Tattoo Artist @dminus Shares the Leap, the Risk, the Proof

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Before the shop, before the steady bookings, and before the international clients, there was a young Bahamian trying to decide whether his talent was enough to bet his future on.

For years, Darvin Minus, who now owns D-Minus Tattoos, worked security in the pharmaceutical field, building stability but quietly wrestling with his purpose.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“For me, I just felt like I had the willingness and ultimately I just had the hustle and determination to make that happen for me. Around me, it was examples to see what I didn’t want to be.”

Minus, who goes by the name D-Minus, said the pull toward creativity started long before tattoos.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“I remember at the earliest, at the age of 10, I did a drawing inside school, and when I went home that afternoon, my uncle asked me to purchase it, and he purchased it for $12.”

That early belief stayed with him, but he said it was seeing others succeed that turned belief into possibility.

While working at the pharmacy, D-Minus recalls seeing the work and recognition of Bahamian artist and now diplomat Jamal Rolle, who he says helped him realize that art was not just a passion, but a profession.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“While working at the pharmacy, I would read the newspapers every Thursday, and he had a feature inside of it. So he inspired me as well as the ability to draw.”

And his inspiration did not stop there.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“I remember walking in the tattoo shop that was in the office at the time at Seaside, and I just looked at him and I was like, I want to be tattooed like him one day.”

Today, D-Minus is not just creating body art, he is running a business, and says more Bahamians are beginning to trust local talent in his field.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“I hope that people will start looking more towards local artists. As most Bahamians, we have this idea that everything in the States is better, but now you have the quality of work at your front door.”

It has not been easy, but D-Minus says the grind has been worth it.

Darvin Minus, tattoo artist, D-Minus Tattoos
“I didn’t just get this overnight. It was a process.”