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Tattoo Artist

@inkedbybadass

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Custom Large Scale Blk n Grey
tattoo Artist at @blvckskytattoo | mentor @tattoosbyshyboy
Orange County | Los Angeles
Text 213 693 7759 to book

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Here’s something cool about these statues they’ve been standing at the entrance of Angkor Thom for over 800 years. They line both sides of the bridge leading across the moat to the South Gate, and they’re not just there for decoration. They actually recreate one of the most important stories in Khmer mythology: the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. 🇰🇭 Pretty crazy knowing you’re literally walking through an ancient story carved into stone. Angkor thom is also where the famous Bayon heads are. So it’s super fitting to have the Bayon head on the other side of the forearm.

If you’re in the Los Angeles or Orange County area and want some Cambodian work done TAPE IN WITH ME. 🙏🏽

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#cambodiantattoo #khmertattoo #latattooartist #octattooartist #blackandgreytattoo by @inkedbybadass

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2 months ago

There’s something special about doing someone’s first tattoo.

For his first piece, he chose “Kbach Khmer” the traditional ornamental motifs of Cambodia. Designs like these have been passed down for generations, not just as decoration, but as a reflection of Khmer artistry, heritage, and identity.

Being trusted to create something with that kind of meaning is never something I take lightly.

Thank you for letting me be part of your story. Looking forward to seeing where this journey goes next. 🙏🏽🇰🇭

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#KhmerTattoo #firsttattoo #Cambodiantattooartist #BlackAndGreyTattoo by @inkedbybadass

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2 months ago

One thing I always try to keep in mind when designing cultural tattoos is respect.

While working on this Laotian sleeve, my client’s elder pointed out that the temple placement could be considered disrespectful. It was something I hadn’t learned before, and I’m glad they shared it with me.

Could my client have kept the original design? Absolutely. But if there’s an opportunity to make a tattoo more respectful to the culture it represents, I’m always going to take it.

At the end of the day, tattoos are permanent. I’d rather spend a little extra time getting it right than put something on someone that could be seen as offensive.

If you’re Laotian, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this something you’ve heard before?

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#laostattoo #3headedelephanttattoo #hanumantattoo #asiantattooartist by @inkedbybadass

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3 months ago

The Churning of the Ocean of Milk is one of Angkor Wat’s most iconic carvings. It depicts 88 gods (Devas) and 92 demons (Asuras) pulling the great serpent Vasuki (Naga) in opposite directions to churn the cosmic ocean. Their goal was to obtain Amrita the nectar of immortality. The scene symbolizes perseverance, balance, and the idea that great rewards come through unity, struggle, and patience.

Using this as inspiration I picked 1 demon, 1 god (Hanuman) and a single headed Naga to represent this story.

HMU if this is the kind work you’re looking to get!

Thanks again to my metor for helping me with this artwork!!
@tattoosbyshyboy

#cambodiantattooartist #cambodiantattoo #khmertattoo #hanumantattoo #angorkwattattoo by @inkedbybadass

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3 months ago

Houliman is the Laotian adaptation of Hanuman, the heroic white monkey warrior and deity from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana

Houliman is revered as the ultimate warrior. He represents immense physical power, stamina, and tactical intelligence. Historically, Lao warriors, martial artists, and soldiers would use Houliman’s image in sacred Yantradesigns—tattooed onto their bodies or drawn onto protective clothing—to grant them invulnerability and courage in battle

If you’re looking for South East Asian artwork hit me up let’s do something badass!

Servicing the Los Angeles and Orange County area.

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#laotattoo #hanumantattoo #khmertattooartist #southeastasiantattoo #3headedelephant by @inkedbybadass

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14 days ago

Whether it’s the placement, the size, or just the way everything came together, I think this piece is pretty damn impressive. 🔥

I love how it sits on the leg and how much presence it has already. Big shoutout to my client for trusting me with the process and letting me do my thing.

Can’t wait to finish this side up and get started on the other side of the leg. We’re just getting started. 👀

If you’ve been thinking about starting a larger-scale piece of your own, now’s the time. Shoot me a DM

servicing the Los Angeles and Orange County area

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#khmertattoo #khmertattooartist #cambodiantattooartist #hanumantattoo #legtattoo by @inkedbybadass

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a month ago

LMFAO ***PANIC***

honestly, it’s normal to panic . A tattoo can look intense, unfinished, or even a little confusing before everything comes together.

That’s why trusting the process matters.

The stencil, outline, shading, contrast, and final details all play different roles. Sometimes one stage won’t make sense until the next layer is added.

The best thing you can do as a client is ask questions, communicate your concerns, and trust that your artist is building toward the final vision. Not judging the piece halfway through.

A good tattoo isn’t rushed. It’s built step by step.

And if you can’t trust your artist you can hit me up instead 😁

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy
#bayontattoo #khmertattoosleeve #cambodiantattooartist #blackandgreytattoo #cambodiantattoo by @inkedbybadass

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4 months ago

THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS TATTOO

One thing that’s really important to me as an artist is giving each client a piece that feels personal and one of a kind.

Out of respect for other artists, I don’t copy or tattoo someone else’s exact artwork. I may use references for inspiration or rework ideas to fit the client, placement, and overall vision, but the goal is always to create something custom.

I also do my best to keep my clients informed when it comes to meanings, symbolism, and cultural elements. I’m still always learning, but I care about making sure the piece feels right, looks right, and is done with respect.

At the end of the day, I just want to look out for my clients and give them something they can be proud to wear.

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#buddhatattoo #forearmtattoo #buddhaforearmtattoo #cambodiantattoo #khmertattooartist by @inkedbybadass

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4 months ago

This is a work in progress

One of the most underrated skills in tattooing? STENCILING. 😂 especially large pieces

Trying to get a flat piece of paper to sit perfectly on a curved body is a whole art form in itself.

I used to dread this part of the process, but the more I do it, the more I appreciate the challenge.

Sometimes getting the stencil on right is half the battle. 😂🤝

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

Servicing the Los Angeles and Orange County area

#khmertattooartist #nagatattoo #angkorwattattoo #cambodiantattoo #latattooartist by @inkedbybadass

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7 days ago

This is your sign to turn the people you love into art. ❤️

For this piece, he chose to honor his significant other as an Apsara and she’s part of a larger sleeve dedicated to his entire family.

I had a lot of fun bringing this one together. Tattoos like this are more than just artwork. They become a permanent reminder of the people who mean the most to you. 🫡

If you’re ready to book text 213 693 7759 feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#FamilyTattoo #MeaningfulTattoo #ApsaraTattoo #CambodianTattooArtist #LosAngelesTattoo by @inkedbybadass

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12 days ago

I’ve been seeing a lot of debate about AI in tattooing, so here’s where I stand.

To me, AI is just another tool.

I remember when I was in college, some instructors wouldn’t let us draw digitally. Everything had to be done with markers and paper. Not long after, the industry shifted and everyone was drawing digitally. AI feels like it’s in a similar stage today.

I understand why some artists don’t want to use it, and I respect that.

For me, AI is no different than Photoshop or Procreate. If it helps me brainstorm, communicate ideas, and spend more time refining the artwork that ends up on someone’s skin, I’ll use it.

The tattoo still has to be designed, fit to the body, and tattooed with skill. No tool replaces that… yet. 👀

Whether you use AI or not, that’s your choice. I’m more interested in creating the best tattoo possible than arguing about the tools used to get there. 🤝

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#angorwattattoo #bayontattoo #cambodiantattooartist #cambodiantattoo #khmertattooartist by @inkedbybadass

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3 months ago

Ready to book? Text 213-693-7759 to get started.

If you have questions about your artwork or idea, feel free to DM me. Please include:
• Reference or inspiration images
• A clear photo of the area you want tattooed
• Any examples that help explain the direction you’re going for

AI-generated images are completely fine to send as references too, just understand they’ll be used as inspiration, not something I’ll copy and paste exactly.

The goal is to give me a clear visual of what you’re trying to get done so we can turn the idea into something made specifically for you.

Servicing the Los Angeles and Orange County area

Artist at @blvckskytattoo
Mentor @tattoosbyshyboy

#cambodiantattooartist #southeastasiantattoo #khmertattooartist #latattooartist #octattooartist by @inkedbybadass

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20 days ago