Today we’d like to introduce you to Ham Rasul.
Ham, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. I moved to the United States in 1994. Texas has been my home ever since. Even as a baby, I was very intrigued with art and producing sketches. I almost drowned just trying to save my sketchbook that I dropped in a water hole at the age of four. When I moved to the states, the only subject in school I could focus on was art. I knew it was something that I wanted to do in my life. No matter what I did, I couldn’t escape the magnetic draw that it had on me. Although I knew I wanted to make art I just didn’t know what kind. I went to school at UNT for graphic design and ended up not really using it. One day I went to get a tattooed by Adrian Evans at Saints and Sinners in the bishop arts area. I had something that I wanted to get tattooed on me that I had drawn up. I’m showing him my schedules for my idea. During my tattoo, he encouraged me into getting into tattooing told me that I had all the skills and everything that you would need to get my foot in the door. Ever since then I’ve been obsessed with tattooing. Without him, I would’ve never went down this path so I’m extremely grateful for his decision on guiding me towards the right direction. Now I tattoo full-time, and make art on the side.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life was definitely tough growing up. Having parents that didn’t speak English coming into the United States not knowing a word of English myself. Growing up, very family oriented, and now not speaking to most of the people in my family, except for my mother and father. I believe thing are only an obstacle if you make. Bumpy roads are a reminder of why you enjoy smoother road. Mentally you have to pave that path for yourself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do all types of life, but I mainly focus on tattooing. I specialize in black, dark, calligraphy style lettering. I do a lot of tattoos. Art and illustration styles. I also make custom cloths for myself and clients. I also freelance graphic design work on the side. I paint murals for shops and schools. Over im mainly known for my lettering style.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There are a certain things that happened in my life that changed the trajectory of how I wanted to make:
-my sketchbook I had as a baby was the start of my art making I was around 3 to 4 years old
-elementary school field day, the teachers let me draw on the other students arms I was given them tattoos I was in third grade.
-standing on a skateboard for the first time. I was in third grade.
Pricing:
- Pop-up flash designs $40-$100
- Shop minimum $60-$80
- Palm size tattoo $150-$300
- Hourly rate $150
- Day rate $700-$1200
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamstattoos
- Other: Hamstattoos@gmail.com
