Our Team
Richie Lucero
Artist
Contemporary Japanese
Black and grey
Stippling
Color Realism
Illustrative
Anime
Born in Honolulu Hawaii, Richie has been tattooing since early 2003. forever a student of the arts he continues to pursue and explore his artistic capabilities in varies mediums which include tattooing, oil painting, acrylic painting, airbrushing, charcoal drawing, watercolor, pastels, and more
Zach Yokoyama
Zach was born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii and has been tattooing for over 14 years now. during his apprenticeship he supported himself as a sushi chef-an experience that reflects his dedication to craftsmanship and detail. Art has always been a driving force in his life, and he finds creative expression in everything he does.Zach works in a wide range of mediums in addition to tattooing, including acrylics, woodworking, and charcoal.
currently can be found at Black Cat Tattoo in Honolulu where he specializes in Japanese style tattoos -both traditional and modern. While this is his core focus, he is always eager to push his artistic boundaries across different styles. anything that sparks creativity gets him excited.
Artist Contemporary Japanese
Traditional Japanese
Black and Grey
Geometrical
Illustrative
Tebori
Marie Makowski
Traditional Japanese
Black and Grey (3RL fine-line)
Floral
Illustrative
Pattern work
ArtistMarie's connection to art began early. As a child, she was often drawing or creating artwork while tagging along with her mom to work, using art as both an escape and to pass the time. That early habit grew into a deeper passion, leading her to study fine art and art history throughout college. her path eventually led her into tattooing, a craft that has allowed her to meet inspiring artists, clients, and characters from all over the world. Through those experiences, Marie has built a strong foundation rooted in hard work, integrity, and real respect for the craft. She takes pride in being part of a tradition shaped by dedication, experience, and the kind of artistic community that feels increasingly rare today.
Sue kidder
American traditional
Illustrative
Black and grey
Fine line
Black and grey realism
ArtistWith over 20 years of tattooing experience and a bachelor’s degree in painting and sculpture, Sue has dedicated much of her life to the creative arts. Raised overseas and having lived across both the East and West Coasts, she brings a wide range of life experience and artistic influence into her work.
Sue began tattooing in San Diego, working in styles that included fine line, black and grey, portraits, and realism. In recent years, she has focused more deeply on American traditional tattooing, honoring its bold design language, history, and cultural roots.
With a deep respect for tattoo culture and tradition, Sue aims to carry that legacy forward through thoughtful, timeless tattoos made with care and intention.
William Zwick
William Zwick is a Honolulu-based artist, educator, and founder of Zwick Academy of Fine Art
(ZAFA). He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Laguna College of Art and Design in
2010 before continuing his studies at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, where he graduated
in 2012. During his final year, he was invited to teach and received recognition for Best Painting
of the Year. Since returning to Hawaii, William has dedicated himself to the study and teaching
of classical drawing and painting, helping students develop strong foundational skills through
workshops, private instruction, and long-term artistic mentorship.
In 2013, William founded ZAFA, a school devoted to classical realism and the traditions of fine
art. In 2023, he met Richie and quickly discovered a shared passion for craftsmanship, artistic
growth, and building creative communities. Their ongoing collaboration brings together the
worlds of fine art and tattooing, creating opportunities for artists to learn from one another, push
their skills further, and participate in a broader creative culture. William currently continues his
work as a painter and instructor while also pursuing tattooing as an extension of his lifelong
commitment to drawing, design, and visual storytelling.
Realism
classical painterly style
Artist
Marie Rose
Marie Rose is a tattoo artist from Hampton, Virginia, with a background as unique as her artwork. After high school, she joined the Navy and served seven years as a corpsman while continuing to build her art portfolio during her time enlisted.
After leaving the Navy in 2020, Marie began her tattoo apprenticeship and has been tattooing professionally ever since. She enjoys creating American traditional tattoos as well as illustrative designs, working in both black and grey and color.
Marie brings a strong sense of discipline, care, and creativity to her work, creating tattoos that feel bold, intentional, and personal to each client.
American traditional
black and grey
illustrative
stippling
tribal
Artist
John Kirby
ArtistAmerican traditional
Focused, approachable, and driven by a passion to create art. in john has found his way into tattooing and began his journey creating art on skin in 2025