Looking for the best tattoo artist in Los Angeles? All needles and badass artwork is pointing towards Taylor Six. Looking to book an appointment with the best tattoo artist in Los Angeles? That’s a different story…Unless you’re one of the lucky ones with an appointment or a major hookup. Taylor Six is the real McCoy, hands down. I’ve been following him since his early days hustling the Hollywood strip. He’s worked in various tattoo shops throughout the city and it’s not easy keeping up with this dude. The best tattoo artists in Los Angeles has transitioned his business into Exclusive VIP house calls, and special guest appearances in select parlors. In other words, It doesn’t suck being Taylor Six.
How long have you lived in Los Angeles?
I moved to Hollywood in 2001 so I’ve been here for quite a while. I love to travel, so I’ve moved around a lot but LA will always be my home.
What are your favorite local spots for dining and relaxing?
Having decided to dedicate my life to sobriety I’ve recently enjoyed thrift shopping, flea markets, and museum hopping. Before that decision though I would frequent the dive bars near silverlake, Los Feliz, Downtown, And West Hollywood. I was Quite the night owl for a majority of my younger years. Having a Baby really changes a Guy!! What happened!?
What was your first job out of school and how long did you have it?
Ohhhh man! I’ve done everything from retail to construction and even sold hot dogs from a cart in front of Home depot as a young brat. It didn’t really matter what the job entailed to me because no matter what I had been doing at any given time, it was never quite good enough in my eyes. I knew from a very early age that I was meant to make art for a living, and nothing would do until I could reach my goal as an established artist.
When did you discover your passion for Tattooing?
I actually built a machine when I was about 15 years old, it consisted of a fish tank filter motor and a guitar string. needless to say the tattoo I did on my self was terrible, but being a young inspiring artist, and looking up to tattoo artists from an early age I always had the sense that this career was for me, I was willing to go to any legnths to get as knowledgeable as possible to hopefully be as good as my tattoo heros Derek Noble, Mike Shaman, Henry Lewis, and Greg Cussic. I still have so much to learn, I just hope I can do the art justice…
I understand you have inked some high profile musicians…Is it okay to call your clients rockstars?
I’ve been very fortunate during the course of my career. I’ve met many great people both on and off working hours, whether they were famous or not is really none of my business, and I respect my clients anonymity either way. I hope that my work can speak for itself regardless of what a person does for a living… I’d honestly have to say that to me a good person is a good person and those are the real rockstars in my opinion…
How did you learn the ins and outs of working in the Hollywood scene?
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a grind. I’ve put in a lot of hours and got very lucky working with amazing clients.
Where do you find design inspiration?
I find inspiration in all sorts of places like music, nature, photography, dreams, relationships, shit man, you name it!
What’s the mission behind your work? Do you think having a mission helps guide your art?
I really just hope to convey emotion in one way or another when it comes to my custom designs and paintings.
If we had the chance to peek at your schedule, what would an average day look like?
Most of my days are spent either designing concepts, tattooing those concepts, painting, or running errands… constantly listening to music and drinking anything with caffeine.
How do you see your business evolving?
I’ve learned not to say too much about plans before they come to fruition so I’ll leave it at that for now. I will share with you that eventually I’d like open my own private studio space or buy a pad in the Hollywood hills and work from home. Most of my recent clients prefer not getting work done in the traditional shop atmosphere. There’s always a ruckus with photographers or silly people coming out of the woodworks when I’m working on specific clients so that’s the main reason I’m doing mostly house calls now.
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned since going out on your own?
I’ve learned that without loved ones, great clientele, and family, I’d really have nothing of true value to show for my work.
I understand you’re recently sober.
Yes. Its a personal decision I’ve chosen to make. I really think that for me it was the best decision I could have ever made in my life.I partied enough for five lifetimes. I don’t mind when other people party or whatever. Just for me… it’s the right way to go in my own life.
How have you overcome obstacles and stayed driven?
I’ve tried and failed. And tried again, and again. But honestly art has been my savior in certain circumstances. I’ve really been saved by art many times in my life.
Is it surreal being quoted as the best tattoo artist in Los Angeles?
It’s a gift having clients come back for more work. I don’t know about the best tattoo artist in Los Angeles.
Many people struggle to turn their passions into careers. What advice would you give them?
I’d say never let anyone convince you that you can’t do what you love, trust your instincts, and don’t ever be afraid to make mistakes… sometimes the mistakes are really what pushes me to correct my work and make it better… Also, if you do find success remember that it can always be taken away so try not to be a dick.
