We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Costello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I decided to open up Doves & Serpents Art Collective, I had a few things at the top of my priority list. One, was building a team of talented, likeminded artists. Although, tattoo artists are independent practitioners, multiple team members broadens the potential business. Two, it was important to create a high end, professional environment for consumers to feel safe, comfortable and happy to be there. Third, at the top of the priority list is, and should always be quality, quality, QUALITY! I don’t just mean the artwork, but the whole experience should leave the client ecstatic to have come, and anxious to come back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I could encourage anyone reading in one thing, it would be to seek out your life’s purpose and give it everything you have. From a young age, I lived a very reckless lifestyle, and there were times I should have breathed my last breath. But because God had a plan for my life, I am able to use the gift he gave me, to impact others. Along with keeping the quality of my work at the utmost of importance, the personal interaction with clients is right alongside that, and I believe that is what keeps people coming back. This road has not been easy, and I have a long ways to go, but I find it to be very rewarding.
Recently, I’ve been more open to taking on commission work, to further my skills and study different mediums such as, airbrush and oil paints, so I am very excited about that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a tough one, being that I don’t get out much, and I’m fairly new to the area! Lol… but we are located in the beautiful city of Yucaipa California, which falls in the middle of Los Angeles and Palm Springs, so there is plenty to do! Riverside and San Bernardino have great arts centers/galleries. San Gorgonio, the highest mountain peak in Southern California is just minutes away, if you’re a hiker. Other than that, there’s eateries for any and all preferences throughout the inland empire, you’d just have to get on line and see what you find!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, all glory and honor goes to Jesus Christ, who saved me from a very reckless lifestyle in my youth. My parents, who never gave up on me regardless of the horrible decisions I’ve made. My wife and kids, who love and trust me to lead them, no matter how many times I may drop the ball. Along with the many people who wear my art work in their skin, I’d like to mention Josh Huichan and Ray Herrera for giving me the push I needed to actually step into this industry. And to all those who have paved the way in the tattoo industry, I salute you as well.

Website: Www.SOLIDWearClothing.com

Instagram: Doves_and_serpents

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/maniakotattz

Yelp: Yelp.to/Xjmb4I8UBw

Youtube: @gabrielcostello1319

Image Credits
Lorenzo Marquez

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