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Billy's Biography
"I
was born in Okinawa Japan. Where I lived until I was 15 years old. Then my
father moved me to Hawaii where I graduated from Mililani High. After living
my whole adult life here I can't imagine living anywhere else but the islands."
I did my first tattoo in 1998. I pretty much sucked until a guy named Jesse
Perrin sat me down and showed me all the ins and outs of tattooing. He taught
me how to make needles, hot to properly tune a machine, and most of the basics
of tattooing that allowed me to grow into the artist I am today.
Late into the year of 2000 I started working for a guy named Shane Harvey,
at a shop called Gunpoint. He provided me with a great environment to work
in, and gave me the freedom to further develop my own style. After a couple
of years I realized I wanted to be a custom tattoo artist, and as much as
I loved working with everyone at gunpoint (well everyone but one) the street
shop atmosphere just wasn't challenging enough for me anymore.
After leaving gunpoint I spent a while in Japan and worked at Coko's Tattoo
where Mako, Ken and Hiro took me in like a son and for that, I will always
be grateful. They also shared with me their knowledge and expertise in regards
to Asian art and tattoos. I learned more than I could ever imagine! After
returning from Japan, Brian Takishita (from Gunpoint) and myself decided to
open up 808 Tattoo. We are striving to make this shop a comfortable custom
tattoo parlor for serious collectors, as well as for those who see tattoos
as true artwork.
Just to set the record straight, for some reason there are some people who
claimed to have taught me how to tattoo, but if they are not mentioned in
this little bio then they are full of shit. I guess I should be flattered
that someone else's claim to fame is teaching me how to tattoo.
Aloha,
Billy
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Read Brian's Biography
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Read Jen's Biography
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Read Justin's Biography
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