T.U.K. x Bill Canales 

This weeks featured artist is Bill Canales from Full Circle Tattoo in San Diego, CA. Bill put his personal spin on our White TUKskin™ 3-Buckle Boots. He painted dragons on the boots to shoe his appreciation for Japanese art and tattoo style.

To check out more of his work head to his Instagram

Tell me about yourself-

Bill Canales: I was born in Mexico, came to the usa when I as 2years adopted by American parents’, grew up in Texas. Followed my dream to come to California in 1998, started tattooing at the prestigious Avalon tattoo “the tattoo shop in southern California to be at “traveled around the world for a while ,and decided to come back to san Diego where I opened up full circle tattoo in beautiful south park in 2011 ,I have been tattooing since 1992 , I am very grateful that I get to do this everyday…

How long have you been tattooing for?

I started tattooing professionally in 1992, worked in Europe for a few years, London, Paris, Germany Switzerland etc.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

Well I knew I wasn’t college bound! I knew I had a talent ,not to sure what to do with it ,I met the wrong people and they put me in the path I’m on now ,forever grateful to them and their crazy advice along the way. It’s been quite the journey so far.

Why did you decide to customize the boots the way you did?

I’m very drawn to the Japanese style of tattooing and art.

It speaks to me in a way I can understand and in my head makes sense. Its really a pursuit of perfection, keep doing the same thing eventually you’ll like what you create. 

How was working on this project for you?

Working on projects always has a degree of difficulty, I’m trying to please the client and get my idea across in a way that the client likes it and I am also happy with the result. It’s always hard for sure but keeps me on my toes.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

Currently I’m always working on projects. Usually its for a show in England or Europe or publishing a book it goes on. But that’s what gives me purpose.

How long have you been an artist for?

I have been a tattoo artist since 1992 and hating and loving everyday of it.

What’s your favorite tattoo that you have & why?

The favorite of all I have is the first one ,I did it myself so it was the start of this ,every journey starts with a first step ,and that is mine.

Are you from San Diego? If not, why did you move here?

I’m from Texas, I moved here to san Diego mainly to work at Avalon tattoo .it was the premier tattoo studio back in the late 80s early 90s, it was the place to be and I’m so very thankful I was a part of that studio. Great pedigree

How have you been keeping busy during quarantine?

Keeping busy is easy ,I paint everyday and I also have two kids that are non stop so this is not really rest at all, merely a small break from my studio.