Meet Erik Yabroff | Tattoo Artist / Graphic Designer

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

Hi Erik, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Yabs Tattoo or Hollows Apparel I wanted to take the professional skills I’ve learned through my 8 years in Graphic Design in Denver and New York City, and use them to bring joy to peoples lives through, a well done tattoo or clever designed product. Through my communication skills and listening skills I’ve learned how to listen to the needs of a client and translate that into my art, designs or tattoos in order to give them exactly what they want, which has made me successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I come from a skateboarding and graffiti background so whenever I’m drawing a tattoo, making art or working on a design, my mind is pulling inspiration from those two cultures and my experiences growing up in those cultures. Whatever it is that I’m creating I’m trying to create connection with the client or customer, through eye catching visuals with engaging stories and clean and professional execution.

I feel that the experiences and skills I’ve gained through Graphic Design help me stand out from the crowd. Ive been able to successfully listen to the clients needs and create something that they feel excited about and represents them or their brand. Throughout my career I’ve learned how to listen to the needs of a client and translate that into my art, designs or tattoos in order to give them exactly what they want, which has made me successful. Now that I’m taking those skills and applying them to tattoos, I think it will help me set myself apart.

Ive always been an artist. I was the kid in class always drawing in his notebook instead of paying attention. I made art throughout my early education and then went on to get a BFA from a local art school in Denver. After pursuing the fine artist career for a couple years after college, I decided that career path wasn’t the best for me. I did a lot of research and found a Graphic Design program at a school in Littleton. After I graduated the Design program I went into Candy Packaging Design then Event Design for a Festival/Bike Race. I then took a big risk and moved to New York City to further my career, through a lot of hard work and learning experiences I became successful and continued designing events, eventually ending up in Apparel Design. After close to a decade in the design industry I’m now starting to tattoo in Denver and Fort Collins.

Throughout my journey I’ve experienced a lot of obstacles and challenges, from people doubting me, doubting myself or facing lots of rejection, getting to where I am today was not easy. Every project, drawing, art piece has its own challenges and those never go away or get easier. However with lots of drive and dedication you do get better, which has allowed me to accomplish the goals I’ve set and further my career. Some of the lessons Ive learned along my journey that have helped me, would be to surround yourself with people who are better than you, if you’re learning something than you’re not failing and make sure you set boundaries for yourself.

When it comes to my tattoos or my brand I want people to know that Im striving to create dope work that resinates with my clients and customers. I want people to know that creating a comfortable, inclusive and safe environment is a high priority when you work with me and that I’m grateful for an opportunity that comes my way!

Also a quick story, my nick name Yabs comes from my childhood where no one could properly pronounce my last name, which is Yabroff, each of my friends would call me by a mispronounced version of my last name and Yabs was the most common one used. I would also hear Yabber, Yabermeister or Yabo just to name a few.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s a lot of awesome places in Denver which makes it hard to choose. I would tell them they have to go down to RiNo and check out all of the public art. They would also have to stop at Crema, Mister Oso or Cart-Driver if they’re hungry. If they want to enjoy a sunny Colorado day they could go to Cheeseman or City Park to hang out and people watch. There’s almost always a show going on at a venue downtown, The Marquis, Cervantes, The Fillmore or The Ogden are awesome spots to see some good music and of course there’s Red Rocks for those who don’t mind the drive. We do live in a beautiful state, so I would tell them to go into the mountains. They could go up to Dinosaur Ridge or Lookout Mountain for a good view. If it’s the right time of year also head up to Golden and tube down the river. There’s also a ton of local vendor markets where you can buy goods from local artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family, friends and each person who has helped me along the path. Ive gotten a lot of help and support along the way and couldn’t have made it to where I am without those close to me.

Website: https://www.behance.net/eyabroff?locale=en_US&

Instagram: @yabstattoo @hollowsclub

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-yabroff-06419198/

Image Credits
No photo credits