EVOKED

In a recent episode of EVOKED, hosted by the insightful Alicia Dale, we are introduced to the world of Klaus Zhang, a tattoo artist with a heartwarming perspective on his craft, the art of adaptation, and the beauty of storytelling through body art.

Klaus, originally from China, shares his journey of adapting to life in the U.S. and how his profession as a tattoo artist has become a means of healing and storytelling for his clients. "Cover up tattoo, we call that cover up. It's not only covering your old tattoo, but also the ladies C section, any scar, you can cover it. That's really emotionally healing," Klaus shares with Alicia.

As the conversation progresses, Alicia delves deeper into Klaus’s philosophy on body art. He views the body as a journal, a canvas for individuals to tell their stories, memorialize loved ones, or mark significant moments in their lives.

"Your body is a journal. You're telling your story," he says. From commemorating family members to capturing vacation memories or paying tribute to pets, tattoos serve as a permanent reminder of the experiences that shape us.

Klaus’s dedication to his craft is evident in the way he approaches his work, preferring to immerse himself in the design process rather than engaging in conversation with his clients during sessions. 

This level of focus and care, he believes, translates into the final product, making the experience more rewarding for both him and his clients. "The truth is when I see my customer looking into the mirror, that smile, it's better than the payment," he confesses to Alicia.

Moreover, Klaus's story is not just about tattoos and artistry; it’s also a story of adaptation and growth. Moving from China to the U.S. brought significant cultural shifts, from work ethics to social norms like tipping.

His journey of learning and adapting to a new environment is a lesson in resilience and open-mindedness that we can all learn from.

This episode of the EVOKED podcast with Alicia Dale not only provides a glimpse into the world of tattoo artistry, but also sheds light on the healing power of body art and the importance of adaptation in our ever-changing world. Klaus’s story is a testament to the impact that dedication, empathy, and a willingness to learn can have on both personal and professional development.