Artist

I’m a 40-year-old husband and father of 2; been in the industry for 22 years and an owner/operator for 13 years. I grew up in rough areas of Chicago, got into graffiti, and then into tattooing my buddies (kitchen commando) working different jobs and got my foot in the door at Firehouse Tattoos under Chuck Iglinski. Within 2 years of my apprenticeship, I became a manager and a full-time artist. A few years later, I bought into the shop, and here I still am ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Jason Butcher, Neon Judas, and Paul Booth, to name a few ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be open-minded. Do your research on the shop/artist ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My father wasn’t very happy with the choice but said he was proud of me before passing. Mom always supported me, and my friends always pushed me to go for it ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Freedom and creativity ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Getting tattooed for the first time at 16 years old ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Not so much. My apprenticeship was pretty formal, making needles, scrubbing tubes, tearing down, setting up, and running for lunch ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) No face, hands, or neck unless in the industry or set in a career ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Honestly not sure; it has definitely grown and continues to grow as an amazing art form ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? To have passion for it and be a sponge from other artists. ✕