Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Osburn
Hi Tyler, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in the rural and historic town of Gonzales Texas, there wasn’t much to do or many ways to get away. Drawing was my outlet and entertainment. I found peace in my art. I eventually moved in with my dad during high school in Pearland Texas. This is where I met a brave, crazy, trusting soul by the name of Ian Haley. Ian was a line cook at one of my first jobs, the local barbecue joint. It didn’t take long that he caught wind I was an artist. After seeing my drawings, he decides to take me to the local smoke shop to get a tattoo machine and some supplies. Having college paid for and fully occupied being a student athlete, I had no intention of being an artist much less a tattoo artist. At any rate I had this guy willing to give me some real estate on his leg so, why not try? I was immediately hooked. I still tattoo Ian to this day. I continued tattooing all throughout college and eventually finding myself chasing a dream in Phoenix Arizona. I did my apprenticeship at Timeless Art Tattoo owned and operated by Bobby and Heather Moss. Heather is still known worldwide as a tattoo model. Being a tattoo apprentice is rough. You don’t make money, you have no clients, you’re expected to be the first one to the shop and last to leave, keep the place clean, and you have to earn the respect of other artists to learn. All of this is after you pay your apprenticeship fee, mine being $1500. Taking it all in stride I meet another very influential person in my life being an artist that went by the name Boomer. Boomer was a salty dog of the shop and a true veteran of the craft. He was far superior from any other artist at the shop which gravitated me towards him. I eventually earned his respect. He taught me all the fundamentals that I still use to this day. Boomer is now the owner of his own shop with multiple locations, Fifth Finger Studio in Phoenix Arizona. After my time in Arizona I eventually found myself back at home working warehouse jobs, going to college at the University of Houston, and working at various tattoo shops around downtown Houston. Eventually I ended up meeting another influential figure who helped my career tremendously being Peng Yang, the owner of Assassin Tattoo. This guy is an amazing story. He grew up tattooing in China and eventually opened multiple tattoo shops. The first shop being in Beijing, second being in New York, and the third being here in Houston where I worked with him. He also owns his own tattoo supply company King Focus who sponsors me still to this day. I worked at his shop for over 5 years earning my way up the pay scale and eventually getting booked out with my own clients. From there I got my first booth rental position in Humble Texas which was a little closer to home. It was here I was able to save up enough money to start my own shop, Wild Hare Studios. I am now the proud owner of Kingwood’s first and only tattoo shop. We are excited to show Kingwood what our vision is for a great experience at a high quality tattoo shop for artists and clients. The shop is very unique and secluded being tucked away in an office building right off Kingwood Drive. We are appointment only and all have 5 plus years experience. Me myself having over 10 years experience. We plan on bringing the best artists we can find to the Kingwood area and we hope to make a positive impact in the community. This shop is for the community but also for the artists. I aim to give every artist the best work environment possible. We encourage everyone to come check us out!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing great comes easy. My struggles consisted of an unstable childhood, living on my own in high school due to my dad falling terminally ill to brain cancer, and learning how to navigate the tattoo industry without knowing anyone. I had to earn that respect every step of the way. I’ve worked many jobs outside of tattooing to keep this dream alive from CDL driving cross country to warehouse jobs to fast food. I’ve done it all to keep striving forward.
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 have always been gravitated towards pencil art and black and grey applications. I’ve always enjoyed seeing a realistic image in grey scale. This is what I still specialize in today, large scale black and grey realism. Tattooing has taken me many places. I’ve traveled the country with the Ink Masters Tattoo Show and other conventions winning multiple awards in multiple cities, I’ve tattooed in other countries including Thailand, and I’ve now opened my own shop in uncharted territory. I’m proud of all that but what I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve maintained over the years with my clients and colleagues.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am not heavily tattooed myself. I came out of my apprenticeship unscathed for the most part. Most artists are smothered and covered but I’ve been reluctant in finding an artist I trust and vibe with. I will eventually get inked but not in any rush.
Pricing:
- FULL DAY SESSION (11 HOURS) : $1250
- HALF DAY SESSION (5 HOURS) : $650
- SHORT SESSION (2.5 HOURS) : $350
- MINIMUM FOR SMALL TATTOOS : $50
- I also offer a 20% discount to all veterans and first responders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tylerosburn.com
- Instagram: @shadesofpain1992
- Facebook: Tattoos by Tyler Osburn
- Youtube: @shadesofpain1992
