This 12-Year-Old Tattoo Prodigy Is Going Viral, And His Works Speak For Themselves
Ezrah “The Shark” Dormon is 12-years-old. He isn’t old enough to get a tattoo, but that’s not stopping him from tattooing other people!
The Panama-based pre-teen tattoo artist was first inspired to pick up the ink gun when he watched his mother get a tattoo at Honolulu tattoo shop. Noticing Ezrah’s keen interest, the owner of the shop, Ali Garcia, let the youngster fill in a part of the tattoo (with his mom’s permission of course!) and the kid’s been hooked ever since. He’s already inked about twenty people, plus countless oranges and grapefruits (they’re good for practice apparently), all from the Honolulu tattoo shop where he’s studying as Garcia’s apprentice. The owner has taught him how to draw various designs including panthers, swallows, snakes, roses and sharks – the latter being the boy’s signature animal. Ezrah has even tattooed his own math teacher! While there’s no doubt that the kid’s got talent, not everybody agrees with him wielding an ink gun. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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This 12-year-old isn’t old enough to have a tattoo
But that doesn’t stop him from tattooing other people!
Sometimes he practices on oranges and grapefruits, but he’s also tattooed over twenty people as well!
His name is Ezrah Dormon, but people call him The Shark
He was inspired to pick up the ink gun after watching his mom get a tattoo at Honolulu tattoo shop in Panama
With his mom’s permission, the owner let Ezrah ink a part of the tattoo she was getting
After that, he was hooked
The shop’s owner, Ali Garcia, has been showing him the ropes ever since
He’s taught him how to draw various designs
So far he can draw panthers, swallows, snakes, roses, and – of course – sharks
Garcia lets Ezrah practice at the shop
He’s even tattooed his own math teacher!
There’s no denying that the kid has some incredible talent
But some people weren’t sure what to think
Others however had nothing but praise for the youngster
What do you think?
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There are geniuses of every generation and in many fields. Perhaps this kid is one of those. It is NOT wrong to allow him to peruse his passion, it is only unusual at best. If this is what he likes and he is good at it, what the heck is all the commotion?
A big concern might be legally, in the eyes of the insurance company. If something were to go wrong, I seriously doubt they would cover the damages. The shop owner needs to really think this through better.
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He's following an apprentice path, lots of practice, patience, prep, and protection. He's not doing them prison style with a BIC pen. Keep up the hard work kiddo.
It's amazing that his patents support him in something he loves. There's no such thint as being too young when you have a gift. Younger kids in other countries handle real guns and do damages, while this kid is doing great art and hurting no one. In my country a lower class 12 year old is having babies...shouldn't they be considered too young? CONGRATS TO THIS KID AND HIS FAMILY!
No depth? Psh, PLEASE. This kid has UNDENIABLE talent! Not only can he draw well (as said by another user, "better than some adults") he's doing on SKIN! Which is WAY harder than on paper! He has a better sense of what he wants to do with his life, which is more than what I can say for some adults. Coo-do's to his parents for supporting this! As an owner of couple 'o' tats myself, I'd GLADLY let this kid ink me! Well done Ezrah, keep it up and don't stop learning! Great work!
Also, that comment is pretty hilarious - "child-like". Dude, he's 12. Chances are you would do worse than him on paper, and even worse with a tattoo gun.
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Let the kid have at it. Imagine how good he'll be when he reaches "legal" age.
For starters can we talk about how freagin amazing his hairstyle is *-* and as far as him having a tattoo gun in his hand at this age is concerned, art isnt limited to age and has no boundaries, believe it or not the spark in an artist doesn't ignite everyday, so maybe when he's "old enough" he has lost either the interest or that artistic spark. Little man should keep at it because he's definitely very good.
The age doesn't matter, it matters is the artist has the skills to be fit for the task. And this kid already shows a lot of skills.
That's amazing! He should definitely be allowed. Let someone live their dreams, for once, world!
Well he's good so I would let him keep doing it! And I don't care what you people say bad things about him! Hes good at it and he has a gift
The reason he's good is (at least in part) because he was allowed to practice. Natural talent only goes so far, practice takes you the rest of the way.
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I love the woman with the sharks! He's really talented and I'm so glad he's allowed to pursue his passion! Not all kids have things they are passionate about at that age. Hopefully he'll be able to continue sharpening his skills and be that much more amazing as an adult. Good luck, Ezrah! :)
I just hope that he realizes that he will make a mistake, eventually. Even if it is a small error, messing up can really hurt his confidence. Hopefully, his parents, owner of the shop, and others teach him that mistakes are okay and a part of learning. It would be sad to see him crushed by a mistake or stress. Good luck, kid.
I think this is a great way for this young man to stay occupied. He is learning art and a skill and staying out of trouble. Isn't this every parent's dream? Good for him.
If he's good at it then by all means let him be. Ladies & Gentlemen, do remember, age is just a number.
I absolutely love his painting. It's just great knowing that there are people who give the kid a chance to do what makes him happy. (that little red flower is done pretty amazingly)
Awesome! I usually don't like big tattoos but I've considered that it would be cool to have a small tattoo only I could see most of the year (maybe on the shoulder). Maybe, when I get older and crazier I would find Tiburon and ask for one, he clearly learns quickly and knows what he's doing. :)
I mean they aren't THE MOST DETAILED IN THE WHOLE WORLD but they're still really good and that's his style, things don't have to be detailed to be pretty, so I think that it's ridiculous for the woman (middle on the negative comments) to complain that they're childish and lack depth and detail
You are right! This tattoo-style is called "oldschool" over here in Germany. I don't love this style, but he does a good job. Clear lines, even coloring.
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Personally I think this is great. He's one of the lucky few who find a passion so young in life that he enjoys. His artwork is definitely impressive for his age and i'm sure will only get better with time and practice. Way to go kid!
these are all really good, i just dont think i would trust a 12 yr old
Which is entirely your choice. The people who allow him to tattoo them made theirs :)
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Where can I sign up to get one done from him?? Seriously I need a traditional piece on my body soon!!
I think he's brilliant. I'm 42 and he's a better artist than I am. I wish him all the luck and success in the world as he soo deserves it. I think the comment that his drawings are child like are hilarious. He's 12 years old he IS a child. He will get better with age and practice. In 10 years time he will be amazing and probably be rug his own tattoo parlour. I really hope so.☺
The kid loves what he does best so it is also best for the parents to encourage and allow their children to pursue their own dream and passion. You go, kid! You even have my full support behind you.
I'm 12 and I couldn't even dream of being as good as that its so cool his artistic ability
What you see there is the best of his work. He's been practicing for a few years, and you will too if you start now. Most of it is technique, which you can learn and develop.
Load More Replies... Lucky boy! To find his passion in such a young age. Others are looking for it their whole life.
Go for it ,,,kido show ur talent don't stop enjoy ur life of exploring xxx
You cannot really make this a style or art discussion, for this is subjective anyway. You cannot really make it a work discussion, either: there are laws for child labour, and as long as they are honoured, there is no discussion. You can take this into a discussion about tattoos as a whole. If you have a negative attitude towards them, you will agree that he should not do it for bad influence. If you have a positive attitude towards them, you will agree that he should do it for it is rather mature to follow a hobby with much effort.
This isn’t amazing work. Sorry, it just isn’t. Someone could actually be teaching the kid well, but these tattoos are subpar and not impressive. - 15 yr tattooer
F**k this little prick and his parents too.. The world needs another tattoo artist like prisons need more heroin ..People today are a******s ..THIS PROVES IT !!!!
People forget that we used to let children FORGE METAL, MINE COAL, and SWEEP CHIMNEY. Not to mention that there are still countless child slaves all across the world, including the USA. Stuff it. He's being taught to do something he has a passion for. He wanted this, and is being given the tools, teaching, and outlet for it. Children are far more capable than people give them credit for. Perhaps if you stop going "goo goo gaga" at YOUR kids they'd be more than drooling morons, too!
i would let him tattoo me i let my cousin do scull tattoo on my back and a heart on my leg and he's really talented like him and i was the first one for him to tattoo. this little boy has a wonderful gift and if he wants to tattoo others and just because he's 12 don't mean anything he just got the real thing.
He's okay - no great shakes, but developing. What disturbs me is the fact that many don't know that tattoos contaminate you. Many cause varying forms of toxicity - metal poisoning and such. In ancient times, tattoos were a rite of passage BECAUSE YOU DID SOMETHING OF SIGNIFICANCE - they weren't a fashion statement. Some of the Polynesian tattoos were teachings of how to sail the Pacific and find tiny islands in the immensity of space through the tattooed information regarding currents, winds, temperatures of water and air, bird and fish life, and much more.... Today? You're just another "unique" person that had to have a tattoo - like half of everyone else. No significance to them, many times...
I wouldn't have one of his works put on myself. Not bad work for his age but not exactly phenomenal stuff either. Again, not good enough for me to have it permanent on my body. I'll stick with the top artists for that. But good for him to know and pursue what he wants and enjoys.
As long he is practicing to become a better tattoo artist - by professionals , he will become great! Good Luck Kid!
I think if a child is passionate about something you should never take that away. It's better letting that child strive of what they're passionate about instead of being out in the street getting in trouble.
Seeing as there are no tattooing laws in Indiana, he could do it here all he wants!
Sweet! I'm glad the shop owner is allowing him to apprentice there. God forbid this boy didn't have this opportunity, He would have got himself a tattoo gun on the sly and made a complete mess on some other kids arm. some question this being defined as Genius? I agree. But hes already better than a lot of adult tattoo artists. He might grow to be a properly epic artists in a few years. If he's already tattooing this level of art at 12, I'd definitely be interested in looking him up when he's 20.
Awesome! Your tatts will begin to blur before he can even have his first legal drink!
Why should this be illegal? He's tallented, hope he gets even better in the future.
There is a legal age to receive a tattoo, I've never heard of regulations concerning the age of the artist. Again, that's a question of liability for the tattoo shop, and they wouldn't allow him to become an apprentice if he didn't behave properly.
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A bit crazy to call him a prodigy. My drawings were at that level when I was his age, but I'm no prodigy.
Were your drawings at that level on SKIN? Because that's a completely different media, and much trickier than paper.
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Prodigy? lol. Those tattoos are pretty average - a lot better than I could do, but come the f**k on with the prodigy b******t.
Maybe he'll be great in a few years, but all those look like a kid's drawings. They belong on a fridge, not skin. Tattooing takes years, maybe decades to perfect and a 12 year old simply doesn't cut it. #notonmyskin
Many of those are actually in a pretty old school style. Done by a 12-year-old, sure, but the style is not a child's.
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Literally every tattoo artist I know calls it a gun...
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There are geniuses of every generation and in many fields. Perhaps this kid is one of those. It is NOT wrong to allow him to peruse his passion, it is only unusual at best. If this is what he likes and he is good at it, what the heck is all the commotion?
A big concern might be legally, in the eyes of the insurance company. If something were to go wrong, I seriously doubt they would cover the damages. The shop owner needs to really think this through better.
Load More Replies... He's following an apprentice path, lots of practice, patience, prep, and protection. He's not doing them prison style with a BIC pen. Keep up the hard work kiddo.
It's amazing that his patents support him in something he loves. There's no such thint as being too young when you have a gift. Younger kids in other countries handle real guns and do damages, while this kid is doing great art and hurting no one. In my country a lower class 12 year old is having babies...shouldn't they be considered too young? CONGRATS TO THIS KID AND HIS FAMILY!
No depth? Psh, PLEASE. This kid has UNDENIABLE talent! Not only can he draw well (as said by another user, "better than some adults") he's doing on SKIN! Which is WAY harder than on paper! He has a better sense of what he wants to do with his life, which is more than what I can say for some adults. Coo-do's to his parents for supporting this! As an owner of couple 'o' tats myself, I'd GLADLY let this kid ink me! Well done Ezrah, keep it up and don't stop learning! Great work!
Also, that comment is pretty hilarious - "child-like". Dude, he's 12. Chances are you would do worse than him on paper, and even worse with a tattoo gun.
Load More Replies... Let the kid have at it. Imagine how good he'll be when he reaches "legal" age.
For starters can we talk about how freagin amazing his hairstyle is *-* and as far as him having a tattoo gun in his hand at this age is concerned, art isnt limited to age and has no boundaries, believe it or not the spark in an artist doesn't ignite everyday, so maybe when he's "old enough" he has lost either the interest or that artistic spark. Little man should keep at it because he's definitely very good.
The age doesn't matter, it matters is the artist has the skills to be fit for the task. And this kid already shows a lot of skills.
That's amazing! He should definitely be allowed. Let someone live their dreams, for once, world!
Well he's good so I would let him keep doing it! And I don't care what you people say bad things about him! Hes good at it and he has a gift
The reason he's good is (at least in part) because he was allowed to practice. Natural talent only goes so far, practice takes you the rest of the way.
Load More Replies... I love the woman with the sharks! He's really talented and I'm so glad he's allowed to pursue his passion! Not all kids have things they are passionate about at that age. Hopefully he'll be able to continue sharpening his skills and be that much more amazing as an adult. Good luck, Ezrah! :)
I just hope that he realizes that he will make a mistake, eventually. Even if it is a small error, messing up can really hurt his confidence. Hopefully, his parents, owner of the shop, and others teach him that mistakes are okay and a part of learning. It would be sad to see him crushed by a mistake or stress. Good luck, kid.
I think this is a great way for this young man to stay occupied. He is learning art and a skill and staying out of trouble. Isn't this every parent's dream? Good for him.
If he's good at it then by all means let him be. Ladies & Gentlemen, do remember, age is just a number.
I absolutely love his painting. It's just great knowing that there are people who give the kid a chance to do what makes him happy. (that little red flower is done pretty amazingly)
Awesome! I usually don't like big tattoos but I've considered that it would be cool to have a small tattoo only I could see most of the year (maybe on the shoulder). Maybe, when I get older and crazier I would find Tiburon and ask for one, he clearly learns quickly and knows what he's doing. :)
I mean they aren't THE MOST DETAILED IN THE WHOLE WORLD but they're still really good and that's his style, things don't have to be detailed to be pretty, so I think that it's ridiculous for the woman (middle on the negative comments) to complain that they're childish and lack depth and detail
You are right! This tattoo-style is called "oldschool" over here in Germany. I don't love this style, but he does a good job. Clear lines, even coloring.
Load More Replies... Personally I think this is great. He's one of the lucky few who find a passion so young in life that he enjoys. His artwork is definitely impressive for his age and i'm sure will only get better with time and practice. Way to go kid!
these are all really good, i just dont think i would trust a 12 yr old
Which is entirely your choice. The people who allow him to tattoo them made theirs :)
Load More Replies... Where can I sign up to get one done from him?? Seriously I need a traditional piece on my body soon!!
I think he's brilliant. I'm 42 and he's a better artist than I am. I wish him all the luck and success in the world as he soo deserves it. I think the comment that his drawings are child like are hilarious. He's 12 years old he IS a child. He will get better with age and practice. In 10 years time he will be amazing and probably be rug his own tattoo parlour. I really hope so.☺
The kid loves what he does best so it is also best for the parents to encourage and allow their children to pursue their own dream and passion. You go, kid! You even have my full support behind you.
I'm 12 and I couldn't even dream of being as good as that its so cool his artistic ability
What you see there is the best of his work. He's been practicing for a few years, and you will too if you start now. Most of it is technique, which you can learn and develop.
Load More Replies... Lucky boy! To find his passion in such a young age. Others are looking for it their whole life.
Go for it ,,,kido show ur talent don't stop enjoy ur life of exploring xxx
You cannot really make this a style or art discussion, for this is subjective anyway. You cannot really make it a work discussion, either: there are laws for child labour, and as long as they are honoured, there is no discussion. You can take this into a discussion about tattoos as a whole. If you have a negative attitude towards them, you will agree that he should not do it for bad influence. If you have a positive attitude towards them, you will agree that he should do it for it is rather mature to follow a hobby with much effort.
This isn’t amazing work. Sorry, it just isn’t. Someone could actually be teaching the kid well, but these tattoos are subpar and not impressive. - 15 yr tattooer
F**k this little prick and his parents too.. The world needs another tattoo artist like prisons need more heroin ..People today are a******s ..THIS PROVES IT !!!!
People forget that we used to let children FORGE METAL, MINE COAL, and SWEEP CHIMNEY. Not to mention that there are still countless child slaves all across the world, including the USA. Stuff it. He's being taught to do something he has a passion for. He wanted this, and is being given the tools, teaching, and outlet for it. Children are far more capable than people give them credit for. Perhaps if you stop going "goo goo gaga" at YOUR kids they'd be more than drooling morons, too!
i would let him tattoo me i let my cousin do scull tattoo on my back and a heart on my leg and he's really talented like him and i was the first one for him to tattoo. this little boy has a wonderful gift and if he wants to tattoo others and just because he's 12 don't mean anything he just got the real thing.
He's okay - no great shakes, but developing. What disturbs me is the fact that many don't know that tattoos contaminate you. Many cause varying forms of toxicity - metal poisoning and such. In ancient times, tattoos were a rite of passage BECAUSE YOU DID SOMETHING OF SIGNIFICANCE - they weren't a fashion statement. Some of the Polynesian tattoos were teachings of how to sail the Pacific and find tiny islands in the immensity of space through the tattooed information regarding currents, winds, temperatures of water and air, bird and fish life, and much more.... Today? You're just another "unique" person that had to have a tattoo - like half of everyone else. No significance to them, many times...
I wouldn't have one of his works put on myself. Not bad work for his age but not exactly phenomenal stuff either. Again, not good enough for me to have it permanent on my body. I'll stick with the top artists for that. But good for him to know and pursue what he wants and enjoys.
As long he is practicing to become a better tattoo artist - by professionals , he will become great! Good Luck Kid!
I think if a child is passionate about something you should never take that away. It's better letting that child strive of what they're passionate about instead of being out in the street getting in trouble.
Seeing as there are no tattooing laws in Indiana, he could do it here all he wants!
Sweet! I'm glad the shop owner is allowing him to apprentice there. God forbid this boy didn't have this opportunity, He would have got himself a tattoo gun on the sly and made a complete mess on some other kids arm. some question this being defined as Genius? I agree. But hes already better than a lot of adult tattoo artists. He might grow to be a properly epic artists in a few years. If he's already tattooing this level of art at 12, I'd definitely be interested in looking him up when he's 20.
Awesome! Your tatts will begin to blur before he can even have his first legal drink!
Why should this be illegal? He's tallented, hope he gets even better in the future.
There is a legal age to receive a tattoo, I've never heard of regulations concerning the age of the artist. Again, that's a question of liability for the tattoo shop, and they wouldn't allow him to become an apprentice if he didn't behave properly.
Load More Replies... A bit crazy to call him a prodigy. My drawings were at that level when I was his age, but I'm no prodigy.
Were your drawings at that level on SKIN? Because that's a completely different media, and much trickier than paper.
Load More Replies... Prodigy? lol. Those tattoos are pretty average - a lot better than I could do, but come the f**k on with the prodigy b******t.
Maybe he'll be great in a few years, but all those look like a kid's drawings. They belong on a fridge, not skin. Tattooing takes years, maybe decades to perfect and a 12 year old simply doesn't cut it. #notonmyskin
Many of those are actually in a pretty old school style. Done by a 12-year-old, sure, but the style is not a child's.
Load More Replies... Literally every tattoo artist I know calls it a gun...
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