Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Tran
Hi Diana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been doing art for as long as I can remember. My mom always recalls this story; I was pre-k sobbing to go home to my mommy. The office told her I would not stop crying and wanted to go home, so she came to the school to find me silent and content because I was drawing. She said they gave me a piece of paper and a crayon, and I stopped crying immediately. She said I was drawing an elephant; it wasn’t good, but it was an elephant. I always knew art was my calling, but being in a traditional Asian household, I was told that I needed to be a doctor or something in the medical field because art was not a job to them. It was just a hobby. Being an only child, especially a girl, I felt much pressure on myself. I didn’t want to disappoint them since I’m the 1st generation. I graduated from high school in 2022 and majored in Biology with the dental prerequisites. I hated it so much; it threw me into a deep state of depression. I tried my best to prevail, but it was getting too complicated. During this time, I decided to practice tattoos on fake skin; my partner gifted me a tattoo machine on Christmas, so I started trying it out. That’s when I realized I like tattooing. I decided to change my major to graphic design; it took a lot to tell my parents because of their thoughts on having a job in the arts. But they approved my decision and told me to do what makes me happy. I was so relieved by their response; it was just a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. In 2023, I started looking for a tattoo apprenticeship, and an artist from a shop contacted me. I was so excited because everyone in the shop was highly talented. During this time, I apprenticed there for about a year and moved to Houston with my parents because the apprenticeship did not work out as I had hoped. I started looking for shops to work at, and I reached out to a few shops and found the perfect one. I started posting on TikTok to get more clientele and hopefully reach the right audience. I’m working at Red Eye Gallery and attending school at the University of Houston.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bumpy road. The main struggle was being let go of my apprenticeship for some dumb reasons. At the time, I was still living in Beaumont with my parents, and I had to find another shop to work at in Beaumont. I searched for another shop to work at in Houston and transferred to the University of Houston; it wasn’t an easy process. I was going back and forth between Beaumont and Houston, moving stuff back and forth, and working simultaneously.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Tattoo Artist. I specialize in blackwork and fine line but I’m also well versed in many other styles. I’m known for my clean lines and my unique style. I’m most proud of my geisha blackwork tattoo, my favorite style is blackwork because I can really show my eye for details. I think what dents me a part from others is that I’m really young to be apart of the tattoo industry. I’m only 20 years old, I started my apprenticeship when I was 19. I’ve excelled and worked hard to be where I am today.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned many things during this journey, and I know there’s much more to learn. Most importantly, I’ve learned that being who you are and continuing to create what you love will take you far. Don’t care what others think; create. Great things come with the price of working hard. Follow your passion no matter what, it’ll all pay off in the end. Just trust the process. you will make great things.
Pricing:
- I charge $130/hr
- $100 minimum
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianakhaiink?igsh=dDc5OHZxeWExaXZ4&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianaktran?_t=8pdd5KUX3CV&_r=1
