Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Holland.
Hi Caleb, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Caleb Doc Holland. I am a 34 year old tattooer native to Jacksonville Florida. I got my spark for tattooing at a very young age. At 9 years old, I came across an old copy of “the rolling stone.” Gracing the cover was a wooly-haired, mutton chop-wearing man named Lyle Tuttle. He was tattooing a woman and was completely covered in tattoos himself. That was it. That was the spark; my 9-year-old brain whirled with images of rockstars and Harley choppers. I was living this wild lifestyle of tattooing and a no rules, no f#cks given attitude. That was all it took. I must have read that interview 1000 times before the magazine finally dissolved into shreds. I became consumed with art and tattooing. I spent every spare second I could start reading, researching, and drawing.
At 14, my estranged mother brought me a raven superior tattoo machine she had “acquired” and a box of crappy supplies. I began tattooing my legs every spare inch I could reach. I had done the reading and had a solid grasp of the technical, but it was a painful slap from reality the first line I ran. I practiced and practiced, even approaching local tattooers I had heard about for apprenticeship. I was rejected for my age, but I didn’t allow that to deter me. I kept grinding and eventually landed an internship at the age of 19. Since that day, I have devoted myself entirely to tattooing, the art, the application, and the history. Hard work, dedication, and no small amount of luck has allowed me to get to where I am today some 15 years later. I wouldn’t change a day of it, and I love it as much today as I did at 9.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has most definitely been a challenging road. I went through 3 different apprenticeships due to some untrustworthy people who took advantage of my young age and eagerness. By the time I earned my first tattoo license, I had spent over 15,000 dollars and had ended up homeless multiple times. I never gave up, tho. I refused to accept failure as an option. My love of tattooing and determination kept me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I have created and refined my tattooing style over the years. My roots are based in the late 90s early 200s “new school” but have evolved to be more of a graphic animation style. I specialize in color work tattoos and anime/ cartoon style tattooing. I am developing a unique take on my craft’s imagery, colorways, and the skills needed for the longevity of the tattoos I create. I am known for my pop culture/ character designs, bright, bold color saturation, and sculpted line weights. I am most proud that my tattoos look just as bright and bold years after they are healed as they did the day they were done. I believe what sets me apart from other tattooers is my willingness and enthusiasm for the crazy and wild ideas of my clients. I love the creative process of making dreams a reality, and the wilder the idea or design, the more excitedly I commit myself to the perfection of the design.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Without a doubt, the most important lesson I have learned is humbleness. Always stay humble and learn. I remember every single day. I am confident in my abilities but would never act complacently. Tattooing is ever-evolving, and someone who “knows it all” hits the wall and stagnates. We very quickly become victims of our ego and success. Always keep your eyes fixed on the future. Always be willing to learn!
Pricing:
- Hourly rate is $180.00
- Cover up hourly rate is $200.00
- Full day sessions( 8-10hrs) $1300.00
- Half day sessions ( 4-6 hrs) $700.00
- Deposits are always $100.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @docs_lab_tattoo
Image Credits
Caleb “Doc” Holland @docs_lab_tattoo Seas the day tattoo and piercing
