While waiting to open his own tattoo studio, Californian artist “Kasper” explains how he started his career and how much “illustrative” his way of tattooing is.
Brian, it seems someone like you was destined for Art from day one. I mean, before you discovered Black and Grey Realism, you had a long artistic career behind you…
Yeah, I learned how to hand poke tattoo from an older veteran (Cholo) in my neighborhood when I was about 13 years old.
He showed me how to make a sewing needle into a tattoo needle by wrapping thread around it. I started hand poking people in high school and then later got ahold of a tattoo machine and then I was on my way!
I fell into the Black and Grey style of tattooing relatively quickly because it was so common where I grew up.
In South Gate/Los Angeles mostly hood style tattoos were what I was doing. Eventually I tried getting an apprenticeship at some of the local tattoo shops but back then it was mostly ran by bikers and they weren’t so welcoming. It was like trying to join the secret service back then…
You like to call yourself a “wolf who left the pack.” Are you referring only to tattoo art, or are you talking about life in general?
The wolf reference was because, I just left the last shop I was working at called ‘The Raven and The Wolves’ (IG: @theravenandthewolves) so now I’m a lone wolf because I was there since it began.
The question might seem obvious, but why exactly the Black and Grey Realism? Perhaps it’s the style of tattoo art that comes closest to traditional painting, and if I’m not mistaken, you also paint in oils, right?
Black and Grey Realism made more sense to me growing up and, at that time, it was the most common style of tattooing and art that I was around. I loved reading the old tattoo magazines, in the early 90’s and Jack Rudy (RIP) and Brian Everett they were amongst my favorite artists. I learned pencil drawing and dabbled in color but Color Realism never really appealed to me. Although I do love oil painting in color… if that makes sense?! (laughs)
What do you think you’re bringing to a rather rigid and photographic style like Black and Grey Realism? Your work is quite lively, sophisticated, maybe a little bit surreal and alive, don’t you think?
My work was always very illustrative because we didn’t have that internet thing when I started tattooing. As time went on I started learning a little more about tools like procreate, photoshop and photography so that eventually elevated my skills and career.
I do love a challenge from time to time and that’s why I love to draw stuff too when requested.
Where do you work primarily now in California?
As of right now I’m currently looking to do some guest spots and travel a bit more I’m also looking to get a private studio somewhere soon! Preferably not far from where I was in the southern part of Los Angeles, California.
What are your plans for guest spots and international tattoo conventions starting in early 2026?
I’m always open to suggestions on where to travel. As of now I’ll be in Texas in April 2026 and not sure after that. I’m looking forward to definitely doing some conventions across the globe. Just not sure which ones yet!
By the way: why “Kasper”?
There’s a funny story about the nickname “Kasper”. If you’re wondering how I got it? A bunch of guy just beat me up one day and gave it to me. “Kasper” was for laughs because everyone in the hood gets a nickname. The name fits me perfectly. I’m very friendly white skin with blue eyes and known to disappear from time to time! (laughs) I’ve had that name since I was very young.
And your last famous words are… ?
My words to live by are: “Stay humble. Ego is not your amigo!”.
