Meet Rob Westphal | Tattooer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob Westphal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been making art in some form or fashion for my entire life. After working many retail and food service jobs, and then finally ending up working in construction project management, I just couldn’t envision a life where I could be happy not making art full-time as a career. I’m so stoked to wake up every day and do something I’m passionate about.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love traditional American and Japanese tattoo imagery, and love to infuse it with my love of old heavy metal and fantasy art. Dynamic subjects with unconventional color palettes will always be my first love, I left my project management job in 2018 to pursue tattooing and eventually convinced Scott Cooksey to mentor me at his shop, Lone Star Tattoo in North Dallas. Working under him taught me so much and gave me the best start to my career I could ask for. I accepted a position at Welcome Stranger under Andy Felty in 2022 and haven’t looked back since. I’ve learned to listen, that I don’t always know everything, and to set ego aside in order to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Im no good at itineraries, but we would definitely be hitting Uchiba and my favorite vegan spot – Nuno’s in Richardson! I’d love to grab a few drinks at Lakewood Landing and maybe go dancing at It´ll Do or Lady Love. We can wake up in the morning and go bouldering at Movement to work it off!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the mentorship and guidance of Scott Cooksey, my teacher. He graciously handed down his knowledge of tattooing to me, and I will be forever grateful.

Website: https://www.welcomestrangertattoo.com/

Instagram: @robwestphal.tattooer