Issue 16

ARTIST! Sebastian Heering SourGum MRPIXEL Ray Sanders FE

COVER Durb Morrison

MODELS! Rachel Shirley Aubrey Diane Hurst

Grave Tattoo Art Show!

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 Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez

Cover- @durbmorrison Photographer- Pascal Brizard 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

6-Rachel Shirley 16-Sebastian Heering 36-Audrey 44-Sourgum 60-Durb Morrison 82-Diane Hurst 92-Mr Pixel 108-Grave Tattoo 128-Ray sanders 144-FE

Rachel

6

Model-@rachel_fucking_shirley Photogrpaher-@bkphoto

14

Sebastian

16

Artist-@sebfuryone Interviewed by-@msellersink13

You are in Germany if I am correct, are you born and raised there?

Did you want to tell us about what life was like growing up?

Yes, I was born and raised in Germany, in a small, quaint village near Lüdenscheid in the Sauerland region, close to the famous Ruhr area in North Rhine-Westphalia. My upbringing was quite traditional. From a young age, I was always creative, which I think was partly due to the fact that I didn’t have a TV or a computer in my room, as my parents didn’t allow it. My father, who is still self-employed even though he could be retired by now, imparted to me the independent lifestyle and self-determination that comes with running your own business. My mother, on the other hand, is a secretary, so I had a good mix of influences growing up.

I went through the typical educational path, attending elementary school, then two years at a secondary school before moving on to high school, where I eventually completed my Abitur (German university entrance qualification). During this time, I started exploring my interest in art and creativity more seriously. I was involved in a band, drew a lot, and, like many teenagers, became interested in graffiti, though I didn’t have the funds to fully indulge in it. So, I channeled my creative energy into my sketchbook.

Initially, I aimed to pursue a career in media design. After high school, I completed nine months of civil service, which was mandatory in Germany at the time. During my final school years, I started teaching myself the craft of tattooing. It was far from successful at first, but it marked the beginning of my journey into the world of tattooing.

What made you pick tattooing as a career, what got you into art?

At 18, when I could legally get tattooed, I accompanied my friends to a tattoo studio, which got me thinking more seriously about tattoos for myself. My interest in tattooing, however, began even earlier, around the age of 12, when I was frequently skateboarding in Dortmund. There was a studio called the Halloween Store that sold Gothic items and also had a tattoo studio where André Harke worked. His dark, impressive artwork fascinated me. I often stopped by just to admire the work.

When I turned 18, and after witnessing others get tattooed, I knew I wanted to get tattoos myself. During high school, I began teaching myself how to tattoo. Although my early efforts were not particularly successful, I persisted. After completing my civil service, I applied to a local studio in Lüdenscheid and was accepted. Even though I wouldn’t hire myself today based on my knowledge back then, they gave me the chance to make a living from tattooing, and that’s when I truly realized that this was the career for me. I was drawn to the freedom tattooing offered, allowing me to express my own ideas rather than just executing someone else’s, as would have been the case in media design.

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

I’ve been a professional tattoo artist for 14 years now, and I’d describe my journey as exponential. In the early part of my career, I wasn’t overly concerned with maximizing my potential or striving for a big career

I just wanted to create good tattoos. It wasn’t until 2018, when I opened my own studio in Jena, where I had moved in 2013, that I started to understand how the industry worked. With each step deeper into the tattoo scene, I found myself falling more in love with the craft. Now, tattooing makes up about 80% of my life. While I do have other business ventures, tattooing remains my second greatest love—my first being my wife. A few years ago, I began specializing in lettering because it’s what I enjoy the most, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living focusing on that specialty.

You specialize in what it looks like lettering, freehand, and filigree?

If I missed anything, please let us know. But what got you into those certain styles of tattooing?

I’ve always had a strong connection with lettering. In school, we sometimes worked with quill pens, and that came naturally to me.

Even when I was into graffiti, I wasn’t the type to draw characters or figures; I was always drawn to text and words. My early influences in tattooing were OGs like BOOG, BJ Betts, and Maneko. I’m not entirely sure why, but when I see a cool piece of lettering, it just resonates with me deeply.

While I can do other styles—I’ve done a lot of realism and neotraditional work—lettering has always been my true passion. In our studio, I handle all the lettering work. Whether it’s delicate, single-needle scripts or bold, blocky graffiti styles, I enjoy exploring every facet of lettering and pushing the boundaries of what can be done with it.

Do you ever get to work with much color?

I used to work a lot with color, especially when I was doing neotraditional tattoos. I was often told that I was good at it, but over time, I developed a preference for black and white. I find it the most elegant, particularly for lettering. I often joke that if you don’t want to look like an optical illusion, you should keep color out of lettering, although that’s not entirely true—there are many artists who do fantastic colored lettering. However, given the style I specialize in, I mostly work in black and white, occasionally adding one color. For me, it just looks cooler that way.

Do you have any travel plans coming up?

I travel a lot within Europe, and I’ve been to England several times to tattoo. I love attending conventions and doing guest spots, which have allowed me to experience many different countries. In the near future, I plan to attend the Paris Tattoo Convention next year, and maybe even Milan again—I always enjoy going there. Most of my international travel is for conventions, but I want to do more guest spots in the future and expand my international presence.

I have many friends in the United States, and I’m currently working with an agency to hopefully secure an O-1 visa, which would allow me to visit and work in the U.S. more freely. That would be an amazing opportunity, but we’ll see how it unfolds.

What are some of the biggest accomplishments you have achieved in your career so far?

One of my biggest achievements is definitely opening my own tattoo studio, Downtown Tattoo Jena, which is now one of the most reputable studios in Thuringia. We have seven tattoo artists in total, and I’m particularly proud of having built this from the ground up, especially considering that I’m self-taught and had a hard time initially breaking into the scene.

I’m also proud to be sponsored by several companies, including Cheyenne Professional Tattoo Equipment, Eclipse Tattoo Ink, and Coal Black Tattoo Supply. These sponsors support me and my projects, which is a huge milestone in my career.

However, the greatest achievement as a tattoo artist, aside from these material accomplishments, is having a loyal client base that trusts me with their bodies over such a long period. It’s what allows me to do what I love and make a living from it, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

AFTERCARE LINE

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SWEET MINT SCENT 200MG

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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

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Audrey

36

Model-audreyjean.h Photographer-@inked_photography

SourGum

44

Artist-@sourgum_tattoo Interviewed by-msellersink13

Let’s start off with where you were born and raised. What was it like growing up?

I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a beautiful country known for its kind and welcoming people. However, my childhood was deeply shaped by the violence and insecurity in my city. Despite this, I was fortunate to have a loving family who protected and supported me, encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. Art became an escape for me, a way to process and rise above the challenges around me. I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember—it’s always been a part of who I am.

Was it difficult for you to get into the tattoo industry?

In the beginning, it was definitely challenging. I was juggling a part-time job as a graphic designer, a scholarship, and an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist all at once. There were many sleepless nights, but I spent every free moment drawing and studying. I was also lucky to have an incredible mentor, David Santos, who constantly pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and fully dedicate myself to tattooing. His guidance and belief in me made a huge difference.

At what age do you remember first getting into art?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember even in kindergarten, I was fascinated by how things worked and would try to draw them. But it wasn’t until I was 18 that I realized art was more than just a passion; it was essential to my mental well-being. Whenever I wasn’t creating, I felt it deeply in my soul. Art became my way of expressing emotions and navigating everything I felt as someone who experiences the world so intensely.

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

I’ve been tattooing for six years now, and it has been an incredible journey. It’s taken me to places I never dreamed of and connected me with amazing people along the way. Deciding to dedicate myself fully to tattooing was one of the best decisions of my life—it’s been full of growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

Your style is very unique. What inspired you to develop it?

I’ve explored many styles throughout my career, starting with illustrative blackwork and gradually experimenting with color. My current pieces are inspired by surrealism and my own paintings in acrylic and oil. Through this evolution, I aim to create works that feel magical and mystical—stories that speak without words. I’m excited to keep developing this style and pushing its boundaries.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your career?

One of my recent highlights was being selected to participate in the Empire Olympics, hosted by Empire Inks. It was an incredible experience to compete and connect with artists I’ve long admired—true legends of the industry. I’ve also been invited for the second time to serve as a judge at the Tattoo Music Fest in Guadalajara, Mexico. This recognition means a lot to me, as Mexico has one of the largest and most respected tattoo industries in Latin America. Being considered a judge at such an event feels like a significant milestone in my career.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to tattoo, where would it be and why?

I would love to tattoo in the United States and Asia. Both regions have such rich histories in the tattoo world, and I feel like I could learn so much from the artists and cultures there.

I see myself as a lifelong student, always eager to grow and evolve, and these places are at the heart of tattooing’s history and innovation.

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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

Durb

Morrison

60

Artist-@durbmorrison Interviewed by-@msellersink13

So you are currently located in Ohio are you born and raised there? Tell us a little bit about yourself and what was it like growing up?

Yes I’m currently based out of Columbus Ohio and I tattoo out of Ohio’s largest tattoo studio called RedTree tattoo gallery.

I grew up about 45 minutes outside of downtown Columbus Ohio and moved to the city when I graduated high school at the age of 18 to begin professionally tattooing with Tim Miller in 1991. Before that I was tattooing a variety of my skateboarding and punk rock friends that would let me And learn to tattoo on them. I was always into art and tattooing just became a natural art form to me with my rebellious and different view on life and my alternative lifestyle.

Can you remember at what age did you start getting into art?

I literally remember me doing art that was hanging on our refrigerator as a young kid around the age of five years old. My parents were always proud of my art so they would always hang it which would inspire me to keep doing artwork. When I started skateboarding I really enjoyed the look of the graphic artwork on all the skateboards and clothing and that inspired my view of what I’d like when I see tattooing. Skateboard art and tattoo art looked very similar so it naturally attracted me to the art of tattooing through skateboarding.

So you own and run Hell city tattoo festival, tell us all about that when did it start, how did it start ect…

I founded the Hell City Tattoo Festival in 2002 which has become one of the most prominent tattoo conventions in the United States. It began as a vision I had to elevate tattoo culture by bringing together some of the best tattoo artists and enthusiasts in one dynamic space. With a background in tattooing and a passion for pushing the industry forward, I wanted to create an event that wasn’t just about getting tattoos but was a celebration of the artistry, culture, and creativity surrounding the tattoo community. I’ve always envisioned Hell City as more than just a traditional tattoo convention, we’ve incorporating some world class live entertainment, seminars, and live painting and art galleries to enrich the experience for both artists and attendees.

The first Hell City festival took place in Columbus, Ohio, and quickly gained a reputation for its professional atmosphere and high-quality tattooing. Over the years, it expanded to include a second location in Phoenix, Arizona. Hell City is unique in that it blends a family-friendly environment with the bold, edgy spirit of tattoo culture, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re getting inked, watching live tattoo competitions, or enjoying performances, the event has a creative energy that draws thousands of people annually. The festival has continued to grow, maintaining its place as a must-attend event for anyone passionate about tattoos. I’m very proud of the festival!

How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been going for you? well I actually did my first tattoo when I was only 13 years old on my friends and continued doing homemade tattoos until around 16 years old when I finally purchased professional equipment and took my tattooing to the next step. As of right now I’ve been tattooing 37 years of my life and it’s been the best life I could ever ask for!

You must be a very busy person because you also own and tattoo out of your very own shop Red tree tattoo, how is that going for you?

Yes, staying busy is definitely an understatement, but I love every moment of it. Running RedTree Tattoo Gallery alongside organizing Hell City keeps me constantly inspired and immersed in the tattoo world. RedTree has been doing really well—it’s not just a shop, but a creative hub where talented artists come together to collaborate and push the boundaries of their work.

We’ve built a strong reputation for high-quality tattoos and a welcoming atmosphere, so we get clients from all over who want to be a part of that experience.

What’s special about RedTree is that it’s not just a place to get tattooed. We also have an art gallery and offer educational opportunities for artists, like guest spots, which really help foster a community of creativity. Balancing both Hell City and RedTree definitely keeps me on my toes, but having these two outlets allows me to pour all my passion for tattooing into both the festival and the shop.

You also invented True tubes how did this all become?

True Tubes came about as a solution to a problem I was facing as a tattoo artist wanting to go disposable. Back in the day, well my day, most tattoo tubes were made of metal, and while they were reliable, they were also heavy and required constant sterilization.

I was looking for something that could be more convenient and still give artists the same precision and control, much like steel tubes. That’s when the idea for True Tubes hit me. I thought, let me Frankenstein a few tattoo products together, why not create a disposable tattoo tube that feels just as solid and responsive as metal but without the extra weight and hassle?

So, after some trial and error, I started Frankensteining with steel tips and plastic tubes and ended up designing the first ever True Tube using medical-grade plastic with a metal tip to keep the precision we’re used to. The goal was to provide the best of both worlds: the lightweight feel of plastic and the performance of metal. It caught on quickly because artists loved the convenience of a disposable product that didn’t sacrifice quality. Over time, we’ve expanded the line to include other products like True Grips and True Cartridges, always with the idea of making the tattooing process smoother and more efficient for artists.

True Tubes has grown into something bigger than I expected, but it all started from wanting to solve a practical problem I encountered in my own work as a tattoo artist.

And I must ask did you ever think you holding signs would become an internet sensation? Lol personally we absolutely love them so good for you!

Honestly, I never expected “Tattooer With A Sign” to blow up the way it has! It all started as a fun, spontaneous idea—just holding up a sign with messages that resonated with artists, clients, and anyone in the tattoo community. It was meant to be a light-hearted way to express some truths or common experiences we all share in the industry, all positive messages from a veteran tattoo artist. I had no idea it would catch on like it did!

The response has been amazing, and I’m glad people get a kick out of it. The signs touch on everything from tattoo etiquette to industry quirks, and it’s been fun to see how much people relate to them. It’s crazy to think that something so simple would take off like that, but I’m grateful it’s brought some laughter and connection to the community. It’s cool to see that it’s become its own little thing, and I’m definitely enjoying the signs as much as everyone else is!

Diane Hurst 82

Model-@diane,hurst.model Photographer-@morbidartimages

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

Mr Pixel

92

Artist-@mrpixel.tattooer Interviewed by-@msellersink13

Are you currently living and tattooing in Singapore? Tell us a little bit about yourself and what was it like growing up?

Hi! I’m Danny aka MRPIXEL. I am currently living and tattooing in Singapore, however being in World Tattoo Events Pro Team, I travel around very often for guest work, participating in conventions and also judging for conventions. I come from a humble family. My family wasn’t rich, but they would always try their best to provide me with their best.

Living and growing up in Singapore in the 90s exposed me to start of the computer/gaming era such as SNES and SEGA. What originally got you into tattooing?

I started tattooing during the COVID-19. Before that, I was running a bar, interior design company and also a digital marketing firm. COVID hit me real hard at that time, my businesses were affected, my father passed away due to cancer. I figured that life is really short and decided to pivot to something I always wanted to do but never had the courage to - tattooing. I’m also inspired by my mentor, Nemo, whom I respected and seek for advice during the start of my journey.

I’ve been tattooing since Covid 19, I love what I’m doing and never a day felt like work to me.

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

I have been tattooing since COVID-19. Initial journey wasn’t easy, I start out an Instagram page with zero followers. Because I know I start my tattoo career much later than most tattoo artists out there, I know my runway is already shorter than most tattoo artists, hence I work really hard every single day. But I enjoy whatever i am doing so much that never a day felt like work to me. I am also humbled but proud to be a sponsored artist by World Tattoo Events, Poseidon Tattoo Office and Drpickles.

Do you ever get to travel for work and if so where are some of your favorite locations?

Yes, I travel for work a lot. Being a Pro Team artist in World Tattoo Events, I’m exposed to a lot of tattoo conventions, either to compete or to judge. I am competitive by nature, and I like winning, I like to challenge myself to greater heights and set goals to achieve.

One of my favourite location is Ancona, Italy where I judged for Ankonventional Tattoo Convention in 2024. Beautiful country with good pasta and amazing culture. Another memorable city was Melbourne, Australia where I was doing guest spot at a prestigious tattoo studio - Zimni Ink in 2024. Met many amazing artists and I was honored to tattoo for the lead singer of a renown rock band, Northlane. I pretty much enjoy myself in all different cultures and countries I’ve been to. But I would definitely prefer being in cold weather than hot weather! Singapore is really hot and humid all year round, so it’s really nice to be in the cold weather for me.

You specialize in pixelated tattoos, what got you into that certain style?

When I just started tattooing, I needed to choose a style to begin with. I started with black and grey realism because I knew that covers a lot of fundamentals of drawing. But I found myself struggling with ideas and I knew immediately that was not my style. I grow up playing a lot of games, from the SNES to Pentium 1 PC games. Just staring at those pixelated sprites makes me feel really happy and excited.

I wasn’t sure if pixelated tattoos were something that people will like because no one was doing it in Singapore at that time, but I decided to stay true to myself and I started doing pixel art tattoos and never looked back until now. Today, I’m glad that I stayed true to myself and I really enjoy doing it.

Recently in The Lion Gates Singapore Tattoo convention, I’ve gotten second place in small colour catergory and also second place in Best of day 1. I also want to prove the world and other pixel tattoo artist that pixel tattoo artist can compete and win in tattoo conventions as well.

What’s the best way for people to book with you and do you have any upcoming conventions you would love to share with us?

I am usually very active and responsive on Instagram. My handle is @mrpixel.tattooer. Some of the upcoming conventions I’ll be participating in are like Ankonventional in Italy (Nov), Ligligan Tattoo Convention in Luzon (Dec), Inkdian International Tattoo Convention in Goa (Jan). But I’ll be either competing or judging in these events, drop by and say hi!

What’s your favorite food to eat and why?

I am a seafood lover. And my favourite seafood dish would non other than the famous Singapore Chilli Crab. I am very particular about my food quality because I consider myself a serious foodie. Sri Lanka mud crab or Dungeness crab with the aromatic spicy chilli crab sauce would make any of my day better!

Grave Tattoo 108

1

Art Show!

Credit-@msellersink13

Grave Tattoo So traveling to this art show was a little over three hours and every bit of that drive the anticipation was killing me. I was so excited so initially pulling up it was way busier than I thought because this is one of my first art shows that I have been to. Grave Tattoo owned and hosted by Danny lepore was placed in the beautiful New Jersey stood out in there strip mall, with a delicious food truck with a busy line serving juicy burgers to shrimp, the day already started with excitement.

As soon as you walk in, you had a handful of raffles to enter from live paintings to merchandise the DJ yes, I said that correctly DJ was playing music and tunes for all of us to get down to while you walk around and check out art.

The second thing you notice is our good friend Jimmy Dalessio, Mike hollows, and others were working on a collaboration painting which their skill levels always amaze me to another open canvas for the public to work on anyone was welcome to jump in and have fun with art.

The walls had sculptures, paintings and art of every media from original Paul Booth graphite flash to modern 3-D printed and painted oni mask It was hard to not find something you would love, and also Almost every piece of art there was for sale if you felt like leaving with something. Drinks and coffee on the house by your amazing host Danny Lepore the hospitality was top-notch. I highly recommend anyone to attend their shows Matt Sellers

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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

Ray

128

Artist-@lowcountryink interviewed by-msellesink13

Let’s start off with having you tell us a little bit about yourself.

Where are you from and what was it like growing up?

Hello yall, my name is Ray Sanders. I was born in Hinesville, GA. Eventually moved to SC to where the majority of my life has been between Charleston and Georgetown; which is where I’m at currently. My life growing up wasn’t easy. It was rough and hard for the most part. I had to endure alot with my siblings that no child deserves to go through. Being abused, neglected, tortured at times, all because of alcoholic and drug torn families.

Been bounced from home to home and school to school; never staying in one spot long enough. Eventually ended up in an orphanage for a bit to foster care until I emancipated myself.

Did you have a difficult apprenticeship or an easy-going one?

I would have to say that I’m majority self taught. I got shot down so much when I was coming up and trying to learn properly from alot of shops. The one that I claim as my mentor, wasn’t able to tattoo anymore do to his health declining by the time we crossed paths. But me and him sat outside for hours with him explaining everything he knew with the industry and the craft.

He taught me so much even though he couldn’t physically show me and for that I’ll always be grateful for him. Still to this day I watch every artist I come across regardless of their skill level, because everyone has something to bring to the table.

Can you remember what got you into tattooing?

I’ve always had an interest in tattooing since I was a kid. I’ve always used art as an escape route from reality in my life. But an ex’s dad built a machine out of an old cassette player and that was all she wrote and the start to where I’m at now.

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

Roughly when I was between 18/19 years old is when I started playing around with the thought of tattooing. It wasn’t until the past 10 years when my wife told me to buckle down and take it seriously or stop and get a regular job. The start of it was really rough, I can’t recall how many people talked shit to me about it wasn’t a real job or I wasn’t gonna amount to shit. Now look where I’m at now in 10 yrs it’s been a journey but it has been blessed because of the opportunities I’ve gotten to experience.

What is your favorite style to tattoo in and why?

I like all styles of tattooing honestly, but my favorite styles to tattoo in is black and grey realism and high contrast color realism. I love them because it’s been my escape styles when drawing, coloring, and tagging stuff up as I ran the neighborhoods. Just as much as I love dark I love bright too. It all tells a story.

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

I’ve had alot of achievements this past year. After 10 years back and forth with my county, I was finally able to open my shop, shop became a multiple award winning shop in it’s few months open. I’ve became a multi award winning artist between my color work, newschool style pieces, and my black and grey work. Got asked to judge a competition, asked to do alot of shows, and even international shows. Got featured in one magazine already, my work featured in another magazine, and now I have the opportunity with yall here with 247 Ink Magazine with this amazing opportunity. Now I’m looking forward to what the future holds.

If you could tattoo any celebrity in the world who would be and why?

Crazy thing is, I had the opportunity to tattoo on Jelly Roll when he came to our area, but the security guard fucked that up for me by running us off while we was waiting like Jelly told us to do. But I got to experience my son to sing with him and get brought up on stage and go viral with him. So the opportunity was still a blessing to experience. I would be down to tattoo any celebrity or famous person though. Just to be able to have that opportunity to have someone like that to wear my art would be dope as hell and a big honor. Especially with me feeling like I don’t belong in this industry with so much stronger talent.

TATTOOS BY FE Writer: Stacey Martin Photographer: Brittany Hilton macee boudoir Hair/make up artist: Rebecca Moylan

Merging Ink and Lens: A Journey of Tattooing and Modeling Combining tattoo artistry with modeling is a bold and unique way to showcase creativity and selfexpression. For Fe, these two passions don’t compete but rather complement each other, forming a cohesive blend of art and beauty. Here’s a look at how Fe has intertwined tattooing and modeling, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Modeling as an Extension of Art While tattooing remains her primary focus, modeling has become a natural extension of Fe’s artistic journey. For years, art demanded most of her attention, but modeling has grown to serve as a platform to showcase her tattoo work.

“Tattooing and modeling go hand in hand,” Fe explains.

“Modeling is a way to display tattoo art, bringing it to life in a whole new way.”

Redefining Representation in Modeling As a model, Fe is passionate about representing tattooed women in an industry that often favors those without tattoos. “I want to see tattooed women utilized more in the modeling industry,” she says. By embracing her individuality, Fe hopes to inspire others to break free from traditional standards and celebrate diversity.

@tattoobyfe

Balancing Business and Creativity

Being a tattoo artist and business owner requires an incredible amount of dedication.

The skills and discipline Fe has honed in her tattoo career have directly translated into running a business. “Both roles require learning from mistakes and continuing to move forward, no matter the obstacles,” she says. Fe’s artistic dedication has prepared her for the hustle and resilience needed to balance both worlds successfully.

Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Creative Fields Navigating male-dominated industries like tattooing and modeling comes with unique challenges. Fe has faced criticism from those who believe models in the tattoo world gain unfair advantages due to their appearance. However, instead of letting such remarks bring her down, Fe uses them as motivation. “I let it fuel my fire to improve my technical skills every day,” she says.

Misconceptions About Women in Tattooing Despite the progress women have made in the tattoo industry, outdated stereotypes persist. Some still believe women lack the toughness to succeed.

“People think women don’t have what it takes, that we’re too soft,” Fe explains. “But I love seeing other women take the industry by storm and prove them wrong.”

Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Industries For women looking to thrive in male-dominated fields, Fe stresses the importance of confidence and selfadvocacy. “Keep your chin up and stick up for yourself when necessary,” she advises. She also encourages women to seek out supportive communities and mentors within their industry.

How Modeling Enhances Artistic Confidence Modeling has brought a new layer of confidence to Fe’s life, one that extends into her tattoo work. “Modeling has given me the confidence to try new things with my art,” she says. This synergy between the two fields has allowed Fe to grow both personally and professionally.

The Power of Mentorship A key influence in Fe’s career has been her mentor, Mike Jones (@mjonestattoos). His guidance has shaped her approach to tattooing and business. “He’s a talented and humble man who taught me to be versatile and seize every opportunity,” Fe says. His mentorship continues to inspire her to push boundaries in her work.

@tattoosbyfe

Advice for Creative Women The best advice Fe has received, from her mentor, remains a guiding principle in her life: “Scared money don’t make no money.” This mantra reminds her to take risks and embrace the possibility of failure. “You can’t be afraid to fail; you just have to do it,” she says, encouraging others to pursue their creative passions with confidence.

A Cohesive Blend of Passion and Art Fe’s journey is not about transitioning from tattooing to modeling but about merging the two into a cohesive and dynamic expression of her artistic vision. By breaking stereotypes, inspiring others, and staying true to herself, Fe is paving the way for a more inclusive and creative future in both industries.

Through her work, Fe demonstrates that combining passions can lead to incredible opportunities. Whether she’s crafting meaningful tattoos or posing in front of the camera, her dedication to art and self-expression continues to shine.

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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