Issue 15

Artist!

Michelle V John Basilio Ashlee Ketchum Ross Given

Cover Nico Perez

Travel with Ernie Bustamante

Models!

Miss Red Kiki UE Vixens Cyd

Steve Azzara (RIP) President/Editor in Chief/MFIC Pamela Sellers Co owner/President/Writer Matt Sellers Writer/Creative director/Editor

Contributors

Cypress Bates Video Journalist/Writer Mike Johnston Concert/ Event Photography Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez

Cover- @inkbynico 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

Pro Team

Lydia Bruno, Pammy Sellers, Pepe Carire, And Jimmy Dalessio, Ninetoes, Nikko Gould, Josh Paul, And Mike Geyer

TOC

6-Michelle V 26- John Basilio 42- Black River Tattoo 54- Nico Perez 74- Miss Red 84- Ashlee Ketchum 96- Resurrection Island 100- Kiki 104- UE vixens 114- Ross Given 126- Motor City 136- CYD

Michelle V 6

Artist-@michellev_tattoo Interviewed by -@msellersink13

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, and what was it like growing up?

Alright, so my name is Michelle, I’m 35 years old, and I live with my husband and teenage daughter, in the 3 biggest city i Denmark; Odense.

I am lucky enough to have husband, that built a private studio as an addition to our existing house, so here I work full time, by my self, so there is full on one to one contact with the clients and there private stories.

Growing up, my mother was a graphic designer, and my father, who was a biker, startet fooling around with tattooing. I don’t think he took it as seriously as we do today. The industry has definitely evolved a lot since back then, and I think because of the obligation to support my mom, my brother and me. He never really went all in on tattooing, and more or less did it as a hobby on the side.

I was the kind of kid, who would draw on ever thing you put in front of me, paper, table, books, you name it, I would start drawing.

In general I will say I was always super creative. From a very young age I would rarely get in trouble, because I was brilliant at coming up with clever excuses, and did fairly well en school, because I would often think outside the box, and surprise my teachers.

My parents kept encouraging me to try out sport, but, no matter what kind of sport you would placed me in, I would drag the entire team down.

So eventually my parents accepted this and I think my father shifted his focus onto “kindly” pressuring me into trying tattooing.

How did you originally get into art and tattooing? Do any memories come to mind?

So after a few years of refusing to try it out I finally gave in and made a tattoo on my father for his birthday.

I was 14 years old at the time, and my thoughts behind giving in, was that if I just did it, I could finally tell him; “alright I’ve tried it, it’s not for me, please don’t ask me to do it again” But then after doing in, it actually wasn’t that bad.

Being as young as I was, I was expecting to be grossed out by blood and touching people. But this was in no way as scary as I thought.

On the contrary, quite fun.

I don’t think I will ever forget the confidence boost it gave me (this was for sure gaslighting coming from my father, telling me how amazing it was looking and what a natural I was) Let’s just say I’ve seen the tattoo since, wasn’t like a was some kind of prodigy.

But the people surrounding me has been amazing at supporting me, my hole life.

Because my father was in a motorcycle club, it was basically like growing up with 14 dads. My parents wanted to get me into art school, but it was expensive, so his “brothers” would buy drawings from me, for the unrealistic price of 150 $ pr drawing, just to support me.

How long have you been tattooing for and how has this journey been going for you?

I still thought of tattooing as something I would do on a hobby base. I had no plans of making it a career choice.

At 19 by chance and random circumstances, I was offered to come work in a studio full time, and because I was super tired of school and wanted to drop out, I thought what the heck, and I simply never looked back.

So by now it’s been 16 years since I started full time, 21 years since I I made my first tattoo.

Tattooing has been a blessing, it has given me so much. Even in times of distress and mental illness, it has given me a sort of relief, making design that gave an outlet to how I was feeling.

And I think people resonate with a lot of my art because of this.

I really do believe that, what separates the artist and the craftsmanship, is the ability to make the viewer fell something.

I think this mindset has helped me reach a sudden level and given me so opportunities that I’m so grateful for. Like being sponsored by my favorite brands, doing seminars, traveling and so on.

It looks like you specialize in black and grey if I am correct, what got you into that certain style?

I was always drawn to dark things, everything with a melancholy mood, and still am to this day, both in music, pictures, stories and so on.

So when picking reference and inspiration pictures, I would always prefer the once in black and grey because in my perspective they gave me a feeling, color couldn’t do.

Also contrast is such a big thing for me! And in black and grey I was really given the opportunity to see how far I could push contrast within realism.

I also use contrast in a lot of differed ways, the contrast between the chaos if abstract, and the perfection on realism, Details vs simplicity, and focus vs out of focus. So fore a long time I would work simply with abstract realism.

I think in general my style has always reflected how I was feeling, at specific times in my life. so when I was down my art would be very dark, and the last few years I’ve been doing more and more portraits, which probably reflects a more calm time in my life where family, and my personal health is being more of a focus point for me than previously.

What are some other styles of tattooing that you either like to perform and or look at and why?

My best friend is a tattoo artist as well, him and I have been traveling together for conventions for the previous five year. And lately we have started doing collaborations between his style and mine.

He does bio organic in color, and mixing that together with my style, is something that I really haven’t seen before and I find so much pleasure and joy and mixing those two.

It is however a huge challenge for me because He does everything by freehand and I’m a major control freak, that wants to plan everything ahead, and he refuses.

So I think it’s really healthy that I learn to give some of that control up.

I have been at judge at almost every convention in Denmark since 2021 in all category, So I’ve had the opportunity to really study and admire every single style out there, therefore, I respect other styles of Tattooing just as much as the one I do, without necessarily wanting to go in that direction.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments in the tattoo industry?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been given the chance to work at amazing conventions all over Europe, like London, Gods of ink in Frankfurt, planetarium in Paris and Stockholm.

London was a huge goal of mine.

Ever since I attended my very first convention, I overheard someone talk about how London was the place to be.

That it was impossible go get in, and it only had the best of the best. So right there, right then I decided, that’s my goal; I wanna be the first female tattoo artist from Denmark ever working the London convention.

So for 5 year I focused on nothing but improving my art, attending every seminar, every convention I could get my hands on, and I would win at almost every single one of them. Building my portfolio up so that one day I would be ready and hopefully accepted.

So in 2018 I applied and got in on the first try. And because it got close down two years later, I remain the first and only female artist from Denmark to ever work there. I think that’s the biggest highlight of my career. That or winning best of day in Paris in front of 550 of the worlds best tattoo artist, that was pretty cool too.

Do you ever travel a lot for work? If so , where are some of your favorite locations and why?

Stockholm hold special place in my heart. It’s far enough away that it feels different, but weirdly close enough to feel like home at the same time.

I have been traveling a lot and every city we come to has its “pretty side” and a side you would prefer to be without. So they are all great in there different ways.

In the future I would love to take my art to even further places out in the world like Asia, Australia, or the states. My daughter also now has a certain age were I want to show her the world, And opening her mind up to different cultures.

22

AFTERCARE LINE

THE EXTRA YOUR TATTOO NEEDS ADDRESSES IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM AFTERCARE NEEDS WITH HEALING AND SOOTHING BUTTERS & OILS

PROMOTES

RAPID HEALING

PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS

SWEET MINT SCENT 200MG

CBD

CITRUS SCENT

UNSCENTED

WOODSY SCENT

LAVENDER SCENT

Reduces / Eliminates Dry, Peeling & Scabbed skin

Absorbs into the Skin / Non-greasy feel

Eliminates the Afterburn / Soothes the Skin

Breathable Protective layer for the wound

Restores / Retains Tattoo Vibrancy

Jojoba Butter and Oils Balances and Hydrates Skin

CODE

247MAG MODEL: B. NEWMAN URBANSEDGETATTOO.COM

SCAN TO PURCHASE

Proudly Sponsored by:

October 25-27 2024

gratzieventures.com

John

26

Artist-@basilioxtattoo interviewed by-msellersink13

Tell us a little bit about yourself for starters, where are you from and what was it like growing up?

I am John Eric Bautista Basilio, 34, from Quezon City, Philippines.

Growing up in an ordinary, working-class family had its challenges, but it also shaped who I am today. With three older brothers, I always had a sense of camaraderie and support, even if we didn’t have much. My dad’s passion for airbrush art inspired me early on and showed me the value of creativity, even in tough circumstances.

Watching my mom juggle multiple side jobs taught me resilience and hard work. While we may not have had a lot of material wealth, our home was filled with love and creativity, which laid the foundation for my journey as a tattoo artist. Those experiences instilled in me a drive to pursue my passion and a deep appreciation for the art form.

How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been treating you?

I have been tattooing for more than a decade already. My eldest brother influenced me in becoming a tattoo artist. When I was 17, he taught me how to tattoo. We even made our own tattoo machines back then using a rotary motor from toy cars. Since then, I never stopped tattooing. The journey has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with diverse clients and hearing their stories, which has truly enriched my artistic vision. Each tattoo is a collaboration, and it’s fulfilling to bring someone’s idea to life. I’ve also grown tremendously as an artist, continuously learning new techniques and styles. While there have been challenges, they’ve only fueled my passion and commitment to my craft. Overall, it’s been a transformative experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Your style is incredible it looks like illustrative large color pieces, what got you into that certain style, did it pick you or did you pick it?

Thank you! My style definitely evolved over time. I’ve always been drawn to bold colors and expressive imagery, so it felt natural to gravitate toward illustrative large color pieces. When I discovered the “Street Pop Art” style, it felt like a perfect fusion of my influences from street art and pop art— think Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Basquiat. I love how this style allows for a playful yet powerful statement. Incorporating my signature colors, blue and orange, helps create a visual identity that people can recognize instantly. It’s exciting to see how this style resonates with clients and allows me to express both my artistic vision and the vibrant energy of the urban art scene. In a way, it picked me, but I’ve also embraced it fully and made it my own!

What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your career so far?

I’m proud of several key accomplishments in my career that have really highlighted my growth and passion for tattooing. Winning Best of Show & Best of the Best at the Tatak Tatu Expo 2024 in Florida was a significant milestone for me; it was a recognition of my style and hard work on an international stage.

Another highlight was taking Best of Show at the Savage Ink International Tattoo Convention 2023 in Cebu, which felt amazing given the talent that was present. The Best of Day Sunday at the Singapore Ink Show 2019 also stands out, as it affirmed my dedication to my craft in a highly competitive environment. Additionally, receiving Tattoo of the Day at the Dutdutan Philippine Tattoo Expo 2018 in Manila was a proud moment, showcasing my work to a vibrant local community.

Each of these achievements not only represents personal milestones but also a testament to the artistic journey I’ve taken over the years.

Do you have any plans for the near future? if so tell us a little about them?

Absolutely! In the near future, I plan to continue participating in various tattoo conventions both locally and internationally. These events are fantastic opportunities to connect with other artists, showcase my work, and draw inspiration from the incredible talent around the world.

Additionally, I’m excited to conduct more seminars for aspiring tattoo artists in the Philippines. Sharing my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of artists is something I’m passionate about. I believe in fostering creativity and helping others navigate their own journeys in tattooing. It’s important to me to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career, and I look forward to nurturing new talent in the industry!

It looks like you do a lot of traveling to conventions and also winning a lot of awards at conventions tell us about that as well?

Traveling to conventions has been a thrilling aspect of my career! Each event is not just a chance to showcase my work, but also a unique opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and artistic communities. Meeting fellow artists from around the globe expands my perspective and inspires my creativity.

Winning awards at these conventions, like Best of Show at the Tatak Tatu Expo and others, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s validating to see my hard work recognized among such talented peers. Each award motivates me to push my boundaries further and explore new techniques and styles.

The excitement of competing, along with the chance to connect with clients and fellow artists, makes these events truly special. It’s a constant reminder of why I love this art form and fuels my passion for continuing to grow and evolve as a tattoo artist.

Who are some of your biggest influences in that tattoo and art industry?

Some of my biggest influences in the tattoo and art industry include Draz Palaming, my mentor and master in tattooing. His guidance and expertise have shaped my skills and artistic vision significantly. I’m incredibly grateful for the foundational knowledge and support he provided.

Another major influence is Dmitriy Samohin, whose work in detailed photo realism is nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to capture intricate details and emotions in his tattoos inspires me to elevate my craft and push the boundaries of what’s possible in tattoo art. Both of these artists have had a profound impact on my journey, and I strive to incorporate their lessons and styles into my own work.

39

Paulboothbrand.com

Black River Tattoo

Hosted by Jonathon Anderson(Instagram: @jdatattoo), owner & artist of Sarenity Tattoo and Body Piercing since 2009. Growing up in the Blue Water Area, Jonathon wanted to pay homage to his roots and name the tattoo show after the first shop he got started in over two decades ago, the Black River Tattoo Company. After traveling the country, attending multiple conventions every year, Jonathon wanted to bring his passion for the body art industry to the local community where he built his career.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees roamed the convention floor, admiring stunning body art and engaging with artists who pushed the boundaries of tattooing. From traditional to anime and realistic styles, the diversity of tattoo art was on full display, making it a feast for the eyes.

The highlight of the convention was the tattoo competition, where artists competed in various categories, including Best Black & Grey, Best Color, and Best Sleeve. Each participant brought their A-game, demonstrating exceptional talent and creativity. The judges, comprised of renowned tattoo artists and industry experts, had a challenging task ahead of them.

In addition to the competition, the event featured seminars and workshops led by established artists, providing invaluable insights into techniques, trends, and the business of tattooing.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field, further enhancing their skills and knowledge. A variety of unique vendors were selling their crafts and merchandise during the event throughout the weekend. The Black River Tattoo Convention was more than just a celebration of body art; it fostered a sense of community among artists and fans. Networking opportunities flourished, with many forging connections that will last a lifetime.

As the convention wrapped up, the success of the event left attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s gathering. The first annual Black River Tattoo Convention not only showcased extraordinary talent but also set a high bar for future conventions. Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars for the next Black River Tattoo Convention–June 27-29, 2025–an event that promises to be bigger and better!

For all up to date information and event announcements follow them on their social media platforms: IG @blackrivertattooconvention FB – Black River Tattoo Convention Jonathon Anderson Sarenity Tattoo & Body Piercing

42

51

AFTERCARE LINE

THE EXTRA YOUR TATTOO NEEDS ADDRESSES IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM AFTERCARE NEEDS WITH HEALING AND SOOTHING BUTTERS & OILS

PROMOTES

RAPID HEALING

PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS

SWEET MINT SCENT 200MG

CBD

CITRUS SCENT

UNSCENTED

WOODSY SCENT

LAVENDER SCENT

Reduces / Eliminates Dry, Peeling & Scabbed skin

Absorbs into the Skin / Non-greasy feel

Eliminates the Afterburn / Soothes the Skin

Breathable Protective layer for the wound

Restores / Retains Tattoo Vibrancy

Jojoba Butter and Oils Balances and Hydrates Skin

CODE

247MAG MODEL: B. NEWMAN URBANSEDGETATTOO.COM

SCAN TO PURCHASE

Nico Perez

54

Artist-@inkbynico Interviewed by-msellersink13

Based of you social medias I believe you are from Uruguay, tell us a little bit about where you are from and what was it like growing up?

Yes, I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. I lived there until I was 11 years old when my parents brought me to the U.S. Growing up in Uruguay was a very simple, very poor life, but I was around a lot of family, so I have a lot of happy memories. I don’t remember much else other than my house and the landscape of farmland. If you’d ask me where I was raised, I’d say I was raised in NJ. I lived in Elizabeth NJ most of my life. That’s where I learned and started to tattoo.

At what age do you remember getting in to art?

Man, I remember being into art as young as 3–4 years old. I remember having a love to draw and paint all the way through high school. I never went to art school, nor do I think I wanted to. I didn’t think I’d do anything with it career wise. I just enjoyed drawing at any moment I had. I’ve always had a passion for art, more than just to earn a living. Looking back, I now would have loved to have gone to art school to hone my skills.

Who knows, maybe I can still do that now.

You are currently working at Grave tattoo in New Jersey USA. How is that going for you, and what are the best ways for people to book an appointment with you?

Grave Tattoo has been a great shop to work at for the past 4 years since it opened in 2020. We have really top notch artists that are all killers, so it has been a great place to grow. The shop is in a great location near Rutgers University college town, easy travel from NYC and PA, so it’s a prime location of central NJ. We’ve been working pretty hard for the shop to develop a great reputation of being one of the best shops to get tattooed in NJ. The best way for people to book with me is to email me directly at inkbynico@gmail.com. In addition, they can DM me on instagram @inkbynico.

You are know for you black and grey and dark art style, what got you in to those certain styles of tattooing? Did you pick it or did it pick you?

I think it picked me. I remember when I first started tattooing, I wanted to actually be a traditional Japanese tattoo artist. I did that for a few years, but I would take on pretty much anything and everything during the early years of my career. Traditional Japanese style was my favorite for a long time. Eventually, that transitioned to doing a lot of realism and portraits. I was becoming known for my black and gray portraits. Within the past 3-4 years, I started transitioning into dark art tattoos. This has helped me to evolve and develop my own signature style which I think most people recognize me for nowadays. Dark art is definitely my favorite thing to do at the moment, but I still very much love to do portraits and other sorts of realism tattoos.

You do a good amount of collaborations it seems like , and some are with our very good friend Jimmy Dalessio, is that a fun process and what is it like working with another artist at the same time?

Jimmy Dalessio is a dear friend of mine, a great human, and an amazing artist. I loved doing the collaborations I got to do with him and can’t wait for other ones we’ll be doing in the future. I’ve been privileged enough to collaborate with other well known tattoo artists and I’m super thankful for that. I think collaborations are fun if they’re done with the right artist. I’ve been fortunate to only have good experiences so far, because I’ve only collabed with good friends and our styles mesh nicely. Collaborations are also fun because you get to bond and learn from one another in a unique way.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the tattoo and art industry?

6. I am inspired by so many artists nowadays. I feel like every other day, I find a new artist that is just innovating and excelling what I thought was possible in the art of tattooing. To give you some of my favorite inspirations, David Jorquera, Carlos Torres, Robbie Latos, Victor Portugal, and Robert Hernandez.

Do you have any big plans for the near future?

I would like to travel abroad more. European and South American conventions, guest spots at shops of friends of mine, to produce more paintings, and to spend more time with my family.

70

Miss Red

74

Model-@missredmodel Photographer-@mayhem_uemedia

81

AShlee Ketchum

84

Artist-@pipsqueakash Interviewed by-@msellersink13

Tell us a little bit about your background where are you from and what was it like growing up?

I was born in Stamford CT. I didn’t have the greatest childhood.

Filled with poverty and drugs, but we made due with life. Art was always there for me. I was constantly creating. I baked cakes and painted murals at one point. I remember I skipped all my other classes and just drew in the art room. I was voted most artistic in my senior year and I went on to go to Bowling Green State for a BA in 2D fine arts. Didn’t manage to graduate though lol Can you remember what got you into tattooing?

My parents had tattoos and they always interested me, but after watching the show LA Ink back in 2008, I knew I wanted to do it. I spent a long time researching, there weren’t many tattoo shops available so I did the best I could learning. I will always stand by getting in a proper apprenticeship after my experience though. The dramatic difference in knowledge from self taught to an apprenticeship is very important and im fortunate that I was given a proper training vs self taught.

How long have you been tattooing for and how has your journey been going for you?

I started back in March of 2023. I struggled at first mentally and there times I thought I’m not good enough, but I am. I make tattoos that people love, that I’m proud of and I can’t wait to see how far I can push myself in this industry.

What would you say your favorite style of tattooing be and why?

What style do you think you tattoo the most?

Right now I’m leaning more towards neo tradtional. I love doing color, but I’m really interested in practicing more new school style.

I wouldn’t say I do any certain style the most, I do color often and usually it falls under anime, cartoon, cute.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the tattoo and art industry be?

Some of inspirational tattoo artist are My mentor Chris Delarosa IG @chrisdelarosa_art Beth Rose IG @bethrosetattoo Olga Siiz IG @olie_siiz Andrey IG @andreytattooing Jacob Webb IG @jacob_webb_tattoo Relm IG @relmartist But I could honestly keep going

What are some of your biggest achievements in your career so far?

Honestly overcoming my self doubt. The confidence I have gained since joining this industry and how much I feel I have grown as a person since. I travel and I make people happy with my work and I couldn’t imagine my life any different from that and I am so proud of myself for it.

If you could tattoo anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Anyone in the world and I would still pick the everyday person.

Just someone WANTING a tattoo from me? Incredible. They could’ve picked anyone else, but they liked me and I’m forever grateful.

93

top choice amongst PIERCING professionalS

H Y D R A P I E R C I N G & B O D Y M O D S A L I N E R I N S E

Gentle Formulation Antimicrobial Properties

gentle on the skin to minimize irritation and discomfort, especially those with sensitive skin.

minimizes the risk of infection during and after the piercing process.

Effective Cleansing cleanses the piercing site without causing dryness or excessive moisture, helping to maintain a healthy healing environment.

pH Balanced

helps to support the body's natural healing processes and prevent disruptions to the skin's natural barrier.

Non-Irritating

hypoallergenic to ensure safety on a wide range of skin types

Inhibits Keyloid growth enriched with tea tree essential oil for its proven ability to inhibit keloid formation, ensuring a smoother healing journey

The anticipation is building for the Fourth Annual Resurrection Island Tattoo Convention, set to take place on October 11, 12, and 13, 2024, at the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack.

Brought to you by Breaking Skin Tattoo and Body Piercing in Bridgeport, OH, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience for artists and attendees alike!

A Focus on Artists What truly sets the Resurrection Island Tattoo Convention apart is its unwavering commitment to artists. Each year, the team invests significant time and creativity into crafting a convention that prioritizes the needs and desires of tattoo professionals.

This dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere has established the convention as a beloved staple in the tattoo community. Inspired by the need for vibrant events in the Ohio Valley, the convention was created to give locals something to look forward to each year—a name that reflects 96 the of excitement in the area.

Bebasrevival Neue

RESURRECTION ISLAND

An Exciting Entertainment Lineup

This year, the entertainment schedule is packed with thrilling performances.

Each day will feature a live band leading up to the tattoo competitions:

In addition to these fantastic bands, NGN Suspension will be back, performing captivating acts throughout all three days. Fans of burlesque will be thrilled to see the return of Cervena Fox, along with the debut of renowned burlesque dancer Frankie Fictitious. Keep your eyes peeled for the Stolen Stitches troupe as they roam the venue, showcasing mesmerizing freak show stunts that are sure to delight and surprise. And don’t miss the chance to spot the Guinness World Record holder for the most tattooed man—he’ll be hard to miss!

Friday kicks off with the energetic 80s cover band, Tongue N’ Cheek.

Saturday will showcase the powerful sounds of Neverwake.

Sunday wraps up the weekend with a rocking performance from Theriaca.

Photo Courtesy of Cervena Fox facebook Page

Memorable Moments and a Unique Atmosphere With so much to see and do, the Resurrection Island Tattoo Convention is more than just a showcase of ink; it’s a full-fledged celebration of art, entertainment, and community. Each year, the convention aims to maintain a personable atmosphere by keeping the size manageable, ensuring that all artists feel well taken care of.

Last year’s “Most Unique Tattoo” contest was a standout moment, along with thrilling live performances that captivated the audience.

Attendees were delighted by sword swallowing and other amazing acts. This year promises more of the same excitement, with live bands, performances, and the incredible talent of artists who return year after year.

The convention spreads throughout the casino, mitigating concerns about overcrowding. With multiple vendor areas, dining options, bars, and entertainment available, attendees will find plenty to explore, even during peak times.

Getting Tattooed at the Convention

For those looking to get inked, attendees can message any of the participating artists ahead of time to book and secure a spot. However, with over 130 artists expected, many will also be available for walk-ups throughout the weekend, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get tattooed.

RESURRECTION ISLAND

RESURRECTION ISLAND

Don’t Miss Out! Mark your calendars for October 11-13, 2024, and get ready for a weekend filled with incredible artistry, live entertainment, and unforgettable moments at the Fourth Annual Resurrection Island Tattoo Convention. With meticulous planning and a focus on innovation, this year promises to be the best yet. We can’t wait to see you there!

S t a y

C o n n e c t e d

For the latest updates about the Resurrection Island Tattoo Convention, visit resurrectionislandtattoo.com or tatcon1.com.

Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@resurrection_island) for announcements and sneak peeks leading up to the event.

Feature By Stacey Martin, Urban’s Edge

Kiki

Model-@kikiblack_piercing Photographer-@shutterbeanphotographs 100

CATRINA GEYER

Writer: Stacey Martin

Catrina Nevel is a visionary artist whose passion for horror makeup blends seamlessly with her deep love for the natural world. Known for her hauntingly beautiful creations, Catrina uses her artistic talent to explore the darker side of beauty, merging macabre elements with the serenity of nature.

Her work is not just confined to brushes and prosthetics—she incorporates the healing power of herbs and crystals into her designs, weaving together an aesthetic that honors the mystical and the grotesque. With a mind steeped in creativity and a reverence for the earth, Catrina’s unique fusion of horror and nature creates a truly mesmerizing and otherworldly art form.

104

Photographer: Autumn Gensel Photographyr

Bebas Neue

What draws you to the horror macabre genre, and how do you express your unique style within such a dark and eerie aesthetic?

BEver since I was a little girl. I was drawn to things that scared me.

Dark hallways, dark closets, basements.. I love the Rush that fear gave me...

When I was a little older, I got to see the exorcist for the first time.. That movie inspired me to get into special effects makeup just as a hobby... As for my style, I had very progressive parents. They allowed their fourteen year old girl to color her hair black.

And to go to thrift stores and wear old black bridesmaids gowns to school and black lipstick.. It just evolved from there. Becoming this way seemed so natural organic to me...

How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for embodying characters that delve into the unsettling or grotesque?

I like to watch movies with strong female characters in them that are strong and sexy Such as Elizabeth taylor when she played Cleopatra, Grotesque and villainy like Aliah in queen of the damned And I just love Sherri Moon Rob zombie's wife. There is a certain sex appeal to strong evil, powerful women in horror movies. That I think a lot of women can relate to.

I'm so grateful. I have such wonderful friends and family that support me. Especially my wonderful husband and amazing tattoo artist Mike geyer, Whom without I don't think any of my successes would have been as sweet.

Bebas Neue

Dark Kisses,

Catrina

RAVEN MOON

With a passion for horror modeling, Raven masterfully showcases the many facets of her unique personality, blending artistry and edge in every shot.

Raven Moon, a multipublished international tattoo and alternative model, co-owner of both Pale Horse Emporium and Pale Horse Productions, and proud member of the Urban's Edge Modeling ProTeam!

Follow her journey as she brings a touch of darkness and creativity to the tattoo scene!

PHOTO CRED: Josh Painter

@jpainter0012

111

Ross Given

114

Artist-@rosscotattoos Interviewed by-@msellersink13

You are currently located in the UK are you originally from there?

Tell us about your upbringing? What was it like growing up?

I was born in Greenock, a small shipbuilding town on the west coast of Scotland. From an early age I had a passion for art probably stemming from my father who was an incredibly talented self taught artist. I always excelled in most subjects at school but most notably art and design. However I never completed high school and left early to join the military. I fell away from art to pursue that career for the next 12 years, travelling around the world with the Royal Air Force.

What was your apprenticeship like? Did you have a tough one or an easy going one?

I fell into the world of tattooing by accident during my time in the military, I was getting heavily tattooed myself which encouraged me to start pursuing art again, I quickly realised I had a passion for how the tattoo process worked and made it my goal to saturate as much knowledge on the subject as possible, by the time I left the military I had been tattooing part time for around 3 years and felt it was a natural and comfortable career to continue.

How long have you been tattooing for? Tell us about your career so far?

I’ve currently been tattooing for 17 years, I’m based in my own studio in my home town of Greenock but love to travel around the country doing guest spots and conventions and have recently started doing international conventions with many international guest spots coming up too.

From the looks at it you pretty much tattoo every style, what do you think your favorite style would be and why?

I tattoo almost every style but think I’m most notably sought after for black and grey realism, I absolutely love tattooing American traditional and jump at the chance to break the colours out at every opportunity.

What is one style you dislike?

Because of where I live I’m lucky to have such diversity in styles from my clients, each day is different and therefore don’t dislike tattooing any particular style.

You are an award winning artist did you want to tell us about that?

I have won many awards at conventions for a variety of different styles, funnily enough the awards I’ve won most of are the styles I don’t get to practise on a daily basis like old school colour tattoos. I’ve won awards in black and grey realism, dotwork and old school traditional.

If you could tattoo any where in the world where would it be and why?

I would love to tattoo in America, some of my favourite artists work out of the United States and given the opportunity would love to tattoo alongside the people who inspire me most.

125

Motor CIty Expo Ernie Bustamante

126

March 1st-3rd 28th Annual

Photographer-@inked_photography

135

CYD

136

Model-@cyd_the.kid photographer-@jameserbacher

139

To our beloved friend Steve Azzara your legacy and hard work will be rememberd and continued through your magazine and memories. We all think about you everday until we meet again ol friend.

Rip Steve Azzara Owner/ Founder / Mfic