Ok, ok… The truth is, I’ve been in action this whole time. Over the years tattooing on Guam, I’ve met some of the coolest people, and I’m sure there are many more cool people to meet. For those who don’t know me yet, I guess a little introduction would be appropriate to start this thing off…

My name is Ian, and I’ve been an artist in one way or another for most of my life. Even to this day, well executed artwork fascinates me, and to see artwork created live is even more enjoyable for me. In that respect, I enjoy working with all different types of artists, and when it comes to tattoos, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best tattoo artists on Guam.

I started my tattoo career in 2006 when I started a formal apprenticeship at Art in Motion Tattoos in Colorado Springs. It was one of the best opportunities I’d ever pursue, and although I never officially finished, the information I did learn has served me well over the last 10 years. I had every intention of moving back to finish, but once I moved back to Guam, I’ve found it really hard to leave home. Who can blame me for loving this island?!

It was difficult at first to get a spot at any tattoo studio on island. To be honest, I still had no idea how far I’d be able to take a career in tattooing, and I’m sure my life goals were different at the time. I didn’t really know any of the local tattoo artists anyways, so I wasn’t sure where to begin. I worked odd jobs and did tattoos when I could find someone willing. My equipment was running out though, so I wasn’t sure when my time would be up.

In 2007, I was able to take part in Guam’s first (and to my knowledge only) tattoo expo. Not as an artist, but as a crewmember to help move artwork in and out and set up the venue. With the exception of a few, most of the island’s artists were all in the same place at the same time, and it was there that I was able to meet them. The experience was amazing, and if not for that single event, things may have turned out way different for me.

Since then, tattooing has been my primary focus as an artist. Guam has definitely been good to me, and I’ve loved every minute of it even through the hard times. Currently, I’m working at Eli’s Ink in Anigua, which was the old Tribal Images Tattoo Studio. I’m going to spend some time building this page up, but I’ll definitely tell you more about it in a day or two!