LA's most sought-after tattooist, Dr. Woo, has carved out a niche with his unique and intricate single-needle designs. We caught up with the legendary artist to discuss career inspiration, fatherhood, and what’s in store for the future.


Dr. Woo in Miles Polo in Chalk

 

Miles Polo in Chalk


Can you think of the moment that inspired you to start your career?

I think the moment was when I met artists that had complete freedom and were creating a life and a career around what they were doing and what they loved.

 

What is one thing you wish you would have known before becoming a tattoo artist?

You know, I actually appreciate not knowing anything because it kept me on my toes, and I always had a radar to expect something that I wasn’t prepared for and that I feel it educated me and honed my skills to be the best version of a tattoo artist that I was trained to be in that spot.

 

What label in your life are you most proud of? Why?

I think being a father. It’s very obvious but it’s truly a unique human experience and the most selfless thing you can try to be.

 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

To always be open to taking advice. A lot of people get into a groove and a momentum and they don’t really want to stop and listen to others, but I found that listening and at least engaging with advice is good. You don’t have to follow it but it’s good to know that other people are thinking about perspectives different than yours.

 

 

Miles Polo in Chalk


When in life do you feel the most at peace?

I think when I travel and you get to where you’re going. You put your bags down and kind of jump on the bed and you have nothing to do for the rest of that day except maybe make a coffee or get something to eat. In that I am at peace.

 

When do you feel the most alive?

The moment I wake up. The second I’m conscious everything kicks in and it reminds me that I got to go and do this.

 

What is something you want to do, but haven’t done yet?

To be completely honest, to get completely comfortable where I am in my career. Being able to hit the goals that I want to hit and be secure, and you know, in a happy place without stress and worrying about all the different projects going on, but at the same time, those are the things that give me joy as well. So, I don’t know. I don’t know what that looks like yet.

 

Something in the world you hope to see change in your lifetime?

I hope that as humans in this experience can finally see empathy and be the way I think we are supposed to be towards each other. Everything seems very divided and polarized from each other. I would love to see that one day. I feel like it’s far away, but...is that world peace?

Dr. Woo in Miles Polo in Chalk and Elijah in Skyfall

 

Miles Polo in Chalk

Elijah in Skyfall


When in life do you feel the most at peace?

I think when I travel and you get to where you’re going. You put your bags down and kind of jump on the bed and you have nothing to do for the rest of that day except maybe make a coffee or get something to eat. In that I am at peace.

 

When do you feel the most alive?

The moment I wake up. The second I’m conscious everything kicks in and it reminds me that I got to go and do this.

 

What is something you want to do, but haven’t done yet?

To be completely honest, to get completely comfortable where I am in my career. Being able to hit the goals that I want to hit and be secure, and you know, in a happy place without stress and worrying about all the different projects going on, but at the same time, those are the things that give me joy as well. So, I don’t know. I don’t know what that looks like yet.

 

Something in the world you hope to see change in your lifetime?

I hope that as humans in this experience can finally see empathy and be the way I think we are supposed to be towards each other. Everything seems very divided and polarized from each other. I would love to see that one day. I feel like it’s far away, but...is that world peace?

 

Miles Polo in Chalk

Elijah in Skyfall


Dr. Woo in Everyday Tee in White and Elijah in WIldwood

 

Everyday Tee in White

Elijah in Wildwood


 

 

 

 

 

 

"A lot of people get into a groove and a momentum and they don’t really want to stop and listen to others, but I found that listening and at least engaging with advice is good. You don’t have to follow it but it’s good to know that other people are thinking about perspectives different than yours."
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday Tee in White

Elijah in Wildwood


Something that makes you optimistic for the future?

Kids. Talking with kids. My kids. It’s always refreshing when you have a conversation or hang out with them, and they actually are not as jaded and imprinted on as you think the world has, and you know, they have very beautiful optimistic views of the future and that makes me very optimistic.


Dr. Woo in Dr. Woo Unisex Sweatshirt and Sweatpant
Dr. Woo in Dr. Woo Unisex Sweatshirt and Sweatpant

 

Dr. Woo Unisex Sweatshirt

Dr. Woo Unisex Sweatpant


Dr. Woo Favorites List