MAC GOBER

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Unless you are covered, I’m not tattooing your face or neck.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Some kind of instant printing tattoo.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? It’s not easy. I think if you do find things are very easy, you’re not pushing yourself enough, anything worth doing is hard, and don’t give up; you never fail; you are either successful or you learn. ✕

17 Years Tattooing Independent Artist Layton, UT Location American Trad/ Geometric Specialization macgober17 @icloud.com @Mac_gober17 Instagram warhawktattoo .com

I’m a tattoo artist from Austin, Texas. I received my Bachelor of Fine arts with a specialization in oil painting in 2007. Before tattooing, I was an illustrator and graphic designer.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I draw inspiration from the old masters of painting. Studying their techniques and experience really helps with my current style of tattooing.

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

Don’t make the mistake of getting a huge first piece. Get something small to get through the initial “nerves” process. It will show you what to expect when you do decide to get a larger tattoo. Also, lotion your skin a few days leading up to the tattoo; it makes the experience much easier for you and the artist.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My brother was wondering what took me so long to take the leap from painting to tattooing. I should have done it years ago.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I don’t feel like I “work” for a living. I can be creative every day. It feels more like a lifestyle than work.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My traditional art education, along with the increased popularity and general societal acceptance of tattoos.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t tattoo anywhere on the body that has a mucous membrane because the risk of infection is too high.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Ninetynine percent of my tattooing experience has been fantastic. Even when that one percent of unpleasantness walks through the door, it usually ends in an experience I can laugh about later.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Learn the basics of tattooing: line work, color packing, and shading. It’s becoming fashionable to jump directly into a style without having functional knowledge of the basics. In so doing, the new artist runs the risk of their style being labeled lame or outdated and without the ability to adapt. Artists must always be able to roll with the punches.

What would you change in the tattoo industry? I would push for the artists to have a stronger foundation in art before they could pick up a tattoo machine. ✕