SCUBA STEVE

This Industry has come a long way, and so have Scuba Steve. He had double C-Spine surgery, which left him paralyzed from the mid-chest down and was told he would never walk again, let alone tattoo ever again. Here he is, walking and tattooing!! He loves what he does, and absolutely loves all of my clients. Without them and their support, he wouldn’t be doing this. A super special shout out to his wife, Missy Myers, for being his Rock!! She is the best piercer in South Dakota ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I’m always inspired by Bob Tyrell, Marshall Benett, and, of course, DJ Tambe ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I first talk them out of a neck, face, and hand tattoo (job killer), then I tell them, “Don’t worry about a thing; I got you” ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends thought it was awesome, and I’m pretty sure my Dad still thinks I’m nuts ⸺ What would you say is your favor- ite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is when my client looks in the mirror at the final product and are absolutely amazed. It makes my heart happy ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve been drawing since I was 3 years old, so I think I was always interested Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? My apprenticeship was horrible; they didn’t teach me anything, and I had to learn on my own ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I refuse to do gang-affiliated tattoos ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I’ll tattoo until I die!! ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? We all have those few bad experiences with unruly people, lol ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Always keep drawing, and most importantly, go with the flow and stay out of your own head. We are our own worst enemy. ✕