In the Spotlight – Tattoo Apprentice Michael Amaral

Our Waikiki Tattoo Studio has welcome some new blood into the family here at 434 Tattoo and we’d like to introduce you to Michael Amaral aka Komb.  Learn more about one of the newest in our ohana here!

Michael was referred by none another than a former member of our team and family member Marko Livingston.  Marko has gone on to take on more solo work and has even opened his own Hawaii tattoo studio!  Michael, Marko, and Horiyume Tattoo Adam are all bound by a common love for painting, in particular, graffiti!

Over the course of his journey, which took him from Campbell High School to the University of Hawaii, Michael has done music and went to school for architecture, which led him to explore painting further. He began to develop a deep appreciation for tattoos and has been an apprentice with our tattoo studio in Waikiki for 3 months.

Fun fact: He is also serving this country as a member of the US Navy, which has taken him overseas for work in Italy and Japan.

A push behind his drive to tattooing is because he loves to experience new things, see the finished tattoo product, and wants to share that joy with people who are seeking to experience it through their own new tattoos.

Check out Michael’s artwork on Instagram (@_kombism_) and watch the progression of this talented young artist!

To get a tattoo with us, holla!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

 

Last Chance to See Guest Tattoo Artist Macho!

Guest Tattoo Artist Macho will be with us at 434 Tattoo, our award-winning Waikiki tattoo studio, for just a short while more so don’t hang loose for too long and miss the chance to get some work done by him!

Macho’s adventures will soon take him off the island so consider taking advantage of this opportunity to get a very original, custom tattoo from this talented Korean tattoo artist!

Macho is skilled in Asian tattooing, new school, old school styles, & more in custom tattooing! Stop by our shop, one of Hawaii’s best tattoo studios, to preview some of his designs available now or bring your idea and this awesome artist will mix it with his vision and give you an amazing piece of art!

We are open 7 days a week, from 10a to 10p, and located at 434 Ena Road. Led by Horiyume Tattoo Adam and his 23 years in the industry, we strive to offer you the best and happiest experience out there!  Give us a call or stop by today so we can get to inking your next best piece!

Aloha!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

 

Happy Birthday Tattoo…

Happy Birthday Tattoo…

Adam Siehr (Horiyume)!

The President & Proud Owner of our Waikiki tattoo studio celebrates his 24th birthday today!  Check out our last blog about the Blazer’s Cup to catch the breeze on how he is celebrating!

In the meanwhile, enjoy these photos of Adam doing some original custom tattoo work in the Asian tattoo style on long-time friend & loyal customer, Jimmy!

Cool side-story: these shots were taken on Jimmy’s recent birthday. He was so stoked to celebrate his special day with more ink!

To get a tattoo in Hawaii for your birthday or any other special day at one of Hawaii’s best tattoo shops, 434 Tattoo! Hit us up & holla at the ink below!  Shop is open 7 days a week, from 10a to 10p.

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

Best Waikiki Tattoo Shops

The term best is relative to experience and in this day and age weighed against reviews, word of mouth, online or otherwise.  We like to think we are among the best Waikiki Tattoo Shops because we have all of the above going for us.

Awards? We got em! Our waikiki tattoo studio has received the award from the consumer business review for best custom tattooing studio in Honolulu for 5 years running!

Loyal clients? We have and are so grateful for all of them/you too!  Many of the clients have been with our Founder, Tattoo Adam (Horiyume), since he first came to Honolulu years ago.  The internet might not be quick to recall the days of Sugar Box, the walls going up at Tattoolicious, and history might have faded some of the great memories but Adam’s been tattooing for over two decades and has put in the time to master the craft.  The returning long-time customers speak to that!

Great reviews? We have quite a few of those too.  While we admit there have also been some that didn’t cut our high standards, we take your feedback to heart to improve the customer experience by removing artists who contributed to the negativity and constantly finding ways to make our shop better.

We urge you to read through all that’s out there and figure out what you want to do.  You work hard for you money and so do we.  We want you to be happy so come down and schedule a free consultation.  That’s a great time for us to talk stories about your concept, what you’re looking for, and for you to see if you have a rapport with our team.

If you like it, which so many over the years, well let’s get to inking ya!

Aloha!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

 

The Pacific Ink & Art Expo!!!

The Pacific Ink & Art Expo is less than a month away! We’re thrilled to have one of a handful of international artists highlighting the show with us starting from July 30!  Be sure to sign up today and get your work done by Takashi Matsuba before he’s whisked away in the convention madness!

The expo, or Hawaii Tattoo Convention, is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world!  Though just a few years old, it has quickly evolved into a popular event and showcases talented tattooists from Hawaii, the US Mainland, and other countries, such as Takashi.

This year’s headliner’s include Freddy Negrete, Lyle Tuttle, Richie Lucero, & more! To see a full list of who’s scheduled to appear, visit this link!  AND don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to see some of the world’s finest artists and get ahead of the game by booking your appointment with Takashi, from July 30 on, by contacting us now!

Our Waikiki tattoo shop is open 7 days a week from 10a – 10p and we’re happy to ink you!  Consultations and touch ups are free so contact us today!

Aloha!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

Vice feature on Horiyoshi III & Traditional Japanese Tattooing

Tattoo Adam practicing traditional Japanese artwork in his space dedicated to tebori.

Head over to Vice.com to check out a feature on the legendary sensei and Japanese Tattoo Master Horiyoshi III.

Our Waikiki Tattoo studio, 434 Tattoo, has a unique connection with the master tattooist.  Owner and Lead Artist Tattoo Adam Siehr has been a long-time student of this great teacher and artist, having visited Yokohama, Japan, on many occasions to learn and get custom tattoos as well.

Horiyoshi III even gave Adam the honor of a custom name, Horiyume (“Curving Dream”) and Adam has begun practicing the Traditional Japanese Tattooing or tebori.

The video is worth anyone’s time who is interested in learning more about tattoo traditions and the legend himself.  For all your other tattoo needs on Oahu, visit our Hawaii tattoo studio 7 days a week! Walk-ins are welcome though appointments are a greatly appreciated.

Aloha!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

Say no tattoo discrimination

Horiyume (Tattoo Adam) painting an Asian inspired piece.

 

Came across two very interesting statements circulating the web recently that sparked some thoughts…

“Everybody that isn’t really aware of the newer trends in tattooing is just hung up on the stereotype that they’re shady and for bikers or gang members, just very seedy overall,” says Jerry Cross in an article about the opening of a new tattoo studio he owns with a few friends.

Another statement that catches the eye is the following headline:

Brad Pitt: I don’t want my daughters to get tattoos

The article is about an interview with his wife, Angelina Jolie, and both very well-known actors have ink.  So it’s a bit interesting to hear that he specifically doesn’t want their daughters to get ink.  She is quoted in the Fox News piece as saying:

“How do I say ‘No’? It’s especially hard for dads and girls,” she said. “For some reason men get a little more sensitive when the daughter gets a tattoo.”

It’s hard to fathom why the statement is aimed at just the daughters and not the sons.  It is easy to see why a parent might not want their child to have the same experiences, especially in the case where someone experienced tattoo discrimination.  But Pitt and Jolie have done pretty well for themselves so it’s doubtful the tattoos are all that bad.

For every step forward the artform takes, it seems like something happens that reinforces those sad, negative stereotypes that just aren’t true of everyone.  There are tons of criminals and assholes who have no ink.

The tattoo isn’t the problem.  There are great people who do alot for their communities who have tattoos. Tattooists are artists and for every stereotype, there are countless numbers of folks who break that mold.

The issue of discrimination runs a bit beyond just skin deep… and that type of ish is just a part of humanity and the problem will exist until we figure out a way to flush it.

But fear not!

Our tattoos here at 434 Tattoo are free from bullshit and our awesome tattoo studio in Waikiki is open 24/7, from 10a to 10p.  We specialize in custom tattooing and can intricately perform a number of styles including Asian tattoos, Hawaiian tattoo designs, & traditional old school tattoos and new school tattoos. We also have many books and tattoo flash available for you to review.

Bring your tattoo ideas and yourself and show solidarity against ignorance and stereotypes and come on down to get your ink on!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

 

 

Army Tattoo Protocol in Retreat

The USA Today reported that the Army might change its policies on tattoos to be more accommodating and allow enlisted men and women to become officers after recently implementing stricter policies.  Who would thought the military would be at the leading edge of anti-tattoo discrimination?

The issue which made headlines on the Internet and in the United Kingdom may some day be non-existent, but as evident here in Hawaii, that’s not quite the case.

On the one hand, it’s an Executive’s decision on how to run her/his business.  It is understandable that many businesses want to convey certain looks and feels to consumers with how their employees appear.  But the fact remains that the number of tattooed individuals is growing by the day.  It’s important to create policies in businesses, states, and countries that reflect the will of the people.

If your will is down with a custom tattoo, then come on down because we got ya!

434 Tattoo, 0ur Hawaii tattoo shop, is located at 434 Ena Road and our team of talented artists have decades in the business.  Consultations are free and we’re open every day.

Forget the hype and get inked!

434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

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

Tattoo Care in the Summer

Summer’s here!  That means a variety of things for many different people!  It’s a time to get outdoors, enjoy family, friends, and fun all over!  It’s also hotter than usual and trips to the beach, especially in places like Hawaii become very common.  As tempting as it is to just jump in the water, remember that the sun can do damage to your skin, and if your tattooed, not only are the ultraviolet rays cause for concern regarding sunburn and if prolonged even skin cancer, your ink can be in harm’s way!

“The sun is the number one enemy of your tattoos.”  Tattoo Adam, owner of Waikiki tattoo studio 434 Tattoo shares.

The sun can make your tattoos fade and all that time, money, pain runs the risk of being for not!  But fear not, for there are a number of things you can do.

1. Wear Sunscreen.  This is a given for anyone who will be in the sun for a period of time, tattooed or not.  Sunburn sucks and skin cancer is no joke, so lather up, the higher the SPF, the better.  Don’t worry, health is better than a tan.

2. Cover up.  It might not be cool to wear a shirt at the beach or the park but bring an umbrella, create shade, wear a hat.  Do whatever you can to help your skin.  Your older self will thank you!

3. Don’t go out in peak sun hours.  The peak time for UV rays to wreak havoc on your body is between 10a – 3p.  Do your best to stay out of the sun during the time.  In addition to the heat and the sun’s impact on your skin, your body also dehydrates, so if you’re in the sun during times when it’s not as hot, you will stay hydrated and feel better longer.  Which leads to…

4. Drink water!  Salt water dehydrates.  It’s science or something.  Or if it isn’t, just trust us.  It does.  Factor in that Hawaii is close to the Equator and intense rays and humidity and well, dehydration happens.  Drink water as often as you can.  Remember caffeine dehydrates, so does alcohol, so for every coffee, energy drink, and beer, replenish with water.  You’ll feel better and believe it or not, your skin will be more hydrated…

With that, the ball is in your court, players and playettes!  Take care of yourself, your skin, and both your health and tattoos will be stoked for Life!

See you at the beach and hopefully at our tattoo studio in Waikiki!  We’re open everyday from morning til late in the evening and we are happy to assist you in getting a custom tattoo in Hawaii!

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

 

Have Tattoos Will Travel… Recap

 

 

 

Tattoo Adam has returned to our Waikiki tattoo studio, 434 Tattoo, after a trip to Japan. Adam is back and ready for the summer and to ink you up with your newest custom tattoo design idea!

Below are some more photos from the adventure in Japan, which included some spiritual nourishment (for a previous traveling adventure, read about Thai Buddhist Tattoo Monks here!), spending time with the Master Japanese Tattoo Artist, Horiyoshi III, and making new friends!

 

For an overall recap of the the recent Have Tattoos Will Travel series:

Pt. 1

Pt. 2

And for more fun stories, stop by and talk to the man in person!  Our Hawaii tattoo shop is open 7 days a week from 10a-10p and is led by Adam, a tattoo artist with over 22 years of experience in the field!

Consultations are free so make an appointment, especially during the summer when business is in the busy season.

Mahalo and we’ll see ya soon!