Picasso created his artwork on canvas.

Tattoo artist Son Tran creates his artwork on people.

Tran’s shop, The Blazing Horse Tattoo, has been servicing the Hayward area since November 2010.

Tattooing has become popular in recent years. What was once a symbol of bikers, criminals and sailors has now become mainstream and a symbol of American individualism and creativity.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that about a quarter of all persons ages 18-50 have ink on them, and 16 percent of those with tattoos got them at the minimal age of 18.

According to Tran, the most popular tattoos are Cherry blossom flowers, as well as quotes and scriptures.

He also said Chinese and Japanese characters are popular with Americans.

Although the shop is fairly new, Tran has been tattooing professionally for 14 years.

While many may think his job is simple—choose a previously drawn tattoo from a catalogue that a client likes and recreate it on skin—Tran does not take this approach.

Each piece of work is unique to the customer’s specifications.

“I believe any of my custom designs are unique, whether it be a tiger or a dragon back piece or just a downright happy face on the inside of a clients lip,” said Tran. “To me, uniqueness is the design that I’ve drawn up just for that one client that nobody else will ever have.”

Tran loves his job because it gives him a chance to meet people he probably would not have if he wasn’t a tattoo artist.

“I’m a straight social person, so getting to interact with different clients from all walks of life and hearing their different stories is very stimulating for me,” said Tran.

Customer interaction goes hand-in-hand with creating his art, says Tran.

“Something I truly love about my profession is the thought process between artist and client working together, and coming up with a custom tattoo design,” Tran said. “Once the tattoo is put on, and we see how it came out, how we both imagined, it has a very humbling and sacred feeling.”

While many people have reasons not to get a tattoo, one is the fear of the pain that accompanies the sting of the vibrating needle.

When asked which body part is the least sensitive under the needle, Tran said the forearm is a good place to put a tattoo, for the faint of heart or the people pre-disposed to passing out.

“I have not seen anyone pass out, cry or walk out because the pain was too excruciating on the arm,” said Tran.

The Blazing Horse is serious about needle protection. All their needles are pre-sterilized and only used once. They also take proper disposal seriously.

When asked what to do if a person gets an infection, Tran said, at first, it’s best to seek the advice of the tattoo artist directly. He or she should know basic knowledge of different infections that may occur after getting a tattoo.

“If the infection is more severe, I would strongly recommend seeing your physician to see if antibiotics are needed,” said Tran.