Robert Kaplan began collecting Tattoos in 1966 on "The Pike", in Long Beach, California. The legendary Bob Shaw did his first tattoo, (a name), then later the same day both an eagle and a shark were added. Of course, that was only the beginning.                 

In the years to follow, Robert acquired tattoos from some of the best.Meeting and getting tattooed by P.A. Stephens, "Painless Paul" Nelson,Rangoon Rickey, Bob Olson, and a host of other highly skilled artists would lead to Roberts own beginning as a tattoo artist.

Twenty four years after that first tattoo, (in 1990), Robert began an apprenticeship with P.A. Stephens at the Seattle Tattoo Emporium in Seattle, Washington. That relationship built a solid foundation of core tattoo knowledge that continues to grow, and has enabled him to travel
and work at some reputable studios including Superior Skin Art Columbus,Georgia , Skin Deep Tattoo in Honolulu, Hawaii , Custom Tattoo (with Bob Olson) in Chicago; Ace Tattoo in Atlanta, Georgia (with "Painless Paul" Nelson), working with Wild Bill, Joe Satterwhite, Todo Brennen, and Matt Wertjes.

In 1998, Robert went to Europe where he worked with Skip Naylor in Nottingham,England; Frank Weber in Berlin, Germany; and with Klaus Zimmerer at First Class Tattoo in Regensburg, Germany.

Robert states, "I look at  my career in tattooing as an odyssey. A journey of   sorts that has taken me to many fascinating destinations and has allowed me to meet many wonderful and talented people, all of whom have helped and influenced
me. I view tattooing as a continual learning process, and I constantly seek new ways to improve my skills". When asked what his preferred style is, Robert replies, "I enjoy being a production tattooist. To apply good quality work and help the customer enjoy his tattoo experience.I like doing a variety of styles from small, simple designs to larger pieces.

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