Meet Sergei Fish

We recently connected with Sergei Fish and have shared our conversation below.

Sergei, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
The foundation of my work is rooted in a crucial set of personal values, namely openness, honesty, and the ability to listen to my customers’ desires and needs. Providing an unfiltered and sincere perspective, I ensure my clients receive honest feedback on their tattoo ideas. If I think that a desired tattoo may not age well, I make a concerted effort to dissuade my clients from getting it done. Recognizing tattoos as lifelong expressions, my goal is for clients to remain content with their ink for decades to come—20-30 years or beyond. I always prioritize my reputation as a tattoo artist over fleeting material gains, and firmly believe that my work ethic helps me to produce high-quality results on a daily basis.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Allow me to introduce myself; I am Sergei, a professional tattoo artist based in San Diego, CA, specializing in fine line, black and grey, and American traditional works. In September 2023, I proudly opened Ocean Beach Tattoo, my own tattoo parlor in San Diego.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements stand out as having the most significant impact. Firstly, my lifelong passion for drawing, cultivated since childhood, has been the cornerstone of my artistic journey. Undoubtedly, the drawing skills in my craft are the most important.

Secondly, my enriched life experiences include a substantial period of collaborating with creative people. This exposure to working with fellow creatives provided invaluable insights, shaping my perspectives and enriching my artistic endeavors in profound ways.

Thirdly, a pivotal piece of advice from a very talented entrepreneur profoundly influenced my trajectory: the wisdom of starting small and incrementally scaling up. When I started working for myself, the first space that I rented was a tiny studio without a window. After only six months, I was able to move my studio into a larger space across the hall from the initial one. In another six months, I was able to open an actual shop on a busy street in San Diego.

For those embarking on their own journeys, my advice is to prioritize the development and refinement of drawing skills, recognizing their pivotal role in the art of tattooing. Additionally, actively seek collaborations with creative individuals to broaden your perspectives and enhance your artistic prowess.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
When considering my ideal client, I appreciate individuals who discover my portfolio among numerous competitors and choose me for their tattoo needs. An ideal customer possesses a clear vision of their desired tattoo, actively listens to my professional suggestions, and engages in collaborative decision-making. This collaborative approach ensures a positive and satisfying tattoo experience for both the client and myself.

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