Daily Inspiration: Meet John Lapides

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Lapides

Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 26 year old who grew up near Los Angeles, California. I tried a year of college studying mechanical engineering before I realized college might not be for me. While abroad in the UK, I found my passion tattooing and growing my skill set towards a future career. Moving back to the US, I found my current residency in Colorado Springs and have been working as a full time tattoo artist at United Tattoo in Fountain, Colorado.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Something I struggle with is efficency in my drawing time. I really enjoy the work I do and want the best results. Unfortunately being a perfectionist, drawing and editing over and over again takes me a lot longer than it may take another artist. My work is permanent. That fact is something I can’t get out of my head when it’s time to design a piece. Being persistent and practicing more and more, has helped me feel really accomplished in creating every piece I put out, no matter how much time it took to get there.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in blackwork, geometric, neo-traditional, and fine line tattoos. Developing my own personal style is something that I really want as a defining feature. I’ve heard a lot of other artists mention that you don’t choose your style, your style chooses you. Only 5 years into my career, I think I’m finally distinguishing myself apart from the rest. It’s really only when looking back, I realize that my work has its own unique feel that makes my work truly one of a kind. While I’m still trying to find a place to be comfortable in, I’m flourishing in a wide range of styles, broadening my skill set until my style finds me.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Tattooing is something I really love and try to give my 100% as much as I can. The mental toll of always needing to be creative, people counting on you, and the pressure of every mistake being permanent, sure is something not meant for everyone. I find tattooing to be extremely worth it! I meet so many amazing people and share experiences I’ll cherish forever that I would have never had the opportunity to live without tattooing being such a huge part of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.united-tattoo.com/john
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spray.day/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/spray.day.tattoos/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/spray.day?utm_source=qr_code&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabLM-JzCopm7H86rPrhv_YZYmixBjzCv1hGe_Jk7SleCkZ8fJ9szbect9c_aem_CAmMqIHsX6w90UWWkQ9SVw