VICTOR DIAZ

I created this convention from scratch. We are now on our way to our third season. We have a great team built. Our convention includes Tattoos, Arts, Fashion, Media, and Welding. We are kid friendly. Last season we saw over 6,000 guests. We expect 8,000 this season ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? The art industry as a whole; all mediums, media, and Platforms ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Think before you react ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Tattoos were frowned upon. My family hadn’t approved until they noticed my consistency ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I am able to wake up daily and do what I love. To network with artists and brainstorm ideas is a dream job! We create! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My friend Samantha Vinski said I would be great at conventions. I listened, and she was right! She’s a tattoo artist from Fort Myers, Fl ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Drkturcotte, Steve Butcher, Mashkow, Levgen, Clayton Diaz, Im_Tattoo, and there’s a ton more! ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Racial slurs ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? More 3D flashes ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I tried to do everything myself, and that was a hard lesson. I learned delegation helps you create full success and reach the potential you think about ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be persistent, take advice, attend seminars, and always level up. ✕

Wes Fortier is an American tattoo artist and musician from Hamden, CT. He is known for his guitar work with the hardcore/punk band Death Threat since 2001. Wes started tattooing in 2008 and promptly excelled in his line work, leading him to specialize in lettering and various styles of black and grey. Wes opened his own tattoo shop 2015

‘Burning Hearts Tattoo Co.’ and has provided a beautiful home base for many great tattooers and body piercers over the years as well as traveling artists. When he’s not tattooing or performing music, Wes spends time traveling with his family.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I was always interested in lettering. When I first started out tattooing, the majority of my peers locally were doing a lot of American Traditional. I think that style is very cool, but my eyes were stuck on BJ Betts, Mister Cartoon, and a lot of west coast style graffiti as well as older sign painting styles. I grabbed whatever BJ Betts books I could get my hands on at the time and traced those alphabets until I had the confidence to start creating my own letters.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When someone comes in with a vague idea and just says, “Here’s the idea... do your thing”. That’s always a good day for me. Being allowed creative freedom and the time to do the best job I can do is what makes me happy.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Keep in mind what you are capable of executing WELL at every stage of the game. It’s okay to try new things, but don’t get in over your head. Take your time and test your abilities, but do it slowly and with caution. LISTEN TO YOUR MENTOR. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of what ‘so and so’ uses, how this other person does things, etc. Your mentor can only show you the way they know how. It’s super easy to get off track and complicate things when your testing every new product you see before mastering the one that came before it. There are no shortcuts, no magic ink, and no magic needles to make you better instantly. Master what you are being taught, and then explore.