Do you actually like frogs in real life?  How’d you get into making so many frog designs?

For the record, I adore frogs. They’re my favorite amphibious creature and runner up to the Platypus in the colorful spectrum of favorite animals. Some ppl believe human evolved from frogs, I don’t but, there’s that too. Some ppl lick the frog to get stoned too. I mean what’s not to love about the frog or toad right? There’s also a bunch of mystery behind the frog too. Magic and healing…it’s so fascinating man.

As far as tattooing them, I’ve always drawn frogs even as a kid. Some ppl drew skate board designs or comics, I’ve always drawn this particular character. Esthetically it has evolved to be more tattooable for my skill set but none the less it’s the same dude. I’m beyond excited some ppl dig it. His name is Harold.

Growing up in the Houston area, what was your relationship with chopped and screwed music? I lived in El Paso, TX my first two years of high school (2002-2004,) and it was everywhere. Was there a cult-like following in Houston?

Growing up I was very much a screw head. I grew up in the middle of that scene demographic wise as well. My opioid addiction theme music so to speak. I actually use to rap in a group called Freestyle Kingz with a group of my family and friends. We had a few cds and toured to El Paso and College Station. Lol, that was a lifetime ago man.

How’d you get into building tattoo machines? My brain can’t compute building things from scratch, do you have a background in engineering?

Machine building was the most organic endeavor I’ve ever engaged in. When I started tattooing I didn’t have the traditional apprenticeship. Tattooing seemed unattainable for me and I was told multiple times, that they will never apprentice black people. At that time there was no internet, information and parts were so hard to come by. Being a outcast amongst outcasts, made making friends in the industry and getting quality supplies in the 90’s almost impossible in rural Texas. I knew the machines I was able to get my hands on were crap just by getting tattooed heavily and feeling/ hearing the difference. So i invested the time in studying electromagnetism and attempting to build my own machines. I was able to order the machine gun zines (issue number 8) and that helped me a ton. Later down the road some guys i worked with would clown me for wrapping coils by hand (which i still do) but when they tried my machines they swore by them. They would recommend my machines to other tattooers and here I am. Machine building for me was more out of necessity and in time habit. I’m still learning everyday. For instance, I’m not one for gimmick or packaging, but i am learning that sometimes people care more about presentation than functionality. It’s never a bad idea to rethink presentation.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey and also those who stood in my way as opposition. We helped each other and hopefully I gave you something useful in return.

What do you like most about the Bay Area? I know you just moved a bit north of the city, how’s that been?

I really dig the Bay Area man. I miss home tremendously but the Bay Area has welcomed my family and we’ve planted some roots here. It feels good to call the Bay a home away from home. I just wish buying a home here was practical.

Do you think you’ll tattoo for the remainder of your days?

I will tattoo until i can no longer relate to the process of tattooing. I hope to realize once I’m obsolete and enjoy my silver years with my wife and children and tattooing when I can.