Man and (Tattoo) Machine: Doubledown

HawaiiTattoo Artist: Doubledown

Tattoo Apprenticeship with: Tattoo Adam

Hawaii Tattoo Shop Affiliation: 434 Tattoo, Award Winning Honolulu Tattoo studio

Has also: Plied the trade Traveling and Tattooing, doing tattoo pieces in Canada

Tattoo Machine (Pictured above) Built By: Himself, the 5th Machine that he built

Features: Black Mamba Coils, Frogskin wrapped capacitors

“I got into Flight School because of welding, so when I look at it, it’s not just another piece of scrap metal.” ~ Doubledown describing how he can bring life to what others see as a scrap, and yes, the Dude knows how to fly (helicopters)!

You can meet the man and experience custom tattooing yourself at our Waikiki tattoo Studio, open 7 days a week, from 10a-10p each day.

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

When Did You First Tattoo?

It’s never too late to get a new custom tattoo!

At 434 Tattoo, our Waikiki Tattoo parlor, we have four talented Hawaii tattooists including Tattoo Adam (and his 2 decades of experience), Marko Livingston, Andy Burley, and Karl Doubledown Juthans who can assist you in getting the next or maybe even you first tattoo!

Speaking of first tattoos, this Editor decided to poll a few people and see when they got their first tattoo, including the men of 434 (calendar with Andy and his new Harley on the Cover coming soon).  We’ll do this chronologically for sh!ts and gigs…

Coming in first at the age of 13 y/o is Marko Livingston.  Don’t worry all you legal eagles, he ‘handpoked’ himself.

Zach, a loyal customer and frequenter of our fine establishment, also got his ink around this time, having gotten his first tattoo in a garage while in the 9th grade.  He hid it because his Dad told his family growing up no tattoos until they were 18.  As soon as he hit 18, he went and got one for all the world to see!

Tattoo Adam himself got tattooed at the 16, he would shortly join the industry as an apprentice at the age of 17, and go on to tattoo people from all walks of life, all around the world, including the infamous ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.

This writer got his first tattoo at the age of 30, a ribcage, arm sleeve, chest piece, back piece later and well, it’s safe to say I love it!  Our friend Jacob, got his first tattoo a few months ago here at our Honolulu Tattoo studio, at the age of 54!  High Five to you buddy for continuing with a tattoo every week since it seems!!!

Note: Andy was not available for comment.  You’ll have to ask him yourself.

No minors were injured or inked during the writing of this blog!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

Tattoo Artists and Bikers: Andy and his Hog

Hawaii Tattooist Andy Burley finally did it!

He dropped the crotch rocket and got himself a Harley Davidson Motorcycle!

“Almost all tattoo artists ride Harley’s, he woke up and got one.  I respect him more and will probably get one now.”  Tattoo Adam jokes.

On the real, we’d like to congratulate Andy on the new addition to his family and say thank you for letting us ride it as well!  Tattoo Artists and Bikers have a rich history and go way back with Bikers and Motorcycle Clubs being amongst the first to own tattoo shops and get heavily tattooed in the West.  Tattoo Adam himself spent his apprenticeship in a shop owned by bikers.

“I remember being 17 and hearing all these awesome stories of bar fights the night before.  I couldn’t wait until I was old enough… it was probably a good idea I got out of there before I could get into that.”  Adam shares.

Come to the shop where our Hawaii Tattooists do award-winning Honolulu custom tattoos, detail model trains, build tattoo machines, ride Harleys, shoot guns, paint awesome watercolor, discuss the history of tattoos, politics, and more!

Our Waikiki tattoo parlor is open 7 days a week from 10a-10p each day.

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

Man and (Tattoo) Machine: Tattoo Adam

When it gets slow at our Hawaii Tattoo Studio, we like to build tattoo machines here at 434 Tattoo.   The Tattoo Machine pictured above is a one of a kind, brass, hand-crafted instrument, made by Tattoo Adam himself, and is used as he creates music and paints masterpieces on your skin.

The Specs

Maker: Tattoo Adam Siehr

Made: 2008

Parts: Cut-Back, A-Frame, Shorty Coils, Jocko Springs, Rollo Bar, Canadian Counterparts from Buzz

Stay tuned for more Tattoo Machines, Tattoo News, and the best in Tattoo Discounts in Hawaii here from 434 Tattoo!

 

 

 

Custom Tattoo Tips

Go Big or Go Home!!!

Many of the biggest waves in the world are found in Hawaii and so is one of the biggest names in the Hawaiian tattooing, 434 Tattoo! Our award-winning Honolulu Tattoo shop is captained by Tattoo Adam, who has nearly two decades in the game, and features the talented work of Hawaii tattooists Marko Livingston, Andrew Burley, and Karl ‘Doubledown‘ Juthans.

So if you’re looking for where to get tattooed in Hawaii, go the biggest shop around!

Speaking of Big…

When getting a custom tattoo, start off small, no go big with your tattoo what we mean is start from the uh, start. A custom tattoo is not overnight so in your first session, you might just want to do the outline and some shading, in your next a little more shading, and color and so forth.

And if you have a big ego, you might want to check it at the door because it is important to take constructive criticism from your tattoo artist.  Your artist is a highly trained individual who just has your long-term best interest and happiness related to your tattoo in mind.

Did Someone Say Best Interest?

There are alot of home tattoo kits readily available online these days.  While you might think it’s cool to get a homemade tattoo, it’s important to remember that many people who are not licensed as tattoo artists are not properly trained and unable to tattoo in a safe fashion.

Until the day comes where the laws are changed to outlaw the purchase of such products by anyone who is not licensed, it’s important to protect yourself.

Just a few tips from the 434 Tattoo Ohana so come down for your free consultation today and get that custom ink started!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

 

Hawaii Tattoo Shop : News

Greetings Hawaii Tattoo Enthusiasts!  Just wanted to send you some updates and happenings from around the way and the block and so forth coming live out of our Honolulu Tattoo shop, 434 Tattoo.

Tattoo Adam is Leaving the Building!!!

Adam and his family will be leaving the islands for a vacation to Arlita’s homeland from May 8th-28th.  With the way Adam’s been talking, it might even be forever…  Who knows?  Get your sessions in or buy your plane tickets to the Philippines.

But we’ll still have the rest of our team of talented Tattoo Artists on tap and ready and here’s some more news about them!

Marko’s Going Old Skool Tattoo

Marko Livingston, an accomplished tattooist and artist in multiple genres, is working on developing his water colors.  An artist dedicated to perfecting his abilities, he is currently working on learning water color the right way.  Taking some Sailor Jerry Tattoo Flash and doing it in the traditional fashion.  In the old days, they only had certain amounts of colors.

Doubledown Tats is Going Up!

Doubledown is making great leaps, and strides in his tattoo apprenticeship.  He’s been working his way through the APT tattoo manual quickly.  And it makes sense, the Dude’s like Macgyver and…

Because of Doubledown, we offer the only Hawaii Helicopter and Tattoo Special anywhere!

That’s right, you rent the helicopter and Doubledown, who is also a licensed helicopter pilot, will fly you to your yacht (he also can pilot boats, we’re serious about all of this), and he will give you a custom tattoo.

And in Obscure News

Andy Burley got walked in on while using the bathroom.  “I yelled, Dude, someone’s in here.  He didn’t listen.”

So there you have it, some more news, views, and more from 434 Tattoo.

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

 

Tattoo Aftercare

Aloha from our Waikiki Tattoo Shop, 434 Custom Tattoo!

We are your number one Hawaii tattoo parlor for custom tattoo work, Hawaiian tattoos, and the best tattoo discounts in Hawaii!

A question that is often asked is:

Why does every tattoo artist have a unique process of tattoo after-care in order for a tattoo heal properly? Superstition, shop protocol, apprenticeships, personal experience, and more contribute to this difference.  So…

What really is the best way of taking care of a new tattoo?

Well here at our Honolulu tattoo shop, we follow standards as set by the Hawaii State Department of Health and our team of tattoo artists are also proud members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, an organization that advocates for great work and universal standards among tattoo artists.

At our tattoo shop, located at 434 Ena Road, we will go over any questions that you have about not only getting your custom tattoo piece done in Hawaii, we will also hook you up with proper tattoo after-care techniques to prevent infection and so that your tattoo heals nicely.

The first step in tattoo after-care is to remove the bandage after one hour of getting your custom tattoo piece done. Make sure to clean, blot the new tattoo gently, let it air-dry from a minute or two, and then apply small amounts of ointment as recommended by your artist.  At 434 Tattoo, we carry Tattoo Adam‘s own ointment made of natural ingredients available for you to take with you when you’re on the go and if you need to put a little more ointment if the tattoo feels dry.

Many of the people who visit Hawaii want to take advantage of the ocean and the sun. That’s encouraged and cool but please note, it’s not encourage or cool for your new tattoo. DO NOT go swimming and no sun light for at least two weeks after. The ocean is filled with many micro-organisms and bacteria that will wreak havoc on your brand new tattoo. After two weeks, your tattoo will be good to go and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them. We’ll also give you a copy of these directions to have with you.

“I got first two tattoos from other artists and once I met Adam, there was no looking back. I get all my custom tattoos from 434 Tattoo in Honolulu because I like the unique custom tattoo style and the quality of the work. Factor in that homeboys is a wizard when it comes to tattoo after-care. I followed his instructions, picked up the ointment, and my tattoos have healed awesomely and a lot more quickly than my first pieces! It was a lot simpler than what other artists and people with tattoos told me to do. Thanks 434 Crew for my custom tattoo! I won’t go to any other place in Honolulu for a tattoo!” ~ A 434 Fan

If anything happens, no worries, all touch-ups on are free. Make sure you keep the highest level of SPF sunscreen and protection over your tattoo and you should be golden for life. We look forward to meeting you or seeing you again!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

Hawaii Tattoo: What is a Custom Tattoo?

434 Tattoo, our Waikiki Tattoo parlor, is also known by the name of Custom Tattoo LLC.

In our last blog, we discussed the importance of tattoo etiquette.  Now that might be what our expectations are but we wanted to give you a little some-some about what more you can expect from a custom tattoo session with our Award-Winning Honolulu Tattoo studio.

A custom tattoo is a unique, living, breathing piece of artwork because it’s the first of its kind to go anywhere.  The tattoo flash that you see on the walls are popular designs from different artists and are common pieces that people like and most likely multiple people have the same thing.

Flash or otherwise, all tattoos have some kind of meaning for people and Custom tattooing is a different animal.  It allows the tattoo artist‘s own style to really shine and it’s a creation that starts as idea from you and is brought to life by your artist on the canvas of your body.

When you enter a tattoo studio, you can ask the artists to see their portfolios and take it from there as to seeing whose style appeals/speaks to you the most.  And from there, your an idea, stencil, skip, jump and away from your custom tattoo.

So git er done!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto: adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

Tattoo Etiquette: The Graduate Program

From time to time, we like to review tattoo etiquette because it is something that we value at our Hawaii Tattoo studio. 

“It’s good to share with people.”  Tattoo Adam says.

So what does Tattoo Adam, owner of 434 Tattoo think is important for Tattoo Etiquette?

The first thing to do is to come in for a consultation.  We are a custom tattoo studio and while we can do tattoo flash for you, we specialize in Custom Tattooing!  So having a consultation is important because it allows for both you and the tattooist to have a pow-wow before the ow.  Ya heard!?!?

“It’s important that the customer is very detailed about what they want.”  Adam says.  And it is because it is something that you will wear for life and we want you to be happy.  Plus the tattoo artist wants to be sure that you are happy and leave with an awesome experience.

It’s also important that thought is put into the tattoo for reasons similar to above.  While we can do tattoo cover-ups, a cover-up is not necessary if alot of thought and meaning go into the tattoo beforehand.

After your consultation, give the artist about 2-3 days to develop a sketch for you.  Once it is done, you get to come back and check it out, make sure you feel good about it.  And once you’re satisfied with the design, that’s when we are ready…

Please note for larger pieces, more time will have to go into it.  “I don’t like to schedule people for more than 1-2 hours at a time for the client’s benefit.”  Some people think a sleeve can be done in an entire sitting.  While we can bust out extensive work like that if necessary, it is not necessarily ideal for both parties and just another thing to think about when you’re getting your ink.

For more extensive pieces, the outline can be finished in under 2 hours and the next session should be scheduled at least 1 week, preferably 2 weeks later.  This is for healing purposes.  Getting a session too soon on a tattoo that is not completely healed… HURTS!!!  And once the tattoo is healed fully, the artist can really look at it and see what needs to be done next.

That being said, our consultations are free, our hourly rate is $150, and we are the number spot on Oahu for Hawaii Tattoo Deals.  So come on down and get your consult and ink on!

Much Love and Aloha from the 434 Family!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto: adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287

 

Hawaii Tattoo News: April 2012

Get your Sugar Skull Tattoos early this year!

Celebrate Dia Del Muerte now, because only 8 more months until the Apocalypse is upon us (or so some people would like to think)!

In all seriousness (or not, it’s the end of the Now), it’s business as usual here’s some quarterly Hawaii Tattoo News and Views for ya!

The movement to Hawaii’s Tattoo Convention is unfolding and flowing nicely.  Tattoo Adam is in the process of signing up a booth for our award-winning Hawaii tattoo parlor, 434 Tattoo.  You know we will be sure to represent when the Tattoo Convention in Hawaii goes down!

Our Honolulu Tattoo studio was visited by a tattoo legend last month and talked about government corruption, guns, and that the tattoo life!  Just kidding, we didn’t talk about the government but there was definitely bits and pieces of the other things mixed in there about the life of a tattoo artist.

Doubledown Tats has a new number, 808-382-5418, and is stepping his game up, recently completing a tattoo on himself.  Andy Burley celebrated a birthday, Marko Livingston returned from a traveling tattoo/vacation spanning the US and Canada, and Tattoo Adam has been busy tattooing everyone under the Hawaiian sun!

Our Waikiki Tattoo Shop now offers you the opportunity to video your tattoo session and have it burned on a DVD.  Now you can commemorate your memorable custom tattoo experience in an art form that is beyond the ink itself!

Until the next time, stay tuned and posted to the number one site online for all your custom tattoo updates!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto: adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287