How did you get started doing tattooing?

I’ve always created art in different forms. When I was a school teacher, I was trying to motivate my students to tattoo because I had heard it was a great art field to get into. In return, they challenged me to try it, and I did to prove to them it was possible. I ended up falling in love with it!

Where were you before Eden?

I had my own private studio in Los Angeles. I had been there for about 5 years.

What brought you to Texas?

Before I opened my studio 5 or 6 years ago I wanted to get into doing conventions and use them as a path to travel places. I did at least one or two conventions a year in Texas and I fell in love with it. I went to all the big cities but I loved Dallas and knew I wanted to live there. There are so many fantastic, kind, and humble artists here.

Why did you choose Eden?

When I was looking for studios in Texas, Eden’s work kept standing out to me. When I realized who the owner was and that they were hiring, I really wanted to apply and give it a shot.

What are you hoping to accomplish as an artist here?

I just want to continue to grow and learn from each of the artists I work side by side with. That’s something I’m ecstatic about. I really want to be part of a community of artists and clients.

How did you find your specialty?

One of the artists I used to work with did realism, which at the time was very different from other artists. I loved watching him do that. Around that time was when Instagram and tattoo magazines were getting big, and seeing from that what was possible to put on skin blew me away. I fell in love with all the variables that go into making a black and grey realism tattoo. Building tones, packing in darks, using the skin for light, there’s just so much happening. I just love the process of making a good black and grey tattoo.

How many tattoos do you have yourself?

I don’t have any tattoos myself. I have such a passion to make and create things, just like other people have a passion to get tattoos. I feel like over the years it’s made me feel so fresh and it helps me make sure I do the best tattoos.

What do you want your clients to know about working with you?

I want to put my best on them. When their vision and my abilities intersect, that’s when they’re going to get the best work from me.

What do you think makes tattoos special?

The connection an artist has with a client trusting them to put their vision on them. It’s the most humbling art form, and to be in that process with the client is beyond rewarding and beyond the coolest thing. There’s nothing neater than that.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Talk about tattoos. Haha. I love to spend time with my family. We’ll play music together or I’ll watch movies with the kids. They also love art and creating, so I like to try to empower them to try to make different things. In our free time we love to try different avenues of creating.

What do you think sets Eden apart from other tattoo studios?

The environment is super calm and relaxing. It feels warm. When I tattooed my first client there, he kept saying the same things to me. I like the energy and the vibe. The owners have created such a beautiful space and I’m so excited to be a part of it.

Get to Know Eden’s Newest Resident Artist, Michael Hovaguimian