Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Voeun.
Hi Patrick , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
How I started tattooing is an interesting story because it all began with discovering my passion for art and the universe leading me toward my purpose.
It all started with my good friend Tama (David Rhythm), the chef and owner of Sweets, located in the heart of Provo, Utah. Over the years, he gave me the opportunity to paint murals for his business. One day, while working on another mural, I started thinking about how I could turn my passion for art into a long-term career.
Tattooing had always caught my eye, even though I didn’t have any tattoos of my own. Spending time around Tama and the Polynesian community, seeing their incredible tattoos, culture, and traditions, sparked something in me. The more I learned about their culture, the food, and the artistry behind tattooing, the more fascinated I became. It almost felt like the universe was telling me this was the path I was supposed to follow.
One day, while painting another mural at the restaurant, I asked Tama, “What if I started tattooing? Where would I even begin?”
That’s when he told me he knew the right people.
He mentioned that his cousin was a tattoo artist. At the time, I had no idea he was talking about the legendary La La from Frost City Tattoo. He suggested I reach out to him, but he also mentioned that La La was extremely busy and difficult to get in touch with.
Then Tama said, “You should talk to my guy Zay. He stopped by the restaurant recently asking who painted the murals.”
So I decided to reach out to Zay to pick his brain about tattooing and where to start. He invited me to meet with him in person to talk about everything. At the time, I knew very little about Zay or his tattoo career, but I soon discovered he was also a well-known artist in the tattoo industry and worked at Frost City Tattoo as well.
I was amazed by how connected everyone in the tattoo community was.
That meeting became my first real step into the tattoo world.
After meeting Zay, I started making the 30-minute drive to see him two or three times every week. We’d spend hours talking about tattooing, techniques, etiquette, professionalism, and artistic growth.
The more exposure I had to the craft, the more I fell in love with it. At that point I wasn’t tattooing yet—I was simply observing, listening, and soaking up every piece of knowledge I could.
That’s when I knew becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t just an idea anymore.
It became the goal.
At the time, Zay couldn’t take on an apprentice because he was still working for another shop. But he told me, “Once you start tattooing, I’ll help you improve your work and your artistry.”
That was all I needed to hear.
I bought my first tattoo machine and began practicing on fruit. Every day brought a new challenge. I experimented with different styles, trying to figure out what fit me best while putting in countless hours of practice. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I also believed that if I kept showing up every day, one day I could become one of the best.
About six months into my journey, I was completely invested.
But reality hit.
I needed a stable job to support my dream and simply pay my bills. I had to weigh my options. Do I continue chasing tattooing while struggling financially, or do I get a steady job so I can keep a roof over my head?
At that point, I chose what seemed like the responsible decision.
I started applying for jobs.
My dream had to be put on hold because I was barely scraping by, but deep down I never stopped believing that tattooing was what I was meant to do.
Then something unexpected happened.
While I was sending out resumes, I received a random DM from Zay. He was checking in on me and told me he’d been watching my progress. He also shared that he was opening his own tattoo shop.
I congratulated him, never mentioning that I had been applying for jobs that same day.
Then he asked me a question that completely changed my life.
“Do you want to come work for me as my first apprentice?”
Without hesitation, I said yes.
The rest is history.
Fast forward five years, and I’m the tattoo artist I am today. I’ve been with Xodus Tattoo since day one and have had the privilege of helping build the shop from the very beginning. I’ve experienced so much throughout my journey in this industry, and every challenge has helped shape me into the artist I am today.
What started as a dream has become my everyday reality.
I’ve worked hard every single day to build a career I’m proud of, and even now, it’s sometimes hard to believe how far I’ve come.
Looking back, I truly believe this was my purpose in life.
The universe opened the right doors, but it was up to me to walk through them.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Stepping into the tattoo game, it’s either going to make you or break you. What I struggled with in my career was in the beginning when I first started. Learning how to tattoo different types of skin, my artistry, building clientele, and most importantly being able to bring people’s visions to life and knowing that it was going to be on people skin forever.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist at Xodus Tattoo! I specialize in a lot of different styles but mostly illustrative black and grey, ornamental, Japanese and stone work. I’m mostly known for my back pieces because I have an organic style. What I’m most proud of is that I’m always learning and evolving, not just in my tattooing but my character and mindset. And what separates me from others is that I tattoo with purpose and good intentions. Tattoos are sacred and that it should be treated with the same kind of love and respect. And that I tattoo for the culture, to represent something I’m most proud of and to know that my art will live forever till the day I die.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like that it’s a beautiful place for opportunity and growth. And what I dislike is that it’s lacking in diversity, originality, and culture.
Pricing:
- Half Days are $450 -$600 (4-6hrs)
- Full Days are $800 – $1k (6-10hrs)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Swayzee_tattoos
- Facebook: Swayzee_tattoos
