Today, Gilbert’s good friend, Al Chu, joins the show to discuss his unconventional career path to becoming a renowned tattoo artist. After years of feeling unfulfilled in his first profession, drafting for the oil and gas industry, Al decided to leave the safety of the corporate and pursue his passion. Now, working out of Flipside Tattoo in Calgary, his art is highly sought after for its focus on traditional Japanese style. Al discusses what drove him to make that leap, the obstacles he overcame in the transition, and how he feels on the other side.

“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”

Episode Highlights:

0:57 – Introduction, what Al’s been working on lately

2:41 – His two big brothers being his biggest influences growing up, selling his art in junior high

7:13 – Deciding to leave the corporate world after seven years, hitting road bumps in his early art career

21:28 – Soliciting numerous tattoo shops for an apprenticeship before landing an opportunity

26:02 – A message from our sponsors

28:03 – Building a foundation for his career by working hard without pay during his apprenticeship

33:57 – Shoutout to Rio Pizza!

35:00 – The process of a tattoo artist apprenticeship, tattooing fruits before people

40:53 – How the flexibility of the tattoo artist’s schedule anchors Al’s wellness regimen

49:43 – Al’s advice to his younger self

51:12 – Why facing the finality of life became a gamechanger for Al

53:12 – Why Al doesn’t seek to have any specific impact on the world

56:48 – How you can support Al and Flipside Tattoo

Connect with Al and support his work:

IG: @alchutattoos

IG: @flipsidetattoos

Sponsors of this episode:

Bloom Benefits: www.bloombenefits.ca

Iridium: www.irsnavacord.com

Zelos: www.zelosglobal.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies