FAMOUS

Originally from Dallas, Famous has been tattooing since 2013 and has worked with several other artists and shops in the central Texas area. Recently, he opened his own shop, Highly Authentic Tattoo, in Temple, TX. Famous is an appointment-preferred all-around artist and enjoys creating custom pieces ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My influences are wide, varying from painters, manga illustrations, other tattoo artists, and creative people in general ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My biggest supporter was my grandmother; she always pushed me to turn my passion into a career. Other friends and family thought it was not possible or an illegitimate path, and over the years, that has shifted with my growth ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My mom was covered with tattoos in the early 90s. I’ve known since I was 9 years old that I was interested in becoming a tattoo artist ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I stay away from family portraits because, for me, they don’t give the opportunity for creative expression that I enjoy. Also, I think my handling fee is a little too expensive for clients to get private area tattoos from me ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Stay humble, be patient, and remember it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master of your craft, but art allows for endless growth ⸺ What motivates you? I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of continuous growth and not becoming stagnant. Also, my family, of course, is a huge motivation ⸺ What place is your favorite place to travel and tattoo? Being a traveling artist, I’ve enjoyed guest spotting at several different places, but my favorite to frequent is Compass Rose Tattoo in St. Thomas, V.I. ⸺ Is there any work that you’re most proud of? And why? My Fiancé is pretty much covered head-to-toe in my work; this has all been done since the beginning of my career to now. She is like my walking billboard with award-winning tattoos in all of my favorite styles. ✕

I’m an artist from South Texas who was traditionally taught but with an open mind and a willingness to keep improving. I’m a wife and a mother, and above all, I value honor.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Mostly the outside world. A lot of the subject matter I find myself drawn to is elemental and organic in nature. It’s even better when I can put a surreal twist to it.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

Culturally, tattoos were not looked at as something acceptable, so initially, they were cynical. However, as time goes on, the industry has seen some leaps and bounds, and now people are more aware of the possibilities of what we can put on skin. Despite it all, I have been fortunate to have certain friends and family that supported me from the beginning.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? It’s hard to choose. On the one hand, there is the satisfaction of pulling off a gamechanging piece. It feels like a million bucks. On another, sometimes you end up having a conversation with a client that may really help them in some way, or maybe the session was cathartic for them in another way. Being a part of healing for someone is an unexpected but amazing part of the equation.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Looking at tattoos; they are the most visceral representation of what a person may have inside. It’s the most apparent form of self-expression, and you have to commit to one. They’re permanent, after all. It’s literally wearing your heart on your sleeve.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I’m excited and hopeful for what’s ahead in the industry. It’s changed so much even in the time I’ve been in it. As technology gets better, we will be introduced to more apps, machines, and technical skills. The best thing we can do is learn from history, be in the present, and embrace the future. Change is always intimidating, but you can’t hurt your work by adding more tools to your bag. ✕