart from others would be the time I spend to really get to know the client. Creating pieces for them based on their story and not just throwing any designs on them without any meaning. Drawing the design directly onto their skin to ensure them that no one else will have and wear the same tattoo.
Contact Info:
- Email: Kulturainkcollective@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tattoosbybigjohn
