Heard some bad news that my friend and first tattoo mentor, @seanvasquezdesigns has left this world. I am heartbroken that our paths will no longer cross in this life. Sean was instrumental in connecting me to the world of tattooing back in the late ‘90’s in New York City, where I was fresh out of college and desperate to become a tattooer. A fateful meeting with his ex Nilda, while we were both working at the iconic Pearl Paint, set the path I would take to get me here today. I spent many hours at his shop (shout out Triple X) and got my first sleeve done by him as he opened up my world and kindly introduced me to so many amazing artists and wonderful people. I watched his daughters grow from teenagers into beautiful, strong women. He helped me get my apprenticeship and gave me my first tattoo machine. He opened the door for so many, and I fondly recall him singing along to the music and tapping his foot on the foot switch in time with the beat while he tattooed me. He was a major figure in the NYC tattoo scene, but also fun and funny and quick to laugh. He will be deeply missed by so many, myself included. RIP Sean. Thank you 🖤🙏🏽✨ . . @joatwood @seanvasquezdesigns #tattoo #tattooartist #nyctattoo #triplextattoo #eastsideink #gonetoosoon #grateful #restinpeace #tattooer (at New York City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPn9--UjL5X/?utm_medium=tumblr