Tattoo Industry Magazine: Issue 22 - Sasha Masiuk

T-shirts — Tank tops — Hoodies— Sweatpants — Socks — Flip-flops/slides

BAMBOO TATTOO STUDIO

TORONTO, CANADA

Todd Santos Owner

A luxury tattoo studio in Toronto, Bamboo Tattoo Studio hosts the world’s best artists. Bamboo Tattoo Studio is regarded as the best and most luxurious tattoo studio in Toronto, Canada, setting the benchmark in the tattoo industry since 2009. Bamboo Tattoo Studio not only offers the finest machine tattooists available, they are also North America’s first and only studio to offer bamboo tattooing, an ancient Thai technique that has been practiced for over 3000 years. This unique experience begins with a hand-carved bamboo shoot and ends with gold leaf that has been blessed by the monks of Thailand through prayer for good luck and fortune.

Bamboo is also known for their knowledge and skill on providing people second chances on poorly completed and dated tattoos, with their high-end equipment that will have you in and out in under fifteen minutes. Using the latest Pico Sure Tattoo Removal Machine from Cynosure, Bamboo works with clients to create a plan of action to lighten even the darkest tattoos to prepare for custom professional cover-ups, that clients can walk away feeling proud and confident

with, truly changing people’s lives.

“From the beginning to the end, the service was professional, friendly, and welcoming. The same can be said when I returned for a touch-up. Todd and his team are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their craft. Bamboo Tattoo Studio is luxury at its finest; the shop is spotless, light, and just plain cool! I highly recommend Bamboo Tattoo Studio; it is well worth the money” said a delighted client in a recent review.

Todd Santos founded Bamboo Tattoo Studio in Toronto in 2009, bringing ancient Thai art to Canada’s largest city. Bamboo is not like any other typical tattoo parlor. This is a three-story luxury art space that goes above and beyond what anyone has come to expect from tattoo shops. Marble from floor to ceiling, leather furniture, and custom-made art adorn the entire space. Their basement has a relaxing lounge area. The bathrooms have been meticulously curated, each with a distinct theme: Comic Books, Playboy, and Gangster era. The style extends to the exterior, and the structure has a distinctive appearance. ✕

SLEEPY SLEEPS SERVICES:

Dr. Sleepy Sleeps is Canada’s first painless tattooing and tattoo removal anesthesia clinic. Now offering a variety of packages from deep sedation & light sedation to nerve blocking, truly making your tattoo experience painless. Fully licensed and insured Dr. Sleepy Sleeps aka Dr. Arjun Krishna is bringing a next level of luxurious comfort to the tattoo world.

Nantachai Thungngoen @yant_lucky

UPCOMING NEWS

The world’s first 40ft Tattoo Tour Bus provides customers with a luxury at-home tattoo experience. Fully wrapped by @wraptors.toronto in satin black, marble countertops, starlight ceiling, premium tattoo beds and couches. Hosting tattoo parties and bringing tattoo culture to top festivals and events in North America. Stay tuned for tour dates in 2023.

Bamboo Tattoo Studio

Komang Agus Hendrawan @hendrawan_tattoo

Nina Dinh @ninadinh

BAMBOO TATTOO STUDIO

LUXURY TATTOO STUDIO IN TORONTO EXPRESSING ART THROUGH THE HUMAN CANVAS.

THE SKULL

What was your inspiration for the skull? I wanted to take luxury decor to the next level and in doing so we were able to create a life size masterpiece. This is a one of one, meticulously crafted Swarovski skull with over 100 thousand crystals.

Wabi- Sabi, a Japanese principle acknowledges and celebrates finding perfection within imperfection, which was a huge inspiration. Throughout history, skulls have represented rebellion, power and death, while the swarovski’s combat it with their beauty. I’ve always loved skulls and had the idea to create an opulent decor piece for the tattoo studio being inspired by Mr. Philip Plein.

The Swarovski skull is multifaceted, from the hand carved geometric anatomy, to the swarovski crystals creating soft lines around the once rugged edges. Choosing Swarovski was an easy choice as they

are the leaders and benchmark in the crystal industry and I wanted the piece to be affiliated with their company. I’ve always admired the intricacies required to create a Swarovski Crystal ⸺ How long did the skull take? Hand-placing each crystal onto the skull requires an incredible amount of attention to detail, patience, and skill that required countless hours. Ensuring that each crystal was arranged in the most aesthetically pleasing way and visually striking way possible was the main priority. This level of precision and care is essential to the breathtaking work of art that is sure to inspire and captivate anyone who beholds it ⸺ What are your intentions My goal is to one day collaborate with Swarovski. I am passionate about dope art and I would love to create more luxury 1 of 1 sculptures with the beauty of the Swarovski crystals. ✕

AARON DELLA VEDOVA

Although much of his notoriety has been gained through large, bold, and brightly colored custom tattoos, Aaron Della Vedova is known for pushing the creative boundaries with every artistic medium he works in. However, his full coverage back pieces, ribs to legs, and torso tattoos are definitely his specialty. Aaron is the owner of Guru Tattoo in San Diego, California. Guru has 2 locations and has been in business for over 20 years. Guru has made a name for itself, having housed some of the most sought-after artists in the country in the last 2 decades. In addition to being an owner and artist himself, Aaron is the host of the Chats & Tatts podcast, which is based out of and recorded in the Guru Tattoo, Little Italy location. When he is not tattooing, keeping Guru thriving or interviewing really fucking cool people, he is helping run Guru’s sister business, Evolve Tattoo Removal and Evolve Skin Spa, which he co-owns with his wife, Holly. Outside of the business and art world, you can find Aaron doing yoga, traveling the world, and spending time with his beautiful family

⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I started drawing at a very young age and always was passion -

ate about art. I got my first tattoo while I was in the Coast Guard, and I just fell in love with the process. Something bigger than me told me, “Hey, you can do this,” and from that day on, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes, very. I had three! The industry looked very different back then. A lot of the shops I worked at were biker shops and a bit corrupt. I had my life threatened and was robbed more times than I would like to remember! ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Definitely the people. I have made so many wonderful friendships with other artists and collectors over the years. It never gets old getting to geek out with folks that have the same passion for tattoos as I do. I truly have the best job in the world! What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Keep working on yourself, not just your art. Our inward transformations and healing is the true key to success. The more we strive to be better and kinder people, the more our art and opportunities will follow suit. The pathway to success always starts from within ✕

Artist

I may be relatively new to tattooing, but I’ve been studying this art form since I was eight. It means everything to me to be able to be an artist. I’ll be slinging ink until I die.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I found an old magazine as a child full of Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy tattoos and immediately fell in love with the art and how all the artists looked.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It was somewhat hard to find a shop that not only wanted to take on an apprentice but one that would teach me to be a great artist as well as a tattooer. As far as my apprenticeship itself, I couldn’t ask for a better shop or mentor. They’ve helped me turn a dream into reality, so I’ll always be grateful for that.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you love it because it’s not going anywhere once it’s there. Also, to find the right artist for you and the style you’re going for, as well as trust them and their advice.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? The only really bad experiences I’ve had are people passing out or getting sick. And it’s only a negative experience because of the stress it brings.

How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? By just being the best artist and doing whatever I can to keep getting better.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I love when the tattoo is over, and the client sees the finished tattoo. Seeing their eyes light up and getting excited is the best.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? My personal life revolves around me being an artist. I take time to myself so I’m not getting burnt out, but at the end of the day, I love tattooing and art, so most of my time is spent working on my craft. ✕

2 Years Tattooing Fort Myers, FL Location Independent Artist Traditional/ Color Realism Specialization adam.delain @gmail.com

@the.mad.dapper Instagram

ALEX BYRNE

Hi, I’m Alex, a traditional tattooer originally from Sydney, Australia, working in the Illinois suburbs. I work with a great group of people at the first shop ever opened in Geneva, IL, primarily doing large-scale traditional tattoos ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I don’t think any of my friends were surprised; my family was not as enthusiastic but came around to the idea eventually. My girlfriend Ryan is my biggest supporter and has been with me through this entire journey. Any level of success I manage to achieve would not be possible without her in my corner ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love meeting clients who are just excited about the process of a large project as I am. I’ve had so much fun getting to know the people who have trusted me to do their sleeves, and the best aspect of tattooing is seeing the smile of a satisfied client who is checking out a piece that took a lot of effort from both of us ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I most

enjoy the connections I’ve made with people from tattooing. I’ve met clients with unbelievable stories, incredibly talented tattooers and artists, and some of my best friends at tattoo shops and conventions. The comradery and support in the community are far greater than I expected, and I look forward to making more friends along the way ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? My favorite tattoo I’ve ever done is the front torso of a full bodysuit I’ve been fortunate enough to work on. After doing a few other tattoos for this client, he asked if I would be comfortable taking on such a large project, and I jumped at the opportunity. The piece was completed in under a year and has been the most difficult tattoo I’ve ever worked on. Since completing the front in the winter of 2022, we have already started on the back and sides in an effort to finish the torso with plans to extend down to the legs. I am extremely grateful for the trust and dedication of this collector; he has become a friend as well as a client ✕

ALI FIDLER

I’m 34 years old and live in and own a shop here in Waco, Texas. I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to tattoo, but I fell in love with it when I began getting tattooed at eighteen. While I never went to college for art, I’ve spent countless hours trying to refine my abilities. I hope I can continue to do so for the rest of my life. As much of an art nerd as I am, I am equally passionate about video games. It’s one of my biggest hobbies outside of tattooing, and my geekiness tends to come through in a lot of my pieces. I didn’t have an easy start in the industry, but I’ve managed to work hard enough to get to a place where I love where I work every day and the co-workers I surround myself with ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My co-workers/friends Danny Kranz, Riss Adamson, Alexis Rivera and Brandon Davenport are my biggest inspirations. They make me strive every day to get better and keep pushing myself to learn more all the time. Three of my other amazing friends, Aarron Sprague, Dave Tevenal and Adam Aguas, are also huge inspirations. They’ve taught me so much over the years, and I wouldn’t be

where I am without them ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? It was a tattoo magazine, honestly. I can’t remember which one now, as it was ages ago. But I remember cutting out some of the designs and carrying them around in my wallet for the longest time ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Honestly, it was a bit of a struggle. Most decent places were not looking for one or already had an apprentice. I went through two different attempts at different places and talked to nearly every shop in my city until I found one that fit ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Oh, a few, especially during my early days. I’ve blown out a few (and I do mean bad), and looking back at my designs, I for sure needed to grow not just as a tattooer but as an artist. ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Slow down and take your time. Clean stencils make clean tattoos. Don’t feel obligated to tattoo something you don’t think will look good or heal well over time ✕

ALIUM TATTOO STUDIO

CULVER CITY, CA

Alium Tattoo Studio was founded by friends from South America with the intention not only to bring the best talent to Los Angeles but also to redefine the tattoo and

piercing experience. Our goal is to create a space and environment where everyone feels welcome to be themselves. ✕

Born in Venezuela, Puerto Ordaz Bolivar State, after getting a lot of things done, I moved to Margarita island; I opened my shop there for the very first time, actually living in the USA. I have 3 degrees, the first one in fine arts from Armando Rveron Art School; my second is in graphic design, and the 3rd in 3D modeling for characters for movies and video games. I had my shop back in Venezuela, Maragarita Island, before I moved to the USA. I worked in Panama City, FL, then I moved to TN, working in Nashville; 3 years after moved to Knoxville, working at Born This Way Body Arts; the best decision ever; I love it here, to me, one of the best shops and place I can imagine, reminds me a lot back my home town ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Mine was way different from the conventional apprenticeship; I never felt like a slave, ashamed or less; I was really open and at my own speed ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Now it is from a lot of media, the internet, and art communities; it definitely is a pretty good time for tattooers, it is art everywhere, and it is easy to find ideas and inspiration

⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? A client was having a rough time; she passed out, puked, and peed on herself. Definitely something a little bit uncomfortable. She was drunk. The shop I was working in didn’t care about tattooing drunk people ⸺ What is the

most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Respect yourself, take your time to learn, start with the basics, do research, ask a lot about technical stuff, and never stop learning. Doesn’t matter how good you get later; help others and make your colleagues feel comfortable around you, be humble, and, more important, learn to say no. Sometimes the best answer is saying you won’t do work for ethical reasons or because it simply is not doable ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Their life experience. Their jobs and things they do, learning from every one of them ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? The biggest challenge for me is keeping myself out of my comfort zone. That definitely can kill you as an artist and as a person ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I describe it as eating a dessert with a cup of coffee. You sit at your table and enjoy every spoon of a little cake and every time you drink your coffee; life has a moment for everything and everyone; the balance is not hard; you have to respect yourself and not abuse your own kindness, build your reputation and then when you have to work you’ll work, but when you’re looking to have alone time of family time you can do it to ✕

Born and raised in Brooklyn, I grew up in a family that fed me a steady supply of music (my first profession) and art in a setting of chaos.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was always drawn to tattooed people. My dad had a tattoo from the Marines that I always stared at. It’s my first memory of him. I was always drawing on myself and my friends to make us look older and cooler. It never worked.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research!!! If the artist isn’t kind and considerate of your time and ideas. Leave! You’ll eventually find the right one.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Grow a thick skin. It’s not an easy industry; advice can come as gentle as a feather or as hard as a punch in the gut. Both can be equally important. And draw as much as possible. I wish I had been drawn constantly when I started tattooing. But I was thrown into an extremely busy shop right away, and by day’s end, I was burnt. Still…..draw as much as you can.

15 Years

Tattooing New York, NY Location

Independent Artist B&G/Floral Specialization acpftattoos @gmail.com

@Austincpratttattoos Instagram sacredtattoo .com

How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? In my opinion, the private studio thing will eventually end. Mostly. You need an open door, “everybody is welcome” kind of thing to gain new clients. With private studios, artists are going to run out of clients. Most of them, anyway. Without new people coming in, eventually, you’ll tattoo them to where they’re

AUSTIN

C PRATT FUSARI

done. All the while not building new clientele.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Look to the youngbloods. They may be new, but they can teach your ass a ton. Don’t stop asking questions about anything. Ever!

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist?

Working in climates that weren’t conducive to my productivity. Hasn’t happened much. But it happens. Being an artist for pay can be difficult; we’re not always going to be doing our ideal tattoo ideas. But always give the best work you can regardless ✕

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Bianca Sky was immersed at an early age into a world of Tattooers, artists, and assorted colorful characters.

After a brief move to Canada, she returned to the States, choosing Asheville, North Carolina, to call home as she began her tattoo apprenticeship at Red Rabbit Tattoo (where she has worked as an artist for 9 years).

When not tattooing, she enjoys movies and jiu-jitsu classes and is even a local fixture in the Asheville punk scene alongside her band BAD VIBES. Competent in her abilities, she enjoys tattooing a variety of subjects, though her favorites are pinups and girl’s heads.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My stepfather has been a tattooer for a long time and came into my life when I was 6. He introduced me to a world of tattoo flash, skate culture, and metal music…. I guess you could say it started when I was a kid.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I was a bit of a hot mess at 21 years old, so initially, I had to beg for an apprenticeship. But I worked really hard and had a mentor who treated me with respect and wanted me to learn. I was definitely lucky.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Pick something under 3 hours. Pick something you love. Don’t worry about “when you’re 60”. Do your research. Tip your artist.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When I get to work in color. Color is my happy place.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw on paper. Travel. When you’re tired, remember someone is still drawing, still taking walk-ins, still grinding… push yourself to keep improving even when it feels like you won’t.

BIANCA SKY

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry?

That our job is easy, that anyone can go through an apprenticeship and do what we do.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Their ideas! Some of the most fun tattoos I have ever done, I couldn’t have thought up in a million years. They keep me on my toes, and I love it.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I’m still working on this, but getting time away from the shop to recharge is essential. I plan to do this for a long time, and the balance keeps me from burning out. I have a set day each week where I don’t do anything related to work and a weekend off every couple of months. I also have made my exercise time non-negotiable. It’s so important to get out of the tattoo chair and get our bodies moving; I won’t compromise that. ✕

9

BIANCA LAPUMA

Drawing portraits for my friends and family has always been a hobby of mine, and it’s crazy to me I get to do that permanently on my clients’ skin! I used to paint custom Air Force 1’s to save money for an apprenticeship. I started my apprenticeship in Pennsylvania and then moved back to Tuscaloosa to continue it at Cynical Tattoos under Chris Howton. Chris helps me in any way possible to become a better artist every single day, and I couldn’t thank him enough. I hope to stay here for a few more years and possibly do some guest spots and go to conventions around the country to meet more artists ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from my mentor, Chris Howton. He always inspires me to be the best I can be every day. He gives me constant reminders to stay confident but also humble, which is very important in the tattoo industry ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? My first apprenticeship was a

little difficult; I felt I learned the basics but nothing else from there. I felt stuck. I then decided to move back to Tuscaloosa and continued my apprenticeship at Cynical Tattoos, and everyone there was excited to help me learn and watch me grow as a tattoo artist ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I love a challenge. I’m down for most things unless it gives off a bad message or is a hate crime tattoo ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? It gets a little frustrating if clients don’t listen to my advice when trying to help them get the best possible tattoo or when someone is squirming while trying to pull a straight line but other than that, so far, so good ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Listen to your mentors! There is so much to tattooing, and you can learn something new every day. Stay humble yet confident in yourself. ✕

BILLIE VALE

5 Years

Tattooing

Berkeley, CA

Location

Dollhouse

Co-owner/Artist

Fineline/Surreal Specialization

im.feeling.evil.today

@gmail.com

@im.feeling.evil.today

Instagram

@dollhouse.tattoo

Instagram

Hi, I’m billie; I’m a nonbinary, trans tattoo artist who co-owns a tattoo collective with four other artists in Berkeley, CA. Before that, I co-owned a tiny studio named Funky Town from 2018-2020 with my official unofficial mentor, Piña1. Our goal with both of these studios was to create a place for fellow fr34ks to get tattooed who connect with our work, and within that, we want to encourage feelings of self-expression, empowerment, acceptance, and body

positivity through tattooing. I think tattooing is such a powerful form of self-discovery that can help us better relate to and reclaim our bodies and connection to the self—I feel privileged to help my clients navigate that journey.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I think getting your first few tattoos brings up so many unfamiliar feelings that no one really talks about, and that can feel really intimidating for people. I think it’s why so many hesitate or are indecisive about getting their first tattoo, and so many decide not to ever get one at all. It can bring up a lot of fears of our own mortality, uncertainty about the future, confusion around permanence and impermanence, and what it even means to be a human on this funny little planet. It can take a lot of

trust in oneself to make that first jump. I think it’s really illuminating, and you can only learn these lessons after you’ve gone through the process of getting a tattoo. In my opinion, we only regret what we don’t do, and we learn from what we do. After recognizing if you’re having any of those feelings, I think the best approach is to start with something small and feel what you like in terms of getting tattooed over time. Find an artist who consistently tattoos similar imagery and style you want and who seemingly aligns with your general vibe and values. Remember you have autonomy over your body and are allowed to say no, or stop, at any point.

What do tattoos mean to you? Tattoos can mean so many things to each individual, and that is part of the beauty of it. Tattoos can be like a little time marker, a

reminder of a period in your life. Tattoos can be a collection of things you’ve liked over the years, like a scrapbook. They can just be art you enjoy looking at or think is cool, a personal art gallery. Tattoos can be funny and light, an inside joke. They can represent an explicit person, memory, or thing. They can have a more hidden meaning that’s special to just you. They can memorialize someone. They can be a tool to learn to love every part of your body. They can empower you to feel like you have autonomy over your body in a world that takes that away from so many of us. They can make you feel sexy! They can be all of the above and more; there is no right or wrong, in my opinion. I definitely relate to my tattoos in all of these ways! ✕

BONES

My name is Bones. I am the owner and artist at Sacred Art Tattoos in Reidsville, NC. I am married to my wife, Amy, of 13 years. We have two boys together, Ryder and Raylan. My son Gage is a tattoo artist at my shop as well as my daughter Brianna who is a body piercer at my shop. Tattooing has been and will always be my life ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I was about 6 years old, my dad had a friend, but he had a full-body suit. He was tattooed from chin to toe. He always was my inspiration because I was so amazed by him. From the day I met that guy until now, I knew that I wanted to be an artist to give art to every single person I could ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I went a long time looking for an apprenticeship, and I went into a tattoo shop one day to get a tattoo; while waiting to get tattooed, I started drawing, and one of the artists came up to me and said do you want to tattoo? That very day I quit my job and never looked back. It was a horrible experience at first; I lost everything I had to become the artist I am today Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Brandon Bond is my inspiration ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My mom was the only person at first who even understood my passion for art. The rest would say, “I was wasting my talent” ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing my artwork on someone else’s skin⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I had to do a horsefly from a guy’s tail hole. Most traumatizing experience ever ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? I never get full. I stay hungry for the art and to get better. I will never feel as if I will ever be done ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? Getting comfortable with what I know how to do and being comfortable with my own artistic view. That is my biggest struggle ✕

BRIAN GECKLE

I’ve been tattooing for over half my life, from learning in a biker shop..to working in a private studio, to traveling/guest spotting around the country and world, to now studio co-ownership here in Denver, Colorado. I’ve loved every bit of it all ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I was a child, I would always get those lick’n stick tattoos and put them all over me and ride my bicycle around the neighborhood showing them off...I’m sure my parents realized early on what a tactical error they made by letting me do so ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? My apprenticeship was right on the cusp of old school and an updated version of the apprentice role. I caught on pretty quick and got to skip some of the classic “bitch work” the old schoolers speak on. I had a great time making lots of wacky flash tattoos and smoking pot all day. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? We’re at an interesting point in the tattoo world. Our industry is catching up to the available technology.

Wireless tattoo machines and computer-aided drawing has created a massive surge in what’s possible. I predict that AI is going to open some doors in the realm of rendering imagery. I feel like the future of tattooing is pushing the boundaries of how we approach our design process. I’m excited to see and be a part of it ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? These days I’m pretty selective about my clientele...if I feel I’m not the best fit for the project, I’ll recommend someone better suited for the job. Back in the street shop days, I’d seen all kinds of strange happenings- from clients passing out pissing themselves to coming back a week later to cover that name they just got ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Learn as much as you can and stay open-minded. Try as many different styles of tattooing as possible; it’ll help you become a more dynamic artist having a bigger bag of tricks to pull from. Travel and guest spot often. There are lots of ways to approach this career. Stay curious and open-minded, and you’ll go far. ✕

I started tattooing in 2019, and I’ve stuck with it since then. I enjoy fine line work, 3D tattoos, unique styles, and creating memorable tattoos. I enjoy drawing, creating graphic designs, rug making, and learning new ways to enhance my craft.

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

Take your time when finding a tattoo, don’t rush into just getting any tattoo by just any artist; eat before your tattoo, bring snacks and headphones, relax, and dress comfortably.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family is very traditional. Not too many of my family members have tattoos, but my peers and family members have always been encouraging.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I try to stay openminded, but I have yet to receive a tattoo that I would refuse to do.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t rush the process; ask questions if you’re unsure, learn as much

as you can, have tough skin, learn from criticism, and stay humble.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? The most common misconception about the tattoo industry from the outside looking in, some think being in the tattoo industry isn’t a real job.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I love how many stories are attached to each client’s tattoos. Some can be funny, just because, or sad in a way; tattoo artists are ink therapists.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? My favorite tattoo that I’ve ever done was a 3D black widow on the shoulder with a fly and another black widow crawling up the back.

4 Years Tattooing

Nashville, TN Location

Independent Artist Fine Line/ Unique Styles/3D Specialization dreamartz97 @gmail.com

@_dreamartz Instagram

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? If you try to stay consistent as possible, you will always spark motivation.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? Although I love tattooing long hours, I try to not overbook what I can’t handle in order to balance work and my personal life. In this industry, it’s easy to burn out fast from pushing yourself too hard. Self-care should always be first ✕

BRITTANY BISHOP

Bryan Briggs, artist and owner of Iron Tiger Tattoos in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, award-winning coverup artist, unique color specialist, and creator of Pigment Pop tattoo moisturizer.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I draw a lot of inspiration from my California roots. I was surrounded by graffiti and cultural art, and it was highly influential, but also, during the Covid pandemic, I started painting like crazy, I basically made a living temporarily by doing colorful splattery abstract portraits of people’s pets and favorite animals, and I was really able to explore my creativity through new mediums during that time, and I believe that really changed the trajectory of my art, it allowed me to figure out my own style that I’m still having a lot of fun with it till this day.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Meeting new people and transforming tattoos they hate into the ones they love the most. It’s like giving them back a piece of their body that they have oftentimes hidden away for years.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Treat it with respect, and don’t rush your progress; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The journey of a thousand miles is completed one step at a time! ✕

BRYAN BRIGGS Artist

10 Years

Tattooing

Mount Pleasant, MI

Location

Iron Tiger Tattoos

Owner/Artist

Coverups/Watercolor

Specialization

bryanandrewbriggs @gmail.com

@bryanbriggstattoos Instagram

irontigerbooking .com

CASIE INKRAZY

My name is Cassandra, but I go by Casie. I’m a self-taught female tattoo artist based in Philadelphia, PA. I’m a Hispanic single mother here to beat the odds! ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My family. My mother is the reason why I even considered tattooing. Although I’ve always been an artist, she suggested the style of art ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be sure of what you want! Be sure 10 years down the line, you’ll be happy with your tattoo ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? As someone who gets bored easily, I love that it is never boring! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Knowing that people trusted me and loved my art enough to want it on them forever ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Very. If it wasn’t for knowing specific people, I don’t think I would have gotten

an apprenticeship for a while. I’ve had to deal with a lot of misogynistic and egotistical men throughout my apprenticeship. What should have been three years took me four and a half. I probably came across one or two artists that actually wanted to help me succeed ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Seeing how much the industry has evolved, I can’t wait until we can tattoo with just our minds! Realistically though, I don’t see how much more advanced we can get before it gets unnecessary ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I’ve had plenty, and my worst experience is one I’d rather not speak about. Let’s just say I should have holy water in my green soap! ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Give it your all and focus on the art only. Once it becomes about money, you’ll lose passion. A true artist can easily read the authenticity of your work. ✕

COLBY

DAEHLER

Originally from Fayetteville, GA, Colby has been tattooing since 2006 and has had the opportunity to worth with some amazing artists. He has tattooed in the Atlanta, GA area, as well as McDonough, Newnan, and now LaGrange. In April 2020, during the pandemic, he opened up his shop Long Live Tattoo And Gallery, in LaGrange, GA.

Long Live Tattoo and Gallery is one of the most professional, laidback, and unique tattoo shops in the LaGrange area. The exceptional customer service and atmosphere make the artists at Long Live Tattoo and Gallery stand apart from the rest. Colby’s idea of a great tattoo shop is creative, a good vibe atmosphere, and a clean environment with lots of eye candy showing who they are as a business and as artists.

Colby enjoys doing custom pieces, collaborating with his clients to make the best piece of art to fit and express their bodies. Colby is always striving for perfection; growing his style through each piece of art. His favorite styles of tattooing are neo-traditional and illustrative, color or black and grey.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? That it’s just a hobby or a phase, and it probably wasn’t going to last ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Being able to make a living doing what I enjoy doing

⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Mainly inner lip, inner fingers, the most ridiculously risque of places ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t stop trying to improve your craft. Listen to the advice from veteran artists ⸺ How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? Already the industry has gotten more digital, from social media to digital art. The only way I can say I can answer to stay relevant is to try and keep up with what is happening ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Being able to goof off and have fun conversations. It makes both of our time enjoyable. ✕

I learned to tattoo in Miami, Florida. I now reside in Wilsall, Montana. My passions in this life are being a mother and tattooing.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Recently I fell in love with the Chicano style of tattooing and art form. Two people I look up to are Chuco Moreno & Freddy Corbin.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you’ve chosen an artist whose work you truly love.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I’ve never had anything but encouragement from my family members when I ventured into this trade.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love when clients just give me artistic freedom; by making something original for people, I can leave the day feeling fulfilled.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? My initial apprenticeship was tricky. There seemed to be miscommunication from owners to workers that I would be apprenticing. I left that spot and ended up getting a different apprenticeship from a shop I had gotten tattooed with my girlfriends. I had art on my social media and got talking with the owner, who offered me an apprenticeship.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I won’t tattoo racist/gangaffiliated designs.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I tattooed a literal hypochondriac one time…once the tattoo was over, the client’s girlfriend spilled the beans. He was a certified hypochondriac. Very stressful appointment.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? What you put into this industry will give back tenfold.

Learn the basics. Learn from someone you look up to. If you truly love and respect the trade, then get a true apprenticeship and put your time in. ✕

4 Years Tattooing Wilsall, MT Location

Cutthroat Studios

Owner/Artist B&G/Illustrative Specialization tattoosbylola @gmail.com @lolatattoos Instagram

CRISPY AURA

Hi, I’m Cate! Chicago’s fine line tattoo artist and corporate girlie on the side ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Getting a tattoo should be a fun and exciting experience! Don’t feel pressured to commit to something you don’t want, and it’s important to communicate your ideas and preferences with your artist so that they can create a design that you’ll love. When it comes to finding the right artist, choose someone that makes you feel comfy throughout the process. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and check out healed photos of their past work. There are many different styles, so find an artist who has the skills and expertise to create the tattoo you want. The right artist will guide you through the process with care and ease ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The connection and trust you get to experience with your clients are unreal. I’m constantly amazed by the amount of love and support I receive from complete strangers simply because they feel connected to my work. As a tattoo artist, you are a vehicle in someone’s journey of self-expression and self-discovery. Seeing the smile on client’s faces after bringing their ideas to life makes

the back pain almost worth it ;) When they leave my studio feeling confident and empowered with their new ink, it’s like a little piece of my heart goes with them. I’ve made many friends through my clients and have a community of people wearing my art–there’s nothing more rewarding than that! ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get ready to have a blast! Do you know that amazing feeling you get after finishing a painting or drawing? Here, you get to see it come to life and celebrate its completion with your canvas; how amazing is that? Tattooing is all about unleashing your creativity and celebrating your art with your clients. Don’t let the “work” part of it get you down and let it lose its special-ness. Let your inner child run wild, and just have fun with it! ⸺ How did you get the name “Crispy Aura”? The name Crispy Aura was inspired by a compliment a stranger gave me while grocery shopping one day. Someone approached me briefly and said, “I love your aura, you’re a little tired right now, but your aura is very crispy, very nice,” and walked away. It caught me off guard, became an inside joke between friends, and has stuck with me ever since! ✕

Having recently opened her shop in the heart of downtown, just blocks from the beach, McKnight hosts an all-female staff and is marketed as a safe space for all, especially for women, BIPOC folx, and those of the LGBTQ community. As a queer, black female artist, Danielle wanted to open a shop that was different from the typical tattoo shop and would welcome people from all walks of life and provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone who comes in.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Definitely, the connections and relationships I forge with my clients. I’ve come across so many people whose lives I’ve changed and who have changed mine. Especially now that I have my own shop, with my own vibe, and importantly a welcoming atmosphere, and safe space, I’m able to provide a space where some people who might have been intimidated by a traditional shop can come in and be themselves and feel comfortable and respected.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

In high school, everyone would always tell me I should be a tattoo artist. I was well known for being an artist, and I was always drawing or painting. Finally, I started getting into tattoo art and decided that it would be an awesome career, so I pursued an apprenticeship in my sophomore year of college.

DANIELLE “INK GIRL”

MCKNIGHT

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

I would definitely tell them to make sure they have tough skin. This industry can be grueling, and if you don’t have tough skin, it will eat you alive. Especially if you’re femme presenting, BIPOC, or queer. Just always stay true to yourself, remain dedicated, and always strive to be better than you were yesterday. And always stay humble.

As a Black female tattoo artist, how has your experience in the industry shaped your career? I definitely had to work 10 times harder to get where I’m at today. You don’t see a lot of black female tattoo artists at all. I’ve experienced a lot of misogyny and sexism over the years, and even racism, unfortunately. But I love that the industry is changing; female tattoo artists and black tattoo artists are making more of an impact in the industry, and we are actually being sought out these days as well by clients. ✕

15 Years

Tattooing

Long Beach, CA Location

Black Moon Lilith

Tattoo Studio

Owner/Artist

Neo-traditional/ Witchy Specialization

blackmoonlilithtattoo @gmail.com

@inkgirl666 Instagram

@blackmoonlilithtattoo Instagram

Artist

Cyril is a queer, Jewish Tejano tattooer from Austin, Texas. They draw influence from traditional American styles, incorporate modern techniques and color palettes, and push the boundaries of the art form’s classically strict rules. They started tattooing in high school and soon relocated to New York, where they became a resident artist at Vacation Forever Tattoo. After spending a decade on the east coast, Cyril is back in their hometown, tattooing every weekend at Tiny Tats ATX ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The best part of tattooing is helping someone see and love a part of their body in a new way. As artists, we spend so much time drawing designs, obsessing over details, and imagining how elements will appear on skin. Once the client leaves the chair, we only get to see the completed piece for a few minutes before they walk away forever (and send a healed pic if we are lucky). What stays with me is the moment when someone looks in the mirror for the first time, and I can tell they are genuinely thrilled Was it hard getting

an apprenticeship? How was yours? This is taboo to admit, but I never apprenticed. I began in high school by reading books and practicing on pigs’ feet. In college, I found other DIY tattooers on campus, and we traded knowledge. I got tattooed at as many different professional studios as I could go to, asking the artists questions and noting the precautions each one took (or didn’t) to set up and maintain a sanitary station. The first time I worked in a shop, I was nervous I would make some rookie mistake, but after years of holding my home studio to rigorous standards, I realized best practices and universal precautions were muscle memory for me What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? People from all different backgrounds got into tattooing during the pandemic, and lots of them taught themselves just like I did. I’ve seen pearl-clutching veterans fret about the dilution of the talent pool. A more diverse community of tattooers curbs exclusivity and pushes artists to keep learning and improving. ✕

Traditional/Woodcut Blackwork Specialization

My name is Ashley Dahl, and I co-own Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective in St. Paul, Minnesota, with my boyfriend and our best friend. We have all been together pretty much our entire tattooing careers and opened up our shop on Halloween of 2019. 4 days after our shop opened, my boyfriend and I welcomed our daughter into the world. It’s been quite a ride juggling motherhood, tattooing full-time, and running a tattoo studio, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I specialize in doing illustrative black and grey; my favorite thing to tattoo is lady faces but anything creepy, floral or pretty is my jam.

DAHLFACE TATTOOS

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research! 100%. I know you’re excited and want the tattoo, but please take the time to research different artists and find one that’s a good fit for what you want.

7.5 Years Tattooing St. Paul, MN Location

Black Sheep Tattoo and Art Collective Owner/Artist

B&G Illustrative/ “Lady Faces” Specialization bstattoocollective @yahoo.com

@dahlfacetattoos Instagram blacksheeptat .com

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Getting recognized for my work. I love it when I hear someone say that they were approached about their tattoo, getting asked, “Did Ashley Dahl do that?” It’s such a great feeling having your work and style recognized by people that you don’t even know! We try so hard to find our own style and something that sets us apart from other artists in the industry and getting recognized for my work is such an accomplishment for me.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) So as I mentioned before, I do only have one hand, and over the years, I have found that there are, in fact, areas that are harder for me to tattoo than others. Basically, anything on the neck/chest area is going to be a no from me. Also, tattoos on the insides of fingers and in private areas..

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? Does anyone know how to do that? It’s hard at times, definitely, but managing your time, making a routine, and sticking to it is very important. Far too long, I let work follow me home and take over in times when I should have been present with my family. But scheduling certain days off to still work outside of actually tattooing has helped me a lot. It’s made me much more present as a mother, a partner, and an artist. ✕

DARK AGE TATTOO STUDIO FORT WORTH

FORT WORTH, TX

When the owners of Dark Age Tattoo Denton, Rember Orellana, and Francisco Sanchez, teamed up with entrepreneur/tattoo collectors Blake and Katie Burum to bring the 6000 sq ft Dark Age Tattoo Studio Fort Worth to the trendy Montgomery Square area, the result was nothing short of phenomenal! An entire wall of windows and a completely open floor plan create a light and welcoming space that is perfect for artistic collaboration, and the huge art room that hosts

weekly painting classes helps artists from all over the globe truly explore their talents and learn from each other. It is a must-see for artists and has already become a favorite both for local tattoo enthusiasts who voted it the best of Fort Worth Weekly in 2022 and loyal clients that fly in from all over the world to be tattooed by some industry greats. See the website and Instagram to check out the vast array of artistic talent as well as a truly industry-leading piercing program. ✕

DAVID CONLEY

I grew up in Salem, MA., and did my first tattoo on myself at 16 after learning to make crude tattoo machines from CD players, cassette players, VCRs, etc., and proceeded to scribble all over myself and my friends for a while. Not taking it seriously; just funny stuff being a stupid kid. But I always knew that it was going to be my path in life. And after constantly getting in trouble for graffiti, I finally got an apprenticeship in 2016 at a place called Shining Star under Shawn Dyer. And the rest is history ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Obviously, I get a lot of inspiration from the older designs and motifs in American traditional and Japanese tattooing. But I really love to see people put in the work to be productive and develop a recognizable style and push this thing forward instead of just tracing a lot of the old stuff. That’s why I’m so lucky to work with the people I do and have met the tattooers I’ve come to know as friends. They push me every day. They’re the most creative and hard-working people I know, and that’s what’s really inspiring to me ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’m not really sure when the idea of being a tattooer came into my head. I remember my granddad had tattoos, and I thought they were cool. My uncle had a big crawling panther on his forearm and a spider on his hand. My dad had a few and all his friends I would see. I was kinda always getting in trouble as a kid; school wasn’t going to be for me. And I loved to draw. I remember drawing tattoos of band logos on myself in elementary school and being all excited to get them one day. Later on, I found skateboarding and punk, and after that, it all just naturally fell into place ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nah, not really. I like taking walking and not knowing what’s gonna come through the door day to day. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you have to talk someone out of ruining their life. I’ll definitely try my hardest to talk someone off a ledge, but after a while, it’s kind of gonna be on them. That being said, there’s definitely an art to talking someone out of a bad idea What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Devote yourself completely to this, work hard, and it will show ✕

DEMETRIUS HARVEY

Upon finishing their education, Demetrius Harvey began working as a professional artist in Evansville. Since 2000, Demetrius Harvey has worked on a variety of creative projects. Their works have been showcased in solo and group exhibitions around the world.

Their artistic expression has gone through many phases over the years resulting in a highly personal approach and perspective. They are never content with standing still and are always looking for their next engaging project.

My creations are to capitalize on the purpose and reason behind personal elements. Giving a piece of art meaning has been one of the most important things; I love creating tattoos that show character along with vibrant visions that will grab your attention every second you see it.

Foundation: Demetrius Harvey is a multi-talented artist specializing in black and grey tattoos, art, and design with a single-minded focus dedicated to quality, excellence, and the creative process.

Evolution: Driven by the fundamental purpose of creating art that transcends instant gratification for the client and self ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I honestly just glance at tattoo artists and put my own spin on reality; giving myself a chance

to witness what I can come up with on my own. I wasn’t known to watch one or two major artists; there are many different people in the world who inspire me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love seeing my client brighten up when they get a piece from me. This is my job, which focuses on dedication and connection with a client. Creating art from what they give me and bringing it to life amps me up ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? There are too many to count, but for starters, Victor Portugal, Guy Aitchison, Nikko Hurtado, and me; each gives me the inspiration to see detailing, dimension, and softness ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Getting my company “Creation Designs” up and running by mid-April 2023. I don’t really want to ruin my surprise. But this will be a big leap. Dealing with so many shops is getting a little overwhelming What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? To keep you and your clients safe from any and everything that could be dangerous. Cross-contamination is a big “NO, NO”. Being able to keep a clear head on sterilization and not cross-contaminate is a big thing for me ✕

I started creating art the moment I was born and never stopped. No matter what medium it was, I loved how it always brought out emotions in every aspect, from me as the artist to the viewer/receiver. At a young age, I was fascinated by tattooing and always thought it was a badass art form. I continued creating art throughout my school years, taking every art class I could and then some. I continued to admire tattooing from a distance but never really thought too hard about being a tattoo artist, even though friends and family told me I should start tattooing. After high school, I became a professional glass blower and, loved every minute of it, made a career out of it for 15 years. Then One day, I was with a friend who was getting tattooed and was allowed to pick up the tattoo machine and try it on them with the help of the tattoo artist. I WAS HOOKED!!!! From then on, I could only think about becoming a

tattoo artist. I quit glassblowing and, focused on becoming a tattoo artist (I should have listened years ago), got an apprenticeship. Hit the ground running and never looked back. Now here I am, living the dream as a professional tattoo artist.

“Life is like a tattoo; you won’t know how it turns out till it’s done.”

How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? The tattooing industry has been growing fast over the past few years and will continue to grow. As tattoos become more mainstream and accepted, we will see an increased demand for more intricate and personalized designs. All this will lead to even more advancements in tattooing technology and tools, allowing for greater precision and detail in tattooing as well as even more environmentally-friendly practices and more

sustainable materials and inks. I will have to invest in new technologies and techniques and educate myself on the latest industry trends and best practices to embrace new and innovative methods for creating tattoos to stay at the forefront of the tattoo industry. It’s essential for me as an artist to be able to continue to evolve and adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences to remain successful.

4 Years Tattooing Milford, NH Location Independent Artist

B&G/Dotwork/ Realism Specialization rufus @valravenink.com

@rufus.arts Instagram

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? Tattoos are only for rebellious or deviant individuals: While tattoos were once associated with counterculture, they have become much more mainstream in recent years. People of all ages, backgrounds, and professions get tattoos for a variety of reasons, including self-expression, personal significance, and aesthetic appeal.

Tattoos are unprofessional and can limit career opportunities: While there may be some industries or employers who have strict policies against visible tattoos, attitudes towards tattoos in the workplace are changing. Many companies now have more relaxed dress codes and are more accepting of visible tattoos as long as they are not offensive or inappropriate. However, it’s still important to consider the potential impact of a visible tattoo on your career goals before getting inked. ✕

I’m a self-taught tattoo artist from Tupelo, MS. I first picked up a tattoo machine at the age of 17 when I ordered my first tattoo kit from eBay and taught myself the craft. I knew I wanted to be respected in the industry, so I found it necessary to earn my license. I packed up my life and moved to Atlanta, GA & earned my first professional tattoo license at the age of 19, under my mentor Mr. Alex Guma at Planet Ink Tattoo Studios. I’m now tattooing full time in Hutchinson, KS, at The HiiiPower Tattoo Company, I specialize in black and grey realism, anything with fine lines and sacred geometric work, but I take pride in the ability to take absolutely any style that walks in the door.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My absolute first spark into tattooing would have to be my Dad. He was covered in tattoos, and I remember seeing him and saying

13 Years

Tattooing

Hutchinson, KS Location

The HiiiPower Tattoo Company

Owner/Artist

B&G Realism

Fine Line/Sacred Geometry

Specialization

denzellebailey @gmail.com

@denzellextattoo Instagram

DENZELLE X

to myself - “I’m gonna look just like that.” So, I knew at an early age that I wanted tattoos; I started getting them at 15 and never stopped.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) The only tattoos I will refuse are those that are offensive to myself or others. Also, if you’re not heavily tattooed already, don’t ask me to tattoo your hands, neck, or face. I’ll do my best to talk you out of it. If it’s in a private area, you’re subject to a handlers fee.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Fortunately, I haven’t had many bad tattooing experiences. Other than the few “fainters,” a couple seizures, and the one puker, I’ve had great experiences with some awesome clients.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The most important advice I can give to a new tattoo artist

is - Remember why you are doing this. It’s not about the money. This is a sacred trade; your client is trusting you with his/her skin to do something that will last a lifetime - so respect them and give them something you are proud of, and hopefully, they will be just as proud. Don’t do this because you think it’s cool and you want to be a rockstar. Respect our craft, respect yourself, and therefore respect your clients! - Another token of advice I’d give is to study the gamestudy the guys before you who did it. You will never know it all; once you think you do - you have failed. Learning never stops - Even the Sensei is always a student. ✕

DEREK BAIER

Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. Started tattooing in 2011. I have only tattooed in Des Moines, but I would love to travel and do some guest spots ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I believe I really started getting interested in the industry when I was around 13 or 14. I was constantly doodling in school and drawing on my friends with ballpoint pens ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? The first time I tried, nobody would take me on; by the time I gave up on the idea, I ended up running into a girl I went to high school with whose fiancé just opened a shop. I went in and talked to him, gave me a couple drawing assignments, and agreed to give me a chance. It was a lot of hard work Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from all over the place, I love getting different input from the guys I work with, and there are so many amazing artists in my city. It’s an honor to be able to put some of my pieces on people alongside theirs; sometimes, it’s intimidating ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo

business? Everyone was actually really supportive; my great-grandmother even told me I could practice on her; not sure if she was serious or just joking around with me ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I like to hear the stories behind the piece, and it feels really good when they are so happy with your work they continue to give you their business ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Personally, every day is a struggle to find inspiration. I think the best thing for me has been around positive attitudes; negativity can really drag the vibe down ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? This is very difficult. I have 2 toddlers and a wife who is a stay-at-home mom, so juggling appointments, consultations, returning messages, and scheduling is still all part of my personal life. I don’t think many people understand how much (behind the scenes) work is involved with being a self-employed artist and how understanding our family and spouses are for all the work we do while at home as well ✕

DICK LATTANZI

Dick Lattanzi joined the tattoo industry in 2012 as an apprentice under Don Neville in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In a short three years, he was headed to Florida to continue his tattooing journey, where he would work under Armadillo Red, Scott Martin, and Rick Barnett before becoming a traveling artist and earning his own shop in the Orlando area. Dick Lattanzi has been doing American Neo-Traditional tattooing for most of his career, but he’s now focusing on a more traditional approach while continually learning and training in all styles. Be sure to wash his Instagram for dates near you ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? At first, both my parents were really not with it. Even though my father did not have any tattoos and didn’t want any tattoos, he knew my mentor and kind of hooked it up, which was really crazy to me. As for my mother, she never had tattoos either and, to my surprise, got a tattoo from me during my apprenticeship to help me grow. Right on her foot! She was in a lot of pain, and that is her only tattoo to this day. Probably my fault. Today, they’re both very proud of me and are very supportive of my work. Most parents want you to do well. I’m sure that

they were just worried I was going down a terrible path based on what they knew from their personal experiences ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is whenever I do a tattoo, and the clients are just over the moon. When they do that little jumpy thing in front of the mirror and start planning the next tattoo right on the spot. That’s the shit I love. Something about that “fulfilling” thing people always talk about but never get at their jobs ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? If you give your entire life to something, and I don’t mean metaphorically, your entire mind, body, and soul, and you let it destroy you, you will find success ⸺ What is the craziest tattoo request that you received? I had a 62-year-old woman ask me to tattoo “X-IT O-LY” on her butt where the “0” was her hole. When I told her I wouldn’t do it, she asked me for a price anyways, and I told her $400, and she said that’s way too much. I’ll get my cousin to do it. I almost exploded ⸺ Why do you like traditional tattoos the most? I think they’re like jeans or a black motorcycle. They always have been cool, and they always will be cool. ✕

DIEKEN

I’m a Korean tattoo artist. I can design your pet and your favorite things in my style. I love cats. I want to have a cat someday.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I did other work (letterpress) 5 years ago, I thought tattoos were scary and only for people who wanted to look strong (in the past, most Koreans thought like this). But when I saw Kaikai Kiki’s tattoo that my co-worker got, I fell into tattoos!

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I sometimes get inspired by pets on the street and pictures of cats on the internet. Also, I get inspired by museums and traveling.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends and parents always believed in me. I’m lucky.

They even told me that it is a perfect job for me, especially because I like traveling and drawing!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? To be free, to meet many good people.

3 Years Tattooing New York, NY Location

Independent Artist Illustration/Artwork Specialization

diekenartist @gmail.com

@dieken_artist Instagram

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Tattooing what they like in my style and seeing them happy always makes me happy.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? A colorful tattoo!!

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? Trying to experience various things and always trying to keep my

mood up beat! Because I think that the more I work on something that’s good for my condition, the more I do it!

What do you think is the standard between good and bad tattoos? I think it’s a good tattoo if both the customer and the artist are satisfied and happy! But if the customer is satisfied and the artist feels sorry, isn’t that a bad tattoo?! ✕

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I am a tattoo artist, as well as a graphic designer and artist. Around 10 years ago, I used to draw and share my artwork on Instagram. During that period, numerous tattoo artists approached me, expressing interest in using my drawings as tattoo designs. Without much hesitation, I granted them permission. However, when I later saw the tattoos they created based on my designs, I noticed that they had been altered to the extent that I began to doubt if it was indeed my original artwork. So I thought it would be better if I tattooed other people. So I became a tattooist.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Tattoos are illegal in Korea, so it is really not easy to learn tattoos. I also looked up several places because I wanted to learn tattoos, but in 2015, when I first started tattooing, I didn’t have much-related information, so I ended up learning it by myself. I started by reading books and watching YouTube, and I learned a lot while being a guest abroad.

DIMKYMN

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I remember all the tattoos I’ve received clearly. Creating memorable moments for people that will last a lifetime is meaningful to me. I take this responsibility seriously. One of the reasons I love my job is the freedom it offers. It’s not like working for someone else; it’s more like running my own business where I have full control over my work. I enjoy the ability to do things my way, and the flexibility to work from anywhere is a significant advantage.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

I can’t speak for other tattoo styles, but when

it comes to realistic tattoos, I believe that having strong drawing skills is essential before diving into tattooing. If you aspire to create realistic tattoos, it’s important to prioritize developing your drawing abilities. While tattooing skills are important for achieving realistic results, I recommend focusing on honing your drawing skills first. It’s also important to recognize that tattoos are permanent, so taking responsibility for every piece of work is crucial. If you solely chase after money, it may be challenging to have a long-lasting career in this industry. Therefore, I believe it’s necessary to place greater importance on the quality and outcomes of your work rather than focusing solely on financial gain. ✕

I was born in Mexico and moved to Chicago when I was 7 years old. The neighborhood I grew up in was rife with crime and gang activity. The way that I not only survived but thrived in those years was through my art. I was able to stay neutral during those turbulent times by selling my artwork and being friendly with everyone I encountered. At the time, I was DJing full-time and only tattooing and airbrushing on the side. It wasn’t until 2011, with the encouragement of my friends, that I fully shifted my focus to tattooing full-time. I poured all my efforts into learning the principles of art, design, and tattooing. It was a challenge at first because I am self-taught. However, by always working hard and remaining teachable, I have found success in this industry ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Back when I first started, it was really difficult to get an apprenticeship. Not everyone was willing to teach a novice and take them under their wing. So, like many of the old-school artists, I was self-made. I did a lot of research and worked really hard to teach myself all I needed to know. I spent countless hours studying the techniques of other artists. More importantly, I wasn’t afraid to ask my friends who were already working in the industry for advice.

I craved their feedback and always took their critiques into consideration when working on my next tattoo ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Pay attention. The best way to learn in this industry is to keep an open mind and always be willing to learn and improve. Even as an experienced tattoo artist, I am still always seeking out new techniques. Be teachable. Ask for advice and feedback, but don’t be afraid to just practice. If you apply the skills you are being taught and give it your all, you will see improvement ⸺ What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t have access to professional tattooing equipment but is interested in learning about the industry? Practice anywhere and everywhere you can. It doesn’t matter the media; you can learn the principles of art through drawing on paper, painting, airbrushing, or through digital arts. Learn the principles of art and design. Learn how to hold your pen, pencil, or brush in the same manner a tattoo artist holds a tattoo machine. Even if you don’t have all the supplies at first, you can develop the basic artistic skills you will need when you are ready to start tattooing. That foundation will make all the difference ✕

Artist

I am a tattoo artist and designer based in Philadelphia, PA. I have worked in the industry since I was 17 and have found my specialty in fine line & micro-realism tattoos. I am the owner of Crown & Feather Tattoo Co. ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? The people around me were surprisingly supportive of my getting into tattooing. Though being an absolute slacker throughout my high school career, perhaps they were just relieved to see me applying myself toward something other than jumping down stairs on my skateboard and raiding my parents’ liquor cabinet ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is working intimately with my clients to make the perfect tattoo design for them. Some tattooers hate having to change the design after drawing. I try to embrace it. The client trusts me with their vision and pays me money to make art. It’s easy to let ego get in the way and lose sight of this ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it?

Plenty- most notably, I had a man threaten me with violence during his consult because I couldn’t start his tattoo that day. In some ways, it was pretty flattering to nearly be beaten up over demand for my art, though, we did not work together moving forward ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get uncomfortable. I often see tattooers who plateau after being at the same shop for too long or not taking risks with their art. Strive to work with the best artists in your city, do guest spots, and ask for critiques. Whatever it takes to push yourself to be the best artist you can be ⸺ What is your perspective on the longevity of fine-line tattoos? I believe if appropriately applied, they can hold up well. I’ve seen plenty of fine-line tattoos settled in for years that look great. The artist has to be mindful not to make the design too small and to create enough contrast that the tattoo will hold up to the pitfalls of age. In the worst-case scenario, touch-ups are always an option ✕

I am 28 and only very recently graduated from my apprenticeship at Pigment Tattoo under Jeremy Miller and everyone else at the shop. I always took pride in my work growing up and ended up graduating from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s in drawing and painting. After a few odd jobs, I found my home in tattooing, and I’m excited to see where the industry takes me.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Though I’m not sure how much of it shows in my tattoos (yet), I have to admit that plenty of my inspiration comes from video games. Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Legend of Zelda, Dark Souls, etc.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Everyone’s been surprisingly supportive. Even ol’ Mom, who has never been a fan of tattoos, now wants a piece from me; just to support her little baby.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? So much satisfaction comes from executing a clean technique with a finished tattoo, but more so the elation from a client who is just so stoked about their new tattoo. The connections I’ve made with my clients in my brief tattooing career have been incredible.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I know I got lucky landing a spot at Pigment, given the timing. I decided I wanted to tattoo, moved to Austin, grabbed a construction job in the meantime, and walked up to Pigment postCOVID; they needed to fill some spots, so they took a chance on me. They took me on pretty fast, but they also made sure my apprenticeship was no cakewalk..

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? If I don’t own my own shop in the next ten years, I’ll have done something wrong.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Made a trade with a deep tissue massage therapist that was helping me with my already-destroyed back, but she came

in stoned, hadn’t eaten, had no water all day, was belligerent, uncooperative, couldn’t sit still, then felt like she was going to pass out halfway through the tattoo so I just sent her home and haven’t seen her since. The rest of my clients have been rad.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get a therapist. ✕

Just a modern-day exorcist/body artist with a Serpents spirit, Demon hands, and Buddha’s heart to the modern-day fiends of today’s age who aren’t afraid to dream beyond belief, live past death and stretch the limits of our imaginations to the edge of the unknowns.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Purpose. Something to work for, build and give back to those that what I love in art, and also it saves me from myself, turning the pain into beauty.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I didn’t do an apprenticeship. I’m self-taught using YouTube, my own body, and constantly drawing and trying different styles, from traditional to neo to realism.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Kind of all over the industry. Mike Shultz is an amazing artist and friend; Dane Smith, another dopeass dude and artist who I looked up to coming up, the heavy hitters like Chris Rigoni, Phil Garcia, Arlo Dicristina, and Niko Hurtado

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Yes, it was the 5th tattoo I’ve ever done on a buddy’s friend. He wanted a running track shoe on fire on his arm. This was back in the traveling kitchen magician days. I was like less than a month into tattooing and was using gel deodorant as my stencil prep. I got ten minutes into the tattoo, did a few lines, wiped over half of the stencil away, and had no idea what the fuck to do. I was sweating 50-caliber bullets, my gut was doing back flips, and I played it off like I had a family emergency to go handle cause of how lost I was in the situation, and I didn’t want to face what I’d done. Never went back to finish it, but years later ran into him again and told him about everything and gave him a free tattoo to make up for it.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Losing myself in my art and creation for my client’s ideas. Back to turning someone’s pain into beauty. Clients will come to me with their problems and ideas that led them to want a sweet release and art to memorialize it. ✕

7 Years Tattooing Indianapolis, IN Location

Artist

I’m an artist from Dallas who does what she loves and loves what she does. Tattoos are my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to bring people closer to their own peace and happiness cause then maybe we will have less hurt people hurting people Who / where do you get your inspiration from? Steve Irwin, Bob Ross, my inner circle, and other artists of all resects ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Find an artist you can work with whose work and style is what you’re looking for ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? The ones who matter love having a tattoo artist in the family

⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When someone’s view of themselves changes for the better. Tattoos have a unique way of making people feel more secure in their own bodies

⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always been into all things arts. The thought that I was good enough to tattoo was always far-fetched until I got my first job

as a counterperson Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It was hard to find trustworthy people who would actually teach me instead of exploiting the free labor ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I refuse to tattoo genitalia, or clients who cross my boundaries, other artists’ boundaries, or other clients’ boundaries ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I would love to see tattooing seen as more of a medical field, like plastic surgery ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Most of my bad experiences in the industry has been from an artist who either exploit their power, their employees, or their clients

⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Anyone can learn how to tattoo. It’s the ones who want life to work more than life itself that make it in the life ⸺ What is your goal in the industry? I want to travel the world and be world-renowned as a master. I also want to master every and all styles of tattooing ✕

GORDON ZHOU

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Los Angeles with a passion/ love for tattoos. I’ve collected art from talented artists such as Sasha Masiuk, Mashkow, Melow Perez, Mr.K, Nicklas Westin, Master Mike, Dillon Forte, Lena Lamar, & Miryam Lumpini. I’m also a graduate of the Ganga Tattoo Academy. Although I’ve only been tattooing for nine months, collecting ink for 15 years has helped a lot. I feel like I have a solid foundation coming into this space.

Outside of tattooing, I’m the co-founder of The PH8 Foundation; a charity I helped start in 2015 with a couple of friends to provide clean drinking water in developing countries. We were honored to have helped the people in Kenya, Ghana, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, and Papua New Guinea ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? There are so many! But for starters, everyone in the Sasha Tattooing Family, friends at Ganga Tattoo Studio, and social media ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Normally I ask what is their overall vision on collecting tattoos. To elaborate, ask if they plan to get more or if it is a “one and done?” ask if there’s a specific style they want to achieve and

try to advise them to keep the same style throughout the body or at least have a good consistency/elements within that style ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Both friends and family are very supportive! They even let me tattoo them/paid for my time ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing my tattoo come to life after a long session/customers’ positive reactions ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Well, I was at my lowest point in my life. I lost a lot of money in crypto and dug a big hole in debt with my bills. So coming into this industry at my age, I knew I had to get good fast in order to pay my bills ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? When the stencil disappears while in early/mid-session ⸺ What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment as an artist has been? The amount of growth / skill I’ve achieved in a short amount of time tattooing ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? Definitely has to be the mason jar plus flower micro realism tattoo! Doing that tattoo specifically boosted my confidence up. ✕

GREGORY TEPPER

I am originally from New England but have resided in Pittsburgh for the last 9 years. The steel city is definitely home for me. I own Elite Custom Tattoo, which I opened in the Brookline neighborhood in 2019.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research when it comes to the shop and the artist. Don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions you may have. Any good artist/shop will have no problem answering anything for you. Also, don’t feel forced into something that isn’t perfect for you.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? This is a great question. When I was a child, my dad would let me come with him when he would get tattooed. I remember feeling like the coolest kid around. Those experiences early on made me comfortable in tattoo shops.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t put things in boxes. Just because the box says, liner on it doesn’t mean it only creates lines. If you limit things, then you will never truly understand their full capabilities or even your own. Always try new things; you never know what new product could be a game changer for you.

Since you never did a formal apprenticeship, does that change the way you teach your apprentices? Very much so. I really try to bridge gaps for them that I struggled to figure out on my own. I try to be the person that shows them every aspect of this industry; more than just the technical aspect.

What would you say to someone who wants to tattoo just because they think it’s cool? If you can’t make stress work for you, this isn’t the life you want. Also that there comes great responsibility in the fact that you scar people for life. That should always be taken extremely seriously.

In your opinion, what should a newer artist focus on in each piece? Prep time! If you put the time into your prep, you will have success. Your tattoo will only be as good as your stencil. Always take the time to get it right beforehand, and it will pay off. ✕

13 Years Tattooing Pittsburgh, PA

Location

Elite Custom Tattoo Owner/Artist

Realism/B+G Specialization

tattoosbytepper412 @gmail.com @emcollective Instagram

High

Hopes Tattoo

is a queer femaleowned tattoo studio located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Born from a vision of inclusion, and community, entrepreneur Ashley Ketner opened her doors in July 2020. From then till now, the space has welcomed a host of resident and guest artists, many

HIGH HOPES TATTOO

BROOKLYN, NY

of which are proud members of the LGBTQ+ community. The crew is made up of an eclectic group of artists whose style is as diverse as they are. It’s a place where pride is yearround, and the disco ball is always spinning. ✕

Ashley Ketner Owner/Artist

ARTS

My name is Jose Rodriguez; I’m 28 years old, and I’m originally from North Hollywood, CA. I’ve been tattooing professionally for about eight years, and I specialize in Black & Grey Photo Realism. I’m currently tattooing out of @westernave_tattoos in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA.

Growing up, I always had a certain type of admiration for art and how creative you could be with it; as a kid, I remember starting off with a Dragon Ball Z tracing book my mom used to buy me at the supermarket. From there, my passion for art began to grow. In my teen years, I got involved with graffiti and spent a lot of time practicing different styles and integrating characters into the artwork, which opened up a whole different side of art to me; I started to realize that art came in many different forms. One of those forms is tattooing. Most of the homies I hung around with were older and began to transition from doing graffiti to doing tattoos.

At the age of 14, I got my very first tattoo of my mom’s name on my chest, and that sparked my interest in the craft. I picked up my first machine in high school but didn’t fully get involved with it until the age of 20. I started to take it seriously and began trying to learn as much as possible. Studying day and night, buying tattoo flash books, breaking down the mechanics that go into making a coil machine, and even as far

as quitting my regular 9-5 because I knew if I tried hard enough, I would get to where I wanted to be.

Although I’m still not there yet, I’m very thankful and blessed that I am in this position I’m in now, and I won’t ever take it for granted. Blood, sweat, and tears have been poured into my craft, and I take a lot of pride in my work, which is why I try and set high standards for myself. Tattooing really has changed my life for the better, but this is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me

⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? My advice to someone learning the art of tattooing would be to maintain a high level of discipline throughout their journey. Studying artists’ technical applications, their design process, the inks they use, etc., and applying them to your own skillset. There are things to learn every day, and that never stops, so if one thing doesn’t work for you, the next thing will be until you’re comfortable with your results and then find out a way to become better after that. You don’t become a great artist overnight or even in a couple months or years; it takes a lot of sacrifices, hard work, dedication, and discipline to be great at something. Don’t let anything distract you from that end goal. All that glitters is not gold, and I can’t stress that enough. Focus on yourself and become the best version of yourself. ✕

I am a 29-year-old female artist from Atlanta, GA, who is currently based in Dallas, TX. Always having a talent for art, I dreamed of being a tattoo artist, which I was able to achieve in Spring 2021. Although I have only been tattooing for two years, my tattoo career is an extension of my 6-year long career of being a professional artist, which includes work of interior painting, murals, and canvas art.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I have many influences as I have been around the industry for more than 10 years, working on getting my foot in the door, but if I had to narrow it down, my first mentor, Theo Walker (Golden Anchor Tattoos), will always inspire me to be a better artist. He honestly kept me involved even when he wasn’t able to apprentice me. Other inspiring artists would be Jackie Gresham, Cre8tiveSoul, Amani Tre Niner, Roger Parrilla, and Danger Dave; the

Artist

list continues, but these artists play a pivotal role in the artist I am today and who I want to be.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I tried to get an apprenticeship for about nine years before I actually got one. At first, no one would take me in, and when I really tried to put myself out there, I couldn’t afford it. Most artists were asking for 5k-10k to apprentice me. So I stuck around the artists who were already rooted and welcomed me; I continued to draw and eventually started to paint. Once I completed my first city-commissioned mural, I was presented with the opportunity for an apprenticeship from Vincent “Sip” Johnson of Black Lines Tattoos, Stone Mountain, GA. During my apprenticeship, I learned the basics of sanitation, tattoo mechanics, and “tattooable ideas,” but I was fast-tracked based on my artistic abilities and portfolio. Ultimately, I started tattooing within the first six months of my apprenticeship.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t limit myself too much on where I can’t or won’t tattoo. I will say I’m not really interested in doing any moist areas (eyes, inner lips, intimate areas). My quality of work is important to me, so I like to choose places I can perform at my best.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I am very proud to be a part of a growing community of female tattoo artists. I see more women in the industry, and it’s dope because I know how hard it once was for us, and now our influence adds a different, personal touch to the industry. And personally, I feel like I’m part of history in the making. ✕

2 Years Tattooing

Dallas, TX Location

Independent Artist

Black&Grey/Color on

I am Ivan Martinez; I have been tattooing for a little over 10 years at the moment, and I am working out of Exclusive Ink in Salinas, California. I love what I do on a daily basis being able to put a piece of art on a canvas that they can wear for the rest of their lives is priceless, or tattooing a memorial piece under a loved one is some of the things we take pride in being a part of. When I am not working at the shop, I enjoy being with my family and traveling, either in the state or out of the country.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Initially, it was the freedom of expression in the tattoo world. Also, the process of working on the skin, being able to work with the client, and putting their vision into a piece of art that has so much meaning to it.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? I am a self-taught tattooer, it was very hard learning on my own, but at the same time, there was a lot of trial and error, which has made me a better artist throughout the years.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) My advice would be to start off small and simple. Take the time to think about what you really want and make sure it’s something meaningful or at least something that you’re not going to regret in the future.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? To be honest, in the beginning, part of my family didn’t really take me seriously or really pay attention. The only people who truly were watching me grow were my parents and my brothers, as well as my wife. They knew the level of seriousness I was aiming for. Now they see after many years how it changed my life and the positivity I have achieved from it.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I would say listening to some of my client’s stories, whether it involves the meaning behind a tattoo or just general talk, everyone always has crazy funny stories that we can relate to.

10 Years

Artist 56 THE TATTOO INDUSTRY

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My uncle’s tattoos and seeing them in war movies ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes it was; a lot of shops turned me away, and it took me about 5 tries to finally secure a spot; my apprenticeship was very different from others because of how fast I was tattooing and how fast the progression was happening Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Paul Doblman, Don Kunto, AD PANCHO, Ben Kay, Bolo, Ben Ochoa, Nikko Hurtado, and Steve Butcher ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) That they should study the artist they are going to and the history of the tattoo ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family didn’t really know what to think of it; my friends all thought it was really cool how I started to tattoo ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Actually, creating the design and tattooing it ⸺ How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to

stay relevant and adapt to those changes? More people doing it and just sticking along with the trends or continuing to figure out what works ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? White ink hurts more than others when it doesn’t ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Making cool art and meeting cool people in the process ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? Just recently did 2 of my favorites at the first convention I ever compete in; one of the tattoos I took was the best tattoo of the day on the first day ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? My drive comes from a line of work not many choose to do ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? Bad and shitty artists giving the ones who actually care about what they do a bad name ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I’m never not working, so it’s always playing some sort of role in my everyday life ✕

New England-based Traditional tattoo artist of 5 years.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? A lot of my inspiration comes from artists Nick Adam, Joe Mallard, and Ant Walsh. With the styling of Traditional tattooing being as simple as it is, I really appreciate when a traditional artist carries consistencies that make their work recognizable throughout their work.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) The anticipation is always worse than the tattoo itself! Eating a good meal beforehand is always a must as well.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

Luckily enough, I have had a great support system from my family and friends throughout starting my career as an artist. My father actually bought me my first tattoo machine.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I have always set out to create art for a living and not work a 9-5. Ever since I can remember, I have practiced self-expression, from my appearance to my artwork, and being able to do that on a daily basis is the biggest perk of what I do.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I spent about 6 years inquiring about getting a chance at an apprenticeship until I was finally given a shot. Needless to say, I definitely could have found a more passionate

and professional group to begin my tattooing journey, but these are the decisions you sometimes have to make entering the industry.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I generally prefer to stay within my area of expertise, but I am always taking on walk-in tattoos.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? One time I was getting tattooed, and the fire alarm in the shop as the artist was pulling a line. Needless to say, the tattoo needed to be covered up.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? In my opinion, something a new coming tattooer should focus on immensely is being sterile; in some cases, that can come less naturally than tattooing itself to many people. Having a clean setup and image for your clients is something a tattooer should take pride in. ✕

5 Years

Tattooing

Taunton, MA

Location

Independent Artist

Traditional/

Old School Specialization

jmeoink

@gmail.com

@jmeoink Instagram

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from everything from traditional flash to pieces of art I see in museums or on vacation to the guys I work with in the shop and other tattooers I get tattooed by or meet along my travels ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Check out artists’ portfolios! Realize that what they’re showing you is their best work. Don’t be impatient. A good artist is worth waiting for. Don’t try to force a specific style onto an artist that doesn’t do that style. Be flexible ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I think my family looked at it as it was a really good opportunity for me to be involved in something they knew I love, and I like to think they trust my judgment in making decisions in my life ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I remember growing up and seeing tattoos on family members’ and neighbors’ forearms and thinking that person was a little more interesting. Like they

JASON TRUNICK

had a story, or they’ve seen some shit. Jack London said, “Show me a man with a tattoo, and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past.”

⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? As always, limits will get pushed, but other artists will also continue to stay true to traditional work at the same time. I think those are both equally important ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Of course. Never meet your heroes, haha! But I’ve had really good experiences with other artists that I really look up to. The bad experiences I use to try to fuel my work and show me what I should never do with a client, and the positive experiences I try to use as an example of how I’d like to be ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Listen to people whose work you respect, be open to trying new things to better your tattooing, keep distractions to a minimum, paint and draw a lot, love it, or leave it because if you aren’t in love with it, you won’t be doing your clients justice. ✕

I’m 26, I live right outside Philly, and tattooing gives me a purpose and reason to get up in the morning.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I can get inspiration from almost anything, but I mostly pull ideas from things I enjoy. Movies, TV shows, other artists’ work I admire, or just life experiences.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I tell my clients that being nervous is normal, and all they really need to worry about is breathing and sitting still. Other than that, eating beforehand is always a good idea!

JAY DERITA

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were definitely apprehensive about me deciding not to go to college and apprentice instead, but I figured I’d rather try and not succeed at something I really love than wonder, “What if?” and never really know. It wouldn’t change my decision about anything!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Making people feel good about themselves. Getting tattooed can be a really therapeutic and cathartic experience or just a really fun, pleasant

one that changes your self-image positively. We all deserve to feel good in our bodies.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I always loved tattoos, but I’ve loved art in general forever. Being able to do both simultaneously and make a living doing it while also being free to explore my own selfexpression seemed like a perfect fit for me. I also love how it pushes me to be self-motivated.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I definitely wouldn’t tattoo anything derogatory. It really

depends on an individual basis as far as whether I’d tattoo a hand/neck/ face, but generally, I’m not against the placement of a tattoo if the client is aware of what that entails. What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Social media has had such a polarizing influence on tattooing, especially since I’ve been in the industry, so it’ll be really interesting to see how that changes and develops things further. Personally, I just hope to contribute something positive to tattooing while I’m able to do it and make it a great experience for my clients. ✕

JENN TACO

Jenn Taco is a full-time tattoo artist at Red Raven Art Co. in Myrtle Beach, who specializes in illustrative black work. She has a very prominent style that she continues to explore, grow, and develop in the skin. As an artist outside of the tattoo industry, she loves working in multi-media and showcasing her style through fashion and decor. She is so grateful for the following she has received over these first few years of her tattoo career and is looking forward to continuing to watch it grow and further develop her style ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The intimacy of the experience. Tattooing is one of the most beautiful mutual energy exchanges. To be able to have such a one-of-a-kind experience with another human being is pure magic ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Understand how difficult it actually is, take it seriously, and treat every single tattoo like it’s the last tattoo you will ever

do. You are permanently changing someone’s body for the rest of your life, so if you don’t feel an immense amount of responsibility in knowing that and executing the best possible tattoo you can, you shouldn’t be a tattooer. ALWAYS be open to learning, respect the craft, and make sure you care about the longevity of your work and not just an Instagram photo What style of tattooing do you do? I would consider my style of tattooing to be illustrative blackwork, but I think I am beginning to morph into more of a finer-lined version of neo-traditional blackwork. I’m forever evolving. Modern-day tattooing is such a gift because a lot of us are able to specialize in a genre of tattooing and get a steady clientele solely based off of that so that we don’t have to constantly be executing different styles. But I’d like to get better at literally everything and explore every style more than what I did when I was learning. I’m only 4 years in, so I’ve got nothing but time! ✕

JESSICA MARIE

My name is Jessica Marie, and I am the owner of Black Sheep Tattoo Parlor, which is located in San Pedro, California, and is woman-owned and women-operated ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from a culmination of every single art form that exists. Although that can be classified as extremely broad, the root of all art, in any form, is the product of creation, and the catalyst of creation is energy and emotion. What we are deeply moved by is what’s behind every artist’s creation, and the transfer of energy, starting as a feeling, to a thought, to a physical representation of that energy, is what inspires me as an artist ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of my job is being able to make people happy and really giving all of my energy into making something they’re proud to wear. It’s such an honor that my clients choose me in the first place, and I show my gratitude by putting my all into every tattoo I do. Being able to see their smile in the end, their tears of joy, or the confidence they gain by decorating their body is truly what brings me joy ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?) Growing up, music really played a part in my interest in tattoos and tattooing. Seeing all the artists I was inspired by musically and all the work they had on their bodies kept me fascinated. I’d look up which artists had done their work and collect tons of magazines to familiarize myself with different styles of tattooing and different artists. It also helped that during my adolescence, tattoo tv shows were up and coming, so a lot of my inspiration came from those shows ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone starting out is to KEEP GOING. There are times that are going to test you, challenge you, and make you rethink your choices, but I promise you, with dedication and consistency, you can live your dreams as a tattoo artist. We are constantly growing and learning no matter how many years we’ve been in the game, and we have to give ourselves grace when we hit plateaus in our progress. Learn to ask for help and always be willing to learn and observe with an open mind. Review your work and come up with strategies to make your next tattoo better than your last. ✕

San Pedro, CA Location Black Sheep Tattoo Parlor Owner/Artist

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of my inspiration from traditional artists. From Italian painter Caravaggio to the American painter Drew Struzan. Honestly, I am inspired by all sorts of random stuff from plastic models to movies in random graffiti and of course tattoos.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Take your time preparing yourself. Think about what you wanna get and spend time educating yourself. Educate yourself about whatever it is you wanna get tattooed. Don’t be afraid to walk into shops and ask questions. Look at portfolios, and take the time to find the correct artist.

8 Years Tattooing

Odessa, TX Location Independent Artist

Familia Tattoo Shop

Realism: Color/B&G Specialization

joevincentfranco @gmail.com

@zinktattooink Instagram

@familiatattootx instagram

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The best thing about tattooing besides the freedom has to be the people. The people I work with are also my best friends and my teachers. Arturo Garcia1, David Garcia 2 , and Jose Escarcega 3 These guys have taught me everything I know about tattooing and much more when it comes to life.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My mom! I was actually teaching preschool for about two years and selling paintings on the side after I had decided I didn’t want to continue going to art school for 3D animation. Financially I was screwed, and I was getting frustrated with my situation until one day. I decided to invite my mom for lunch, which is when she gave me the idea.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Hopefully, it’s not gonna be a lot of bureaucracy and rule-making from the government. I don’t know about everybody else, but I got into tattooing because of the freedom.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Oh yeah, horrible!! Haven’t we all? Especially starting out. I did my apprenticeship alongside my honor Kory (@kory.d.tattoo). I was given the opportunity to do a tattoo on him early on. It was a traditional rose and dagger on his inner thigh; I beat it to HELL. Poor guy; God bless you, Kory!!

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Trust the process and build up from the basics. Find a good shop and mentor. ✕

JOE-VINCENT FRANCO

Artist

Self-taught tattoo artist born in Sacramento, California but based out of Passaic, New Jersey. Devoted father, husband, and business owner; 33 years young.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It is hard to get an apprenticeship. I was self-taught, using every outlet I could to gain as much knowledge as I could.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get much of my inspiration from the streets. I find inspiration from the people, the struggles, and the places around me.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Definitely think long and hard about the design of the tattoo, as it is permanent.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) My worst tattoo experience was when a woman insisted I continue to revise and add on to a tattoo design. Despite my professional opinion, she continued to insist, so I did as she asked. When the tattoo was completed, the tattoo was cluttered, and she hated it. The client isn’t always right when it comes to artistic design.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? That it is a phase.

15 Years

Tattooing

Passaic, NJ Location

District 36

Tattoo Parlor

Owner/Artist

B&G/Color Specialization district36tattooparlor @gmail.com

@tattoozby_jayb Instagram district36tattooparlor .com

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? That’s a very difficult question. I give my all to every tattoo I do.

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? Despite tattooing becoming increasingly mainstream, there are people and places who do not see tattoos as respectable art. I fought to open the very first tattoo parlor in my city, as it had been previously banned.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I have a very understanding family who love and support my art as much as I do. I dedicate certain days and times to my art as well as my family so I can be 100% present to both. ✕

Known for his large black and grey work, tattoo artist Jonathan Constance spent his early years in Manteca, California, and now calls Alexandria, Louisiana, home. He can be found working at Black Diamond Collective in Alexandria, and you may have seen him at Inkin The Coast Tattoo Festival in Biloxi, MS as the winner of numerous awards, including Best of Show two years running.

Jonathan has a distinct style that he developed in 2010 when he began tattooing and continues to refine since landing in his first professional shop in 2015. Completely self-taught, his path was somewhat unconventional back then. When asked if he would advise new artists to follow his example, “Not really. I had a lot of bad experiences that might have been avoided with a professional internship. But I learned so much and have no regrets.”

More than a tattoo artist, Jonathan spends his off-hours with different mediums: paint, charcoal, videography, etc., and is currently working on his next mural commission. He was honored as Best Artist of his graduating class at Calla High School in Manteca, CA, and has never had a day when he wasn’t working on some illustration. He can’t not create. His mother recalls Jonathan drawing as soon as he could

hold a pencil and smiles as she remembers his childhood room walls completely covered with his drawings and graffiti.

There is a synchronicity to Jonathan and his craft. What manifests in his life is… discovery…becoming… always learning… research… trial and error ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When my dad got a tattoo of a stick figure that I drew when I was young. Seeing it permanently tattooed on his skin planted the seed in my mind ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be open to constructive criticism; it will give you an outside perspective on things you may not see. Study your healed work; it will show you what you need to improve on. And most importantly, stay creative in more ways than tattooing! ⸺ How would you describe your tattoo style? I try to focus on layering my composition to fit the body as best as possible while making sure the contrast of the images is on point ⸺ What is one thing you wish you had known before getting into this industry? It becomes your lifestyle! A lot of your time and energy goes into each tattoo, from design to execution. It really consumes you and could be intense if you are not prepared for it. ✕

JONATHAN CONSTANCE

JULIA NEELY

SIMPLE TATTOOS FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? This one is a bit messy! I felt like I was definitely taken advantage of during my apprenticeship. I didn’t have the best experience starting off in this industry, but it certainly taught me a lot about what not to do. In the end, I apprenticed at five different shops in the course of a year and a half before I was signed off. If it wasn’t for some dear mentors outside of those shops, I don’t think I would’ve made it- mentally, physically, and emotionally. I am still grateful for having the privilege to get my foot in the door ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? I’m always surprised when people think tattooers have to be assholes. I’m glad to see that’s not quite as much of an issue as it once was. People should know that most of us are huge soft babies. Tattoo shops should be comfortable and inclusive for everyone that’s old enough to be in them, and I hope that’s something that’s becoming more common knowledge ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve

ever done? That’s a really hard one because I’m not sure if it’s meant to be “the best one” or my favorite experience. Tattooing my dad, the one and only tattoo he had in our kitchen during my apprenticeship, has to take the cake. It was so bad, but it was true love encompassed. When he passed away, I got the same tattoo in the same place he had it. That was always a huge defining moment for me, and I’ll cherish it forever ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? I won’t lie; that is hard to do these days. Life is hard, especially in these trying times. I have recently gotten back into traveling since Covid, and I’ve noticed a huge boost in my motivation and productivity. If you feel stuck, sometimes you just need a brief change of scenery and people. That’s also the best way I’ve found to learn the most in my craft and in myself ⸺ If you could go back to when you first started tattooing with the knowledge you have now, what would you say to yourself? LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY DO YOUR TAXES. Also, keep going. Don’t stop, even when it feels impossible. ✕

Originally From Queens, NY. Charismatic, father of three, and artist who loves his career; located in the great state of New York.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get most of my inspiration from God and Salvador Dali. I am a portrait artist at heart. It has always been hard not to refer to them for guidance and inspiration.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?

(A tattoo virgin) Do a lot of research and make sure you save up. Quality, customer service, and cleanliness are the most important things about getting a tattoo. Get some good rest before your session, and eat a big meal.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

At first, everyone wasn’t on board because of our Christian/Catholic background. But once they saw how my work progressed and saw that I was happy, they changed their minds

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I would say to practice. My favorite part is getting contacted by my clients, telling me how many compliments they get when they walk around by people.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Art is permanent, and someone trusts you forever and wants your art on their body.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I had a woman who wanted a tummy tuck scar covered, but she wouldn’t sit and kept stopping me. We worked for like four hours, stopping like 30 times per hour.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw every day, paint as often as possible, take your time, and learn as much as you can.

Would you ever start a podcast? Absolutely, and I’m gathering all I need as we speak.

What is tattooing to you? My purpose and my gift.

How long are your sessions? Each session consists of up to six hours of tattooing. ✕

I’m from Indiana, born and raised in a small town called Anderson. There’s not too much to offer where I come from, but I found passion in art and tattooing at a young age. I became an apprentice at 19 years old. Since that moment, my life has changed. Now at 25 years old, I couldn’t imagine where my life would be without the gift I’ve been blessed with ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t give up. This industry can be cutthroat; it can get ugly. It has its ups and downs, but if you stay dedicated, your hard work will pay off. Dedication and consistency are the keys. Allow people to give you constructive criticism, even if you don’t want to hear it. And always be open to gaining knowledge. Don’t ever be too comfortable; you always have growing to do ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Knowing that I’m blessed to have this talent and to be put in the position I’m in. I refuse to let it go to waste. I want a bright future for not only myself but my future children as well ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obsta -

KIRAY

cles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? As a female tattoo artist, I’ve faced men in higher positions taking advantage and preying on me because I was young and inexperienced. Now, I will forever stand my ground ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I remind myself that this isn’t just a career; this is a lifestyle. Working never stops, I have to make sacrifices at times, and I’ve had to adjust to that. It becomes hard to balance at times, but that’s expected when you’re dedicating to doing what you love ⸺ What advice would you give 12-yearold you? I would tell myself to not become discouraged. You have so much ahead of you, and everything happens for a reason, whether you understand it or not! ⸺ What has been the highlight of this career? Being able to travel and see beautiful places and meet new and amazing people, all while doing the thing I love most! ⸺ What makes you the artist you are today? My experiences, positive or negative. They’ve all brought me to where I am today ✕

A Chicana from Chicago. What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is making my clients feel more confident, whether I am covering a scar or applying it in a more risqué area. I want my client to feel excited to show off their tattoos, whether it’s on the wrist or sternum.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw. Don’t ever stop drawing; put down your iPad every now and then, and use

paper and a pen or a canvas and paint. Just never stop drawing. It will benefit you tremendously in the long run.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I enjoy talking to my clients, or as some of them would call it, “chisme time.” I like being an ear for my clients, some come to me for advice, for my opinion, or just to feel some pain, and I can totally respect that. I’m just glad they are comfortable and feel safe. That’s very important to me!

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done?

A lot of my favorite tattoos are the ones I get to have creative freedom with. Creative freedom is when a client comes in and picks a design from a folder of custom designs you have been dying to tattoo. I never thought I would be at the point where I have clients consistently asking to view what designs I have available that I wanna tattoo!

Why do you like Chicano art? When I was younger, I used to visit my grandparents’ house in Mexico. I was exposed to some very beautiful art. My grandparents always had suns and moons and little ceramics of donkeys and little houses and these beautiful hand-painted plates and glasses in their house.

4 Years Tattooing Chicago, IL Location

Indepedent Artist

Chicano B&G/Floral Specialization

ka.ladbla @gmail.com @la.dbla Instagram

I guess you could say my love for Chicano art began in Mexico and only grew as I started my life in Chicago, being surrounded by murals on the 606 made me want to create the beautiful art I was surrounded by..

Did getting exposed to tattooing at such a young age benefit you? Honestly, before I even knew about tattooing, my grandpa hand-painted old statues, figurines, walls, and flower pots. Art has thrived in my veins since before I could walk. My Tio tattooed the first and second generations of my family; it’s amazing that I now tattoo some second and third generations. I feel so happy and proud that my work is displayed in the family next to the previous tattoos of my uncles

IN THE DAZZLING WORLD OF TATTOO ARTISTRY, ONE NAME STANDS OUT LIKE A VIBRANT MASTERPIECE AGAINST A CANVAS OF INNOVATION AND STYLE. MEET SASHATATTOOING, THE ENIGMATIC SASHA MASIUK , AN LA-BASED VIRTUOSO WHO WEAVES HER ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE ACROSS BORDERS.

SASHA MASIUK Artist

Masiuk started her career by working as an illustrator in St. Petersburg, Russia, which later sparked her interest in tattoo artistry. In the following years, Sasha opened her own tattoo studios in both St. Petersburg and Moscow. After moving to Berlin in 2015, Sasha not only developed her skill in the European market but additionally managed to open a studio in Barcelona. Today, Sasha is living in LA, where she opened her fourth tattoo studio.

Sasha’s work is distinguished by her technique of applying tattoos in floral motifs and mandalas. Her impressive portfolio includes a client list that has been expanding ever since her first studio and not only celebrity clients but also collaborations with big beauty and fashion houses.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I have always had a deep passion for tattoos, and my love for art led me to pursue tattooing. It all started when my husband gifted me a tattoo machine, and I began practicing on myself and my friends. Within just four months, my Instagram following reached 10k, and I found myself with a constant stream of clients ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? When I first started my tattooing journey, there were only a few artists who truly inspired me. The concept of dotwork wasn’t as prominent back then, and there weren’t many resources available. Therefore, I didn’t have a formal teacher. Instead, I relied on my own dedication and embraced a trial-and-error approach to learn how to create delicate lines and intricate designs ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? The first tattoo artist who captivated me with their work was Maxime Buchi1. His technique and style, inspired by antique engravings, completely blew my mind. Another artist who greatly influenced me was Thomas Hooper 2. I admired his mastery of dotwork and his ability to reimagine compositions using shades of black and gray. These two artists served as my main sources of inspiration, especially considering there weren’t many others in my local area practicing their unique styles ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)If you have been contemplating a tattoo for a few days and feel absolutely certain about the design and placement, and you can envision it on your body for a lifetime without any hesitation, then I encourage you to go ahead. However, if you have even the slightest hint of uncertainty or doubt, it’s essential to listen to yourself and wait until you feel completely ready. Tattoos aren’t for everyone, and it’s important to ensure you’re making a decision that truly resonates with you ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Initially, my family wasn’t very supportive of my decision to become a tattoo artist. However, as they witnessed my passion for this art form and the success I achieved, their perception gradually shifted. Most of my friends from art school became my closest allies in this journey, and

after about a year, we established our first tattoo shop. Since then, we have nurtured a strong partnership that has lasted for 12 years. Seeing how much joy tattooing brings me and the positive impact it has had on my life, my family eventually embraced the reality of me being a tattoo artist ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I absolutely relish the creative process of designing stencils and working on large-scale pieces. It brings me immense joy to have the freedom to express my artistic vision while earning the trust of my clients. Additionally, the tattoo industry offers ample financial stability, which is also important to me. This combination of artistic fulfillment and a comfortable lifestyle makes tattooing a truly rewarding profession ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Certainly! I tend to gravitate towards more minimalistic ideas in my tattooing. If a client requests a design with numerous elements, I prefer to offer a lighter and more streamlined interpretation. However, if they insist on their initial vision and it doesn’t align with my artistic perspective, I politely decline. I believe in maintaining a cohesive and distinctive style that represents both my artistry and the desires of my clients ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it?

CELEBRITY CLIENTS:

To the best of my recollection, I have only experienced one challenging moment that kept me up at night for a while. I had a client who, after six sessions, expressed dissatisfaction with the tattoo I created for her. It was a stressful situation because I genuinely tried my best to improve it. Unfortunately, the only viable solution offered was to cover it up with a black triangle. Despite the emotional difficulty I faced, I decided that if it would make her happier, even though it was a cover-up for someone else’s work, it was the right thing to do. Since then, I have become more cautious when it comes to taking on a cover-up ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The key to finding your own style is to embrace the process, even if it takes years of trial and error. Patience is crucial, and it’s essential never to give up. Each artist’s journey is unique, and it’s through perseverance that you will ultimately discover your distinctive artistic voice ⸺ How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? I wholeheartedly embrace the transformations occurring within the tattoo industry. However, personally, my focus is not solely on staying relevant. Instead, I prioritize creating art that truly reflects my authentic self. The industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, witnessing an influx of talented artists who bring their own unique styles and personalities to the forefront. While I do keep up with current trends and changes as part of my ongoing education, my identity remains grounded in staying true to myself. This mindset has propelled me to where I am today, so there’s no need for me to change ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? As a society, we have come a long way when

Adam Levine, Trippie Redd, Marlon Vera “Chito” UFC, Jerry Lorenzo, Axel Witsel, Ezequiel Marcelo Garay, Daniel Miguel Alves Gomes, Domenico Criscito, Oleg Shatov, Francisco Javier García Fernández, Tamara Gorro, Sydney Park, Lupe Fuentes, Rarri, Wav3pop band, Sergei Zhukov, etc.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

THE KEY TO FINDING YOUR OWN STYLE IS TO EMBRACE THE PROCESS,

it comes to accepting tattoos in most countries and cities. However, there are still parts of the world where tattoos are not as commonplace and may be viewed negatively. Progress takes time, and it’s important to remember that even Rome wasn’t built in a day ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I thoroughly enjoy working with my clients, and nothing compares to the feeling of positively impacting their lives. After each session, I receive heartfelt messages from clients expressing how the tattoo has transformed their self-perception. These moments of connection and the sense of purpose they bring me to fuel my passion and drive ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? It’s impossible for me to single out one specific tattoo that holds a special place in my heart. I pour equal care and thought into every piece I create, making them all equally special to me. Each tattoo carries a unique story and represents a meaningful experience shared with my clients ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? First and foremost, I absolutely love my job. It feels like second nature to me, and staying inspired doesn’t require much effort. Every aspect of tattooing brings me immense joy and fulfillment, making it a truly rewarding profession ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? There was a period in my career when I worked tirelessly, dedicating myself to tattooing around the clock. I traveled extensively, undertaking guest spots and participating in conventions worldwide. However, I reached a point where I realized the need for a more personalized approach to each client. The volume of work began to surpass the quality I wanted to deliver. To address this, I started experimenting with different techniques, colors, needles, and machines. The most significant challenge was the waiting game, as I needed to observe the longterm results of these experiments on each project

COLLABS: BRAND AMBASSADOR:

⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? Currently, I am on a year-long break from tattooing to spend quality time with my family and children. During this period, I am taking the opportunity to reflect on my future endeavors. I am considering various paths, such as becoming a business owner, continuing my journey as a tattoo artist, or even exploring the role of a mentor. I am taking the time to answer internal questions and determine my next steps ⸺ How many tattoo shops do you have and how do you manage all of them? We are fortunate to operate four tattoo shops under the umbrella of Sashatattooing Studios. Our presence extends to two locations in Los Angeles, one in San Francisco and another in Barcelona, Spain. These establishments are a testament to the enduring partnerships I have forged with my long-time associ-

ates. Their expertise and support have played an instrumental role in our ability to successfully manage such a thriving business ⸺ What’s next for Sashatattooing? One of my most ambitious aspirations at present is to develop a master class specifically designed for aspiring creatives. I envision this program to go beyond the technical aspects of tattooing and delve into the psychological and spiritual dimensions that profoundly impact our profession. It is a topic that has been largely overlooked within the industry, and I believe sharing my unique perspective and insights could be truly transformative for those entering the field ⸺ What are the criteria for becoming a tattoo artist at Sashatattooing Studios? At Sashatattooing Studios, we place the utmost importance on cultivating a distinct style. We strive to offer our clients a tattooing experience that is exclusive to our establishment. To achieve this, we embrace artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds, inviting talents from all corners of the world to join our team in the United States. It fills me with great pride to witness the creative brilliance that emerges from this multicultural collaboration ⸺ You’ve mentioned that you’re into cryptocurrency. Can you discuss how you got interested in this field and how it intersects with your work as a tattoo artist? Some of my clients have introduced me to the world of NFTs, which has been a fascinating experience. It has allowed me to collaborate on NFT-related projects, such as Scab Shop, which was an incredibly enjoyable endeavor. Additionally, my team and I joined a project called SWALLOW, which is a digital tattoo shop on Web3. These ventures have added a new dimension to my work and provided exciting opportunities ⸺ You’ve announced that you plan to retire from tattooing to focus on opening your own tattoo shops. Can you tell us about this decision and what your plans are for these new ventures? While I have always had a deep love for tattooing, I recently made the decision to pause it as a full-time career. I wanted to shift my focus more toward the business side of things. Currently, I find greater fulfillment in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. However, tattooing remains a personal passion for me, and I continue to create art for my own enjoyment ⸺ In addition to permanent tattoos, you also offer temporary tattoos. Can you discuss why you decided to offer this service and what the process of creating temporary tattoos is like? Temporary tattoos bring so much joy and excitement. It’s amazing to see how people have embraced our temporary tattoos and found unique ways to utilize them. Some use them as a stepping stone to test out an idea before committing to a permanent tattoo, while others simply enjoy the fun and creativity they offer. It’s truly a niche that brings delight to many individuals. ✕

Reebok, Google ATAP, Levi’s, Bats, Designed by Fitness, Black Alchemy, Conte, Verdad, Bishop Rotary, Another Nails, Zhilyova Lingerie, Saint of LA, Art Avenue, Black Swan Moscow.

Russia: Adidas, S7, L’Oreal, YSL Beauty United States: Urban Decay

EVEN IF IT TAKES YEARS OF

2018

Founded

7 Resident Artists

SASHATATTOOING STUDIOS

Welcome to Sashatattooing Studios LA, a private tattoo loft hosting top-tier resident and guest artists worldwide. Our mission is to offer clients a personalized tattoo experience, showcasing global talent. We view tattoos as expressions of individuality. Our slogan, “Every tattoo is a reflection of your uniqueness; our artists craft designs mirroring their aesthetic perception of reality,” underscores our commitment to creating custom designs that embody clients’ personalities.

Beyond resident artists, we feature guest artists worldwide, infusing varied styles into each tattoo, creating exclusive art. Our global artists

enrich our private tattoo loft with diverse viewpoints and techniques, pushing creative boundaries, focusing on innovation.

Using only sterile and high-quality equipment, our studio is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at the end of each day. You can rest assured that you are getting a tattoo in a safe and hygienic environment. Our private tattoo loft offers a serene setting, deviating from traditional shops’ hustle. This seclusion nurtures creativity, ensuring tattoos mirror your distinctiveness. We take pride in our premium materials and techniques, always exploring n ew styles. ✕

Sasha Masiuk Owner/Artist @sashatattooingla Instagram

Sad Amish @sad_amish_tattooer

Vince @thatboyvince

FKM @fkmtattoo

Discover Sashatattooing Essential, the newest addition to the prestigious Sashatattooing Studios family, now nestled in the heart of vibrant San Francisco. Our talented resident and guest artists specialize in crafting exquisite tattoo designs that embody your unique

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2023 Founded Opened for Guests

SAN FRANCISCO

@sashatattooingessential Instagram

personality. Artistic expression thrives in our captivating space. Our skilled artists are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled tattoo experience. With exceptional craftsmanship, they transform your vision into breathtaking reality, consistently pushing the boundaries

of creativity. Immerse yourself in the world of self-expression at Sashatattooing Essential. Experience a realm where your tattoo aspirations metamorphose into extraordinary masterpieces, meticulously crafted with passion and finesse. Harness the city’s dynamic milieu as a

backdrop for your awe-inspiring tattoos. The convergence of their skill and the city’s pulsating creativity ensures that your experience at Sashatattooing Essential transcends the ordinary, bringing to life an extraordinary tattoo that echoes both your uniqueness and spirit. ✕

Sasha Masiuk & Nora Ink Owners/Artists

Ksusha @way.ink

Guest Artist

Valeriia Lobanova @leta_tt

Join us at Sashatattooing Barcelona, the go-to tattoo studio in the art capital of Spain. As part of the esteemed Sashatattooing Studios family, we bring together a talented team of resident artists and renowned guest artists from around the world.

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13 Resident Artists

Our goal is simple: to create stunning tattoo designs that capture your individuality and make your artistic vision a reality.

At Sashatattooing Barcelona, we're all about professionalism and passion for the art of tattooing. Our skilled

artists are dedicated to providing an exceptional tattoo experience that goes beyond your expectations. With their expert craftsmanship and creative flair, they’ll bring your ideas to life, crafting tattoos that are as unique as you are. Step into our

relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at Sashatattooing Barcelona. Whether you’re looking for a small symbol with big meaning or an intricate masterpiece, our artists are here to make it happen. Book your appointment today

@sashatattooingbarcelona Instagram

and let us create a tattoo that tells your story and becomes a lasting work of art. Get ready to see your tattoo dreams come alive at Sashatattooing Barcelona, where creativity and selfexpression thrive. ✕

2017 Founded

Sasha Masiuk & Kate Vdovina Owners/Artists

Sveta Oihman @oihman.tatts

Amanda Hess @amandahess.ink

Margarita Rashitova @ritrit.tattoo

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Welcome to Sashatattooing Gallery, a premier tattoo studio nestled in Highland Park, the second location of Sashatattooing Studios in the greater Los Angeles area. Our talented resident artists and celebrated guest artists from across the globe specialize in creating exquisite tattoo designs that embody your unique personality. Step into our enchanting and welcoming space, where creativity blooms and artistic expression knows no boundaries. With a commitment to professionalism and an unwavering passion for their craft, our skilled artists are dedicated to providing an extraordinary tattoo experience like no other. Embrace the beauty of self-expression at Sashatattooing Gallery. Book your appointment today and allow our artists to bring your vision to life with unmatched skill and artistry. ✕

Pandora Spirakis @tattsbypandora

Lesya Crow @lescrowtattoo

HIGHLAND PARK @sashatattooinggallery Instagram

Valeria Yarmola @valeriatattooing

2020 Founded 16 Resident Artists

Sasha Masiuk & Nora Ink Owners/Artists

IT IS THROUGH THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ART THAT WE POSSESS THE ABILITY TO CULTIVATE AND PROPAGATE LOVE

NORA INK

With a worldwide following that values quality and beauty, Nora Ink is a leader in a movement where tattoos, fashion, and art become one and the same.

After graduating from the art academy in Ukraine, she began her journey in the tattoo industry and found her unique style recognizable all over the world ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? During my childhood, the Miami Ink show served as a profound wellspring of inspiration, igniting a passion within me. Witnessing the captivating artistry showcased on the screen, my mother, recognizing my fervor, graciously gifted me a tattoo machine. With unwavering support, she diligently sought out a skilled mentor within our city of Kharkiv, laying the foundation for my enduring voyage in the tattoo industry. Thus, from those early beginnings, my transformative journey unfolded, leading me down the intricate path of mastering the art of tattooing ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? The individuals who grace my presence serve as an endless wellspring of inspiration, their mere existence igniting a profound creative spark within me. Firmly rooted in my core, I hold steadfast to the belief

that tattoos are exquisite embellishments for the body, capable of transcending mere aesthetics. It is through the transformative power of art that we possess the ability to cultivate and propagate love ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I am highly receptive to various body parts and tattoos, including faces and heads. Projects of this nature are relatively infrequent, and I always anticipate them with great excitement. There are no specific artistic taboos regarding the designs themselves. I take pleasure in bringing my client's ideas to life and even enjoy challenging myself to find innovative solutions. The essential factors are placing trust in me as a skilled artist and, naturally, having an appreciation for my particular style of tattooing ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? One of the most challenging situations that I’ve encountered is falling ill when a client has traveled from a significant distance. Such sessions are arduous to cancel or reschedule. I have faced this predicament on multiple occasions, and although it took me longer to recover afterward, I persevered to ensure that my clients left with their projects completed as intended, despite the inconvenience. ✕

My approach to tattoos is holistic; I believe that art made with love and intention in healing, transformation, beautification, and connecting with your ancestors is authentic. The style I enjoy working in is a combination of black & grey realism complemented with vibrant colors. I opened a private luxury studio because many of my clients request very intentional and larger-scale pieces that require a peaceful environment. The majority of my clients are also women and two-spirit. I designed a space with an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and elegance ⸺ Who / where do you get your inspiration from? The art I am most interested in creating would be within the themes of nature, magic, fantasy, folklore & mythology, and especially Indigenous contemporary design. Although I honor all of my circumpolar ancestors, I identify as an Alaska Native person. That is the culture and values I grew up with. Much of our culture (especially tattoos) was “put to sleep” as an effect of colonization. So many of us do not know the traditional designs used by our ancestors. I have developed a method of research that helps clients compose a design that represents their ancestry but also connects them with family. My community is very diverse, and I am so very grateful for such an amazing clientele ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes,

absolutely. The first time I asked for an apprenticeship was when I first started working in a tattoo shop at 19. After working there for a significant amount of time, I approached both of the artists individually and asked if they would be open to teaching me. They didn’t say no, but I definitely was put to work scrubbing tubes and making needles. Even learning a few drawing tips and other techniques. Eventually, I figured that I wasn’t actually going to learn there and was told by a coworker, “They didn’t want me to take their female clients.” At that time, in my town, there were maybe 2 lady tattooers. I am grateful to not have started an apprenticeship back then; I was way too immature. About 10 years later, after art school and a brief career in massage therapy, I was offered an apprenticeship. I learned so many things during that time that better prepared me as a tattoo artist Do you do anything outside of tattooing? I just launched my first eBook! It is the first of a collection of volumes that are meant to inspire and motivate healing and well-being. The books consist of advice for cultivating healing mixed with some of my poetry and photography. I chose to release these books in volumes, so the information is in more “fun-sized” chunks, haha. These books are for anyone interested in learning how to change their life in a positive way ✕

THE LADY DIAMOND

Warrior Goddess Tattoo Owner/Artist Anchorage, AK Location

6 Years Tattooing

Indigenous Contemporary/Realism Specialization

I pride myself on always learning something new, and I adjust my style accordingly. One of my main goals as an artist is to own a traveling tattoo parlor so that I can connect with and learn from other great artists around the states.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Relax and communicate. Never let nerves or pressure to “just go with it” keep you from communicating what you want and need.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Honestly, the freedom! Being a tattoo artist is a trade I can take anywhere in the world; I can express myself artistically in one of the most challenging and rewarding mediums, and I get to change people’s lives along the way.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

The beauty of it as an expression and a medium for art. I’m fascinated by a lot of pieces I’ve seen because of the meaning, and I’m drawn to the details and what it took to accomplish them. Spending my life mastering tattooing sounds like a badass journey, and I feel blessed to have found my passion in it.

Who are your favorite artists? Visual artists are Greg “Craola” Simkins and Mab Graves. Tattoo artists are Angel Rose, Keegan Sweeney, Yorick Fauquant, and Laura Marie.

LADY PARAFFIN

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing?

I’m already seeing a lot more acceptance of each other and less tolerance for judgmental attitudes and hazing behavior toward apprentices. It feels like the community is slowly taking priority, and it’s nice to see. I do believe there is a lot that young artists need to learn from more seasoned professionals, but that teaching responsibility should be taken more seriously.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get into a good safe shop and watch and listen to every little bit of tattooing that you possibly can. Never stop learning, and always be willing to take constructive criticism from respected peers.

Do you think all tattoos should have a special meaning?

Not at all! Tattoos are an expression of self, and everyone is different. If it means something to you, beautiful; if it doesn’t, that’s beautiful too! ✕

9 Years Tattooing

Austin, TX Location

Lady Paraffin’s Traveling Tattoos Owner/Artist

Cover Up/ Illustrative/Dotwork Specialization booking @ladyparaffin.com

@ladyparaffin Instagram ladyparaffin .com

My name is Hannah McKee, I’m 25 years old, and I’ve been creating art since I was 13. I grew up in Charlotte, NC, where I began tattooing six years ago and where I now run Ruby Tiger Tattoo alongside my fiancé Jeremy Sloo and our two friends, Grace Jang and Mickey Putts.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Right now, it’s a mixed bag of tattooers and classical painters. I began art by oil painting, and I love the softness and subtlety that is in classical oil paintings, but I also love colorful illustrative work. I think you can see that pretty well when you look at my tattoos.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

I was really fortunate to have very supportive family and friends when I started my apprenticeship. Most of my friends were either willing to be guinea pigs or at least cheer me on, and my parents were excited that I was pursuing a career in art. I know that’s not common, so I feel really lucky to have had that.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was never exposed much to tattoos when I was younger, so even when I was seriously creating art; it didn’t seem like

LADY SHARK Artist

something that would be in my lane. But I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday and another a few weeks later, and that really opened my eyes to what an incredible thing it is to create art on skin. It was six months after that that I started my apprenticeship.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

I think staying humble and open to advice is really important. I went through a phase at the beginning of my career of thinking I knew what I was doing with tattooing until some friends sat me down and were real with me. I had gotten comfortable and, as a result, lazy. Surround yourself with artists who are pushing themselves, and feel that pressure to be better with them. ✕

6 Years Tattooing Charlotte, NC Location

Ruby Tiger Tattoo Owner / Artist Painterly Color and Illustrative Color Specialization ladysharktattoos @gmail.com @ladysharktattoos Instagram rubytigertattoo .com

Artist

Born and raised in Chicago. After spending time in the army, he went to school for art, where he received a Bachelor’s in graphic design. Later, he struggled with his health fighting Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and R.A., which he has learned to manage by researching healthy eating and healthy cooking. Married and a father to 4 great-children. When not spending time with his family or doing art, he gives back to the community, helping families and dressing as Santa Claus giving gifts to families for Christmas. Tattooing, he has won awards for best large color, large color portrait, and best lettering, just to name a few. A comic collector, horror movie, and anime fan ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My grandfather (who had passed away) and children first inspired me to keep pushing forward and not give up. Secondly, everything! Comic books, anime, horror movies, classic TV shows. A lot of other artists from comic books or painters, either on canvas or digital that I have met in person or follow on social media inspire me with new ideas all the time. I’ll then study how they go into their art and etc ⸺ What

would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing the giant smiles on my client’s faces after the tattoo is done. It makes me feel accomplished to be able to make someone happy ⸺ You travel to a lot of conventions; where would you like to go that you haven’t yet? The west coast. I haven’t done any conventions that way yet. Also Europe and Asia, I love meeting other artists and seeing all the great artwork they do. Plus, I bring my family with me; it’s a great experience to attend these tattoo and comic conventions together ⸺ Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? By then, hopefully, I’ll have my clothing line started, my books published, and have a very dapper-looking studio where we don’t just tattoo but do other forms of art and commissions to sell; a family working together What is Ciel Noir Studio? It’s a group of artists I met at the Fayetteville Comic Con a few years ago. We ended up banding together to create an artist group. Different styles of art in different mediums. We’re currently in the process of making our own comic book series, which is going to be awesome! ✕

LORD GRIM

Color Portraits/Realism Specialization

Since I was a child, drawing has always been in my life and the taste for tattoos began at the age of 10, when I saw a tattoo for the first time. From there I was impressed and fascinated with the idea of... Forever!

In 2003 I started working in what would be the first tattoo studio where it all started. For almost three years I was learning everything about tattoos and body piercing. I worked in different tattoo shops in Lima, Peru and began to participate in conventions in many South American countries, which opened the doors to many opportunities, obtaining awards and recognition in the Neotraditional categories.

After the pandemic, I made the decision to emigrate to another country to continue learning and growing as an artist. This is how I got to Vault Tattoo thanks to my great sponsor Electrum Supply. I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina and from the first time I fell in love with the city, so I started doing all my paperwork and managed to obtain my work visa and today I am officially working in Charlotte with new goals

LUIS VELASQUEZ

and dreams to fulfill in this new stage. of my life that is filled with much joy and blessings ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love the part when I finish the tattoo, and I see the happy faces of my clients; making people happy with something they want so much makes me feel very good ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? It is not known what will happen with tattooing, but the only thing I can say is that it will continue to evolve, and every day, a new and incredible tattooist will come out with a new trend, and that makes tattooing incredible ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I don’t think I have had a bad experience since I started, and until now, I try to be very professional and make everything go perfectly ⸺ What styles do you like to tattoo? I love neo-traditional. It’s the style I started with, and now I’m currently doing a lot of gray realism and trying to bring the two styles into one. ✕

MANIZ

I am Maniz Armendariz Tattoo Artist from Dallas, Texas; I’m a specialist in photo realism, color, and black and grey with 15 years of experience.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? The person who pushed me to become a tattoo artist is Rember Orellana, one of the best artists in the United States. He motivated me to become what I am now.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I always talk to them to keep them calm and relaxed.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They gave me all the support and always helped me to keep on going.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The best part of my job is to make designs and start tattooing.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I got my first tattoo, I then knew it was something I wanted to do in the future.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It never was hard for me because I was always with the right people. Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I do not have a problem working on any part of the body; I am very accessible.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing?

I think that there will be many artists with great potential and with many different styles.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? When you start this career, there are many things to learn, and sometimes it becomes a bad experience.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

The most important thing is to study art to increase your artistic level and never stop learning. ✕

I am a 25-year-old, first-year tattooer from Madison, Wisconsin. I made the decision to pursue tattooing while on my way home from my old job after a particularly bad day. I had been an artist my whole life, but I made the choice to finally make a real, permanent change, and I haven’t looked back.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) It’s SO important to research your artist in a lot of different ways. Make sure they can show they not only do good work but work in the style that you’re looking for. Does the shop they’re at seem reputable? Clean? It’s hard to know what to expect for a first tattoo, so you’ll want to find an artist that you’ll be able to place your trust in.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were supportive, but I’m sure they were a little surprised. I didn’t tell a lot of people until I already had an apprenticeship, so this was a big change from the 9-5 world I had been in before.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? I got really lucky with my apprenticeshipeveryone at the shop genuinely wanted to see me succeed. I did the usual cleaning, grunt work, and all that, but I was just glad to be there, honestly. Compared to sitting in an office, it felt like I had so much freedom to be one step closer to where I wanted to be. To be where I am now still feels surreal.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? There is so much growth happening with the new artists and with the technology around us. This is a really unique time to be in this industry with so much growth, it’s hard to tell what will come next, but I’m excited to see it.

What do you find to be the most difficult about tattooing? Finding a good worklife balance has been tricky. I try to build a consistent workday and find time for drawing and other hobbies, too - there’s no perfect way to balance it all.

What do you enjoy tattooing the most? I especially love tattooing female portraits, birds, skulls, bugs, and fruit! ✕

1 Year Tattooing

Milwaukee, WI Location

Studio 84 Tattoo Co. Shop

Neo-Trad / Illustrative Specialization

inkrissatattoo @gmail.com

@ink.rissa Instagram

Artist

Hey, my name is Marusia! I currently live in Brooklyn, but I was born and raised in Greece. I’ve been tattooing since 2011, and I can’t imagine doing anything else! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve been drawing/painting since I can remember, but later on, I was fascinated by the fact that you can apply such great art to the body with just a needle and some ink ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Choose your artist wisely & be open to your artist’s opinion about the design/placement. Enjoy the whole experience. Pain is temporary; the tattoo is forever! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My mom initially thought that I would only tattoo criminals/gang members and was very upset. Now she has more tattoos than me! ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? One time, I was tattooing a client in Greece, and we were hit by an earthquake. I wasn’t sure if I should run or finish the tattoo! ⸺ What are some of the most common

misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? The pain. Everyone usually thinks it’s a lot worse than it actually is ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Constantly creating new art & meeting new/interesting people ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? I really enjoyed tattooing Nikola Tesla on my coworker/friend. We had a great conversation about what Tesla did while he was alive and all about his inventions/theories ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? There are definitely difficult days, but I try to stay focused on my dreams/goals, like opening my own tattoo shop soon. I also get a lot of support from coworkers, friends, and family ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? When I started tattooing, there wasn’t much information online or even seminars. Gaining trust as a 17-year-old girl from my clients in Greece, which was still taboo when it came to tattoos, was very challenging. I needed a lot of patience and research. ✕

Photo Realism/Fineline Specialization

I have a BA in painting and graphic design, which heavily influences my tattoos today. I focus on bright colors and bold line work within a variety of styles.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I look up to all tattoo artists for inspiration! The first two artists that influenced my now style were Mambo and Kudo, but now as my style develops more and more, I am constantly evolving, tweaking design aspects here and there and including more artists to that list.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? With a background in graphic design and painting, it didn’t surprise them. I think the most shocking thing was when I started getting tattoos because not many people in my family have tattoos!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is the trust that is built within myself. Over time as I developed my style, it was shocking how many people wanted custom work in my style, and every tattoo I did built more and more confidence and trust in what I do.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? I would say to practice some form of art every day, whether it’s drawing, painting, or taking reference photos. I also recommend learning to use social media. This will help you not only reach potential clients but get your art out there and create relationships.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? My favorite part is hearing everyone’s ideas! I get to tattoo little trinkets, favorite characters, to everyday objects that mean a lot to someone. It may be simple, but if it brings them joy, it makes me happy.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? For me, keeping a healthy work/ life balance is key. As long as I am not overworking myself, I tend to stay motivated.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I make sure that I take at least 2 days off a week. If I have a cancellation, I don’t always try to rebook it. I take that day to catch up on anything that needs to be done or even to just relax. ✕

MARIAH BAKER

5 Years Tattooing

Springfield, MO Location

Independent Artist Bright Color/ Line Work/Abstract Specialization

mariahbakertattoo @gmail.com

@mbakertattoo Instagram

mariahbakertattoo .com

Maura Parkes is a Pennsylvania-based artist who specializes in clean lines and a hand-poked stipple style of shading. She focuses her content on floral, fauna, skeletal, and botanical with a whimsical twist. She loves to add her illustrative style to anything naturally occurring ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of being a tattoo artist is permanently impacting someone’s life. With each tattoo, you are putting a living, breathing, moving piece of art on another human that will live on long past me. And with each tattoo, you get to learn about the person, their life, and how they ended up in your booth that day ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? The thing that initially sparked my interest in tattooing was seeing my moms from a young age. I was always fixated on them, even as a young child, and wanted to know how they got there and what it took to get some myself ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Getting an apprenticeship for me wasn’t as hard as I’ve heard it being for others. Everyone knew that my end goal was to be a tattoo

artist, so when a flyer was posted at my college, my roommate immediately brought it home to me. And since I had been wanting to do this for so long, my portfolio was already ready, and pretty much as soon as I talked to my previous mentor, I was hired. My apprenticeship was a very hands-off approach, which wasn’t really the best for me and my learning style. But I had a great group of other artists around me who taught me as much as they could, which helped me a lot in my journey ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? My main goal for the future of my career is to have a style and content so recognizable you undeniably know that it’s my work. And I always want to do bigger, better, and more creative things ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I’ve had a few bad tattooing experiences. Most of them included either drugs or micro-managers. Having a client who isn’t in the right headspace to get tattooed or having someone who doesn’t trust you is one of the hardest things to work around while trying to create something amazing ✕

MAURA PARKES

Medusa is a tattoo and mixed media artist born and raised in Chicago. She has been tattooing since 2016 but has been making art her entire life. She is self-taught in all mediums. Medusa specializes in fine-line illustrative tattoos. She also loves working on traditional and custom pieces. She is looking to work on pieces, both big and small.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of my inspiration from the book illustrations. I love the fine lines and classic look used in so many old greats like Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden. Chris Ridell’s illustrations are the ones I try most closely to achieve.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love being able to put art on people’s bodies that they can take with them forever. It feels good to know that even when my clients are having bad days, they have a little piece of happiness to take with them everywhere they go.

6 Years Tattooing Chicago, IL Location

Independent Artist Fineline/Aesthetic Specialization medusartist @gmail.com

@medusainclouds Instagram

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My favorite visual artists are Junji Ito, Bryan Lee Omalley, and Jamie Hewlett. Junji is a horror manga artist most known for Tomie and Uzumaki. Bryan Lee is the creator of Scott Pilgrim Vs the World. Jamie Hewlett does all the illustrations for the Gorillaz. My favorite tattoo artist is Oozy_tattoo on Instagram, hands down. I absolutely love his fineline pieces. They are so intricate and well done.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?

TAKE YOUR TIME! There is no rush to jump to people’s skin. Tattoos are permanent and should be treated like a sacred honor to permanently alter someone’s vessel. Practice as much as you can before you make that step because harm reduction is what’s ultimately the most important.

What’s your favorite subject matter to tattoo? I am absolutely obsessed with the mystical world beyond our imagination. I love doing fairies, bugs, and mystical creatures like brownies and elves! Anything whimsical and magical is right up my alley.

What shop are you working in? I am currently located at Red Devil Tattoo in Chicago! ✕

Mert is a multidisciplinary designer and artist. Before he started his career as a tattoo artist, he was an FX trader in one of the biggest banks in Turkey and began to do paintings as a hobby, inspired by the famous French painter Paul Gauguin. Some of his paintings were acquired by well-known influencers in Turkey and got published in Marie Claire Maison in April 2021. As a rising artist, he wanted to practice his art on the most precious canvas on earth, human skin. He then resigned from his 9 to 5 job in Turkiye and moved to New York to learn from the best artists in the world. He has been living in the city since 2020, turning tattoo design ideas into reality. He loves performing his art in diverse mediums, including digital art but mostly loves designing in geometric abstraction & contemporary style What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Research the artist and the studio: Before you get a tattoo, make sure you choose a reputable artist and studio. Check reviews, look at the artist’s portfolio to see if their style suits your taste, and make sure they follow proper hygiene practices

⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? At first, my family and friends were skeptical about my decision to pursue a career in the tattoo business. They were concerned about the stability of the industry and the risks associated with quitting a steady job. However, I explained to them how passionate I was about tattooing and how important it was for me to pursue my dream. I was determined and worked very hard to become successful and start a new path in my life. Even if it has been only a year, they’ve seen how much I love what I do and how talented I am, and they’ve been impressed with the quality of my work. Now, they give me all the support and encouragement, and It’s been a great feeling as I’ve built my career in the tattoo industry What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? It’s important for beginners to focus on mastering the fundamental techniques of tattooing, such as outlining, shading, and color blending. Once you have a solid foundation, you can then experiment with more advanced techniques and styles ✕

MIKEY CORMIER

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My father is an artist, and I would always see him doing cool murals in my younger years with oil pastels and acrylics— just the vibes he had for tunes; he was just in his element and was very gravitating.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Research your artist, and go that extra 10-15% on sizing cause why not!?, and listen to your aftercare instructions!

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were stoked that I finally was able to be given an opportunity to become successful enough to support myself in this industry which is all because of you all! Clients, readers, and followers on Insta or other social media platforms who know of me and share my artwork… wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for y’all!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Getting to create beautiful pieces for people that’ll last a lifetime.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? The vast amount of subject matter you can translate to neotrad, bold lines, thin lines, contrasting color blends, it’s just sick. Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?

For me, yeah, it took a minute, but I had a great mentor who was the only one who gave me a chance in Bangor, Maine, at Diversified Ink Rip Ed Sheffer.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)

Anything mean, basically, like no hate, racism, antisemitism, LGBTQ, etc., you can kick rocks, pal!

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing?

It’s constantly evolving every day, so I feel the future is already here with how convenient things can be for artists now.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Never stop learning. There’s always room for improvement. ✕

My name is Mike Reed, and I’ve been tattooing professionally for over 18 years. I apprenticed in 2004 under Anthony Hunter in Honolulu, Hawaii. I’ve since worked in San Diego and Daytona Beach, and I am currently at my shop of 10 years called Control Tattoo, in Titusville, FL ⸺ Who / where do you get your inspiration from? I’ve always been drawn to American traditional. I love how it looks, how the designs are drawn, and how it ages. There are way too many to list, so a few would be: Tato Andy, Sailor Jerry, Paul Rogers, Mike Malone, Bert Grimm, Dan Higgs, Ed Hardy, Eli Falconette, Billy Whitney, and Freddy Corbin ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t pick the ribs. Also, research the shop(s) you’re thinking of going to, check the artist’s work, and find someone who suits the style you’re into ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Traveling to different countries and getting to tattoo/meet people in those places What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always loved drawing

since I was a kid, so when I started getting tattooed, it wasn’t long before I was looking into how to start tattooing ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Mike Dorsey, Dan Higgs, Heather Bailey, Dusty Neal, Derek Noble, Holly Ellis, Kelly McLean, and Jason Vaughn, to name a few ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nothing racist, homophobic, transphobic, or gang-related. As far as body parts, I’m pretty open to wherever. It just depends on what design the client wants, whether I’ll agree to it or not. I don’t mind telling people no if I’m not comfortable with a certain design or style What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Hard to say; there seems to be an insane amount of new apprentices, especially over the last couple of years, so I think the industry, which is already saturated, is going to get even full. Unfortunately, this profession is a fad for a lot of the new people getting into it because of social media, so we’ll see how many last What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw and paint a lot ✕

MIKE REED

American and Japanese Traditional Specialization

Artist

I am Nathan Cartiel, 30 years old, and from Brooklyn, New York.

Since I was little, I focused on art in general, and I was always a fan of innovation.

I wanted to be a doctor like my older sister, and I was ready to go to college and then changed my plans; I went the way of art. This year in July, I will be tattooing for 10 years, and in reality, it has been a decade of much learning.

Recently my brand of needles (Cartiel Needles) just came out, I have been working on the project for three years, and it is finally on the market.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The freedom to organize my time at my convenience.

Do you have any other art mediums that you like? Oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolors, charcoal, graffiti, etc. I like oil paint and am currently working on some paintings.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t like tattooing fingers ✕

9 Years Tattooing

Astoria, NY Location

Independent Artist

B&G Realism Specialty

@tattoosbynathanc Instagram info @nathancartiel.com

NATASHA SANDRA

I am 25 years young, tattooing out of Headrush Tattoo in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My dream job in our shop started about three years ago when Headrush opened, but I have been a creative and independent artist since my younger years and throughout high school. I would love to become a traveling tattoo artist and do guest spots around the world ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from scrolling online on Instagram or from the things I look at in everyday life, such as objects, photos, plants, and patterns ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Try out a smaller tattoo before committing to something huge in a potentially overly painful spot that you may not be able to sit through and finish. Baby steps ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Most were supportive of it, and I was very excited ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Making the tattoo. I just find it so satisfying while I’m pulling lines and

shading stuff in ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Drawing throughout my life, and eventually getting my first tattoo when I was 15, covering more areas by the time I was 18 ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I was lucky enough to get 1/2 apprentice spots when our shop opened in 2021 ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I would never do a teardrop under the eye or male private parts ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I see a booming industry that is continually evolving. It’s nice to see our shop thriving ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I am fortunate enough to not have had a bad experience, but I would recommend doing research to ensure the artist is the right person for the style you want for your tattoo ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Slow down. Make sure you are reaching the right level of depth when pulling lines ✕

Martha Camacho, aka NebsiOne Latina and Femmale from Baja Califas MX based in Maryland, USA, started her tattoo carrier in 2009 after working in a few shops around the country and now owns TATTOO.AJES

DEL CORAZON, an allinclusive tattoo studio in College Park, MD, she also started sharing her knowledge and helping new artists with her apprentice program

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Life, nature, and people.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?

(A tattoo virgin) Make sure they know what they are getting tattooed; I always recommend getting a meaningful piece or something they really love so they won’t regret.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

Well, my brother was the only one who supported me at the beginning of my career. Once I started being successful, everyone changed their mind and started supporting me after I showed that this was not a joke but a career and lifestyle. Now everyone in the family is involved in the industry.

NEBSI ONE

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Making my clients happy. I love to see them smile after they look at their tattoos; that moment means everything to me, especially when I do a fix or cover. I am very thankful to be chosen and to be part of such an intimate moment that is changing that individual’s life in a good way.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Being a medium to bring someone’s idea/ expressions into life, and being part of a memory.

14 Years Tattooing College Park, MD Location

TATTOO.AJES DEL CORAZONE Owner/Artist

B&G/Painting Stroke Specialization

nebsiart @gmail.com @nebsione Instagram

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours?

Actually, it was. I never had one. I struggled a lot, but I found beautiful artists who helped me on the way

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)? Private areas & armpits.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Oh yes, I remember this girl scratching my arm while I was tattooing her throat.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be constant, listen to the advice of experienced tattoo artists, and do not give up. ✕

Connor Foley is a highlyskilled, award-winning artist from Colorado. Specializing in dark art, dark bio, and his own style of custom gothic bind runes, Connor’s work is unique and instantly recognizable. While Connor specializes in these styles, he is not limited to them and is very adept at many styles of art and tattooing ranging from American traditional to realism. Connor is the founder and owner of Vegvisir Body Art in Loveland, CO, and has traveled extensively, tattooing around the US and internationally. When not tattooing, he spends his time drawing, painting, woodworking, and metalsmithing, doing his best to further his skills and knowledge of art and craft.

Connor is currently sponsored by Blackwork Supply, Phucstyx Tattoo Supply, Peak Needles, the Saniderm Proteam.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I have always been drawn to tattoos, but I didn’t ever think about becoming a tattoo artist until I got my first tattoo. Once I saw the process up close, I became obsessed with learning more.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I think everyone had their reservations at first, but after a couple years and seeing how much I love it, everyone is now super supportive! I’m super grateful for that.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I’d say that the connection with the clients during a project is amazing. It’s so neat to get to know someone and their story as you tattoo them.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? That’s impossible. I have such a hard time ever choosing a favorite one I’ve ever done. I try and push myself with each tattoo, and with that, I usually end up liking the most recent one the most.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Like any artist, I just do my best. When inspiration hits, I run with it, and when motivation is lacking, I go searching for inspiration in books, movies, music, nature, etc.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I’m doing my best with that as well! I tend to get lost in work sometimes and

will end up taking on more than time allows. One of my goals and focuses for this year is to better balance my work and personal life while still being able to push myself further. ✕

NECRONOMICONNOR

WEATHERFORD, TX

OLD SOULS INK

Old Souls Ink was born as a simple dream for 2 crazy teenagers. Cameron and Stephanie, high school sweethearts, have shared a love and passion for tattoo art for 3 decades now. After studying art and architecture in college, Cameron joined the US Air Force, where he and Stephanie would spend 10 years traveling the world and visiting tattoo shops. Getting inked from country to country and getting to know shop owners and artists along the way became both passion and research.

Following his military service, Cameron joined Lockheed Martin as an F16 Engineer while Stephanie worked in the Insurance industry. They would spend their time raising 2 kids while Cameron would practice his art in the evenings. As the kids grew and prepared to leave home, the thought of opening that shop became more and more real. The two spent a year praying over the dream and praying for the guidance needed to bring that dream to life. Finally, in 2021, Cameron and Stephanie made the ultimate leap of faith and quit their corporate jobs. Old Souls Ink was established. A lifelong dream came to fruition just as they had planned it 30 years ago.

Old Souls Ink opened its doors in January of 2022 in Weatherford, Texas. The studio offers custom tattooing, permanent make-up, and

piercing in an upscale, professional, yet comfortably relaxing atmosphere. Old Souls Ink is a faith-based studio that focuses on providing a welcoming environment to all that choose to express their personal style in body art.

As a resident artist, Cameron now spends his days consulting with clients, drawing/designing, and tattooing. Stephanie manages the studio, serving as the initial point of contact for all clients while overseeing their entire body art experience. The studio is home to 4 amazing artists, an apprentice and permanent make-up artist, and a piercer. The first year of business brought in over 3,000 new clients, with even more expected in 2023. Area residents voted Old Souls Ink as Best of the Best of Parker County.

The pair, blessed beyond words, are truly living their dream, day in and day out. Not only do they work together to create a top-notch client experience at the studio, but they are also heavily involved in the community, directing half their profits to support local charities and non-profit organizations. Through their faith, sheer hard work, and determination, Cameron and Stephanie have realized a lifelong dream and look forward to a bright future in the industry. ✕

@oldsoulsink Instagram oldsoulsink @gmail.com

oldsoulsink.com

OLIVIA MENAS

Tattooing is the foundation of my life. I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be tattooed, but I never imagined I’d be on the other side of it as well. I’ve met my boyfriend and my best friends through tattooing and made my favorite memories because of it. It’s a bucket list goal of mine to make a tattoo in all 50 states.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Nature, music, movies, and other tattooers. I am a huge animal lover of all species. I also love horror movies, going to shows, and getting tattooed.

3 Years Tattooing

Pittsburgh, PA Location

Independent Artist

Pet Portraits and Traditional Specialization

digestedolive @gmail.com

@digestedolive Instagram

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family is pretty old school. Tattoos are for bikers and sailors. I think they initially worried I’d be involved with bad people and go down a bad path. They now realize it is a successful career and not just a rebellious phase.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? After I got my first tattoo, I was hooked. I wanted to be involved in any way I could.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes. I tried very hard to go the traditional route. I spent years trading work at shops under scumbags for nothing in return. My friend Isabel Hope then opened a shop and just kinda let me do my thing and helped as much as she could. I personally think tattooing is something you have to figure out on your own. A mentor can hand you every single piece of knowledge, but ultimately, you are the one who has to put in the work and learn by trial and error.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Not strictly. I prefer to not tattoo areas I have yet to get tattooed on myself. I think that is an important part of the process.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Many. Both getting tattooed and tattooing. I would find it very hard to believe someone hasn’t.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get tattooed. A lot. The most important things I’ve learned came from getting tattooed by others. ✕

PIERRE LOTUSONYX BUSTOS

Born in NYC. Started tattooing at age 13. Never looked back ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I always loved art… tattooing was thrown at me ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? It just fell into my lap… my apprenticeship was old school and hard, but it helped build my work ethic Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I’m inspired by my coworkers and friends. Also, living in NYC, there is inspiration all around me ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They hated it but now love it ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The freedom to design my art ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I’ll do just about anything. I don’t judge ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I have, but I just block it out of my mind How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? The industry is

constantly changing; I stay open and am in a constant search to grow and learn new and more efficient techniques ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? So much has changed that I don’t even know anymore ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I enjoy the design process and being able to take my client’s ideas and make them my own ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? I don’t have a favorite…. I continuously fall in love with my recent work How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? I have no choice my constant effort to grow as an artist is what keeps me going Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? There are way too many to discuss… I’d have to write a book ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? As much as I try, I have no balance. My work is very hard on my loved ones. I love, eat, and breathe my work ✕

Owner and artist at Clanton Street Tattoos recognized for skills in drawing, animation, and detailed tattooing. He was raised in West Raleigh, NC, where he is still actively involved in his community. He looks to be able to encourage and inspire his community through acts of service and artwork.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was initially inspired by my surroundings, and being able to find a craft would allow me to utilize my talents without changing who I am.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? Apprenticeships are difficult to find, let alone do. I appreciated the process a lot more after the process, though. I was rejected a lot and ultimately didn’t receive any help until I was able to show that I was serious. And looking back, I can appreciate that.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing clients’ faces when they see the finished product. They can be the most dog cline ever, but when I see how much they appreciate the art, it makes it worth it.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Anything that doesn’t spark my interest, I’m not doing. And it’s not to be rude; I really like it’s being helpful. I wouldn’t want anyone doing a tattoo on me that they don’t want to do.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Way too many to list. But I can say I’ve learned a lesson from every single one. And it’s made myself and my business operate better.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Aim high. Set a goal that’s high and aim straight for it. It’s easy to get comfortable in this business. But the industry advances so fast, you’ll look up, and you’re not where the industry is. And it is hard to play catch up.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? Hearing stories. Seeing development. I have clients who I’ve tattooed on their 18th

10 Years Tattooing Raleigh, NC Location

Clanton Street Tattoos Owner/Artist Non-Specific Specialization

clantonstreetbooking @gmail.com @clantonstreetp Instagram

birthday and have been able to see them grow into their careers and even get married and have children. So some of the relationships I’ve gained are what I enjoy.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? That it’s easy work. It’s a 24/7 job. And very physically and mentally taxing. ✕

“CLANTON STREET P”

PIERRE JOHNSON

Tyler Larrabee (Pink Pessimist) is a tattoo artist of 8 years located in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah. He has worked under some of the best artists in the state, allowing him to gain the knowledge to create a name for himself and craft a style all of his own you won’t find anywhere else in Utah ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I’ve had plenty of overly nitpicky clients, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to some stories I’ve heard ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get a legit apprenticeship, market yourself endlessly, work conventions, and stay humble ⸺ How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? I think we’re already in the middle of a massive evolution in the industry. TikTok / reels are the biggest way to market yourself now, and all you can do is adapt or fade away. You have to put so much more thought into your content creation now ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have

about the tattooing industry? I think most commonly would be how much work they can get done in a day; you’re not getting a full sleeve in one sitting. And if you are, it’s probably not going to be very good ⸺ What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I’m blown away every day that I get to create art for a living, and I love that people trust me enough to put it on their bodies forever. Creating something special for a client, especially something like a memorial piece, and seeing their reaction at the end is always the highlight of the day ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? It took some time to work out, but I’ve worked it out to where I split my days in the month pretty evenly between work and taking care of personal responsibilities ⸺ How did you come up with the name Pink Pessimist? I’ve always been drawn to contrasting names for movies, bands, or whatever it may be. Something happy, something dark. Pink is a bright, fun color, and obviously, a pessimist is negative and dark. And I feel like it’s a pretty catchy name ✕

PINK PESSIMIST

Neon Grave Tattoo Owner/Artist Midvale, UT Location 8 Years Tattooing

Born in Redlands, California raised in West Denver, Colorado. Learned how to tattoo from my mentor Stoke Lucero. Grew up with a graffiti and art background, so I was always inspired by all aspects of art. Opened Nocturnal and started my marathon from there.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Too many to mention; my big bro Flaks 32G, my mentor Stoke Lucero my good friend Motive also, Norm (Rip), plus many more.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Just tell them to pick what they want, and who cares what others have to say!

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They supported me wholeheartedly on my journey.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Meeting all walks of life and always creating.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Art was always a big part of my life.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? When I got mine, it was tough getting into any shop.

Mine wasn’t bad. It kept me well-grounded and pushed me to remain humble and grind hard.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)

I absolutely don’t do any political tattoos.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Robots; not sure, but the industry is always growing, so I’m sure we will see things we haven’t seen before.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? One time I placed a stencil on a guy, and he passed out, hitting everything on the way down in a full shop. Didn’t get to tattoo cause he was super embarrassed, but that was pretty bad.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Grind hard and remain humble. Also, stay hungry! ✕

RAY JIMENEZ

10+ Years Tattooing Lakewood, CO Location

Nocturnal Tattoo 2 Owner / Artist Neotrad / Lettering Specialization jimenezray2k @gmail.com @ratedgunz Instagram

RHONA MCBAIN

All of my artwork focuses on the body, so creating tattoos seemed like a natural extension of my illustrative style. Most days, you can find me at Odd Animals Ink in Pittsburg, KS; I will either be making my own artwork or creating a new piece with a client Who / where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from many different places - from fine art, nature, and pop culture, to whatever crazy ideas my clients walk in with ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I think the most important thing is researching an artist and their shop to make sure you’re comfortable with them. Ensuring that the style of your tattoo idea aligns well with your artists’ specialties can also take your tattoo from cool to extraordinary ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I went from a university professor and art department chair to a full-time tattoo artist. This was a shock for many in my family,

but those who were closest to me were excited and encouraged me to make the jump ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love the collaborative challenge of taking a client’s original idea and elevating it beyond their wildest expectations What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve wanted to tattoo since I got my first one at 16 ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) The scale of most of my tattoos naturally excludes certain areas of the body, which are simply too small for the type of work I do ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? There are many things evolving quickly in this industry, including technological advances or how information is readily available for clients - and it’s exciting to think about how artists will be able to grow using new, creative means What is your goal in the industry? Be open to learning from as many people as you can, from both good and bad experiences. ✕

I’ve been in the tattoo industry since 2002. I soldered needles and assembled machines myself. I know ALMOST everything about tattooing.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

The turning point was the movie ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ with Clooney. At the end of the film, it was as if he personally called me into the world of tattooing.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? For the most part, I had to learn everything on my own. Of course, I encountered tattoo artists who helped me, but it was rare. So, I made a lot of mistakes and errors.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) The most important thing is to choose your master and trust them completely.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They are very proud of me.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I’m 21 years on the stage, believe me, I have so many stories that I could fill a good part of your magazine with such stories.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? The best tattoo is always in the process of being made, it’s still not finished, but the next one is already started. They were all in the place of a beloved tattoo. And every new tattoo will go through the same journey.

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? The biggest problem in 2002 was the lack of a large volume of information freely available. It was difficult to find good tattoo equipment. Everything else was fairly easy.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I’m pretty good at this; I have a son, a wife, and a bunch of friends. When you love your work, you don’t get tired of it. Perhaps that’s the secret to achieving the perfect balance.

Do you often go to international tattoo conventions? How many awards do you have? About 40 awards. I like the spirit of competition and, of course, the feeling of being the best among many.

How many conventions have you attended in total? Throughout my career, I’ve been to 26 tattoo conventions. ✕

21 Years

Tattooing

Traveling Artist Location

Module Owner/Artist B&G/Color Realism Specialization rinattattarin @gmail.com @rinattattarin Instagram r inattattarin .com

RINAT TATTARIN

ROBERT WALSH

Hey everyone, I’m Rob! Been tattooing for about 4 years now, and I work at Sadfam in Orlando, FL specializing in anime and neotraditional tattoos ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? So, funny enough, I never thought I’d get a tattoo; I ended up getting my first with a friend I had a crush on because she had asked me to go, and I immediately fell in love with the vibes and atmosphere of the shop. After that day, I knew I had to find a way to be part of the industry ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Without a doubt, it’s being able to help people feel more comfortable in the skin they’re in; seeing people overjoyed at art I created for them that’s on them forever is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t change that feeling for a thing ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I feel like if you’re a tattooer and you haven’t had a bad experience yet, then you’re a unicorn; I’ve had a few. I would say the one that stands out the most is the tattoo that gave me a migraine so intense that I ended up calling out of work the next day ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw, and

draw often. Find five artists you like and break down their work. Pick what you like and don’t like and start to formulate your style. Create a social media presence early, it sucks, but it’s a necessary evil nowadays. And most importantly, have fun! Not everyone gets to do this; enjoy the ride! ⸺ How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Honestly, the people I work with are responsible for that, they motivate me day in and day out to improve, and they’re always willing to help me learn something new to improve my work. They are some of my biggest inspirations, and it’s crazy I get to work with them ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? Ah, man, there’s been a good amount, not knowing if I’d keep my apprenticeship after my mentor was fired, that shop closing, and then being taken in by a shop in Ft. Pierce only for that to close down as well and then being sent to another shop without having a whole lot of knowledge in what I was doing, all while working two other jobs and trying to make ends meet. But hey, the struggles honestly just make you appreciate the good times more; I’m happy I went through them ✕

RONNIE ROBLES

Originally from Los Angeles, California, I moved to Arizona in 2003. I’ve been tattooing for 16 years now but didn’t start working in a tattoo shop until 2015. That’s when I consider myself to have become an actual tattoo artist. I picked it up late in life; I was in my mid-thirties when I first touched a tattoo machine. I’m older than many of my peers, but I’m still young in the game and feel like I have a long way to go ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve been into tattooing since I was a kid making homemade machines and drawing flash designs. I’ve been an artist all my life, and I’ve followed the tattoo scene for as long as I can remember. I grew up near the original Good Time Charlie’s in East L.A. Those guys were tattoo Gods to me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The challenge. It’s not easy, and every canvas is different. Sometimes I’m sweating; sometimes, I’m holding my breath. No other art medium that I’ve done is that stressful ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to

the art of tattooing? Keep going. Someone put that in my head a long time ago. There are moments in a tattoo when I have found myself struggling. That’s when I remind myself of those words. Keep going. I remind myself that I’m an artist. That I know what I’m doing. And I keep going ⸺ Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? I went through a difficult divorce at a time when my career was moving in a good direction. I felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me. It was hard to recover from. I also opened my shop during Covid, and that came with various challenges ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? God always seems to work out my schedule perfectly. I’m a single Dad, and I have my own shop. I work only by appointment, so I’m able to keep my son active with sports and jiu-jitsu ⸺ Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years? I have some really big things coming in my personal life that I feel are going to propel my career ✕

Hi! My name is Rosemary. I’m 20 years old and grew up in Richmond, California. After graduating high school early, I moved to Washington State. My original goal was to become a 3D environmental artist for video games, but I quickly fell in love with the art of tattooing. I began my tattoo journey in the fall of 2021. I specialize in kawaii/ anime tattoos and opened up a private studio with my business partner Frankie Rabbit in March 2022.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My go-to for inspiration is to bust out my watercolor paints and watch Studio Ghibli films. The music and art style is my absolute favorite, especially when it comes down to environmental art and character design.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Have patience and do a lot of research beforehand! If you rush into things and find a random artist without looking at their portfolio, there’s a high chance you’ll regret your tattoo.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Connecting with clients on a 1v1 level, whether we talk about home life or anime, I’m always down for a nice conversation. I also love seeing how happy my clients are after we finish up with a tattoo.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was inspired by a fineline artist I absolutely love! She talked about how there weren’t many women in the industry, talked about body positivity, and was able to give permanent art that would make people feel better about themselves. I decided to dive in and got into tattooing. Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yes! Apprenticeships are very difficult; mine definitely wasn’t ideal. The shop owner I worked for wasn’t even a tattoo artist themselves; they basically drained everyone for money.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I won’t tattoo fingers, necks, and private areas.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? New techniques, equipment, and so much more!

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Never give up! Take it slow and push through to improve your skill. ✕

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, InkedbyX is a fully licensed professional tattoo artist who currently works out of Rebel Muse Tattoo in Dallas, Texas. Xavier has been focused on black and grey realism/micro realism since 2019 with a client-first mentality. His main focus is to truly capture the vision his clients’ request and bring their vision to fruition. There is no project too big or too small for him. Regardless of the design, execution, and attention to detail are among his main priorities ⸺ What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? One of the most common misconceptions of the tattoo industry is that we are all the same. I think sometimes, unfortunately, people may have had a negative experience with an artist and carry that “PTSD” (post-tattoo stress disorder” into their future appointments. They carry this wall up because they may have felt pressured or unheard of in a previous appointment. Tattoo artists are some of the nicest people I have ever met! ⸺ Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? My favorite tattoo that I have ever done would definitely be my graduation tattoo

on my mentor David Luna. For graduation from my apprenticeship, he bought me a “Sol Nova Unlimited.” The only thing he required was that I was the first person I used it on. That was a very special moment for me, and I will never forget it Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? One of the biggest challenges I have ever faced was moving to such a high-caliber shop as Rebel Muse Tattoo-Dallas in my first year of being licensed. All of the other artists in the shop had 3x more experience than me, and I was very intimidated. But I think that being in such an uncomfortable position really pushed me to bring my A-game every day. I am thankful for that ⸺ How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? I think every day is a new challenge. Just this past year, I had my first son and got engaged!! One thing that has really helped me balance my lifestyle is being more disciplined. Not eating so much junk food, working out, not spending hours on the Xbox. I had to make some sacrifices, but it was definitely worth every minute ✕

Fineline

SCISSOR TAIL TATTOO COMPANY

IL

Scissortail Tattoo Company was established by United States Army veteran Brian Reeves in 2018. As an Oklahoma native, born and raised, Brian set out to create a shop that showcased his love for his home state as well as his love of art. Brian is joined by his former apprentice RJ Potter, who has been at Scissortail Tattoo since day one, and fellow U.S. Army veteran Leroy Robertson. Together the three of them take pride in contributing to and furthering the tattoo community. Since its inception, Scissortail Tattoo Company has become a second home to some of

the state’s top artists and continues to be a place for the next generation of artists to learn and hone their skills. With over four decades of combined experience, you are guaranteed to receive a great tattoo in any style. The Scissortail family is always looking forward to meeting and helping new clients. So come see anyone of Scissortail Tattoo Company’s awardwinning artists for your new tattoo and have an experience that you will never forget. ✕

Brian Reeves Owner/Artist

RJ Potter Leroy Robertson Resident Artists

CHICAGO,

Artist

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I am very inspired by good music. Also, sports or outdoor activities help me. Firstly, it charges, and secondly, it unloads the head well ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Confirm a tattoo idea in your head first, and find an artist who makes a style you like and matches your expectations. Take a look at healed works. And let an artist do his work and trust his/her vision ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was skeptical at the beginning of my way. But later and now I’m getting from them a huge support ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I do really love the process of tattooing portraits. I like to convey the volume of objects, detailing different elements, and, of course, the facial expressions and emotions of portraits. High-quality and contrasting realism looks very impressive

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I’ve studied by myself without any masterclasses or special education. I have been drawing portraits with a pencil for two years since I started tattooing. I’ve found the answers to almost everything on the Internet. I’m still learning from the artists I work with and getting helpful advice if I need it. I improve my skills every day, and this is the way without the endpoint Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I prefer to work on arms and legs for the best portrait result without distortion ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? In my view, globally, nothing will change. Tattoo styles will replace each other and become fashionable (I hope realism portraits will be on top one day). Tattoo machines will be improved technically and make the life of a tattoo artist easier. Artificial intelligence is already helping and facilitating the process of creating a sketch, especially for realism style. ✕

SHANE JOHNSON

I enjoy big, bold line work and black and grey realism. I have three children, 7, 10, 13. I work at Art 1st Custom Tattoos located in Weatherford, TX. I began tattooing because everyone said I couldn’t, so I decided to prove them wrong. I live by the motto, “passion over profit.”

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Chris Azua. Shop Owner & Artist.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure to do your research; too many fakes out in the industry today. If the artist won’t do custom work... GET OUT.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? 50/50 on support and telling me to get a real job.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Turning someone’s vision into a badass tattoo.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? The ability to create.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I did not follow the typical apprenticeship; I started in my house and taught myself until I was good enough to be seen and offered a spot at a shop. Once I got my shot, I never looked back.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t tattoo below the belt at all.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? If we can keep the fakes and the people who take advantage of the industry, I think the future looks bright and full of opportunity.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Honestly, no, I have been blessed with good clients.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Stay patient, focus, and learn, stay motivated. Don’t allow money to motivate you. Don’t let the stress GET TO YOU. ✕

5 Years Tattooing Weatherford, TX Location Independent Artist Black & Grey and Neo Traditional Specialization jshane1294 @gmail.com @Jshanetattoo22 Instagram

My name is Shane Jones. I’m 34 years old, and I’ve been tattooing for about four years now. I work at a shop called Nice Ink, owned by Joe Ball. What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research. There is no reason why a tattoo artist shouldn’t have examples of their tattooing available online for people to look at.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family is very supportive. I think my family is happy that I’ve found a career that I love, even if some of them aren’t crazy about tattoos.

What do you enjoy most about tattooing and working with clients? I really love making a good tattoo, pulling clean lines, and executing whatever type of shading gets me in a zone of focus where I like to be. It’s also pretty cool to see someone get super excited to see their new tattoo, too; that always makes me happy to see.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? That is a really hard question. There are so many tattoos that I love doing. One tattoo that comes to mind is a traditional geisha that I did on a friend of mine, it was a fun time, and I love the tattoo.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? I have to remember that art is about having fun. It is possible for me to get burnt out when designing, and sometimes I need to take a break from a design and come back with a new perspective.

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? I sometimes struggle with being too hard on myself. When tattooing or even designing, there is always something that I could have done differently, but that doesn’t mean that what I did is wrong.

How do you balance the demands of being a successful artist with your personal life? This probably isn’t what people want to hear, but I don’t really have much of a personal life besides my tattoo career and doing what I need to do in order to keep a healthy body and mind. I feel fulfilled, so I’m ok not having time for much else, I guess.

Do you have any pets? Yes! I have two lovely cats named Snuggles and Theodore. ✕

SHANE JONES

4 Years Tattooing Canonsburg, PA Location

Independent Artist American Trad/B&G Specialization smichaeljones @gmail.com

@shane.ink Instagram

SIDESHOW DANNY

Hi, I’m Sideshow Danny! Originally from New Orleans, LA now living and working mainly out of Nashville, TN. I am a full-time tattoo artist as well as a professional circus performer. I also have an extensive history in the horror/haunt industry, working as an actor and SFX makeup artist. I have been tattooing full-time for about 4 years now, but I have grown up being around the industry my whole life. I mainly specialize in black and grey realism and heavy color Neo traditional. But LOVE doing anything horror related! When I’m not juggling or slinging tattoos, I love to just be around friends and family! ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My mother will always be my biggest inspiration in anything I do! I also pull a lot of inspiration from people I look up to in this industry, such as Colby Hunter, Timmy B, Thomas Hunt, Ulysses Blair, and Evan Qualls, just to name a few ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) The best advice I could give is just BREATHE, and relax. It all starts in your head, so once you calm

your mind, the tattoo will go smoothly! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Everyone around me has been so supportive of my tattoo endeavors. I wouldn’t be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for the amazing support and love from family and friends! Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I had a rough time getting an apprenticeship; technically, I think I went through 3 different apprenticeships before getting signed off. But I never had a mentor, so to speak. I learned by watching, asking questions, and applying myself day in and day out! ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I believe it’s just going to keep growing, keep getting bigger and bigger. So much has changed within just the past 5 years, so I’m excited to see where it goes from here! ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Stay true, take all the knowledge you can get in, and just have fun with it!

Artist

SKALLEYWAG

Hi, my name is Brandon, and I’m Skalleywag. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and I’ve been tattooing for a little over 5 years now. I’m currently located in beautiful Huntsville, AL, at The Platinum Koi Tattoo Studio. Home of the Huntsvegastattooexpo!

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from life and the strong men and women around me. I would like to think that I draw my inspiration with color from the era I came from, but who knows.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Trust your artist. All great relationships are built on trust. Check them out, and if you decide to work with the artist, trust them. If you can’t trust the artist, find one you can.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family thought I was crazy, and my friends thought it was on.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Building a great relationship with the people I get to work with is the best part. When you have a great relationship with your client, it really does come through in the art. Something magical happens.

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Getting my apprenticeship was never really a question, just a state of mind. When I got it, I had a red pencil and a micron tucked behind my ear, boy I thought I knew some things.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I try to welcome everyone with an attitude of yes! With that being said, if I feel like there is a better fit for the client, I will direct them toward that artist based on respect alone.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I thought tattooers were wizards, and I wanted to be just like them. I still do.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the creative process and side of tattooing will continue to evolve and grow exponentially. I also think that big money has taken notice of our craft, and they want in.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Practice patience. Collaborate often. Learn to thirst for the tough critiques. Your mentors matter ✕

5 Years Tattooing Huntsville, AL Location Independent Artist B&G realism/ Color surrealism Specialization

thehandsomedeviltattoos @gmail.com

@skalleywagtattooer Instagram handsomedeviltattoos .com

He is an immigrant from Laos and is always willing to learn and develop within the industry. Most importantly he describes himself as a family man ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I fell in love with art and tattoos at a young age. What really sparked my interest is being able to put my artwork on somebody, especially a memorable piece that has so much value to them What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? At first, they weren’t supportive. They worried that it might be a waste of time and not a good career choice. It took my trials and tribulations to prove to them that passion and hard work got me to where I’m at today. I was able to build my own shop and follow my dreams. They are very proud of my accomplishment now. What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of my job is being able to put my artwork on somebody and see their expressions after the work is done. When

Artist THE TATTOO INDUSTRY 121

Bounvongxay

Co-owner/artist at Golden Dragon Tattoo in Fargo, ND, specializing in different types of tattoos, ex: Black & grey, Japanese, color, and watercolor. Over the years he has garnered some recognition/awards with over 14 years in the industry.

Born in Connecticut and raised by a pack of wild cigarettes. Lover of dogs and animals. My time is usually spent at the shop tattooing and coaching the younger tattoo artists on the “ways of the road” Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from a lot of tattoo artists and painters. I like using natural elements in my tattoos to bring a feeling of organics to my pieces. I’m usually going for a more dramatic style which a few painters have used on their canvases, and I am trying to bring that wow factor to the skin ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be realistic about what you want to get. Have an idea of the style you’d like. Do your research on artists familiar with the style of tattooing you’d like. Also, don’t be impatient. Creating art takes time, and the better the artist, the more likely they are booked up for a few weeks at a time ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was always

hanging around the shop before I was granted an apprenticeship. I was sitting at a coffee shop, and my friend who owned a studio called me and asked if id like to work the counter of his shop. I accepted, and that’s how my story started Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I’ve had a few bad tattooing experiences. The worst was a client that vomited in my booth. They felt queasy and must not have prepared properly for such a large tattoo. It’s part of the game; some pass out, and some vomit ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? You’ll get out of tattooing as much as you’re willing to give up for the art ⸺ What keeps you progressing and getting better? Seeing so many great artists out there doing such cool tattoo Why did you open your shop? This town I’m in was in need of a high-end tattoo and piercing studio focused on the client’s comfort and needs ✕

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YOU’LL GET OUT OF TATTOOING AS MUCH AS YOU’RE WILLING TO GIVE UP FOR THE ART

My name is Tattoo Red. I have been tattooing for 13 years, specializing in black and grey realism/portraits. I’m from Tampa, Florida.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were very supportive. So much so that they would let me practice on them. My family was also supportive, especially my mom.

LOVE YOU, MOM!!!!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of my job is getting to tattoo celebrities/ athletes and then getting to see my pieces on the big screen.

Artist

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was always interested in art, but I felt like it was kinda nerdy. So once I got introduced to tattooing, I was like, this is the rockstar version of art.

Who are your favorite artists? I have a lot of favorite artists, but Fernie Andrade, Gabriel Gonzalez, and Chicano Ace are on my top.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing?

I think in the future of tattooing, the use of an anesthetic could be more common, which would make for a more clean and intricate tattoo.

TATTOO RED

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I had a girl come in for her first tattoo. We agreed on doing a half sleeve. After 4 hours of tattooing, she began to scream and cry. She insisted on completing the tattoo. She then hysterically cried for 3 more hours until completing. But she got it done, so respect to her.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself possibly opening my own storefront tattoo shop. I would like to tattoo overseas, also.

Who is someone that you would ideally like to tattoo, and what would it be? Someone I would like to tattoo would probably be Drake. The tattoo would be either a whole torso piece or a full black and grey realistic sleeve.

Have you ever had an uncomfortable experience tattooing someone? My most uncomfortable experience with tattooing was when I had to tattoo a woman’s undercarriage, and she wasn’t properly groomed. It was one of the quickest tattoos I’ve ever done. ✕

13 Years Tattooing

Tampa, FL Location

Independent Artist

B&G Realism/ Portraits Specialization tattoor3d @gmail.com

@officialtattoored Instagram

My name is Gabriel, I’m from Argentina, and since 2021 I’ve been living in Miami. I started tattooing in 2007 when I moved to Europe, then in 2010 returned to Argentina and had two shops; I have participated in more than 40 tattoo conventions around the world and multiple guest spots in Latin America and Europe. Currently, I am a resident artist at Tattoology Lounge in Miami.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

The initial spark was the tattoos themselves; after getting some in 1995, I told myself I could also do this; my first try was with a homemade machine on my brother in 1995 but it took me a few more years to meet the machine again.

Artist

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship?

How was yours? My apprenticeship was not hard because at the time of starting tattooing, I already had 8 years of piercing experience in a tattoo shop, so it happened naturally.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration was the old tattoo magazines, many tattoo artists, Escher, graphic design, and travel.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Back in the day, tattoos were not as accepted as today; at first, my family hesitated, but they quickly accepted it and always supported me.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Tattoos, sharing with friends and clients, traveling, and working.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry? In the past, tattooing was not well seen, which today can still be bad for some people, but over the years, it is more accepted.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an artist? Inspiration is a roller coaster; I’ve always been motivated to tattoo.

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career as a tattoo artist? The only challenge was to be a better tattoo artist, luckily I had opportunities to share my work in tattoo shops and conventions. ✕

16 Years

Tattooing

Miami, FL Location

Independent Artist

Dotwork Geometric/ Ornamental Specialization

tattoosxgabriel @hotmail.com

@tattoosxgabriel Instagram

Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours?

I wouldn’t say it was hard getting an apprenticeship, but it was hard finding a shop with great artists and a place I could vibe with. Almost 4 years later, of hard work and learning, I’m still at the same shop, Victorum Tattoo, in Scottsdale! ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t rush it! Your tastes and styles will change over time, so really be sure it’s something you want ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Getting the chance to do something that pushes me as an artist. I love doing realism and lettering What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Take your time! Find other artists who you think tattoo the best and study their work Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you’ve ever done? My favorite tattoo I’ve had so far was actually on my wife. It was a side-of-leg piece and took about 9 hours to complete ✕

VICTOR DEL FUEYO

Born in Leon (Spain). After finishing his artistic studies in engraving, he started tattooing; at the same time that he had other jobs, such as construction worker and barman. As soon as he realized he could be a full-time tattoo artist, he left everything behind to pursue his dream ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I feel very inspired by science fiction (movies & literature), fantasy cinema, manga & comics, science, architecture, and conceptual art ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would recommend to trust completely the artist they’ve chosen and their advice. Also, be relaxed and enjoy the process ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They didn’t understand at first as it was something not very common years ago. But when they saw how passionate I was about this form of art, they supported me 100% What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love that this work allows me to travel to a lot of different places where I can meet incredible artists and learn

a lot about their culture. I get a lot of inspiration from my travels ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always been passionate about different forms of art, like film, photography, music, and drawing. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and I find the skin a very interesting canvas with a lot of possibilities Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I would never do any tattoos on private areas or any idea I’m not happy about ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The most important advice I can give to anyone is to draw a lot and try to do it every day, to be consistent, and to keep trying ⸺ Which trip inspired you the most? I remember two in particular. My visit to the Artic Circle in Sweden, where I could see the northern lights, and my first visit to New York City ⸺ Who inspired you to start drawing? My grandfather, the father of my mom Do you want to add anything else? I want to send love to my wife Yaiza, my family in Spain, and all my friends around the world. ✕

We are a private tattoo studio located in downtown Houston.

Who or where do you get your inspiration from? I first got inspired by my father, and I now get motivated by those around me. My immediate crew working together every day inspires me to keep pushing and creating all under the same roof.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I never intended to pursue tattooing as a career. I was in junior college and had a full-time job as a manual lathe machinist. As an artist, I wanted to try a new medium for fun. After one year of tattooing, I decided

to do it full-time to give it my all and see where it could take me if I perfected the craft. I’ve been here ever since.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My father, Marcos Torres, was the main reason. I would watch him draw and tattoo back in 199495. He would even draw temporary tattoos on me with a Bic pen, and I felt like the coolest kid. Some of my earliest memories were tattoo related; I’ve been around it my whole life. He never really wanted me to tattoo because he preferred I study to earn a degree. He was very adamant that I stick to the college route, but one day he called me and asked if I knew anyone that wanted a tattoo. I knew the perfect crash dummy. My dad ended up setting me up and then watched over me, and I haven’t stopped since.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? You have to hustle and work hard every day. In order to become a great artist, you have to practice and ask questions. Get your basics down, and then get out of your comfort zone to push your artistic ability. Take on bigger projects, and don’t pigeon hole yourself. Don’t be self-conscious; take pride in yourself and your work, and market yourself with full confidence. Never give up because it’s very rewarding when you figure most of it out.

One last thing is to do this because you enjoy it, not because you want to get in it for the money. Tattooing is sacred and an unexplainable bond; it should never be exploited but rather respected as it gives us everything we have. ✕

12 Years

Tattooing Houston, TX Location

It Always Hurts Tattoo Owner/Artist

italwayshurtstattoo @gmail.com @elvatovito Instagram

VITO

I’m a Venezuelan tattoo artist based in South Carolina since 2021, with 13 years of experience. I’m well versed in all styles, though my favorites are realism and surrealism, where I can utilize my knowledge of black and grey, color blending, and soft shading ⸺ Who or where do you get your inspiration from? Watching Robert Hernandez and Nico Hurtado’s artwork, also Axel Lopez, Yomico Moreno, and Elio Hernandez from Venezuela ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you won’t regret what you’re about to get. It’s better to get something with significant meaning to you. Also, be cautious about the size of a first tattoo to help ensure it’s a fun experience ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When the clients trust me to have creative freedom and let me incorporate my personal style, I also enjoy when the clients look at their finished piece and say, “you’ve exceeded my expectations.” That makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? I’m self-taught. Learning everything by myself was difficult but worth it. Apprenticeships are hard, too, because nowadays, it’s almost impossible to start in a shop without a completed apprenticeship ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I would prefer not to tattoo fingers, private areas, designs that are offensive, or places where the integrity of the tattoo won’t last over time ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? A technology take over. Better equipment that allows for more detail and comfort for new and old-school artists, and also design tools that take our art to a whole new level ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be passionate. Forget about the money; practice every single day. Push yourself, and don’t feel frustrated if your first tattoos aren’t what you expected. Look up to people who you admire and study their techniques. ✕

(THE_MARRA)

Anton Martiushev

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? Listen to the tattoo artist, and look ahead; be as demanding as possible about the quality of the tattoo.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I like to surpass myself in tattooing; it is like a competition with myself.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Yes, I don't get tattoos on my face; a lot of people regret it after a while.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? At the beginning of the journey, each tattoo I did was unsuccessful, but the main thing is to continue to pursue your goal.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don't be afraid to experiment, be optimistic and impudent in life, and tear your soul for a dream, and it will definitely come true! When you want to give up, remember what you started for.

How do you see the tattooing industry evolving in the coming years, and how do you plan to stay relevant and adapt to those changes? I think the tattoo industry is developing very fast. Even now, it's not enough to just have a very highquality tattoo. In the future, you will need to place high importance on originality and creativity to make sure your tattoos are different from other tattoos.

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about the tattooing industry?

Most people who have just entered the tattoo industry begin teaching other people after only a short period of time; I think this is a big misconception.

Can you tell us about your favorite tattoo that you've ever done? I like to do portraits, images from movies, horror, etc. It’s hard to impress me because of my good eye. Therefore, I try to bring something new that I haven't seen before into every tattoo that I do a tattoo.

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you've faced in your career as a tattoo artist? When I first started, there was not enough information about the tattoo process. There was a very small selection of tattoo staff as well. It's great that now there are more things available. ✕

Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation Location

8 Years Tattooing Independent Artist B&G Realism Specialization ant0207 @mail.ru @the_marra_ Instagram

ALL.THINGS.INK!

Women tattoo artists have been rocking the industry, and this issue’s featured artist Sasha Masiuk, also known as Sashatattooing, is one of the shining stars! Her floral/dotwork/finelinestyle tattoos are just breathtaking, and she’s gained a huge following worldwide. It’s amazing how these talented women are challenging the old norms and creating safe spaces for people to express themselves freely through tattoos. Sasha’s creativity and innovation have really set her apart, and she’s breaking down gender stereotypes along the way. But she’s not the only one–there are so many other badass women tattoo artists making their mark and shaping the modern tattoo culture. Inspiring to the next generation of artists for sure! ✕

Raymond Perkins Publisher