Andy Shou

I was raised in an arts-oriented family and have been bond with drawing since I was a kid. Becoming a tattoo artist was not appealing to me at first because this profession is generally not well-respected in the society. Public often perceive tattoo with negative gangster image, especially in Asia.

One day I came across a very beautiful tattoo work that changed my attitude. I was surprised by the amount of unique message expressed from tattoo. I started to become very interested in this form of art. I decided to study tattoo seriously. When I began my career, there were very few tattoo artists in Taiwan. Most were not willing to teach or share their techniques. I learned how to tattoo mostly by myself. My past drawing training was very helpful. After two years of self learning and practicing, I accumulated experience by tattooing on friends and eventually formed my own studio. These friends are truly my best teachers!

I have very high respect for a teacher, Mr. Chiang-Hsun.

He said:

“Beauty is the most precious wealth – the more you share, the more you receive… You see the stars in the sky from other’s exclamation; you see the sunset from other’s infatuation; and you see flower’s blooming from other’s praise.”

This is a inspirational motto to me. It made me realize that to create is to share! This is the essence in tattoo arts!