Nikko Hurtado: Why I Don’t Party With Celebrity Clients | INKED

[@Talix.]

It is so refreshing to see someone like Nikko who is one of the most successful and famous tattoo artists in the world still be so down to earth. From Ink Master to magazines to tattooing celebrities he's still an awesome guy. He is everything that is good about tattoo artists. I hope I can get a piece by him one day when I can afford it.

[@zhibinhuang4375]

EyesCold AsIce anyone idea on how much his hourly rate is around?

[@dawsonburgess9744]

Zhibin Huang I’ve heard it kinda depends on size, placement, etc. I could imagine the deposit being $500-$1000 and the hourly rate being at least $200-400 an hour

[@Emperor_23]

Zhibin Huang he doesn’t have any set hourly rate, I’ve heard he and his clients just decide on the price

[@zhibinhuang4375]

Yea would be good to know the estimate tho. Idk if a budget of 2-2.5k would be good enough to get a half sleeve that can be done within 8 hours or less. I’ve gotten some work done by traditional artist here in nyc and the price was around 250/hour

[@Emperor_23]

Zhibin Huang I think the only way to get an accurate estimate would be to email Nikko himself

[@chatterbox4875]

I love that he’s so open about his love for his family. It’s refreshing to see someone who’s so down to earth and has higher values than parties and drinking

[@Indiegaze]

If seeing someone having other priorities than partying and drinking is refreshing and a novelty, you may want to consider finding new, better people. I learned that way too late in life.

[@JamesWithee]

this dude is a legend. i attended his seminar in NYC and he's the real deal. all the shit he said about the rock is the same stuff i thought about him when i met him. best 200 bucks i ever spent

[@ashtonross5376]

How much would a portrait by him or someone as good as him cost not a exact number cuz I know you can’t say but like about how much

[@brandongarcia331]

Ashton Ross just kno you get what you paid for. And also size of tattoo also depends but shit I’d say over 3k

[@bornamansouri5881]

Ashton Ross celebrity artists are over rated but the best artists that are true to their art won’t charge more than 100 an hour. Check out Ben Kaye on Instagram. One of my personal favorite artists.

[@bornamansouri5881]

Before I get killed for my comment, I don’t think Nikko is overrated and I don’t know how much he charges but whatever he does more power to him.

[@cjb_breezy8025]

B Mansouri Ben Kaye is an incredible artist, which makes me find it hard to believe he only charges $100 an hour. Most top level artists charge between $200-$300 an hour.

[@HuskyMama1009]

Huge talent. Humble ego.
If I could afford his work it would be an honor

[@gunsnhalen]

After seeing the other snobby tattoo artists in these videos. Nice to see a talented artist who doesn’t have a huge ego or hate everything.

[@jediknight1294]

There is a lot of ego in the magazine and convention end of the community and Inked feed that heavily.

[@amezfires9247]

I really appreciate his lack of ego, as well as not taking himself too seriously despite the phenomenal work he does. I've noticed that a lot of tattoo artists that Inked interviews/has interviewed are very full of themselves because they've gained some notoriety, & essentially just shit talk about their clients. This guy comes off as very sincere & down to earth, which is honestly a refreshing change.

[@izzymenera]

I went and got a tattoo done at Nikkos shop and he was such a cool guy, When he walks into the room he has such a big presence but he’s so down to earth too.

[@LOS-ry1ly]

Were is his shop

[@hooliganlexx]

Southern cali black anchor

[@stupetify]

He is the one of the coolest dads.

[@lu-zu8ov]

stupetify yup he really is 🙂

[@damienjinxmisa]

He’s so right on the energy exchanged. I walked out of an appointment, lost a $200 deposit cause I wasn’t feeling the energy of the artist I was supposed to get tattooed by.

[@luissarduy6345]

Not So Happy Camper better to loose the 200 then to not feel 100% about the artist, trust me. You made the right move

[@RobXb]

Luis Sarduy dude like his whole feng shui was just off bro

[@lisao6928]

I had to cancel an appointment I put a large deposit on once too, for the same reason. If you're putting your art on me, I'm going to think about the experience every time. I need to like you as a person.

[@elistafford5628]

I love Nikko and everything he said is so well put! We need more videos with him please! Him and his work are phenomenal!

[@nicodabastard]

Have them talk about skin conditions and tattoos please.

[@garciajones1762]

No

[@MidnightBootySnatchr]

Yeah I got psoriasis and my tattoos REALLY incentivate me to not scratch myself :)

[@natas4lyfe]

no

[@anacardozo6759]

That's a good idea, I have dermatitis and I care my tattoos a lot for my skin condition

[@okokokx2934]

No

[@howtobeamodernadult2094]

Damn, this guys is just so likeable!

[@uperrsc]

What a class act. His children are lucky to have a father like him.

[@robbypatrisio9589]

Professionalism goes a long way. You get the respect you deserve. And yes, word of mouth goes a long way. It can make you or break. So be a pro to your clients

[@danemp4727]

Everybody talking about getting tattooed by him, dudes booked out for years lol

[@jediknight1294]

Its possible IF you have an idea that grabs an artist to skip the line or if you are in the right place at the right time to get inked by someone.
I got very lucky in that respect being in the right place and in the right circle and because I was willing to let him do his thing with my concept I got a deal and it done way outside of his waitlist.
Plus picking the right time of the year helps.

[@RyokoInk]

You do know they do walk-in days right? And literally announce it on instagram right?

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@jediknight1294 At the risk of sounding like noob, may I ask when's the right timing for tattoo artists?

[@jediknight1294]

@@cheesecakelasagna conventions, friend of friend stuff, social events, walk in days that aren't advertised till the day. Being flexible and local helps
Iv known plenty of artists do a hey anyone want to get X thing iv just sketched type stuff as well if their particularly enthused by a concept

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@jediknight1294 thank you so much!

[@leafyswords]

How is he so humble and lovely! An inspiration 😭💕

[@marianna3253]

More tattoo artists should be like Nikko! He's so talented and well-known yet so humble and real.

[@Luastardust]

I actually really liked this interview. The questions were done well and he seems super genuine.

[@DisneySleeve]

He’s such a nice guy AND amazing artist.

[@weirdlycrazyy]

It's amazing that people as humble and talented as him still exists. It's such a breath of fresh air. He's already gone places and he's just gonna keep going!

[@Sabamonster]

Nikko is and has been one of my favorite artists for as long as I can remember. Not even just tattoo artist but artist in general. He's not only exceptional at what he does but he's an amazing fucking human-being and even though he's famous. Even though he's revered by so many he STILL doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Dude is a true class-act.

[@Debland1989]

This guy is the most relaxed guy tattooer I've seen in these videos.

[@austincastle3522]

I’d want this guy to tattoo me damn..

[@jasinstiner8793]

"Word of mouth over social media". I think this was probably the most valuable lesson you could speak on for these younger artists. All of them seem to hard on them selves with social media.
Funny thing is... ill work with artists woth 4 to 8k worth of followers while i barely 400 but stay busier then all of them lol.

[@t.m.2415]

Don't let them change you keep doing the fortnite dances

[@jonbon1145]

I wish you could more than like this video...ppl don't realize how valuable this small interview is...

[@RiteanDan]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and being tattooed twice by Nikko and he is the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet in real life. I’m not just blowing smoke. In this video, he’s not just throwing around buzzwords and attempting to be humble; he really is what you’re seeing here and a lot more! He doesn’t look down at someone like me, who’s essentially a nobody, with any attitude like he’d rather be tattooing someone more in the public eye or whatever. If anything, he’s a very influential person and I’d like to be a lot more like he is as a person. My experiences with him have been very positive and I hope we meet again.

[@dancingtiger625]

What pieces has he done on you? I love seeing his work

[@rayleehudnall-chapman5466]

My mom is Robin HM! I remember reading your magazines while she was breaking the world record for the longest tattoo in the back room, now I’m a big fan of your RUclips channel keep it up 🖤🖤

[@amber2554]

Dude! Its such a trip listening to you speak! EVERYTHING you're saying, verbatim I've said myself. I feed off people telling me I can't do something. It's funny too, if someone's cheering me on I always tell them to stop and to shout that I suck and can't do it haha. I also always tell people how I truly believe you can learn something from every single person you meet. That's why I love meeting new people, to hear them and listen to their individual, unique story about who they are.

[@sunnymoney86]

much respect to this mans drive . sounds like he came out of a huge partying stage and he saw the light at the end of the tunnel full of drive and life .

[@ithedirector]

respect, man. you're dope AF both as an artist, and as a dad. totally admirable. thank you.

[@slickphillips3230]

Man! I really respect Nico's humility. Truly an Inspiration.

[@mariazaragoza9181]

one word. talented.

[@fixeddice1982]

9:03 This guy has a lot of wisdom. I worked my way up from the bottom in my company, pulling on a green chain. As I came up, I always viewed myself as serving my team. When I became a supervisor, my job was to train people and provide them with everything they need to do their work as efficiently and effectively as possible. When I became a manager, my job is to serve my supervisors and serve and support them so they have what they need to serve their teams. Our jobs in life are to serve others, even this guy who is a sought after artist sees himself as a servant. He is a great inspiration.

[@123popup]

What a genuine guy. I absolutely loved this feature and getting to know him. I will strive to have his mindset.

[@kingmachiavelli6262]

Of all the tattoo artist that I've watched this guy caught my respect in an instant. God bless your soul man!

[@RyokoInk]

Nikkos been one of my favorite tattoo artists even before I started tattooing and the more I listen to him in interviews, podcasts, seminars etc... He becomes more and more my favorite artist everytime. Dude is the definition of a humble artist.

[@lucasritter1252]

I want him to tattoo my face on my face

[@Slypai88]

Man you are just what I needed to hear. I love how humble you are. Its honestly a pick me up for me thank you!

[@TravisBoudreau]

I’m pretty damn proud of my Nikko tattoo from about 12 years ago. He was super open about his knowledge and a crazy nice , humble guy. Understandably funny how super proud he was of his tattoos he has gotten from friends and fellow artists.
And gladly he talks about Alcohol and partying because it was a sad day in tattooing when he tattooed Kat Von D on what I believe was his tv debut and she got drunk while he was working on her. Not taking away anything from him at all , 99% of anyone would of done the same, she was a powerful person in the industry back then.

[@oqsajec]

Bro, this was awesome. Sheds a new light for folks that still have that stereotype for tattoo artists and those of us that are tattooed. Also, why not mention Aaron Cain, your wearing a custom made piece from him on your chain. One of the best biomech tattoo artists besides Guy Atkinson and Ron Earhart. Ron taught my artist for years and did his body sleeve. Josh is now working on my sleeves and my chest.

[@jaerios1888]

Nikko Hurtado Is my favorite tattoo artist!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@clutter.MP4]

What a cool, humble and down to earth guy.

[@johnyxart]

Just wanted to express my thanks for all the years you’ve helped me grow from afar, a kind of digital mentor, after 11yrs of tattooing your words inspired me to do better, thanks for all your generosity esp. your color portrait tutorials. Cheers!

[@proudtobeAYSHUN]

When i get tattooed by an artist, i go to someone i like at least 90% of the artist's art. once i get there, i trust them, and once I have established what i want, i let them do the rest. they take what i give them and make it their own and it always turns out amazing. you have to trust your artist and give them the freedom to do something tat really inspires them and makes them really want to tattoo. i love my tattoos :)

[@lisao6928]

I got a little teary- eyed hearing him talk about his family. That's beautiful.

[@AsimiShadowborn]

I really like this guy - he's to talented but still so humble and down to earth. He seems like a great person!

[@PRANKZOMBIE]

Every interview I have ever watched with Nikki H. I have absolutely loved. He just seems so posi and I find that so strangely rare.

[@Bigotedechivo]

I'm not a fan of realism because of how bad it ages and it's honestly only good for the picture regardless of how good the tattooer is, BUT Nikko is a seriously talented artist and the coolest guy

[@MrZokeone]

Alot of truth in your comment but some guys just know how to hit it

[@nickmarkopoulos2720]

One of the top 5 artists in the business! Since getting into tattoos, he has been my favorite artist by far
No one does better portraits and realism

[@esotericprana]

Go check David Corden's work, not as well known as Nikko but he does phenomenal photo realistic portraits.

[@flowerboy4269]

God, Nikko is a legend. Everything the man says is surefire poetry. He's so articulate.

[@spencerjonesvo3973]

Nikko is easily one of the best tattoo artists alive. But beyond that, he's so focused on his work and pushing himself even more, and that is what any serious artist should do.

[@KaleilehuaKaeo-Okimoto]

A dream of mine is to get tattooed by all of my favorite artists, and Nikko Hurtado is definitely one of them.

[@Paula-sw2tt]

Of all the big name tattoo artists, you are the one I would most like to receive a tattoo from.

[@acfrede1]

I found Nikko 4 years ago and I’m the biggest fan. I am always amazed at the artwork that he produces. I’d love him to tattoo me one day 😭❤️

[@Rainy-In-The-Desert]

I'm so impressed by him, what a wonderful and humble guy. I would love a piece by him. Love him! 😊

[@julianaamando3786]

I've never wanted to be an amazing tattoo artist more in my life after watching this video. Nikko, you are such an inspiration!

[@Selene666]

always humble and grounded

[@jurgen88krawinkel]

So true ..... be humble and give respect 🤘🏻🔥🙏🏻

[@georgencongwane5292]

TRUE ☝RESPECT IS EVERYTHING

[@8ball40s7]

The one after the octopus is fuccin crazy

[@fixeddice1982]

4:35 That is the essence of the spirit of a winner. If you have to be constantly told how great you are, when you do nothing but suck, you will remain a loser. If you take criticism, and use it to fuel your advancement, you will become a winner. The only roadblock that can really block you, is you. Winners *find* a way.

[@Johnjohn-im4dx]

I love this guy! He sounds like a great father!

[@MegaSkinnybuddha]

Dude is so fucking humble...awesome.

[@raijoel3990]

I have fallen in love with tattoo because of you , you are the legend of tattoo hopping to have tattoo from you one day. Your art is amazing and portrait is beyond ones imagination. I never forgot how you did portrait of Pixie in Kat Von in Miami Ink since that time I have been dreaming about you for having tattoo with you. You are number one no one can tattoo like you, you are genius.

[@susanag8871]

So inspiring. Glad to see someone so humble and who is just like us!

[@thedevil3890]

20 year experienced tattoo artist here.... And I say this 100% straight up. Nikko is a fuckin BEAST!!

[@Rachelof_arc]

nikko is so inspiring & so humble

[@martindevin5914]

@10:47.... Man, he hit the nail on the head. I remember walking in to tattoo shops in the 80's and 90's (before all the tattooing tv shows came out) and inquiring about tattoos was like talking to a fucking ash tray. These guys didn't know what the fuck customer service was and most of them had an attitude like you were bothering them with questions. No customer service skills, no marketing skills, and just barely enough business to make the rent. .
Most of them didn't give a fuck about their shop's overall appearance either. Don't get me wrong, there were a few shops that were very cleanly and carried themselves with professional conduct, but these were the exception, not the norm.
These same cats would un-surprisingly talk down these new tattoo shows I mentioned (Miami Ink, for example), like the tattoo business was selling its soul or something lol. I would just listen and shake my head at their sheer stupidity and lack of foresight. They already had absolutely no insight into how successful businesses were ran or conducted and, to make it worse, they had no foresight about how these TV shows were about to turn the tattooing business in to a worldwide phenomenon, bringing in countless numbers of a variety of new clientele.
That shit was a joke in the eyes of serious business owner. Today, I'm happy to see how the tattoo industry has shaped up and learned the value of selling your self as an artist that people would like to work with. What he's saying right here in the video and the parts leading up to it is sage wisdom and advice - especially coming from a guy who's practically become a legend in the game by now.
Take notes.

[@jediknight1294]

One of the issues is he is a rarity in the famous end of the industry a lot of the others that Inked interview. That ego and attitude is a HUGE presence and that hasn't changed from.the old days.
Look at how they treat the guys showing stuff on RUclips or encouraging new people learning and the talking shit and catching an ego.
This new generation of 'celebrity' artists are just as bad in their own way as the worst of the 80's shops.
Like watch the attitude on 'i don't give clients a choice' on this same channel. This guy gets its collaborative and its about what you both want as an end result. Not just you should be honoured to get my ink.

[@martindevin5914]

@@jediknight1294 .... I feel you. The "gatekeeper" syndrome is still prevalent all across the tattoo industry today. I understand that it originated from the seriousness of handling blood borne pathogens, and developing the proper skills to apply a tattoo correctly, but the cry for "apprenticeship or get out" certainly didn't curtail the amount of disease being spread by novice kitchen magicians, and in fact it only made it worse.
Not sharing the knowledge freely just allowed the transmission of disease to continue running rampantly by not having a source of free public information on how to do tattoos correctly.
Most of this sentiment amongst tattoo artists of that time wasn't really tied to their desire to keep others out of harm, but more of their desires to fend off competition, keep their techniques secret, and downright greed.
I saw so many people (as a collecter) during that time pay exorbitant prices for apprenticeships under guys that couldn't draw or tattoo a fucking flower, but they thought they were still the hottest shit around and an apprenticeship under them should be considered an honor smh lmao. That shit made me sick to see.
Today's saturated field of awesome tattoo artists pretty much humbled those stuck up artists of yesteryear and I wouldn't doubt if most of them have been pushed out if business (rightfully) by this new wave of incredible talent.
It's good to see these top artists sharing their ideas, techniques, setups, etc so freely today on social media. The humility and generosity of a lot of today's artists has definitely atoned for the behavior of those so-called "artists" of the past.

[@jediknight1294]

@@martindevin5914 yeah you pretty much nailed it but the elitism of oh you shouldn't be tattooing unless we deign to choose you grates on me badly.

[@alexdelux2254]

Some awesome answers here. Niko you are the man. What you said about your daughters and how you are looked at by others. Man that was beautiful. Easily my favorite part of the interview.

[@nydielvia]

when I get the time and money I’ll totally get tattooed by niko

[@codyhale2493]

So.....Never?!

[@killingyouwithlogic5808]

It when will he have time for you he is soooooooooooo booked up!

[@TheRenegade2424]

I love being a tattoo artist been tattooing for 13 years he’s right about being a servant but that’s what makes you a king because A king is nothing but a servant to his people if he’s a good king🤙🏽 My service is tattooing as is his king on!!! 👑

[@killingyouwithlogic5808]

My #1 Life Goal Get tattooed by Nikko entire sleeve on my left arm and Paul Booth On the other arm Full sleeves of course !!! Expensive life goal but even worse is trying to get into them both in 1 life time for that much work !

[@InconsistentContent]

One of the humblest souls in the business

[@chadharlow3215]

One of the greatest tattoo artists, and so humble.

[@julienwood577]

One of the best on earth.

[@miguelj23]

You are the tattoo god dude... and yet so fucking humble

[@nicematerial]

I'm not crying, y'all are.

[@Matthew-tn7lm]

This was a great video and he dropped some gems but Inked totally clickbaited the title like we almost needed an extra reason to see what Nikko would say

[@ThatTattooGuyOfficial]

Sounds like an awesome dude. Love his attitude

[@abbyelyseanderson5724]

He is so humble and talented. This is awesome to see.

[@tsierfeld]

Been following Nikko work like 10 years,just when he put out a new tattoo he eclipses the one before it..Honestly never really listened to him speak on things.Alot of good stuff i have been lucky in my life where i had a friend and he was my friend before he was a tattoo artist,began tattooing and eventually opened his own shop.So i was very comfortable the first time i sat in the chair,I would bring different ideas or pictures to him to tattoo and he enjoyed the challenge and variety i brought him and ,yes there were things he wanted to tweek and i had that trust in him.Unlike Nikko i can't sit and just have one drink never worked for me😂 So i don't drink at all,as he said people are all different i look at like Tommy Lee this guy is partying,women on his side how he's still alive amazes me.....i surely be dead.So just for myself gotta kinda keep my ducks in a line and try to observe things around me with a clear mind i make better decisions that way.......Hey Nikko way Kool yea you are cool now and have been for a long time🤘🎨🪡

[@BajaChick]

Every artist has its strength... and that’s what makes tattoos beautiful. Every artist AND client have their own taste and style. It’s sad to see how tattoo artist give other beginner tattoo artist such a hard time . But then again that’s that “GAS” fueling that passion. I’m 30 and I ave giving over 10 years of my life for my kids and family instead of chasing my dream. “Tattoo artist” hopefully I get to reach my dream one day.... 😉

[@brycewood2492]

I’m from the HD man!! Nice to see someone make it out of here

[@HighLordSythen]

Love how humble he is.

[@joshuamartin4980]

He’s so likeable

[@brittbrat1988]

Nikko, Steve Butcher and Paul Booth are my favorite tattoo artists.

[@c309176]

Damn, I love everything about his energy.

[@Charliemcduff]

Lmao I love that this was just him talking about his family, what a gem

[@edybee2030]

So Cal latino... best tattoo artist....proud of you👍

[@rimsaw]

You are a great person. Greetings from Finland!

[@hannahcampbell7447]

Who else LOVES THE ROCK!!!!!!! 💕

[@85ddrummer]

Hannah Campbell don’t objectify men

[@dancartrr6003]

Since he was a stone

[@boshvasara1868]

@@dancartrr6003 😂 hahaha same my bro

[@gregb4186]

Very genuine and a great artist. Great paintings and tattoos respect Nikko and being doubted was a major push for me in my tattoos I do so I fell the fire inside being lit comment

[@OgGrande113]

Very well said Nikko

[@nefertirianubis1853]

Never give up ... that's the best thing everyone can do to make their dreams come true ... do not let anyone stop you or slow you down.
I followed this resolution... although I had to wait almost 28 years... but then I had the chance to learn the profession I always(since the age of 9) wanted to practice.
At the age of 44Years, I started a apprenticeship ... everyone around me (except my family and a few friends) declared me stupid because I started training with my age ... you will never succeed ... or...you're crazy... those were the most innocuous remarks ... but they were all taught a better ... now I am a trained automotive mechatronics and have a permanent job ... now everyone is very meek .... never give up. ..

[@lisao6928]

Thank you! I've always wanted to work in music, but I often feel too old to start. I'm 47.

[@reps138]

nikko has always been an inspiration

[@luismoney8973]

Nikko is my favorite artist hope to get some done from him maybe in 2029 he's one busy guy

[@baybornbalkanbaby7277]

BIG UPS NikkO. Never stop fighting till the fighting is done.

[@JasonMahipat]

Nikko seems like a really great person.

[@Sergio-fu7mv]

Seems like a stand up guy. No doubt.

[@untamedheart505]

One of the best for sure