Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Acosta.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my tattoo career after prep school when my basketball career came to an end due to COVID and other factors. I felt lost like most people after high school and didn’t want to work under anyone or go to college. I wanted to be an entrepreneur and create my own business but I needed to find my niche.
I went through a plethora of startups, I even got my real estate license. Since I was a kid, I was always artistically inclined and would buy poster boards to draw weekly, my family always engaged in art so it was around me growing up. Then one day scrolling through Youtube, I came across a video that suggested tattooing and even had people suggest I try it. It was a no-brainer.
I thought it would be a breeze to start so I brought everything in one go from the tattoo machine to the paper towels. I got on my fake skin and failed again and again. Out of frustration, I gathered my things and went to the nearest shop to me, ink splatters on my shorts and all. I walked into the tattoo shop and asked if they can help me learn in any way which is rare because that’s out of my character, I even almost turned around back home on the way there.
Little did I know the shop, I walked into was Tatu baby’s shop a world-renowned artist. I was kinda in shock once I realized who I was talking to but it took me a minute to realize because I was so frustrated from failing prior. She then gave me to the opportunity to apprentice for her. Almost a year later I decided to move to Orlando to tattoo at a shop and go to school simultaneously.
It was short-lived and I moved back after about 4 months but I did learn a lot because I was no longer an apprentice but an actual artist. I then continued to tattoo from my house but I wanted to elevate. I then started searching and reaching out to artists and shops.
I finally now found the shop I am at now and work alongside my friend Tattoo Bam Bam the owner of The Prodigy Tattoo Gallery. It’s a private studio but we are growing and elevating daily. Blessed beyond measures at this point.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
People and even some families doubt me and my choices like my career and not going to college.
I’m proving daily that you can make it regardless, my mother passed when I was 13 and my dad left my family when I was 1, the odds were never in my favor, my whole life has been a struggle and yet I continue to grow to do exactly what I love. I wouldn’t trade this life with anyone.
inconsistent income in the first year of tattooing or however long it takes an artist is also a struggle, it can have you doubting the whole decision.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Tattoo Artist, I specialize in black and grey realism but I look at that more as just a preference am very versatile and can knock out most styles. I am most proud of my black and grey work and smooth shading style.
What sets me apart is that I am the youngest doing it, I work way too hard on my craft I haven’t seen any other 20-year-old on my level of tattooing, and if there is any it’s very rare. The confidence comes from the work I put in I am very confident in my craft.
I also provide a lot more than just a tattoo I really do believe in getting to know clients and prioritize relationships over money 100%. Building a strong network that goes beyond tattooing and ventures into other businesses and events.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love my city. Miami is a networking hotspot and the place that everyone, who wants to be anyone, desires to be. The city speeds your success if you are watering your seeds.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @smoothstattoos
