T.U.K. x Paula Hathaway 

This weeks featured tattoo artist is Paula Hathaway from Big Fish Tattoo in Solana Beach, CA. She customized the Black TUKskin™ Viva Mondo Boots.

To check out more of her work head to her Instagram 

Tell me about yourself-

 My name is Paula Hathaway. I was born in the Bay area but grew up in Washington state. I started my apprenticeship in 2002, opened a tattoo shop in 2007 and moved to southern California in 2011. I have been working at Big Fish Tattoo in Solana Beach ever since.

How long have you been tattooing for?

 I have been tattooing for 17 years now. Started my apprenticeship at Old School Tattoo in Bellingham, WA.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

 I had some friends who had gotten into tattooing and it really inspired me so after living in Arizona and San Diego for a bit I moved back to Washington and got an apprenticeship.

Why did you decide to customize the boots the way you did?

 I love clean simple designs and have always loved Traditional style tattoos so I decided to keep it classic.

How was working on this project for you?

 This was such a fun project. I've had experience painting Vans shoes so it was more a matter of finding the right paint pens to use on this material.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

 I have a small brand called Gold Chain Arts that I am constantly doing new designs for. I make shirts, stickers, prints, mugs etc.

How long have you been an artist for?

 Basically before I can even remember I have been doing art of some kind. My father, mother and brother are all very artistic as well. 

What’s your favorite tattoo that you have & why?

 That's always a tough question but probably the heart on my face. Doesn't have a meaning like most of my tattoos, I just like it.

Are you from San Diego? If not, why did you move here?

I moved back to San Diego after living here in my early 20's. Its such an amazing place and im happy to have had the chance to come back and make it my forever home.

How have you been keeping busy during quarantine?

 I have been doing tons of artwork as commissions and some just for fun. Trying to keep myself as busy as possible and stay as positive as I can. 

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