Q&A with tattoo artist Kevin Ligabue.
What's your name (and studio name/location etc.), and how long have you been tattooing?
My name is Kevin Ligabue. I'm the owner and founder of Future Ink Tattoo & Supply at 5251 Broadway, Oakland, CA. I've been tattooing for 8 years.
What got you into tattooing?
I've always loved tattoos since I was a kid. I remember browsing Facebook back in the day looking for pages showing tattoo work, and going to tattoo shops every chance I got.
When you were starting out, were you inspired by other artists?
Absolutely. My biggest inspiration was and always will be Master Nissaco. He's my favorite tattoo artist in the world, and I've had the honor of being tattooed by him many times, including a back piece and full leg sleeves.
Did you work in other mediums first or go straight to tattoos?
I went straight into tattooing, though my path to it was unusual. I used to work in tech, then in oil and gas, and one day I woke up and decided I wanted to pursue what I was really passionate about: creating art. Being a creator, not a consumer.
Do you work in other mediums now?
Only tattooing. I've tried other mediums but they don't feel as meaningful to me. What I love about tattooing is that I can't just do it by myself, I have to find a person who trusts me and lets me do my art on them. That bond and connection is something I value enormously. I don't get the same reward from paper or canvas.
Do you have a specific niche or style that you specialize in?
I started in classic geometry, a style that includes dotwork, precise lines, and geometric shapes. I call it "classic" because the shapes and patterns don't necessarily have a specific cultural reference; they tend to be mandalas and abstract geometry.
Over the years, I specialized in what I call Japanese Geometry. This is a style that combines traditional Japanese elements, kimono motifs, natural elements, leaves, waves, clouds, with classic geometric patterns and family crests. I love this style much more than classic geometry, because my appreciation for Japanese culture is deep.
The other main style I do is heavy blackwork. As the name suggests, it combines large areas of black with abstract patterns, minimalist shapes, and blackouts. I love adding cyberpunk and futuristic elements, and I often give it a Japanese twist by using suminagashi ink patterns within the heavy blackwork.
How do you handle the pressure of knowing that when tattooing, it's permanent…there's no "undo" button?
I'm well aware of it, and I give it the respect it deserves by showing up to my appointments well-rested and focused. I'd rather reschedule an appointment than show up at less than 100%. It's a privilege to have a person trust me with their body, and they deserve my full commitment.
Some tattoo styles seem to come and go, is there one style that's gone away that you miss?
Not really. Life itself is impermanent, and I practice non-attachment as a general life principle, so I understand that even in tattooing there are trends. I did notice an initial spike of interest in colored suminagashi when I first started doing it, and lately it's shifted to just black. I'd love to do more black-and-color suminagashi, but if it's not meant to be, that's okay.
Do you prefer clients who come with a finished idea, or ones who give you a vague concept and let you run with it? Do most clients give you freedom to be creative?
Since I work mainly in three very different styles, clients usually come with a reference of what they like, and then typically give me freedom to design whatever I want, as long as it matches that style.
You've probably heard a lot of back-stories "behind the tattoo", is there one story about a tattoo that you've done that's stuck with you?
Because of the nature of my work, most of my tattoos are abstract and don't necessarily come with a story. I prefer it that way, honestly. When we attach a strong meaning to a tattoo, we might change in life and realize that meaning isn't for us anymore. That happened to me too, I had to blast over my first sleeve. This is why I recommend keeping it abstract and detached from specific meanings.
Aside from that story, do you have a favorite tattoo that you've done?
Most of the time the latest project I start working on becomes my new favorite. So it changes very often.
Aside from the actual drawing, what's a skill a tattoo artist needs that people don't realize? What challenges do tattoo artists face?
There are a number of skills needed nowadays.
Business-wise, you need to understand marketing, SEO and AEO, booking and scheduling. We live in 2026, this isn't 1990. Keeping up with all the technologies and the constant change in marketing algorithms and social networks is a skill on its own. Most of the time the artist just wants to be an artist. You can do that, but then you'll get left behind in the current tech world.
Customer service is the other piece. We work with people in pain and distress as they get tattooed. Compassion and understanding for the client is very important, try to make them feel as comfortable as possible and help them walk through the pain.
Then there's the professional side. You're an artist, but you also need to be a professional. Showing up on time, not intoxicated, and sharp is something you'll be surprised how rare that is in this industry.
Last but not least: ego. Pride is an interesting emotion. It's okay to be proud of your work, but remember there's always a bigger fish in the ocean. Stay humble, there's always something to learn. Confidence is good, but don't get cocky. The balance is hard. Not enough confidence translates into presenting yourself as someone unsure about their own work, which isn't a good look with the client. Too confident and you become cocky, and nobody likes that. Too much of that and you get a diva personality. It's definitely a tough industry with egos.
Kevin Ligabue is the owner and founder of Future Ink Tattoo & Supply in Oakland, CA
Please follow Kevin on Instagram: @kevinligabue
Website: KevinLigabue.com
Shop website: futureink.co
Shop Instagram: @futureink.co
