Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Pando.
Hi Danny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I got started about 15 years ago, I was hanging out in a local tattoo shop in West Texas (Odessa). I would spend all my free time there because I had some friends that worked there. When I would get bored, I would draw, and eventually, the guys there started asking me to draw things for them. After a few months, I got interested in the mechanics of tattoooing, I wanted to know how everything worked. Then after a few more years passed and I eventually started helping out when the shop got busy doing small walk-in type tattoos. After a few months, I noticed I was developing a following and it felt pretty cool. In 2010 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to open my own shop. It was slow at first, but after about 6 months we started growing faster than we had anticipated. Once we became a locally established, I jumped into the convention circuit doing conventions all over the state meeting some really talented artist, and winning some awards along the way. I owned my own shop until the summer of 2018. In the spring of 2018, I was presented with the opportunity to do a guest spot at Dark Age Tattoo in Denton Texas working alongside some of the people I really looked up to. After a few visits, I was offered a full-time spot and decided to sell my shop and move to north Texas. I believe being in North Texas has really pushed me to become a better at my craft and better at my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. This career offers so many highs and lows, you have to learn to take the good with the bad. The hours are long, the work is hard, and the competition is always tough. One of the biggest struggles was learning to own and operate my own shop and manage the other people working for me. Another struggle has been finding balance between work and a social life. A lot of us become so immersed in what we do we forget about the one’s closet to us. I think I’m finally learning to separate all of it and not spread myself to thin.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in traditional/neo-traditional tattoos. These are tattoos that have bold lines big shapes and bright colors. Also known to some as old-school tattoos or as I like to call them tattoos that look like tattoos. When I got into this industry, I didn’t really know what style I was wanting to specialize in. The shop I started in I was thought to be able to do every style. It wasn’t until I opened my own shop that I started gravitating to the traditional style. I’m super proud of the fact that I’ve been able to meet so many talented people, also super proud that I’ve gotten the chance to compete with them and against them. I never dreamed I would be an award-winning tattooer. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the popularity of this industry grow to the level it has today. I like to set myself apart by being relatable to anyone who sits in my chair. I love my clients and all their stories and being a part of their journey whether it be a full back tattoo or just something small, everyone should be treated the same. They are the reason that I get to do what I love every day.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m pretty good with math. I like to cook for people I don’t do it as much as I’d like to but being in front of the grill or in a kitchen making food bring me a bit if inner peace.
Pricing:
- $200 deposit
- $250/hour
- $1800 day rate
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Darkagetattoo.com
- Instagram: @dannytattoos
- Facebook: Danny pando tattoos
