Tattoos have become a common accessory in our society. Around town, there are many tattoo shops that anyone can walk into to get inked. There’s one tattoo artist in town who is a Bakersfield College student and is using his talent to create living artwork.
Kaib Knight, owner of Tattoo Six, got into the tattoo business almost nine years ago and hasn’t looked back.
“I’m self taught,” he said. “I hung around and learned how to do it. I applied my artistic abilities from one medium to another.”
At first, Knight didn’t know that tattooing was his calling. “I was always intrigued, and it just kind of happened.”
Knight attended BC and credits his art skills to retired professor Chalita Robinson. “I give huge credits to BC.”
Knight has his own way of creating a tattoo that signifies the individual as well as putting his touch of flair into it. By listening to his clients, paying attention, and gaining trust, Knight is able to create a personalized tattoo.
“Two people may ask for the same thing, but on both people, it will be totally different because of their personalities. You can read them,” he said.
What Knight likes most about tattooing is the fact that it’s a living canvas with endless possibilities of progression.
He has lots of answers for people who are looking into getting a tattoo or looking for a new tattoo artist. One of his biggest suggestions is to research who is doing the work.
“Just because they’re in a shop doesn’t necessarily mean they’re qualified,” he said. “Jumping in and starting to tattoo is a mistake. It should be kept as an art form and not as a job.”
Knight also explained that people should really think about a tattoo before getting one. People’s regrets include either extreme subject matter or extreme placement, but the number one regret is quality of work. Find an artist who tattoos as an art and not just to work.
Another question Knight is bombarded with is the typical “does it hurt?” Although no one knows what it feels like until it happens, Knight gives his best explanation. “It’s more annoying than excruciating. If it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t make you tough. What makes you tough is sitting through the pain.”
Knight has many things to say about tattoos, and one of them includes the cost. Like Knight, many artists charge by the hour. Tipping your artist is also something to keep in mind, he said.
“What you get, get it done right. If you can’t afford the right thing, don’t get it. Pain and money are temporary, but tattoos are forever,” he said.
But Knight’s number-one comment to remember is that “Sun fades color!”
For more information about Tattoo Six or to see Knight’s work, log on to www.tattoosix.com or www.myspace.com/tattoosix. Tattoo Six is located at 1820 L Street in Bakersfield.