NICK GARRIS

My name is Nick Garris; I am a 34-year-old tattoo artist and shop owner in Spokane Valley, WA. I have been tattooing for about 8 years and have had my shop for a little over 2 years. If I’m not tattooing, I’m spending time with my 5-year-old daughter ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I try to get most of my inspiration from my clients. I like to talk with them and get to know them to figure out the style and piece that will fit them best ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) First, I would always say make sure it’s something you really want and won’t regret down the road and also to make sure they do it in a spot that’s on the less painful side so they can understand how a tattoo feels and don’t end up not being able to finish it ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family and friends were actually a bit shocked because, growing up, I was never a very artistic person and never talked about wanting to become an artist. Now they absolutely love what I do and couldn’t be more proud! ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Definitely being able to be creative and turn people’s ideas into something they love and will have forever. I love hearing, “It’s better than I imagined!” from my clients ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I got my first tattoo it immediately sparked my love for tattoos and tattooing. Not only the experience of getting it but the atmosphere of a tattoo shop and everything that went into it ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? When I had my apprenticeship, it wasn’t too hard to get into, but the experience was definitely challenging at the time; that’s how you grow and learn ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Generally, I won’t do any face tattoos unless they’re very tasteful and small. I would refuse any tattoo that tries to glorify drug use in any way. (The only one I’ve had to turn down yet). ✕

Pablo Frías is a Professional Tattoo Artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a child, Pablo had aspirations to have a profession in the art industry, as he had been drawing and expressing himself artistically since his youth. At the age of 23, he began an apprenticeship at a local studio in Buenos Aires and completely engrossed himself in everything he could about his art and profession. After working through his apprenticeship, Pablo opened his own studio and continued to apply and hone his discipline in an effort to find his style. His journey began with New School, Cartoon, and onward to Realism. He credits the opportunity to travel the world and attend several conventions where he could learn from different artists as an enriching inspiration to help in this pursuit of finding his own modality for tattooing.

Pablo enjoys new school and cartoon as the