As the first licensed black tattoo artist in Birmingham, AL, as well as the first tattooist to own a shop in a mall, after 14 years in the industry and nine years of running Artifact Tattoos, Hakim Alston has risen to prominence in Alabama. He has inked people all over the United States, including Steve Jackson, Jamareo Davidson, Anthony Marrow of the Golden State Warriors and Jason Richardson of the Phoenix Suns.
URBAN INK: How did you develop an interest in tattooing?
Hakim Alston: I have always had a love for any art form, ever since I could pick up a pencil. When I was around 17 years old, there was an episode of prisoners doing tattoos on the Discovery Channel. I made my own machine, tried it out on my little brother, and I was hooked. It felt like my work was alive. I saved money to buy a real machine and practiced every day. I love the challenge of putting personality into tattoos of customers I don’t even know.
As the first licensed black tattoo artist in Birmingham, did you find it difficult to get your career started?
I didn’t find it really hard to get my career started. I think maybe I had to do a few extra things—maybe the health department was more scrupulous with me. I mean, they check square footage per artist, the paint on the walls, pressure on the sinks, even fingernails. We were checked like once a month when I knew everyone else was getting checked two or three times a year. It didn’t really bother me much, because I knew everything on my end of the business was on the level, if not above level. They eventually eased up on me. Maybe they were tough because I was new in the game. As far as customers, they have always shown me love. From day one, the shop has been a success. Most people were shocked to see a black tattoo artist, but they felt comfortable. We related with life situations, music and more important, the art.
Other than giving clients awesome artwork, how do you ensure customer satisfaction?
To ensure that my client is happy starts from the very beginning—I sit down and talk to them, or through the phone. I like to jot down all the information about the tattoo. That way, I have a basic idea of how it’s going to be, and how I am going do it. They usually allow me to have freedom to do it my way, but I like to incorporate their ideas as much as possible.
As a prominent artist, do you have a long waiting list?
I have a very long waiting list! But I try to find a way to fit in as many as I possibly can, from small tattoos like names and butterflies to full back pieces or sleeves. Between staying constantly busy in Birmingham and being flown to different states to do tattoos, I’m constantly trying to work in walk-ins, regulars, friends and family.
What is the dumbest tattoo you’ve ever seen?
I had a guy that insisted on getting a giant Tink Winky Teletubby on his arm. I told him it was dumb, but I did it anyway. Needless to say, he covered it years later. I always get a laugh out of that one.
Are you specialized in any particular style?
My style is very versatile and I can adapt to ideas that any of my customers may have, with an added twist of my own. I can tattoo any race of people. My specialty is portraits, black and gray and cover ups.
What is the best advice to give someone who wants to cover up a bright tattoo?
Come up with an idea with lots of detail. Use darker colors, lots of shading with bright color highlights. Also, cover-ups are mostly going to be a tattoo that is best for the artist to use, one that will be sure to completely hide the old tattoos.
What is your ultimate goal in the ink industry?
I’m always looking for different ways to expand my talent. My ultimate goal is to make sure my clients are in a clean, sterile environment, and to make sure they leave happy.
Artifact Tattoos
300 Heflin Ave E
Birmingham, AL 35214
(205) 639-1855
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