People have been getting tattoo’s done in prison for generations, they’ve sort of been like a rite of passage, and they hold more meaning than just self-expressive body ink. Be honest, when you think of prison tattoo’s you envision the “Stick ‘n Poke” technique, prayer hands, spider webs placed on elbows, crosses, barbed wire wrapped around a bicep, tear drops, and guard towers huh?
Well, due to cultural changes within prison, new equipment, and techniques brought from the outside in, the work that’s seen and done these days can be as complex and detailed as portraits, and even rival tattoo’s done at popular, professional, outside shops. However, tattoos in prison aren’t prohibited, so the process is always done under crazy circumstances and aren’t without risks.
Today I sit down with a versatile artist who ran his own shop in the outside world and while incarcerated he spends his time perfecting his skills by tatting. Meet De$ent.
PrisonBaes: “How about you let us know who you are, what you’re about and where you’re from.”
De$ent: “My name is Dane. I’ve had the nickname de$ent, or feololo in Samoan – they call me Lolo for short – for as many years as I can remember. I’m an artist//musician/entrepreneur, but I mostly enjoy my life being a travelling tattooer. I’m dedicated to my craft, my family and my loved ones.”
PrisonBaes: “Ok, how did you get started? What made you become interested in drawing and art, and how have you perfected your craft while incarcerated?”
De$ent: “Well, I found moms long lost black book of art that she used to draw in. I came up on it in my family’s garage while exploring things that I shouldn’t have, like every badass kid does, I was probably 5?? The book inspired me to draw and for as long as I can remember I’ve stayed focused and diligent while pursuing this career I love in the outside world. I found I excelled behind closed doors and under the man’s nose (in prison) as well. Unfortunately, its banned in prison and can result in a serious infraction if caught with fresh ink or tattooing.”
PrisonBaes: “What do you like about what you do?”
De$ent: “I love the whole experience period. Travelling, meeting new people, hearing people’s life stories, talking to people about their day and telling my own stories.”
PrisonBaes: “Yah, as someone who gets new work done often, I feel the same about the process. How about creating the equipment? Explain that for us.”
De$ent: “On the street there’s a multitude and never-ending evolution of products, needle, inks, grips, machines, and other necessities for healing and the process in general. Inside these cages man it’s a whole new world! Low-key we tryna’ make a Lamborghini out of a weed wackin motor and a wagon wheel!! hahaha!! Using a Cd player motor, coming up with a barrel, grip, needle bar and different needles. Also making my own multi-needle clusters is a tedious task, every part of assembling a “gun”. In the tattoo world you’d call it a machine, of is frowned upon when called a gun. The slang inside prison is worlds away from proper shop etiquette.”
PrisonBaes: “What is the most challenging part about tatting in prison?”
De$ent: “EVERYTHING! from duckin and dodging the police! to getting caught and given infractions.”
PrisonBaes: “Earlier you mentioned owning a shop when you had gotten released in (year). How did you come to owning your own shop almost straight out of prison?”
De$ent: “First things first, I had to bite down, grit and grind to get thru the mud! Plus, I had a lot of help and support from family and close homies – shout out to moms and my day one Big Major, it’s all love forever boy!”.
PrisonBaes: “What advice would you give someone considering pursuing this career inside and outside of prison?”
De$ent: “Stay focused and dedicated to your craft, don’t let the opposition take your place. You gotta stay on point no matter what. stay involved in the culture and tattoo evolution, something new happens EVERYDAY!”
PrisonBaes: “What qualities do you look for when hiring artists for your shop?”
De$ent: “They gotta be goal oriented, hardworking, willing to learn and ready to build empires. I like to hire and give opportunities to new artists because we have to be able to teach the upcoming generations. the new artists are important in your success as well. Never forget the grasshopper!”
PrisonBaes: “Got any crazy or funny stories of when you almost got caught tatting in prison?”
De$ent: “One time I was slangin some soot (tattooing) and the c/o’s came in to do searches leaving no time to flee the scene. So, my next option was to get caught. However, I didn’t wanna get caught so I thought “hmm maybe this will work!”, the person I was tatting gets searched and let out his cell and into the dayroom like normal routine. ( FYI: I’m the one who’s out of bounds so they’ll send me to close custody this time when caught… NoOOooOo!) Anyways, they came in to find the cell clean as a whistle, nobody in there, and no equipment spewed about… where did I go?? well my idea was maybe by the grace they would overlook my great hiding spot…… under the bunk…. :/ so, I laid there listening to them talk about how they hate their job, about certain inmates, other bullshit, and shit that’s irrelevant. They spent at least 30-45 minutes in there. never finding the prize, ME AND ALL THE TATTOO EQUIPMENT UNDER THE BUNK!! I swear I barely took a breath or moved that whole time, even as they pulled out boxes and storage bins in front of me! must have had good karma.”
PrisonBaes: “I swear that’s my biggest fear when getting tatted! Luckily, I never been caught in the act before. You for sure got the best story I’ve heard so far. Anyways, De$ent, I appreciate you barely finding enough time to sit down with me to share your story and experiences.
To see his work you can follow De$ent on Instagram @id.ink425
Don’t forget to help us grow by liking, sharing, recommending and following us on our socials!
PrisonBaes LLC on Facebook
@_prisonbaes_ on IG
@prisonbaes on TikTok
Leave some feedback: What should we talk about next?
Please let us know in the comments below!
Did you enjoy this entry? If so, please leave a short review.
