that portray powerful imagery with clean bold lines , black shading and bright , beautiful colors . He was taught to be a well-rounded tattooer — to be able to do everything — but he specializes in traditional tattooing with bold lines and vibrant hues .
Leibowitz says it ’ s difficult to choose a favorite tattoo he has created . “ I feel I grow as an artist and a tattooer weekly and strive to be better every day and try to make every tattoo the best and my favorite ,” he says . “ The best part of my career has been traveling and doing tattoos all over the country and meeting so [ many ] amazing people in the industry .”
Storch says he loves all styles in the tattoo industry , but he started by doing Polynesian designs that depicted different islands and patterns that represented the culture . As he ’ s progressed as an artist , he ’ s become skilled in color realism , as well as black-and-gray realism , which allows him more creativity and the ability to do coverup and touch-up tattoos .
“ I love them all , so it ’ s hard to say if I have a direct favorite kind [ of tattoo ],” Storch says . “ I will say I love the challenge and the outcome of the dramatic cover-ups I do . They are so fun and enjoyable to create .”
Storch says aside from the artwork , the vibe of the studio is what really sets LO Cal apart . “ Each artist that works here brings such a different dynamic and energy ,” Storch says . “ Even though we might not always agree , there is always a solid humorous debate or discussion going on between us and clients . It ’ s real life in the studio and we involve everyone in it , like a family .”
Leibowitz says Bare Bones also has a different style from other tattoo shops in Laguna . It consistently puts new sheets of original , hand-painted tattoo flash up on the walls for people to come in and pick from or get inspired for new custom tattoo ideas . Bare Bones also takes walk-ins regardless of the size or design of the tattoo someone wants .
“ I am always on the hunt for new inspiration ,” he says . “ I am constantly buying books and looking to see what other people are doing , not only in my industry , but
Top three photos : Tattoo artist Kalani Storch in the LO Cal Tattoo shop ( top ) and working on tattoos ; above : staff members Pam Rosa ( left ) and Maya Weraksa look at design options ; right : LO Cal ’ s Stevie Blackburn works on his flash — smaller designs that are displayed in binders or on the wall to provide walkin customers with ideas .
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