Staff
Steve Azzara (RIP) President/Editor in Chief/MFIC
Pamela Haven Co owner/President/Writer
Matt Sellers Writer/Creative director/Editor
Contributors
Cypress Bates Video Journalist/Writer Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez
Cover- @edenkayax Photographer- @imagesbylys
Special Thanks to...
Daniel Kearney, Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez, Mark Lawrence, Shawn Alexander, Tommy’s Supplies, New England Tattoo Expo, Sellers Ink Tattoo, Sean Hightower, Walt Anderson, Carnival of Ink, The Most famous studio, Urbans edge tattoo after care. New England tatoo expo, DR. Rebecca perry
Pro Team
Lydia Bruno, Pammy Sellers, Pepe Carire, And Jimmy Dalessio, Ninetoes, Nikko Gould, Josh Paul, Mike Geyer, Tyce Johnson
ChrisKeely-6O-18 Diane-36
EdenMustafa-46Kaya-58
Zach Webb-66
Evolve Tattoo Collective-80 Spotlight-90 Miranda-100
BlackBilly-110River-124
Let’s start off with where are you from and what was it like growing up?
I’m from baltimore MD what was it like growing up, Is a fun question, My parents lived right next door to each other. My father divorced my mother and married the next door neighbor! Lol. So, to answer your question, growing up was confusing, but I was a teenager in the 90s, which was awesome
How did you first get into tattooing? And what was your apprenticeship like?
I tried for a formal apprenticeship, but I realized quickly that the guys in the shop I was in weren’t able to teach me. I was extremely driven, so I took it upon myself to learn it properly. I took seminars at conventions and I found guy atchison’s book reinventing the tattoo. I referred to that book as my bible.
Who or what are your biggest artistic influences?
As a kid I was always obsessed with m c.Esher, and of course hr giger. As a tattooer, I looked up to guys like guy attachin, Deano cook, the kern brothers and a number of other phenomenal color artists.
How do you feel about the current trends in tattooing- micro, ignorant ect…
The current trends in tattooing, are just that, they’re trends, they’re fads, and fads always fade. Back in the day we did kanji, on a regular basis. No one gets any of that crap anymore, but I tell you, I really get a kick out of calling cyber sygilism, ozempic tribal !!! Lol
Do you see tattoos more as personal expression, fine art, or both?
Tattoos are without a doubt self-expression. But let’s face it. Some of the most incredible artists in the world these days are tattooers.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your career?
Obviously receiving recognition in the industry by winning awards or industry sponsors can be an awesome feeling but my biggest accomplishment was rebuilding my career after destroying it with drugs and alcohol. I am currently eight years clean and eight years into the rebuild!
What is your favorite style and why?
My favorite style. I’m always torn between two I absolutely love realism and biomechanics. I would absolutely love to do more work that combines both
Where are you from and what was it like growing up?
I was born and raised in Turkey. My passion for art started at a very young age — drawing was always my escape, my way of staying quiet in a loud world. Growing up in Turkey taught me patience and perseverance. The challenges I faced back then built the discipline that reflects in my work today.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been going for you?
I’ve been tattooing for about 19 years. During this time, I’ve opened my own studios in three cities — Istanbul, Samsun, and Izmir. Now I’m based in Florida, USA. This journey has completely transformed me, both personally and artistically. Every tattoo has become a piece of both my story and my client’s story.
What style are you most known for and what got you into it?
I’m best known for my black and grey realism style with smooth shading and organic texture. Creating depth and emotion through contrast is everything to me. I was drawn to this style because of the endless inspiration I found in human expressions, emotions,and the realism of nature.
How has your style evolved over time?
At the beginning, my work was more technical and focused on clean lines. Over time, I learned to add more soul and atmosphere to my pieces. Now, I see every tattoo as a story — not just an image, but a scene that carries emotion.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the art and tattoo world?
I’m inspired by both classic painters and modern tattoo artists. I’ve always admired Caravaggio’s use of light, Salvador Dalí’s imagination, and Nikko Hurtado’s realism. Artists from different disciplines have taught me to push beyond limits and blend emotion with technique.
Who would you love to tattoo, if you could tattoo anyone?
If I could tattoo anyone, I’d love to tattoo Johnny Depp. He’s such a versatile and boundary-free personality — just like art itself. His creativity and depth have always been a big inspiration to me.
How do you stay motivated or avoid burnout?
The key to staying motivated is creating a new story with every tattoo. Each client brings me a different energy. I also make music and spend time in nature — those moments help me reset my mind and stay passionate about what I do.
Tell us a little bit about yourself where are you from and what was it like growing up?
1. My name is Zach Webb! I grew up on a little lake called Beaver Dam Lake here in Indiana! Growing up I had a little bit of a hard time trying to figure out who I was as a person and what my purpose was, thankfully I found exactly what I was looking for in the tattoo industry and am currently thriving in life!
Can you tell us about your journey into tattooing? Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to become a tattoo artist?
I was blessed to have found tattooing while in a very unfortunate place! While I was in jail, someone brought me a tattoo needle and wanted me to do a pick and poke tattoo, I was super nervous because I’ve never tattooed before! After that first tattoo I had developed a huge thirst for knowledge and wanted nothing more but to figure out everything I possibly could about this craft!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on in your tattoo career?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career was not coming from an artistic background! I was told very early on I was not able to come into the tattoo world because I did not possess certain drawing/artistic abilities! That conversation lit a huge fire in me, and I worked super hard to get to where I’m at today! I’m only 3 1/2 years into the tattoo industry, and that fire still keeps burning bright and I still strive for a better me and more knowledge every day!
How have you seen the tattoo industry evolve over the years, especially in terms of mainstream acceptance?
I remember back in the day having tattoos meant you were a bad person, a criminal, or someone people looked down on!
Nowadays I’m so glad to see how far it’s come being socially acceptable! I see Drs and very well respected individuals in the community with a lot of tattoos now, and I think it’s a really beautiful thing seeing how accepting people are of tattoos now!
What style would you be most know for and how did you get into that certain style?
I’m really well known for my black and grey, I specialize in realism/surrealism tattoos! I’ve always loved seeing tattoos with buttery smooth black and grey shading and I always told myself I wanted nothing more than to be able to tattoo like that one day! I worked hard and pushed my style as much as I possibly could to be able to get to where I’m at today, and I’m beyond grateful for where I’m at and for the entire journey!
Are there any artists, in or outside of the tattoo world, who inspire your work?
I have a lot of different inspirations in the tattoo world! Christian Wood and Isaac Roque are both from around the same area I’m in, and I’m constantly being blown away by what they’re putting out and it challenges me to become my best self! I really love looking through Hernan Yepes and Michael Perry’s art, they definitely push my creative side and make me think outside of the box on my tattoos!
Do you have any big plans in the near future?
My big plans for the future are attending more conventions and being able to network with all of the phenomenal artists that are out here in this industry! I’m always so amazed by how creative and inspiring everyone is, and I cannot wait to attend as much as I can and travel the world in the process!
