The Hangout Studio

The Beginning of Something Special: My Journey into Tattooing at The Hangout Studio

2019—My journey into tattooing didn’t start with strangers or mentors I had to seek out; it started with my friends, Luan Nguyen @boredtodeathtattoo and Hoang Nguyen @micky.ng_, who shared the same passion and vision as I did. Together, we decided to build something from the ground up—a space where creativity, art, and community could thrive.

This is the story of how The Hangout Studio became more than just a workspace for me—it became home.

Where It All Began

Before The Hangout Studio became our creative hub, I’d always been drawn to the idea of tattooing. Art had been a constant in my life, and I loved the idea of turning designs into something permanent, meaningful, and alive. But what made the leap into tattooing so special was doing it alongside friends who shared the same excitement.

Luan and Hoang were already further into their career as artists, and we’d spent countless hours talking about tattooing—how we could push our styles, what it meant to connect with people through ink, and what kind of studio we wanted to be part of. Those conversations turned into action when we started working together at The Hangout Studio, building a space where we could grow and support each other as artists.

Starting the Journey Together

One of the best parts of joining The Hangout Studio was the sense of camaraderie. Learning tattooing alongside Luan and Hoang wasn’t like starting from scratch with strangers—it felt like stepping into a creative partnership. We weren’t just working individually; we were constantly bouncing ideas off each other, sharing techniques, and challenging each other to get better.

From the very beginning, we supported one another through every success and mistake. There’s something uniquely motivating about watching your friends kill it on a piece while you’re figuring out your next move—it pushes you to step up and give your best.

Building a Style, One Tattoo at a Time

As I started tattooing more, I quickly realized how much my friends influenced my growth as an artist. They taught me to trust my instincts while always staying open to feedback. Together, we honed our techniques, experimented with different styles, and shared tips we picked up along the way.

For me, tattooing became about more than just mastering technical skills—it was about creating something personal and meaningful for each client. Every piece was an opportunity to tell a story, and having friends like Luan & Hoang by my side made the process even more rewarding.

Working together also inspired me to push my boundaries. Whether it was Hoang experimenting with bold new designs or Luan perfecting intricate details, their dedication encouraged me to refine my style and keep striving for more.

What The Hangout Studio Means to Us

The Hangout Studio isn’t just a workplace; it’s the embodiment of everything we wanted in a tattoo space. It’s where we get to create, connect, and grow, not just as artists but as a crew. Every piece we work on carries a little bit of the energy we bring as friends, and that makes the work even more meaningful.

We wanted The Hangout Studio to be a place where people feel comfortable, inspired, and excited to get tattooed. It’s not just about the art we create—it’s about the vibe of the space, the relationships we build with our clients, and the connections we make with each piece.

Looking Ahead

Tattooing isn’t just a career for me—it’s a journey I get to share with my closest friends. Starting out at The Hangout Studio with Luan & Hoang has been an experience unlike any other. We’ve built something together that goes beyond individual success—it’s about the community we’re creating and the stories we’re telling through our work.

As we continue this journey, I’m excited to see how we’ll grow, both as artists and as a team. Every tattoo is a chance to push our limits, try something new, and create something unforgettable. And with friends like these by my side, I know the best is yet to come.

Here’s to the journey, the art, and the stories we’ll keep telling at The Hangout Studio.