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Welcome to Island Tat
I would like to thank you for visiting us here at Island TAT. Many people know Island TAT as a clothing brand, but in actuality it began as me being a tattoo artist. After working in a couple of tattoo shops around San Diego, I have finally been blessed to open up my own shop. We are located here in San Diego in a small town called Lemon Grove.
I am so pleased to be able to do what I love-drawing and tattooing but also sharing my Polynesian culture and background. Island TAT stands for Traditions All Together which is what my tattoo shop along with my clothing brand stands for. I am of Chamorro descent (Guam) but grew up in Hawaii.
I identify myself with the Hawaiian culture because this is what I was raised and grew up with. It is where you were raised or who you associate with, who makes you… you. With this mentality, many people associate themselves with the "Island culture" and in turn want a Polynesian tattoo that has meaning. I see this as a huge compliment and am proud to share our art with anyone willing to share their skin with a part of our culture.
Everything that I have learned came from what I have learned growing up in Hawaii, lectures, many books, and speaking with many different people in the art of Polynesian culture. Although I do not consider myself an expert in Polynesian studies, I have studied different types of tattoos such as Marquesian, Tahitian, Maori, Hawaiian, Samoan, etc.
Every tattoo is unique to each individual and I will create a story for your tattoo so that you are "wearing" your own story. I combine traditional motifs, symbols and style along with your ideal tattoo idea to create the perfect tattoo for you.
I hope that you enjoy my artwork and tattoos and feel free to stop by.
Mahalo…
Joshawa Elsas