Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Banh
Hi Eva, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to some form of art throughout my life. From charcoal drawing, to graffiti doodling, then graphic design and ending with interior design and sewing in high school.
After I graduated, I started working various types of job fields. Waitressing, to being a home department coordinator for retail, then having interest in the piercing industry, learning how to do dreadlocks, and at last, I am in the tattoo industry.
I’ve been in the tattoo industry for the last 5 years but I’ve been getting tattooed religiously since 2006. What a wild journey my life has been!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any journey you want to pursue, nothing is ever a smooth road. I mean, if it is for you– cool but I wholeheartedly believe that nothing good comes easy.
I started off as the tattoo shop manager for about 3 years. Cleaning, organizing and maintaining a smooth process for the shop of 12 tattoo artists. Handling most of their schedules, it was definitely a challenging process but because I enjoy being organized naturally– it made it really fun.
One of the biggest struggles of trying to become a tattooer, is how much time you have to put into it. This isn’t a career that you can just work 9AM-5PM and go home and not think about work. This is a career that is your life entirely. When you’re not at the shop tattooing, you’re at home taking the time to schedule clients, coming up with new ideas to get interest in your work, and spending hours drawing or browsing art to keep growing.
It isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. As a tattooer, you’re your own worst critic. It takes years to really feel like you’re getting better. And you’re constantly doing something that involves your career. Looking at art, networking, finding new ways to keep your artsy side satisfied. The only time you truly aren’t in the chaos, is when you’re asleep… maybe.
I love it, it’s a crazy life that I never imagined I would have. But I am super stoked to be in it and I can’t wait to see what my career looks like in 10 years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently I am a first year tattooer. Still a baby, I’d say. There is so much for me to learn, but even the artists that have been in this longer than I have, are still learning. And that’s the fun part.
Right now I’m open to all styles of tattoos, I haven’t married myself to one yet, and I’m not sure if I will. There’s a few styles I’m drawn to right now and that’s ornamental blackwork, anything floral, and neo-traditional. If you see my work, you’ll find that I’m doing all sorts of styles, and I’m having a lot of fun!
I’m proud of myself for pushing through this journey. I was never scared of getting tattooed so tattooing people doesn’t scare me at all, it triggers happiness for me. I feel like tattooing, to me, is energy work. And that’s a whole other side of things to talk about!
I enjoy listening to what my client wants, and piecing together what they’re imagining. I enjoy getting to know my client during the tattoo process, and I’m genuinely interested in learning about their life and also talking about food… because I’m a big foodie.
What sets me apart from others? Get to know me, and you’ll find out 🙂
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Cherish toilet paper. Hahaha!
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