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

Hi Chad, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was always into art my whole life. As a child I loved to draw or do anything creative I could get my hands on. I was always inspired by nature and cartoons. Going through school I would always get in trouble for drawing all over my homework and tests. Later on in life I started noticing tattoos and was hooked once I saw my first one. I knew Tattooing would be the career for me. It took me 9 years to get an apprenticeship. Nobody was interested in teaching how to tattoo, so I went on my journey checking out several art schools to get myself a degree in art until I found myself someone to teach me to tattoo. I landed myself in Laguna Beach, California at Laguna College of Art and Design. I picked them because of their Action Sports program. As I pursued a Fine Art Degree, I took on an Internship at Fitbikeco. and S&M Bikes. Later on I got offered a Tattoo apprenticeship while finishing School. I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Graphic Design with an Emphasis in Action Sports Design. Currently you can find me Tattooing in Anaheim, California at The Golden Alley Tattoo.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very proud and honored to be tattooing after it taking me 9 years to get into. It was very challenging field to get into. A career full of egos. My Mentor at the time even denied fully teaching me tattoo tattoo all because of ego and the current shop he’s at. Currently My style of tattooing is Illustrative Neo- Traditional. I love bold color work. I’m inspired from Illustrations and nature.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This would be amazing actually. We would start the day off with coffee and a redbull, because of course you gotta have both! Then we would spend the day hitting up GreenCheek and all the other local breweries and end the day with some ramen, because who doesn’t love ramen.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To all My Teachers at Laguna College of Art and Design, Specially Catharin Eure, for pushing me to finish up my education. And All the guys at the Golden Alley Tattoo

Instagram: dachadsta

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