We recently had the chance to connect with Joshua “Bunz” Ortiz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joshua “Bunz”, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
I am currently working at Gary Koblis’ Sailors Grave Tattoo Gallery. This is the third shop I’ve called home in my 13 year career. Any time you work with new artists, you can always learn something new. Gary Koblis is a solid Tattooer, solid Family man, and a solid Friend. He continuously helps me, and my coworkers as well, to push forward and constantly strive to get better, and work harder.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joshua Ortiz, but some know me by my nickname, “Bunz”. I am going on my 13th year tattooing, and I currently call Sailors Grave Tattoo Gallery home. My coworkers and I, all strive to push each other to grow as artists, led by Gary Koblis. We are all family men at the shop, and we are all on the same page, when it comes to our work ethic, and the tattoos that we produce as a team. We strive to give people the best possible experience, and the best tattoo we can. A client can come in and get tattooed by any of us, and they can expect that it will be a clean, solid tattoo, that came from Sailor’s Grave.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world would be on April 15, 2017. That was the day I became a father. Having my son Kai definitely made things clear for me after that point. The world can be rough at times, but failure is not an option. Weak people make excuses. No one is an exception. No one get’s a pass. I try to stay on the positive side of things, because my son is what makes my world better.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No. I am not a quitter. It isn’t in me to give up. If something doesn’t work, I will find a way. You can believe, I will find a way. An analogy I say quite often is…
If I want that tree to come down, oh it’s coming down. I’ll keep chopping away, and some trees fall quicker than others. But if I want that tree to come down, it’s coming down. It’s only a matter of time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends know that my son is what matters to me most. I enjoy tattooing, motorcycles, and surfing, and I try to show my son and surround him with all of those things. We share those things together, and being able to share it with him is what matters most to me. I think my friends and family would agree. I don’t sweat the small things, and I try to stay positive. The glass is always half full in my book. It can always be worse.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I just want to be known as a great father, a solid Tattooer, and a good human. I’m pretty easy, and laid back. I know not everyone will like me, not everyone will like my work. But I won’t like everyone either, and that is okay with me. I’ve always tried to treat people with respect and kindness. I try to lead with that. When it’s my time to go out, “Vaya Con Dios.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bunzsfanclub @joshuaortiztattoos
