Today we’d like to introduce you to David De La O.
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an artist or trying to be one, for as far as I can remember. I was in love with curative and begged my sister to teach me when I was 5-6. Growing up, I had a poor childhood, so art was my escape. I would like vicariously through my comic book characters. They were everything I wanted to be, strong, resilient, happy, or overcoming.
I was sitting in college algebra 2 when I decided I was done with school. I wanted to do something with art, but not digital or graphic art. MY art. Couldn’t think of a way I could pursue this full time and make a decent living. Then it hit me. ‘Maybe I can tattoo’. So in the summer of ‘07, I got my apprenticeship in Colorado Springs, Co under Dail The Nail of Superstar Tattoo.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Art was my escape then, and it still is now. Except now I get paid for it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No way. Starting out in a city where I had no friends and no name, I starved. Sometimes I considered myself lucky if I made $100 a week. I cried myself to sleep with an empty stomach most nights. Doubting my decision. I didn’t know how I’d eat or provide for my son, or afford to see him being his mom left me in Colorado. I struggled for the first 1.5-2 years of my career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist. I specialize in realism tattoos. I am known for my black and grey realism, and loud colorwork. I’ve managed to get sponsored by a prestige machine builder, and the best tattoo pigments on the market, BloodMoney Irons, and Eternal Ink. I also do woodwork and spit shade.
I’m just proud that I pursued this dream and have made a way to make this my daily life.
What sets me apart is that I don’t care about money. I’ve been poor my whole life, I just want to produce undeniable work. For a long time, I was the cheapest artist at my shop, although I was sponsored and known and respected on a national level.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always shy. Reserved. Uncertain of myself. I was. A great athlete. But I didn’t party more than I should have. I was kind of an asshole kid growing up because I was bitter that my childhood was so shitty. I felt I deserve d again shake.
I was depressed for most of my teenage years.
But I was always compassionate, empathetic, and longed for a sense of belonging.
Pricing:
- $150/ hour
- All day flat rates of $1,000-$1,200
- $200 deposit
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Butterkills
Image Credits
BloodMoney Irons
Eternal Ink
