Chapter Summary
Benjamin Naiser
Here is a summary for the last year of my life, for the purposes of comparison at a later date, and to previous dates. This time last year I was in Los Angeles, working as a 'tattoo artist' in Hollywood. In April, I packed up my RV and drove east, making a few stops along Route 66, landing in Louisville, KY. There were a few things that happened which ended up with me driving my ass back to Kentucky. Although, I can say my California experience was super beneficial and helped me grow & learn a lot in a very short amount of time.
In LA, had determined that I would move on from Louisville to settle in Nashville. Once I reached Louisville, I was super surprised by the amount of steam I had generated coming into town. I was able to keep myself busy for 3 months, then I stopped taking appointments in Louisville and headed north to Michigan's upper peninsula. I was there for 3 weeks, (drinking/drawing) soul searching & fishing. After Michigan I went down to Nashville to try to jumpstart my career in a brand new city, bustling with creativity. I met a group of incredibly cool people and learned a good bit about the city, also that I was unable to legally tattoo in Tennessee. This was because I haven't been tattooing long enough (only a year and some change to date), so I ended up settling 3 hours north in my hometown Louisville, Kentucky. Sold my RV, got myself a nice little place in the Highlands, and reserved myself a seat in a new shop being opened by a prestigious tattooer.
Since I knew I was going to have to put some serious time into this new shop, I figured I'd drive to Los Angeles for 9 days. I was fortunate enough to do a guest spot at a friends tattoo parlor, with major success/ personal accomplishment and some drama (sorry i have secrets too). I was able to get myself busy tattooing & manage to spend time with friends I had made during my time living out west. This trip reinvigorated my love for travel and respect for tattooing.
Upon my return I have nothing but excitement for the future and a feeling of content upon my current situation. Once this new shop opens I'll be working full time as a somewhat well-travelled professional tattooer in a (pretty badass) spot. I continue to receive support from family, friends, and fans that never goes unnoticed. I'll keep on keepin' on and livin' and learnin' and all the other ones of those they got, comin up next... 2018.