Way to Go: Seth Barbosa, Carle Place

A Carle Place High School senior with aspirations of becoming a tattoo artist has been making his mark in local art contests.

Seth Barbosa, 17, is one of 20 Long Island students who were recent recipients of an Award of Merit from the Long Island Arts Alliance. To be considered, Barbosa submitted 10 to 15 pieces of his work and maintained an academic average of at least 95.

"I've been doodling on everything since age 4," Barbosa said. "As I grew up, art was a way to get out my creativity."

Barbosa's work has been displayed seven times in the Art Supervisor Association of Nassau County's All-County Art Exhibit, held each spring at Adelphi University.

He also was invited two years ago to decorate a trash receptacle outside a Carle Place pizzeria through a Town of North Hempstead program, and he twice competed in Vans Custom Culture, a shoe customization contest.

Barbosa said his preferred style is contemporary tattoo art. He has designed several tattoos that have been inked on family friends, and currently is serving an apprenticeship at Twin Moon Creations in Floral Park.

He is tech manager of his school's theater company and works on the literary magazine.