Doug Hardy’s journey through tattooing is a lifelong story of passion, discipline, and respect for the craft. Growing up surrounded by tattoo culture, he spent his early years inside legendary shops like Ace Tattoo in San Diego, absorbing the sights, sounds, and stories of the art form. In 1992, Doug began his formal apprenticeship under the renowned Mike “Rollo” Malone at China Sea Tattoo in Honolulu — the historic shop once owned by Sailor Jerry. There, he honed his foundation in traditional tattooing, learning the values of precision, humility, and craftsmanship that continue to define his work today.