MOREY

I am 30 years old; I have been tattooing since I was 16 ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of inspiration from living in Colorado and traveling around as much as I can ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Drink water and eat more the day before your appointment, not 15 minutes before you go in. Eating or drinking immediately before your tattoo can cause some unpleasant side effects ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I think at first, they were not 100% comfortable with it, but they have always supported me anyways. I am very lucky for that ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Because of my clients, my art has traveled around the world! As an artist, I think that is the ultimate goal ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? It really amazes me that it is even possible to put artwork on the skin- it is honestly magi- cal, and I’ll never get tired of it ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I apprenticed more than once because I wanted to learn more than one style. It was a lot of effort, but thankfully it was worth it! ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Devil/Satanic tattoos because after tattooing for this long, I’ve become a little bit superstitious, and I’m not afraid to admit it. I think it’s a bad idea ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think that there will be many more changes and innovations in the next decade than there have been in the last hundred years. I am excited to be a part of it ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? All I have to say is: if you get an ankle tattoo, please wash your feet first. THANKS <3 ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t practice on real skin, even your own, until you have an actual mentor! ✕

I started drawing when I could hold a pencil. From the pressure of friends, I started tattooing in 1994 when I was 20 years old in South Lake Tahoe, CA, and other than observing and asking a lot of questions; I am self-taught. I have a bachelor’s degree in fine art/illustration from The Laguna College of Art and Design. My wife of 23 years, Lisa, has been my number-one supporter, fan, and driving force for nearly my whole career.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I was initially inspired by the art I had never seen before until I saw my first tattoo magazine. Aaron Cain, Guy Aitchison, and Little Vinnie Meyers were big for me. Now there are so many great artists who all inspire me. I’m also inspired by drag racing, Hotrod, and off-road racing culture.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)

To do their research and find a quality artist that suits them and let that artist do their thing. And don’t try to stuff a hundred pounds of shit into a 20-pound bag. Don’t overthink it.

28 Years Tattooing Reno, NV Location