Payaso grew up in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and has been  tattooing for over 20 years.

His interest in art began at the age of 9 and during his 12th year of life, Payaso laid down his first tattoo on his leg.  On his 15th birthday his Grandfather asked him what he wanted for his birthday.  Payaso answered, “A tattoo kit, because I’m gonna make a living tattooing!”

His grandfather was a huge influence in his life calling him “Tattoo” from the show Fantasy Island and “Charlie Brown” singing the theme song lyrics “Charlie Brown he’s a clown”. In Spanish clown translates to payaso and in turn he is now known as Big Payaso.

Constantly, being turned down, because of his age and lack of experience, Payaso finally got his first break at the age of 17. With his burning desire to become a tattoo artist he ran into Mike the owner of a Pacoima Tattoo shop who gave him the opportunity he needed to grow into a successful and respected tattoo artist.

Payaso began his career using a basic needle and thread, moved up to homemade guns, and then  to professional tattoo guns. He began to tattoo everything and anything he could on to anyone who would let him. Payaso took his initial inspiration from tattoo magazines and calligraphy books and then progressed into to his own custom and freestyle pieces.

He understands the difficult struggle one would have to overcome to learn how to tattoo successfully. He was forced to learn his craftsmanship without the option of schooling or through apprenticeship. He stresses he is highly motivated by being his worst critic and best teacher.

Today he is the proud father of his 14 year old daughter Teresa and his 22 month old son Nickolas. He is currently running a successful tattoo shop in the heart of the San Fernando Valley called Electric Dragon Body Art Studio. There is no doubt, his motivation and drive is the key to his success.

Well my name is Eddie Everette (A.K.A) Little’s. I got into tattooing when I was about 19 years old and I got into some trouble and went to prison. While I was serving my time in prison I learned how to draw, and got good at it. I decided to pick up a homemade tattoo machine made up of a walkman motor, and guitar string. Because I was desperate to change my life

and stay out of trouble, I wanted to learn how to tattoo. I knew this hobby would make me become something better than I already am. I wanted a second chance in life, so I followed my hobby and made it a career. I knew tattooing would make me money, and a chance to take care of not only me but my family as well.

I’ve been tattooing now for 14 years, and now using a professional tattoo machine. My bro, Steve Casaus (A.K.A.) Big Payaso was the one person who gave me a chance to become who I am now. He has been teaching me a lot of the tricks of the trade. He’s my bro and my tattooing mentor. Not only did tattooing help me in prison, it’s also helping me out here in the free world, and I love tattooing. I really love the work I do.  But I think the 1 person responsible for who I am today would be my sister, Gaby. She’s the only person who encouraged me to keep tattooing and make this hobby become a career. She would periodically come visit me in prison and encourage me to stay on the right track, do something I could be respected for, and stay out of trouble.

I’ve seen, and been through a lot in my life. In prison, and in the free world. The only reason why I’m still here fighting for another day is tattooing. I enjoy interacting with my customers. Seeing how they want their tattoo done in my mind and putting it on their skin. I can’t explain the feeling I get when I see my customer’s smile when they see their tattoo the way they wanted it. I don’t know where I would be right now if it wasn’t for tattooing. I would probably still be in prison if it wasn’t for tattooing. It’s not only a life changing experience, but it’s also a career that I can follow in my life. Tattooing put me in the right path in life. It’s something that I can look forward to when I wake up.