Kesia
Skin Design Tattoo Artist
POLYNESIAN TATAU (TATTOOS) IN LAS VEGAS
Born and raised on the island of Kauai, I moved to Oahu to in 2003 to finish my college degree. This is where my sales and marketing journey began. For the next 6 years I was a part of Hawaii’s fastest growing streetwear company, Farmers Market Hawaii. I was lucky enough to cross paths with Robert and the Skin Design Tattoos fam through mutual friends in Las Vegas. Once I learned more about Robert, I knew I wanted to get a piece from him. I was a huge fan of his work, so I gave him free range on my sleeve. After my first session’s experience and learning about Robert’s journey, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this amazing team Robert created; to learn, grow, and continue to be inspired.
Fast forward a year, and here I am. It is such an honor to be on the Skin Design team for Marketing/PR, and a certified Laser Tattoo Removal Technician.
A master of his craft in the area of Polynesian tattoos
At a young age, Eugene’s fascination with the history and designs of Polynesian art developed into a passion for not only drawing – but also understanding and learning about the history of Samoan patterns. After years of taking his talents from pen and paper, his uncle soon took note of his drawings and soon thereafter, steered him right into an apprenticeship at Lahaina Tattoo where he began his tattoo career.
Since then, Eugene has not only mastered his craft, but has also had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and most highly acclaimed artists in the Polynesian tattoo game. From Akiu “Q” Sale and Mike “Samoan Mike” Fatutoa, Eugene has taken his respect and appreciation for the art to new levels.
In addition to his Polynesian tattoos, Eugene’s artwork has landed global acclaim as he has collaborated with various companies to help them with custom design and artwork. From GS Sports for Demarini slow pitch softball bats and apparel, all the way to Tatau Brand apparel, NaKoa Leather and 808 Shells phone cases, these are just a few of the companies he has orchestrated monumental collaborations with.
Fast forward to present day, and Eugene is truly humbled and honored that one of the best black and gray tattoo artists, Robert Pho, has given him the opportunity to be a part of the Skin Design Tattoo family (SDT). As he continually years to master his craft, we welcome you to stop by the SDT studio for a free consultation and should you have any questions then stop by for a friendly, no-pressure consultation.
POLYNESIAN TATTOO HISTORY
The skill of Polynesian art is both earned and learned. Artists who want to pursue this path in life have been known to acquire the skills and knowledge by having it passed down from father to son, or master to disciple. Tattoo artists are often refereed to as “tufuga” and the learned craft is one which is sacred in nature and even harder to come by.
Considered a specialty art, Polynesian tattoo artists are a rare breed. The information they deliver is powerful and it’s a form of body art which is know to offer spiritual power, protection and strength. In addition, these tattoos are a sign of character, position and hierarchical levels and in short, can often be seen as a resume of your life’s experiences.
In all, Polynesian people firmly believe that an individual’s mana – which is their spiritual life force – is displayed through their tattoos. We encourage you to explore the fascinating world of Polynesian tattoos with SDT and always remember that tattoos and their meanings don’t change, it’s just the people who wear them that do.
