Simon Halpern has been a tattoo artist for over 18 years based on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.  Simon is originally from the small mountain town of Angel Fire near Taos, New Mexico. Simon was exposed to the Southwestern designs of the Navajo from an early age where the seeds of inspiration would grow into an affinity for ornamental design. Simon met Vincent Oquendo the owner of Smiling Devil and through time was trusted to take a major role in helping to remodel the tattoo shop and ultimately become an apprentice. After Vincent relocated back to LA Simon had the opportunity working and learning alongside Doug Wheeler, a Wahiawa native, at Hawaiian Tattoo Company.

At the Hawaiian Tattoo Company Simon learned the fundamental values and processes of American traditional tattooing and worked closely with Doug for a couple years before moving to Black Cat Tattoo in Honolulu’s infamous Chinatown. It was during his time at Black Cat that Simon learned many different tattoo styles and perspectives. 

Venturing off to LA to work at Black Diamond, and Toronto to work at TCB, Simon discovered a love for travel and connecting with other artists. It was on these travel trips that seeds of inspiration started to sprout and Simon began to heavily explore how he could integrate more ornamental designs within his traditional tattooing. The ornamental works Simon produced during this period spoke to him and he ultimately decided it was ornament and ornament alone he wanted to tattoo. 

Simon returned to Black Cat after his travels and immediately set out to offer larger scale ornamental work to his clients. Simon’s designs were well received, new clients began to come in and helped him solidify a greater vision of tattooing ornamental designs. 

Simon always wanted to open his own tattoo studio with the intention of providing a professional environment for himself and his clients. Simon created an environment where he could perfect his chosen craft. After a year of careful planning Simon founded 1 Point Tattoo in Kailua, Hawaii. 

Simon creates and uses elegant line movement, intricate patterns and ornamental design to produce some of the most striking tattoo designs. Simon’s designs work with each and every clients individual shape to accentuate the inherent beauty of the human form and transcends the conventional perceptions of size, shape and gender. Ultimately Simon strives to make incredible tattoos that perfectly fit anyone.