Tattoo Industry Magazine Issue 19: Chad Tepper

“Designs don’t really speak to me as much as the moment”

Where do you get your tattoo ideas?

CHAD TEPPER

#19

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW M. GLEASON ALL.THINGS.INK!

Family Members Receive

Deeply discounted product pricing

Starting at 50% off retail for 24pcs

A listing on our website as one of our locations

Early access to exclusive product releases

Monthly exposure to our network of over five million

HOW TO GET STARTED.

As a tattoo based brand the top question we get daily is “Where can I get a tattoo in my city?”

Our website has a new locations page with a shop locator. Its goal is to offering our thousands of customers a place where they can find your store's listing and get an awesome tattoo.

GET INVOLVED!

Our product bundles are each made up of 24 products, including a wide array of:

— T-shirts

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Bundle customization is available. Browse our website for the full design range.

Upon completion, your business will be added to thetattooindustry. com/locations. That way when we direct people to you they can get a shirt on the way out after a great tattoo!

MARIYAH (AKA BLUEE)

An independent tattoo artist, Mariyah is three years into her journey. She also splits her time as a high school special education and art teacher. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 and enjoys reading, video games, and painting. She has been an artist for 10 years with works on various mediums, which influences her love for all art and tattoo styles. She is best known for her line work, B&G, and color work and takes great interest in designs that incorporate all three styles into unique floral-centered pieces. However, she is a well-rounded artist who is mastering several techniques, including color realism, script, traditional and neo-traditional. As an independent artist, she prides herself in creating a safe and inclusive space for women, LGBTQIA, and POC in her studio ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Generally, research research, research! There is always an artist out there for you, don’t settle for cheap, save up for someone who will give you what you want. Tattoos are permanent. Make sure to find an artist who posts their work

on a skin tone similar to yours so you have an accurate representation of how your tattoo will look on you. Lastly, don’t pick an artists who doesn’t show that they have a good vibe because the experience is just as important as the artwork ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattoo experience, and what did you learn from it? Yes, before I started tattooing, I had a horrible tattoo experience. I requested a tattoo from an artist who I thought was really talented, and I was eager to get his work. He loved the idea I had but wanted to tweak several aspects of it. I should have known to walk away the moment he said it, but he didn’t want me to get color because he felt my skin was too dark. During the tattoo, he treated my skin badly, and I had to tap out. He ghosted me on the 2nd session four times, then acted as if I was the problem when I told him I was going to take the piece to someone else to finish. Although it was a sucky experience, my interest in tattooing grew out of it, and it led me to have a strong call to action against some widely accepted misconceptions about what can and can’t be achieved on darker skin tones. ✕

TONY KELLY Artist

32 Years Tattooing

Punta Gorda, FL Location

Eyes of Eve Owner/Artist

Black & Grey freehand Specialty

tonykellytattoos @gmail.com

@tonykellytattoos Instagram & Facebook

I am a creative, and it’s all I’ve ever known. My goals are to find ways to be more efficient and to innovate the world of tattooing with new perspectives and approaches to making tattoo artists’ lives easier.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I am influenced by whatever is at hand. I just kinda go with the flow. Something always shows up in life and influences me in ways that come out in the art I create. It’s almost guided in a weird way. I freehand almost everything, and if I didn’t just trust life to show me what I need, I would overthink every piece and never finish anything. I found out a long time ago to just go with it and let creativity take over. Even if I am using a reference, I will create it in a way that fits the flow and vibration of what is real to me; when you put too much weight on something to be a certain way, you set yourself up for failure. Art is a natural thing that should just happen. When an artist can tap into that endless flow of creativity life offers, then they will create without walls or restraints and outside the perspectives of common minds. It’s a series of moments that connect to each other in a motion that creates things yet unseen.

It’s pretty wild to work in this way, and it takes a lot of confidence and faith in your ability, but you will never be bored because you never know the outcome until it’s done. It’s as much of a mystery to me as it is to my clients. I just have Fatih in my process.

Artists like Allen Williams, Beksinski, Chet Zar, and Michael Hussar are a few that I am really inspired by. Hussar’s portraits may

be with someone posing for him, but his final piece is far from predictable. Never perfect as one would think the definition of perfect might be, but perfect as he would see it. A true artist’s job is not to show you the world how you see it but to show you the world how they see it. Artists like them don’t think outside the box; they know there is no box. They bend reality and make it submit to their will. They have style, and art is all about style and individualism. Letting it flow and letting life guide your hand is a lot more fun than trying to copy something perfect. You are creating something new and unseen. That is true art.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I have never considered what I do as a job. It’s just me and a client telling stories, and I make those stories into a tattoo. It’s like they are the comic book writers, and I’m the comic book artist. I have the opportunity to take those ideas, spin a perspective that only I see, and give them something they didn’t realize was possible. We create magic every day, and there is nothing like sitting back when you finish, and both you and your client have a smile on your faces. How could I ever think of this as a job? This is just a great way to live. ✕

STEPHEN BASHADA JR.

I’m a tattoo artist from Mason, Ohio. I started my tattoo journey in 2012 and have never looked back. My style of tattooing is largely inspired by the movies and music that helped me to discover myself as well as the cartoons that raised me. I prefer to tattoo in the American Traditional Style, showcasing clean, bold lines and solid color. I also have a great interest in and love doing horror tattoos. I take great pride in my tattooing and will always ensure that you get a tattoo that you are proud to show off. Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from movies, music, comic books, cartoons, and tattooers that came before me ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research. Find an artist who tattoos proficiently in the style that you are looking for. Be patient ⸺ What did your family and friends

think about you getting into the tattoo business? My wife was 100% on board ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Connecting with people and creating art ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My uncle had tattoos, and I just thought they were the fucking coolest ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nah, I’ll lay a skin whoopin anywhere ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? More continued growth, artists pushing the boundaries, the sky is the limit ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? No, I’ve never had a nightmare experience ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Respect the tradition. Learn the tools. Leave it better than you found it. ✕

Hey, my name is ding. I’m the guy from the viral gitup challenge with the red shorts and boots… I’m an artist. I love to draw, paint, and do anything dealing with being creative… that’s why I like tattooing; it’s a great way to focus your energy into a masterpiece.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Gaming and watching cartoons… and playing with my kids.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be sure, be calm, breathe…

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They loved it; it is something that I’ve always liked doing.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The reaction from the finished tattoo. What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Drawing a lot.

Who and what influences you to create your work? Energy, if I feel good about something, I go for it.

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

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? New machines and new ink.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Yeah, a guy was moving around a lot… very irritating, but I got it done.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Make sure you’re doing it all for the right reasons. ✕

DING

6.5 Years Tattooing Appleton, WI Location Independent Artist Realism/Cartoon Specialty jamarius.james92 @gmail.com

@mynameisding Instagram

What’s up and nice to meet y’all I tattoo from my home city of San Diego and alongside my brother and dope coworkers. My brother had this dope idea about opening a brand-new shop as I was chilling in Oklahoma at the time. I told him that I would move, pack my family up and come back to live in San Diego and work at his new shop opening up Yokai House. The rest is history. I opened up doing tattoos at his shops in 2020, doing every style and anything but found that I have always loved anime. So, I was like, damn well, I love anime all my life, so that’s the type of tattoos I want to do. I’ve been focusing on anime for the last two years and have been having traction from the love of the community. Thanks to them, I am able to keep on pushing out my anime tattoos and designs. I have always been a firm believer in doing something you love doing no matter what, and in the end, it will always work out; as long as you push and keep on going, nothing can stop that happiness

⸺ What makes you a better tattoo artist? It’s the people, it’s the growth, it’s time that helps us learn from our past mistakes. Try and fail to be able to try and succeed. Tattooing is a bumpy road and can have

long days and short days but get through those obstacles to learn and understand what works for you in the end ⸺ What should you wear while getting tattooed? Everyone was very surprised, but supportive ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing someone feeling better about themselves and more comfortable with their body ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work?

Other artists, illustrations, movies, architecture, and geometry ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc) So far I haven’t received any unreasonable requests :D ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Wear something comfortable as dressing up is not necessary. Feeling comfortable is key, as tattoo sessions can last for hours on end ⸺ Is tipping necessary? Tipping in my book is not necessary. I am here to do a great tattoo, no matter what. When the price is set, it is set in stone. As the price is set in stone, it is very frowned upon to change an idea or redraw the image agreed upon as the price may then change as more work is being added. ✕

NIKKIXJAMES_TATTOO

PIINKY

Hey! My name is Veronica, but everyone knows me as Piinky. I graduated with my bachelor’s and decided to take on tattooing full-time. I now co-own with my friend and great tattoo artist, Dirty Dianna, an all-female tattoo shop in New Jersey ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Anka Tatuaze is definitely an inspiration to me—I love her work! ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research— a tattoo artist might do great work, but that doesn’t mean they specialize in the style you’re looking for ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Some were supportive, and some had mixed feelings— especially since I left my job to take on tattooing full-time ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always been interested in tattoos, but what got me into actual tattooing was finding myself feeling miserable at my 9-5 office job after graduating and wanting to get back to doing something artistically creative ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Surround yourself with others that actually care about the art of tattooing—not just the money and “Tattoo Artist” title ⸺ Why did you and your partner open Sola Ink? We wanted to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for all—We’re now a fully operating female shop! ⸺ What do you look forward to in the coming years? Seeing how I develop and grow as an artist—getting my style to be more consistent. ✕

“SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS THAT ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE ART OF TATTOOING—NOT JUST THE MONEY...”

Justin’s kind-hearted devotion to exceeding his client’s vision results in truly well-composed, beautiful tattoos that flow organically.

From an early age, he was inspired by nature; themes of life and death, and the organic. He later discovered Salvador Dali, which brought experimental aspects to his work. His grandmother, a tattoo artist herself, introduced him to the world of tattooing - after beginning his journey in Florida, Massachusetts, and Portland, he’s settled down in Brooklyn, where he continues to shape his craft.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I’d say the anxiety of deciding our first tattoo is usually high. Taking time to think over your design, making sure to find an artist who works in the style you like, and, most importantly, finding an artist that is able to help you to feel confident through the process is key.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends and family have all been very supportive of me getting into the tattoo industry. I’ve actually tattooed both of my parents, and most of my friends are people in the industry. My grandmother was a tattoo artist as well, so I guess it runs in the family.

JUSTIN WAYNE

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

At first, people were shocked because I myself was not heavily tattooed. But after the initial shock, it made sense to most people because I’ve always done art and drawn my whole life.

12 Years

Tattooing

Brooklyn, NY Location

Independent Artist

Atelier Eva Shop

Fine Line Black & Grey Specialty

feral.fauna.apts

@gmail.com

@feral.fauna Instagram

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was definitely influenced by my grandmother at an early age. She was a bier and a tattooer, and I have early memories of looking at her tattoos and thinking they were the coolest things in the world. I was probably about 14 when I first had the idea of becoming a tattooer, and it has kind of stuck ever since. ✕

RACHEL WS

I own/operate a small private studio within a seaside art gallery in Narragansett, Rhode Island; Rachel WS Fine Art Tattoos. I challenged the town eight years ago to become the first (and still only!) tattoo artist the town has seen. A classically trained artist, I have a bachelor’s in fine arts that I draw upon to create my work. I have two amazing teenagers that I have raised alone; they are the center of my universe and my best friends. I hustle hard and stay well-rounded. Involved in my community and currently serving my second term on a town committee, I am determined to leave this world a better place than I found it. When I’m not busy momming, tattooing, or smashing the status quo, I enjoy running, surfing, snowboarding, dancing, hiking, nature-based adventures, and basking in the love of my pets at home ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I had been a stay-at-home mom for years with two babies. After finding the courage to leave my abusive marriage, he disappeared completely, and I found myself raising my children alone. I worked four jobs for three years to support them by myself. It was still impossible to make ends meet, so I had to rely on some social services to get by. The difficulty of this life was draining, and I started looking for a way to try to use my bachelor’s in fine arts

to make a better living and better life for my children and me. Having no tattoos myself at the time, I recognized that tattooing was probably the best way to make a consistent living as an artist. I was lucky to land an apprenticeship and quit one of my jobs, working three jobs and juggling an apprenticeship and my children for the next year. From the first tattoo I ever made... it felt like home. I loved it so much!

Once I got licensed, I quit all the rest of my jobs and went all in. It was a huge risk, and failure was not an option. Shortly after that, I took an even bigger risk and went out on my own. Because I had to be available as the only parent for my children, I had to get them on and off the bus every day and step into mom mode at that point...so I had to create my own unorthodox hours. I remember being booked out for two weeks and feeling ecstatic. I’ve kept my head down and stayed in my lane since then, focusing on the success of my business and my ability to support my children. Now I am booking out years in advance and am filled with so much gratitude! I don’t ever stop to pat myself on the back. I just keep moving forward, stay humble, and enjoy the life I have built for my children and me. I feel so blessed to have built a career doing something I love so much! ✕

WS Fine Art Tattoos Shop

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? A lot of my inspiration comes from nature and mythology. My clients give me tons of inspiration as well. I do a lot of custom pieces, and I am always inspired by the amazing ideas they have.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you find an artist whose style you love, someone you can trust to bring your design to life. Also, please eat and hydrate before your appointment. It is so incredibly important not to get tattooed on an empty stomach.

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

My family was really supportive when I started my apprenticeship. My mom has always wanted me to have a career that I love and am passionate about, and being able to tattoo is just that.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Giving my clients a positive tattoo experience. Tattoos can be deeply personal, and I value the trust my clients put in me. I always want their experience to be fun and relaxing.

SNYDER MADISON

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I had known by the age of 10 that I wanted tattoos, and I had always admired the art form. Growing up, I never thought my art would be good enough to tattoo. Honestly, I would never have pursued tattooing seriously if my mentor, Nic, hadn’t approached me about an apprenticeship.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I really think the sky’s the limit when it comes to tattooing. There are so many incredibly talented artists pushing the boundaries

of what’s possible as a tattoo. I love seeing artists experiment with a texture like glitter and embroidery tattoos, and I hope to see more of that in the future.

What are your favorite subjects to tattoo? Tarot cards, botanicals, spooky imagery, and anything mythology related! ✕

2 Years

Tattooing

Independent Artist

Kennesaw, GA Location

Illustrative blackwork, Stippling

Specialization

madisnyder.tattoo @gmail.com

@classy_corpse Instagram

I’m a country-grown artist from a little town called Delmar with an undeniable love for art in all forms! I come across with an intimidating attitude, but that’s my seriousness for my craft and passion. Peace and positive vibes only!

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I can actually take it back to elementary school…I get my inspiration from my art teacher Mrs. Hearn. I would always try my best to impress her, along with making sure what I presented was in a position to be better/ more thoughtful than my classmates. To this day, I ensure whatever I do is a perfect representation of me and, without question, a great piece of art. “Art is Everywhere” -

Mrs. Hearn

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be honest and be prepared! Be honest about how you feel about your upcoming piece, along with answering any questions your artist asks truthfully! A big key to having a great session is prepping yourself prior to your appointment and after. Make sure you have a good night’s sleep - no going out and drinking! Day of, have a good breakfast/ lunch and bring your favorite snacks to your appointment…Don’t open that chip bag forcefully while the tattoo needle is making contact! Lol. No, really. After your successful session, have your Hustle Butter ready that you ordered ahead of time.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

My close friends from Florence, SC, sparked my interest in tattooing. Especially my business partner for years, Demetrius Davis. They had the utmost faith that I could master this art form, knowing I had no background in it. I’m most grateful for the push they gave me to attempt and research tattooing.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? For the future of tattooing, I have no expectations, nor do I try to think about what may be possible in the coming years. Staying current with the movement is the best outlook, in my opinion. Now, what I think is in store for my future tattooing…that’s a different question!

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Move at your own pace and do what you’re comfortable with! Solidify one area you’re learning before you move to the next. Most importantly, keep your knowledge in health and safety relevant at all times…clients will recall a bad experience health-wise before a linework mistake! ✕

13 Years Tattooing

Jonesboro, GA Location Independent Artist B&G/Color realistic, Neo-traditional Specialization

4tat2greg @gmail.com

@tat2greg Instagram

TWISTID INK

Twistid Ink is a collaborative effort between husband and wife duo Danny Belden and Elisha Belden. Sharing a love for the tattoo and arts culture they decided to put their skill sets to work creating an environment that fosters a community for tattoo lovers and celebrates the world of visual and performance arts. Breaking away from the industry’s stereotypes they encourage a new appreciation for the arts in their own unique way.

Danny Belden has been tattooing for over a decade, but his love for the culture started long before he ever picked up a machine. It’s clear that Danny loves the work he does, which is evident in every piece he puts out. Eager to excel in every style of tattooing, Danny offers his clientele a varied portfolio of high-quality, one-of-a-kind artwork. Recently, Danny has been gaining recognition internationally as a cover-up specialist and is currently a member of both the Saniderm Pro-team and Axys Rotary Pro-team. Danny is an award-winning artist for his watercolor, black and grey, and neo-traditional works.

While Elisha Belden is not a tattooer, she is an internationally recognized tattoo competition judge. Her essays on tattoo history have been published by tattoo media giant Tattoo.com, and she was featured in

a documentary on Captain James Cook and his contribution to the tattoo culture in 2017. She currently works with Saniderm Medical, a tattoo aftercare company, as the Director of Marketing and manages the Saniderm Artist Proteam, which is comprised of over 100 of the world’s top artists.

Not only is Twistid Ink an award-winning custom tattoo studio, but it is an advocate for the arts, working with (but not limited to) the local schools’ drama and performing arts departments, individual art students, and local arts festivals – including the Walk of Arts, which the studio hosts itself. The studio has been recognized for incredible local theater set designs and costume builds, mentoring local young artists, and coaching performance artists in music and acting. The studio has been featured in local and regional news for its tattoo charity work, including covering sex trafficking brands and mastectomy scars.

Twistid Ink is a private studio setting with a welcoming, inclusive environment. With on-staff aftercare specialists, on-site photographers and content creators, an in-house marketing director, and incredibly talented tattoo artists and apprentices - the studio is challenging the status quo. Isn’t it time for you to #gettwistid? ✕

Danny & Elisha Belden Owners

KAT ROBSON

I’m a 23-year-old, 2nd-year tattoo artist from Harrisburg, AR. I work at Thorn & Thistle tattoo in Newport, AR. Outside of tattooing, I enjoy spending time with family and my dogs, reading, painting, and watching anime ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I draw a lot of inspiration for my art from mythology, folklore, and occult themes. I also am inspired by nature and the cycle of life and death ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Definitely eat, drink plenty of water, and get some good sleep before your appointment. Also, make sure you research your artist to find one whose style best suits your ideas! ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part is seeing my art come to life and how happy my clients are when we finish a piece. It’s amazing to be able to create a permanent piece of art that I hope my clients will love for a lifetime! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I always had an interest

but not the confidence that I could make my dream of having a career as an artist a reality. After meeting Nickole Ashlock, who did my first tattoo, I really decided to pursue tattooing and improve my art. Nickole, along with Shannon Caples and Luke Combs, were amazing mentors and co-workers who helped me learn and grow in my career. I’m happy to have met them and become great friends with them! ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Take risks, set boundaries, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t settle for a shop you’re not happy at - find a shop that is a good environment for yourself ⸺ How would you describe your style? I’m mostly known for black-work fantasy ladies and occultthemed work; my style is influenced by mostly neo-traditional and illustrative styles. I enjoy using a bold outline with fine details. I’ve recently started experimenting more with color, so I’m excited to see how I grow moving forward. ✕

ANDERSON ALLYSSA

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I really think, out of all of the terrible that covid brought, that an influx of young, bright-eyed creatives to the tattoo industry will be game-changing. Not only for the culture of the tattoo industry but for the clients that are seeking out that “perfect” artist for the vision they have for their art.

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

Don’t do it all alone. Artists can sometimes get in our own little world, but it’s good to have a third eye to help you improve your craft. In the same vein, though, you’ll have to stay true to yourself. The tattoo industry is still rife with toxicity, and you’ll have to confront people who feel they’re owed your time, energy, and attention. Look past them, and don’t waste your energy on draining people like that.

<1 Year Tattooing Independent Artist Olympia, WA Location

B/W, Fine-line, Anime Specialization allyssaanderson @outlook.com

@allaytattoo Instagram

allaytattoo .com

I’m a first-year tattoo artist in Washington state. I got into tattoos after realizing eyelash extensions weren’t something I was passionate about doing. With art as a hobby, it was natural to move into tattooing and fall in love with the craft.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my childhood. I’m on the tail end of the millennial generation and the start of gen z. We all have a nostalgic anime, show, book, or video game. In a lot of the work that I create, I want people to go, “Oh my god, I remember that!”

Do you attribute your success to anyone or anything in particular?

Yes absolutely. I am by no means “self-made.”

My ever-supportive dad encouraged me when I was young and unsure, my mom raised me to make my own space and own it, and my beloved partner Jeff has done and continues to do everything possible to support my endeavors. He’s truly such a gift and is even learning how to do renovations so I can have a private studio! ✕

SERENITY TATTOO STUDIO

All tattoo shops have a unique feel to them, and in Austin, TX, there are a lot of amazing shops. Our mission was to create a shop that was unique and set apart from others, so we focused on creating an atmosphere that was calm and welcoming. Getting a tattoo is stressful, and it can be very intimidating walking into a tattoo shop; that’s not how we want our clients to feel when they come to us. We want them to walk in and feel

at ease with welcoming smiles, soft colors, chill music, and lots of plants. We put a lot of thought into the look and feel of the shop, and I think we did pretty well!

Tattoos are no longer just for the hard-core rock and roll stars. A large portion of our clientele are teachers, college students, stayat-home moms, part of the LGBTQ+ community, professionals, and so on. The shop is here for anyone and everyone. The tattoo industry is no longer looked at as taboo.

This is a professional business, and tattoo artists are embracing this. Nothing against the hardcore rock and roll shops; it is still very much a part of the industry and looked for by clients; it’s where I started in my career (it was a blast). My fiance and I have a family and are focused on living a chill life, so the shop was created to accommodate individuals looking for that experience. The other aspect of Serenity is the great artists that work here.

Everyone has great artistic abilities, but we also work as a family inside and outside of the shop. They all work hard and really enjoy what they do. I’m pretty sure they all enjoy coming to work! Being a tattoo artist is an amazing career. It’s not a job where you wake up and drag yourself to work. I come to work and look forward to spending time with my coworkers and clients. At times it doesn’t seem real; we are truly blessed. ✕

Owners Brandie Cottrell & Philip Paul

My name is Maria, I’m 31 years old, and I’m a tattoo artist. I was born and grew up in Belarus. I moved to the US 4 years ago, and now I live and work in my private studio in Atlanta ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere, honestly. Art, nature, and my clients, of course, always challenge my skills and creativity ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I wouldn’t recommend going to a walk-in tattoo shop. I think it’s more for those who want a tattoo “here and now” for drunk people and tourists. Do your research, and find an artist whose work meets your expectations, someone you can trust. During the session, don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for changes to the design, or to move a stencil. It’s always better to spend a little bit more time preparing than regretting it for the rest of your life. It’s ok to be nervous, but I promise it is not as bad as you might think. So, try to relax and enjoy your new

MARIA RABENKOWA

experience! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? All of them were very supportive. I guess I’m lucky in this sense; they always supported all of my craziest ideas. Plus, they knew how many nights, and eventually years, I spent working on my artistic skills. It just had to happen at some point. I’m also doing a tattoo for my dad really soon ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I would say seeing my client’s happy faces when they look in the mirror to see their new tattoo for the first time ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Certainly! I won’t do anything offensive in any way. Face or intimate tattoos are also not my things; I don’t want to be a part of something that the person is most likely going to regret sooner or later. I also always refuse to do a tattoo that is completely not my style if I feel that another artist will do a better job. ✕

SAM

My name is Brandon Roberts. My middle name is “Sam,” and it’s what I go by in the art/ tattoo world. I have a bachelors in studio art (BFA) from Georgia State University. I am 25 years old and have been tattooing for 6 years. I’m from a smaller town east of Atlanta, GA, by the name of Conyers. I am currently tattooing at Cabin Ink Studios in Atlanta, GA.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I draw a lot of inspiration from street art. The illustrative yet realistic look of murals and street art has definitely inspired my style. Street art has such an essence to me. To be playful, to be serious, to be fun, similar to my tattoos. Also, life gives me a lot of inspiration, as cliché as it may sound. The coexisting of good and bad in the journey of life is where I draw most of my inspiration.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They actually supported it! I was already trying to go the art route in high school/college, so

6 Years

Tattooing

Atlanta, GA Location

Independent Artist B&G and Color

Illustrative Specialty

@samcabinatl Instagram samcabinatl @gmail.com

it seemed to be up my alley. Of course, older parents don’t understand the concept of tattooing and the industry and how lucrative it can be because it is so new to them. Other than that, they supported it.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Being able to work with people’s ideas and give them something they can wear for the rest of their lives. As a studio artist at first, I didn’t like working with other people’s ideas at first, but it became one of my favorite parts of the job. Especially if I can take someone’s idea, spin it through my mind and present their idea to them in a better way and they love it.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Getting tattoos and being around a shop environment. It just excited me; everything about it did, from the green soap smell to the bogging of machines and decorations in a tattoo shop. I fell in love with every aspect of it. Like yeah, this is what I want to do.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Yes, face tattoos. I feel it’s so trendy nowadays. Especially on younger clients, it puts too much power in my hands. ✕

THE COEXISTING OF GOOD AND BAD IN THE JOURNEY OF LIFE IS WHERE I DRAW MOST OF MY INSPIRATION

KENNY TATS INKCORPORATED

Stuart, FL

Being a single father of one caused me to set the bar high when following my dreams of creating the first state-of-the-art kid-friendly tattoo shop! Kenny Tats Inkcorporated is 4000sqft, and I’ve put every effort into creating a welcoming and fun kid-friendly environment! We have a kids club with games, basketball, air hockey, etc. When getting tattooed, you receive a tablet with a live surveillance feed of the kid’s room to ensure the safety of your children.

Every night our shop is themed with events from karaoke, trivia, bingo, and poker, where consolation prizes are half-off tattoo gift certificates! We also have a kid’s movie night with snacks and popcorn! If you don’t have children, then feel free to come to

hang out in our adult gaming area with darts, cornhole, ring toss, and several tabletop games! We have several TVs, so no matter where you are in the facility, you won’t have to miss your favorite TV show or sports game!

We are customer oriented and provide drinks and a roll-up snack cart free to all clients! I strive to be a role model to my son by being an active supporter of the community. We attend community events, host holiday events for children, and donate free haircuts and $3000 in school supplies for back to school. I currently have eight artists and super friendly staff. I don’t call them employees because our bond goes further than the shop; I consider them all FAMILY. ✕

Kenneth Snow Owner

I am a tattooer living and working in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, in a new shop called HIVE tattoo. I have been in the industry for about six years. I love to use vintage illustrations as references for my designs.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would say to have some idea of size, placement, and reference photos on hand. Do your research and pick someone who has a style you really like. I would also suggest listening to the artist’s

Artist

suggestions since they can lead you to get the best possible tattoo from them. It’s important that you work with someone that you feels listens to and respects your vision while also giving you honest feedback and guidance. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the artist during any part of the process, walk out!

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think there’s going to be more and more transparency, so there will be more people getting into it. It doesn’t bother me, though. Just like in any industry, if

you are good and work hard at your craft, people will notice. I think the transparency could help wash out the bad practices in tattoo culture. The disrespect, bullying, gatekeeping, racism or sexism, or bigotry all has got to go. With Instagram and tattoo shows, clients are realizing their buying power and are helping weed out the crap. I look forward to the future.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? etc.) I would say to draw and paint as much as possible. Watch people

3 Years

Tattooing Brooklyn, NY Location

Hive Tattoo Owner/Artist Traditional Lady Heads Specialization nikebeetattoos @gmail.com

@nikkibeetattoos Instagram nikkibeetattoos .com

tattooing. Also, read about business and entrepreneurship. The craft is important but running a business is much more than just what you sell. To be successful requires you to take time to learn and build a strong foundation. I would also say there are a lot of people out there that might try to take advantage of you. Stay true to yourself and know you deserve respect no matter what stage you are at. Leave any situation that treats you poorly. You are your own best advocate. Trust your gut. ✕

Eldar Studio has been a dream of mine for many years now. I wanted to create a space that invited people into the magic of tattooing. An open gallery space where non-tattooed and tattooed people could enjoy art together. eldartattoostudio @gmail.com

ELDAR TATTOO STUDIO

3 Residents

Dallis Elda Owner/Artist

@eldartattoostudio Instagram

La Crosse, WI

I was an art history major in college. That passion followed me into tattooing. I reference vintage and classic art styles and incorporate them into my designs. Art Nouveau, gothic architecture, Wicca/ paganism/ botanical/ scientific illustrations. My technique is very painterly, with a neorealism approach to shading and design.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My co-workers! The shop I work at has an amazing collection of resident and guest artists. 1Deanna James, 2Mark Wade, Makala Rose, and 3Hannah Flowers are just a few other artists I look up to!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Being challenged creatively. Sometimes I have clients with just the coolest ideas, and I love putting my spin on them. It’s like being back in school and having a prompt for a project. I get a total rush when I see my client’s eyes light up and say, “It’s better than I could have imagined.” Especially on sentimental/ memorial tattoos.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I feel like we have been in an artist revolution with tattoos, yet it hasn’t been recognized by the fine art world in general. That will change. Tattoos will be taken as seriously as painting, digital art, or any fine art. We do everything a “fine artist” does. We cater to patrons/clients, we are skilled laborers, and we have the ability to apply our art onto a canvas. The only difference is our canvas is skin.

WILLOW WEBBER

4 Years

Tattooing

Independent Artist

Dallas, TX Location

Eden Bodyart Studios Shop

Vintage Illustration

Florals Specialty webber.artwork @gmail.com

@webber.artworks Instagram

I also see conventions changing. Heading towards education, seminars, classes, and building community.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Experiment! Don’t be pigeonholed into a certain style because that’s what is expected and recognized. I made up my own style, “vintage illustration” I had no

idea what to call it. Everyone kept asking for a label. It was the best fit. People will try to limit you and tell you to be a traditional, realistic, new school, etc. But those are all made up anyways. So just create designs that speak to your heart and that make you and your clients happy. Everything else is just nonsense. ✕

I someday would like to specialize in anime tattoos and bringing nightmares to life in art form. Favorite word: “Kwispy,” I say it way too often

⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of inspiration from manga artists like Kentaru Miura, Hiromu Arakawa, and my favorite one of all, Junji Ito. Their art is so unique and absolutely amazing

⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) My advice would be don’t go so big! Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Test the waters first; start small. And most importantly, RESEARCH the artists around your area and see what fits best for you ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is making people happy and creating a permanent happy memory. A special bonding moment it’s what makes this job worthwhile and fulfilling. Knowing that not only are there literally hundreds of people walking around with a little bit of my art on them, and they smile when they tell people about it ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work? My main influences are actually my dreams; I mostly have nightmares almost every other night and often have sleep paralysis. So, I decided one day to pick up my pen and paper and draw everything I could remember. That is why I came up with littlehorrors; I tell a short story with one image ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I refuse to do anything that I consider offensive. I can’t bring myself, and I don’t think I’ll ever tattoo a butthole. Nope! Not for me ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Put your absolute all into it. It’s a lot of work, hours, blood, sweat, and tears. Listen to your mentor, and ask for advice if unsure. Push forward in perfecting your craft, and never give up. ✕

I like to keep an open mind and do everything possible to provide a safe and inviting environment for anyone interested in working with me.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love everything about tattooing. Every day is a new commission and challenge. But most of all, I just enjoy making people happy, giving them the best tattoo I can do for them! Unfortunately, the tattoo world is full of people that will try and hold you back. The best advice I can give is to not allow the bad ones to steal your light away and just keep pushing forward. The only person you need in this life is yourself.

Who and what influences you to create your work? My girlfriend Hope and I have worked together for a few years now. And let me tell you, she pushes me to put everything I can into my designs. She is a huge influence on my design process. My friend Walt Polk is also someone I look to for advice and to bounce ideas off of and has helped me a lot in moving forward in my artwork

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Oh, this is a good one. Don’t let anyone fool you. There are so many styles and so many ways to create A good tattoo. Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Never let

someone make you feel like you are not enough. Everyone and everything is just stepping stones to get you to the next chapter in tattooing. The good ones will not be hard to pick out from the bad ones. Gatekeeping is a huge thing in tattoo shops, but the cool thing is gates can be broken, and trust me, all the ones I have encountered are weak as hell, so just move forward. Keep a good head and take the positive the same way you take the negative. Don’t let your ego kill you. ✕

GARRETT

BANANA

K Tak was born in 1990 and grew up in Seoul, South Korea. She came to the states to attend high school. Then on, graduated from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She then pursued a career in being a tattoo artist, studying and learning on her own.

In 2020, K established her tattoo shop Banana. Since then, clients from all parts of the world have booked with her. K has been honing her skill in various tattoo styles using black, grey, and color inks. K is best known for her delicate skills of creating highly detailed tattoos with a single needle. ✕

Los Angeles, CA

K Tak Owner/Artist ktattoola @gmail.com @ktattoola Instagram

Hello, my name is TJ Talarico. I’m the owner and sole artist at Elephant Soul Tattoo Design Studio. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1988 with an

ELEPHANT SOUL TATTOO DESIGN STUDIO

Clearwater, FL

emphasis on Illustration and Classical Painting.

After graduating, I worked as a freelance editorial and commercial illustrator for over ten years. From there, I worked as an Art Director designing custom murals, later branching out and forming my own custom mural company. My work

can be seen in private estates, businesses, and casinos around the country, such as Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, and Alladin, just to name a few.

After working as a mural artist for over fifteen years, I was introduced to the art of tattooing, and as they

TJ Talarico Owner @elephantsoultattoo Instagram tattootjt @gmail.com

say, “It was ALL OVER!” I became addicted to the art of tattooing! Although I’m experienced in many styles, I specialize in black and gray illustrative realism tattoos. I take great pride in my art and the relationships formed with the people I work on, and I am proud to call many of them my friends.

My versatility, passion, and background in art make me technically strong in all styles, and my ability to design and the attention I put into detail distinguish me throughout the world of tattooing. Thank you, and I hope to see you at the studio soon.

“Keep on Inkin on” ✕

Artist

I immigrated to the US from Moldova 22 years ago. Dedicating myself completely to art and tattooing from a very young age has helped me find my place in this world. I tattoo full time, and when I find time, I love to work on my oil paintings ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Early on, a lot of my inspiration came from graffiti artists depicting female characters in a sexy, fantasy-type style, such as miss Van and Fafi. The other side was influenced by the Chicano style of black and gray tattooing. My favorite tattoo artists when I first started were mister cartoon and Jose Lopez. Now I try to come up with my own inspiration and try not to get influenced by other artists so I can continue to mold my own style. A lot of my inspiration now stems from the versatility of a woman, the dreaminess and fantasy, the attitude and the beauty

⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were my biggest supporters, but my

family didn’t take me seriously and were probably hoping I didn’t end up homeless ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I never thought it would be possible until I watched a homemade tattoo being done in a basement at a party; it changed my world forever. I tattooed myself for the first time that same night at 14 years old ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work? The main thing that influences me is simply the void I need to fill that can only be filled through creating. When I am tattooing or painting, I enter a different dimension in my mind, and it’s a constant drive that I hope will always be there ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Since the beginning of times, tattooing has been evolving. The things some artists can create nowadays are simply amazing, and I can only see it progressing to the next level. It’s a great thing that should keep every artist on their toes. ✕

Sugoi! Tattoos and Piercings is a new shop located on notorious Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, San Diego. Locals and tourists love us alike because of our close proximity to the beach yet easy access to parking. We provide premium custom tattoo and piercing services in a safe, sterile, and

Shop

SUGOI TATTOOS & PIERCINGS

welcoming environment. We are the only tattoo shop in Pacific Beach that specializes in colorful anime and manga tattoos! We also have artists that specialize in a variety of other styles such as video games, comic books, pop culture, neo-traditional, black and grey, fine line, and many more. All of our piercings

are performed with high-quality materials by an experienced licensed professional. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. As a shop, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and do our best to help provide our artists with the supplies needed to do so. ✕

San Diego, CA

Frank Robles Owner

Heather Neckritz Owner

Artist

SAMMY MCCOY

I am a 22-year-old self-taught artist from Philadelphia. My favorite style to tattoo is realism or portraits, black and grey, fine line, and anything floral. I’ve only been tattooing for two years, but I’ve been creating art since I could hold a pencil. Tattooing was a whole new medium for me, but I have fallen in love with it ever since ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would say that it’s important to stay true to what you want/envision on your body; everyone will offer their opinion on your tattoos, but you’re the one living with them so take people’s opinions with a grain of salt ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is seeing how much of an impact my art can have on people’s lives and especially their self-image. I think body modification can completely change how people view themselves and create a sense of self-love that people never knew they had, and I am so grateful to be a part of that process.

⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Growing up, I could never imagine myself doing anything other than being an artist. I think after getting a few of my own first tattoos, seeing the workplace environment being surrounded by other artists, and getting to create art all day, I knew I needed to take that chance, and I’m so glad that I did ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the future of tattooing needs to be heavily focused on prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in the industry. As artists, we are responsible for making changes that will ultimately create a safe space for everyone ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t give up. There will be so many times when you feel discouraged or not confident in your abilities but practicing (and drawing/sketching) as often as you can is the most important thing you can do to see progress in your work. ✕

BODY MODIFICATION CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES AND CREATE A SENSE OF SELF-LOVE THAT PEOPLE NEVER KNEW THEY HAD

Raised by wolves in the great northern south, chased out of town by the sheriff’s posse. Woke up on the beach. Forever on a vision quest until my inevitable return.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere! I’m inspired daily by the other artists in my shop. Everyday situations, too… I could see a flower in my backyard or a sign on the side of the road. I also am inspired by comics, cartoons, music, and pop culture/counterculture.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t let pain or price dictate the size, location, and quality of your tattoo. You won’t

MARTY BOE

remember the pain or the price in 5 years, but you will regret not getting it done correctly.

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

Luckily I have an amazing support team; my family and friends have been supportive throughout my entire journey.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love the client’s reaction when they see their finished tattoo for the first time. It’s a great feeling to know that someone is proudly wearing my artwork for their lifetime.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Hard to say; I always thought tattoos were rad, as far back as I can remember…

Who are your favorite artists? For tattoo artists, I really dig Sierra Colt, Dave Wash, Anthony Lennox, Nicholas Keiser, Chris Primm, and of course,

Adam Hathorn (who did most of my sleeve). Outside of tattooing, I’m a big fan of Frank Kozik, Zoltron, Alex Pardee, Justin Kamerer, and Alex Grey.

What else are you doing besides tattooing, art-wise?

I’m always working on new projects; my latest was a set of trading cards released earlier this year… anyone

interested can check out my current projects on martyboe.com. How did you get into tattooing?

I had a traditional apprenticeship, which lasted about 18 months under Wade “The Blade” Sanchez… who I met through my good friend Jose. I’ve also had lots of support from Genghis Mccampbell, Hondre Moreno, Sierra Colt, and so many others. ✕

MICHELE VANROOSENDAEL

Born in Missouri and raised in Southern California, hard work is nothing new to me as I grew up working for my family’s glass company through high school. Being a very active teenager while playing softball, and competing in music competitions and art during school, motivated me to start focusing on my future. I started tattooing in 2008 in Vancouver, Canada. I am a self-taught artist and created and sold many works of art to secure my future career in tattooing. In 2019 I met a woman who changed my life and motivated me to pursue my dreams further. A short 1 year later, we were married, and a year after that, in 2021, I began working at Revolution Ink in Birmingham, Alabama. My hobbies include drawing (when I am not designing for clients), painting, breeding reptiles, and caring for our young daughter ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from other successful artists, painters, social media, and everyday life. When I started tattooing, I experimented with these techniques (usually on myself). It taught me how someone’s tattoo style develops and why

each artist has his/her unique strengths, weaknesses, and a focused skill set ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Be unique. Don’t just pick something off of the internet. Make it a custom piece that will suit you, from your skin tone and style, and make sure the placement works with the piece ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The creativity. If your art becomes too much about business, the art suffers, and so does the artist ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Make sure you want it for the right reasons. Many people think it would be cool to be a tattoo artist. But, if ego, money, and popularity are the driving forces, you easily could become one of the many artists who leave people with negative experiences and tattoos they aren’t happy with ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I don’t have a favorite artist, though every artist I work with daily absolutely stuns me with the beautiful pieces of art they create ✕

MIGUEL AJAMI

I am a tattoo artist based between Miami, Florida, and Beirut, Lebanon. I specialize in surrealism and realism tattoos, and I like to make people happy in their skin! I am dedicated to my craft and to expanding my knowledge in the tattoo world!

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would advise them to research the style of the tattoo they want and do another research to find an artist that specializes in that style!

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of tattooing is leaving my own art and ideas on someone else body, which would, in turn, also add to their happiness!

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always had an interest in art and drawing/ painting ever since I was a kid. Time passed, and I had just graduated from college with a degree in advertising /marketing but did not feel like continuing on that path, and at the same time, I was having my sleeve done where I started to get more

and more invested in taking a risk with what I’ve always loved to do!

Who and what influences you to create your work? I get my influences from a lot of great artists out there, such as Roberto Carlos Sanchez, Nikko Hurtado, Julian Siebert, and many more! What mainly influences me is a combination of my ideas mixed with the client’s original concept and the brainstorming that happens during that process.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the future of tattooing hides a lot of surprises for us, whether it’s new tools to ease the tattooing process even more than it is nowadays or presenting us with new styles of tattooing!

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The best advice that I can give to a new artist is to always learn and to know that tattooing is always a learning process. You can become a really great artist if you understand that there is always room for improvement! ✕

ASHLEY GRANDERSON

Bit of a nerd. Tattooer, wife, and mom. I grew up in Arkansas, left, then came back to be with family. I’m not well educated, but I love reading in my spare time. I paint a little, watch cartoons with my daughter and play video games with my husband. I’ve been tattooing out of 7th Street Tattoo Studio in Little Rock for 9 years ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?

(A tattoo virgin) Google reviews are nice and all, but word of mouth is a great way to find a good shop. Look at tattooer portfolios. Talk to tattooers. Do they make you feel comfortable and put you at ease?

Listen to their input. It’s our job to give you amazing work that you’ll carry forever! And, of course, really think about what you’re putting on your body. Make sure it’s something you want to carry with you always. You’ll be stuck with that tattoo for a while. Lastly, maybe start small. ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Almost everyone was supportive. My Granny said I’d “ruined myself for a good man” (while bragging about

me to her nurse); luckily, she was wrong. My mom’s exact words were, “girl, what the hell is wrong with you?” When I first told her but she came around pretty quickly. Before she passed, whenever I would post a tattoo online, she would be the first commenter to say how proud she was of me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The challenge of the work. I don’t care if it’s my own flash or someone’s Pinterest piece; the thrill of laying down a good line or when the shading to color transition comes out just right, it’s a damn good feeling. Also, is it cheesy to say the people? From clients to tattooers and my work family, I get the pleasure of seeing so many different walks of life and appreciating different perspectives ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I don’t know, but I see so many young, amazing artists getting into the game now, and it’s so exciting to see what they come up with! The equipment is evolving, too; it’s so wonderful to have been in this game for almost two decades and see how much it’s grown and evolved. ✕

GOOGLE REVIEWS ARE NICE AND ALL, BUT WORD OF MOUTH IS A GREAT WAY TO FIND A GOOD SHOP.

I’ve always had art classes up until college, where I received my degree in Fine Arts. I’ve been tattooing for a little over a year and a half. Becoming a tattooer has been a wild ride so far, and the road is looking far and wide ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My family; my wife, our son, and our daughter. They’re always first on my mind. I knew I would have to catch on quick in order to broaden my skill set and pull in more money to make ends meet. Artistically speaking, so many people. my art teacher Roberta Sturges, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Renoir, Chris Trevino, Kat Von D, Laura Marie, Grime, Ed Hardy and, Chris Garver. Just to name a few. These guys will never know how much they have taught me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The people, building clientele, and designing specific tattoos for each person. I keep getting these promotors messaging me on my Instagram, offering “followers” for money. that ain’t my style.

Everyone on my friend list has either got tattoos from me, or I have known them forever. I just got up to 600! That’s crazy to me; I like watching that grow ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give to someone new to the art of tattooing? Study Japanese traditional!! I really feel like this style holds the fundamentals of tattooing. as every line is exposed through skin breaks and ink saturation. Flow and uniformity, as well as forming with the body, are really important. Like Ed Hardy said, “Make it look like they were born with it.”

Also, don’t just jump into doing a small tattoo; instead, ask your friends and family if you could touch up their existing tattoos. This will familiarize you with your machine/equipment ⸺ Did you have an apprenticeship? No, not really; I’m self-taught. I just got a space to work at a shop. I only took on tattoos that I was sure I had the skill for until I got better and better. ✕

I’m a tattooer working out of Boston, MA. I’ve been tattooing since February 2014. I’m a printmaker by school and a tattooist by trade, trying to find the perfect balance while exploring ways both processes can influence one another. For the time being, I am trying to make every tattoo I do better than the last.

I consider myself extremely lucky- I am surrounded by amazing artists and find myself learning something new every day. I’m constantly creating, discovering, and always working on becoming a more wellrounded visual artist.

ALICIA THOMAS

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would advise finding a tattooer whose style you’re drawn to and making that connection. That experience and time spent with the tattooer/client are just as important (sometimes even more important) than the tattoo itself.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I am extremely lucky to have an amazing support system outside of the tattoo industry; my family is the core of it. I have experienced nothing but good and positive moments of support since I started tattooing.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is making connections with my clients and getting to know them. Being part of the healing process in some cases and making them love themselves a little bit more on their way out

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I’ve always wanted to be a tattooer ever since I was a teen, but I thought I wasn’t cool enough for the industry. I’ve been the “ask for homework,”

8 Years Tattooing Boston, MA Location

Independent Artist Illustration Blackwork Specialty

@aliciathomas_tattoo Instagram

aliciathomas_art @yahoo.com

aliciasprintsandstuff .com

no drugs, no partying type of kid growing up, and I thought that wasn’t cool. A few years into this industry and it turns out tattooers don’t care about what you do, just how you work in the shop dynamic and how you treat your clients.

Who are what influences the work that you create?

I’m inspired by a lot of older mediums. Having that art school background, I find myself in museums and galleries for a lot of my inspiration. I particularly love stumbling upon old books with gorgeous and long-forgotten illustrations. Those books usually leave the antique store and find their new home on my shelf. ✕

Speakeasy Gallery is a private tattoo studio and fine art gallery operating on the North Shore of MA. This hidden gem is tucked away in Peabody’s historic industrial buildings and is the only full-service, appointment-only tattoo parlor offering customized work across a variety of tattoo styles, including permanent makeup and hairline restoration. Owner

Shop

SPEAKEASY TATTOO GALLERY

Jay Michalak opened the shop in 2020, and with over 20 years of experience in the tattoo industry, he quickly assembled an elite team of world-renowned, highly skilled resident and guest artists. They pride themselves on creating unique pieces that meet an expected high standard of quality and offering great customer service, all while providing the client with a positive and memorable experience.

Speakeasy culture originated in New York during the prohibition era of the roaring twenties and has evolved to mean speaking quietly of a place so as to not alert or inform outsiders of the secret society within. This private, appointment-only booking practice allows for a more collaborative and personal experience, where clients feel welcomed and important rather than

as a stranger that will come, get tattooed, and be on their way. Booking inquiries are easily accessed via the shop website’s booking form or email and are available to those who have a specific artist in mind, as well as anyone looking to be referred to a trusted, talented tattooer specializing in their requested style.

The shop crew is

composed of owner Jay Michalak, specializing in black and grey realism; Nathan Godfree, in blackwork & neotraditional; kit Marlow, illustrative black and grey; Marco Reboke, neotraditional, resident guest artists Schrail Edmund, black & grey realism; and Pierre Bustos, illustrative color work. And regular guest artists, including Carl Grace, black & grey work. ✕

Peabody, MA

JAY MICALAK

I’m Jay, and I specialize in black and gray realism with a strong focus on and passion for portraits. I was born and raised just outside Boston and began tattooing at 18 while also attending Butera school of art in Boston to learn how to pinstripe and airbrush motorcycles. After almost twenty years in the industry, I opened my own private studio ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? Fine art, photography, and movies ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) To go big or go home, make sure the tattoo is going to be something you would also still choose 10 years from now, and don’t get tattooed by just anyone, but pick a quality artist ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Getting to design custom pieces and do portraits for clients

⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I started drawing tattoos for a local tattoo artist before it was legal to

tattoo in Massachusetts, and he let me tattoo him a few times, and from that point on, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Tattooing has come a long way since I started, and the progression of the industry is impressive. I can only see the art and styles of tattooing and products I’m the industry getting even better over time ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I have had clients pass out and throw up numerous times. Or someone coming into the shop intoxicated and having to be thrown out of the shop ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? I would tell them not to rush the process, to listen to their mentor, and learn as many styles and techniques within their ability as possible. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the better off you will be, and you can use them to develop a style of your own. ✕

Owner/Artist

Marco Reboke is a tattoo artist with 18 years of experience in the conceptualization, design, and application of tattoos. Specializing in Neo-traditional, Anime, and Black and Grey realism, Marco works with his clients to design thoughtful, distinct, bespoke, and unique tattoos.

Marco is keen to constantly progress, learn and evolve, and he is always willing to assist others and pass on his skills and experience. It’s true to say Marco lives and breathes tattoos.

Originally from Cascais, his hometown is in Portugal. Marco is now based in Liverpool, England, and is a resident tattoo artist at The Tattoo Society Liverpool.

MARCO REBOKE

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? In the tattooing world, there are a lot of things that inspire me, from graffiti to fine art compositions. To pinpoint a particular artist is relatively difficult because so many people inspire me every day. I’m also inspired by my surroundings; I’m constantly searching for inspiration.

18 Years Tattooing

Liverpool, AL Location

Independent Artist

Neo Traditional B/G Realism Specialty

@marco_neotattoo Instagram

reboketattoos @gmail.com

reboketattoo .com

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Normally my advice to my customers is that a tattoo should be meaningful. I believe that it shouldn’t be just anything ordinary that means nothing to you. What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They support me and encourage me to follow my dreams.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Everything, from the design to the final result.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Watching my sister getting her first tattoo when I was only 14 years old.

Who are your favorite artists? There are many talented artists, but my favorites are Schrail Edmund, Carl Grace, Teresa Sharp, and Jay Michalak.

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

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Yes, one of my customers gave me his idea of the tattoo he wanted, including the date of birth of his sons, but he gave me the wrong dates, and after I finished the tattoo, he told me the dates were wrong and told me it was my fault.

I’ve always been an artist since I was small. I was taking art classes in college when I realized I didn’t want to be an animator just to pay the bills. After some research, I found several tattoos in a style that looked like oil paintings, and I realized that was a possibility. I set about looking for an apprenticeship and found my place at Dark Age Tattoo Studio in Denton, Texas. After my apprenticeship, I left Texas briefly to travel and tattoo in a couple of states. I’ve previously tattooed in Colorado and Arizona. My preferred style of tattooing is a painterly twist on color realism ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I love the look of the old renaissance oil paintings and the techniques that they used with colors. I really try my best to bring some of that understanding of color in my pieces to help them come alive on the skin ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) It’s not nearly as bad as everyone says it is. I’ve had more clients have issues from not eating due to anxiety

than bad reactions to the process of getting tattooed. I always recommend my clients come in fresh off a full night’s rest, hydrated, and having eaten a full meal. Bonus points if you work on moisturizing the area you want to get tattooed for a week prior to the appointment ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I was nervous telling my parents about wanting to be a tattoo artist, even though I had always drawn on myself and others with markers just about any chance I got. I very clearly remember when I told my parents I was interested in pursuing tattooing, both my Mom and Dad volunteered to be my first victims ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? As an artist, I get to meet so many amazing people and hear so many different personal stories. But I have to say my favorite part of the job is the ability to transform a body part into a moving piece of art that highlights both the anatomy and subject matter of the tattoo. ✕

JERAY EDMONDS

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t think too much about what you are getting; some people think about it for so long that they end up never getting anything. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, just do it!

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

I was adopted, so my parents were older. They had no tattoos. In their minds, tattoos were for prisoners and sailors. They wanted me to keep my 9-5 job with benefits and paid vacation. Once they started seeing the art, they slowly started changing their mind. Now they brag that their daughter is a tattoo artist.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part about the job would be seeing the tattoo finished. I always show my clients just an outline of the design. I already know in my head how I want the shading to look. It’s extremely satisfying to see the finished product come to life. My clients are always shocked that the stencil can go from just the outline to what it actually looks like when it’s finished.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? The closest thing I have to a bad experience is when clients want to micromanage the design. Especially if they aren’t an artist themselves. Not all ideas are particularly good “tattoo ideas” I feel that when you give the artist a little more freedom, the tattoo will turn out a lot better!

5 Years Tattooing

Canonsburg, PA Location

Independent Artist Nice Ink Shop

B/G Geometric Specialty

@jeraydoestats Instagram jerayedmonds94 @gmail.com

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

When I was younger, I would always draw. I was grounded a lot, so I would sit in my room and just draw. In high school, my high school friends would ask if they could get my drawings as tattoos. That’s when I knew I should be a tattoo artist.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I knew I always loved art. But it wasn’t until I actually started getting tattooed that I was like, “wow! I really want to do this!” ✕

I grew up in a small town in the thumb area of Michigan. I remember drawing at an extremely young age, maybe four or five years old. One of the first things I recall drawing was a cigarette lighter and a pack of Camels that were sitting on the kitchen table. Fast forward to high school, I was always taking some form of art class and went to tech school for Graphic Communications to learn digital art. Fast forward a few more years, I went to College for Creative Studies in Detroit for a year and a half before having to leave due to financial issues. But I took what I learned there and applied that knowledge to my personal art with drawing and photography. After a few years of working in retail, I decided I wanted to focus on a career that included being creative, which led me to tattooing! ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Other women in the tattooing industry. Tine DeFiore has always been at the top of my list. Their dark yet whimsical and elegant style is just so beautiful ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) DO YOUR RESEARCH! Find an artist that can do the style you’re looking for, even if it’s just a small word. Meet your artist beforehand. This allows you to talk to your artist and scope out the shop to make sure it’s sanitary and an overall safe environment before committing to an appointment ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The feeling after doing a small memorial tattoo (like a signature or note from a card). Most people just sit there and stare at it so lovingly and grateful that they get to keep a part of their loved one so close to them forever ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I’d say my top three are Hailey Klar, Angelo Parente, and of course, Tine DeFiore ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think tattooing has come a long way in the last five to ten years, and I am excited to see where it goes in the future. When I started my apprenticeship, women in the industry were so rare, and I’m starting to notice more and more in what was once a very male-dominated trade. ✕

B&G Floral/Fine Line Specialization

Independent Artist Port Huron, MI Location 5 Years Tattooing

I am an illustrative and realism Black and Grey Artist, Owner, and Artist of Cabin Ink Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Most of my inspiration comes from nostalgia, things that remind me of peace, older times, and classic imagery.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Research your artist, listen to their advice, and go big.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The opportunity to get to talk and understand people and their perspectives and have a career where I can be 100% myself at all times.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I first started getting tattooed, I was interested in the process. I was already in art school at the time, and it aligned.

Who and what influences you to create your work? My experiences from being from a small town to going to school in the city. I just enjoy making things I like, and people seem to enjoy similar things, so it works.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was very supportive; I started tattooing out of my parent’s house. I used to practice drawing with pens on my girlfriend to understand how the body curved. One of my close friends from middle school let me do my first tattoo on him; my brother showed me how to set up and tune my first machine. I wouldn’t even be tattooing without them.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t tattoo faces; I feel like it’s a “fad.” Usually, face tattoos are “earned” or when you have no space left. It just isn’t something that ever sparked my interest to start doing them.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I’m hoping for just an increase in awareness of how many tattoos artists put into their craft and also more learning for an artist starting out. ✕

Artist

My name is Kirby. I enjoy cold beer, heavy music, long walks on the beach, and tattooing your mom ⸺ What is your creative process like? I prefer to draw alone because I’m easily distracted. I’m also a bit of a night owl, which suits my creative process well. I typically spend most evenings with my family. Once they’ve gone to bed, I’ll sneak outside to get properly motivated, if you know what I mean. *wink wink From there, I will typically spend 4-6 hours in my office drawing and refining. I always hard-line my drawings on the day of appointments so that I’m able to look at the image with fresh eyes ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I often find myself looking to counter-culture for inspiration. Its rebellious nature, coupled with its unrelenting pursuit of freedom, has always resonated with me since my early adolescence ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I was met with mixed emotions, honestly. In the beginning, most of my friends and family saw this as more of a pipe dream rather than a lucrative career. However,

once it came time to start tattooing, my father was kind enough to purchase my first set-up. This still remains the kindest gesture of my career and, quite possibly, my life ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Absolutely! I was tattooing a symmetrical design on a very difficult area at a convention several years ago, and after my first line, I wiped away the entire left side of my stencil. From there, anything that could go wrong did. I spent most of that session in the bathroom, trying to keep myself together. I still have nightmares about that experience ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Tattooing. It’s like a drug that I can’t ever get enough of ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be patient. Focus on the technical application first and foremost. The rest will fall in line with that ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Relax! It’s not going to hurt nearly as much as you’ve worked yourself up for in your head ✕

I grew up constantly drawing, as you would imagine. I was constantly in trouble for drawing Hentai and anime girls (it’s all I drew) since 5th grade. My mother was a wreck, lol. I wanted to be involved in all things rebellious. Go figure; I ended up tattooing.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

Otaku culture/lifestyle and all the old-school tattooers. Even music and video games.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? For me, it’s when you and your client are both stoked about the project at hand and the feeling you both feel when it’s done. I have the ability to bring someone joy every day. The gift of giving.

What could be better!?

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Imagine telling a child they could play with a fire extinguisher in the middle of a grocery store. Lol. It was truly amazing to me! I learned a lot about history before I even picked up a machine. I loved the shock value of it also (back then). I just thought it was cool, and I wanted to be a part of it.

TAYLOR HAGERTY

5 Years Tattooing

Wilmington, DE Location

Independent Artist

Color/Anime Fine Line Specialty @tattooed_by_taylor Instagram

taylorhagertytattoos @gmail.com taylortattoos.weebly .com

Who and what influences you to create your work?

Those who came before me and those who are doing it better than me now! I’m heavily influenced by Anime/ manga/Otaku culture. Also, traditional American tattooing. The history, all of it. Years before anime tattooing became a thing; I found Bunnymachine and Lil Tat Mama (and now a dear friend) just CRUSHING that shit. People still made fun of me for liking anime at that time, and I was like, wow, there is hope for me! Lol.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I2 years ago, I couldn’t wrap my head around why someone would use a rotary machine. Now I’m using a rotary, lol. People are really putting out some crazy good work these days, so who knows? I will say social media has made tattooing that much harder on everyone. It’s a shame. Having to keep up with an algorithm and or artists worrying about how many likes they are getting as opposed to the beautiful tattoo they just did for someone and made them happy. ✕

I’m a born and raised Boise native, and I love my town. Art of all kinds has been a huge part of my life well before I was in the tattoo industry, from painting to jewelry making and even dancing. I’ve been professionally tattooing for six years, and before that, I did an eighteen-month apprenticeship. If I’m not tattooing, I’m usually at home taking care of my new family or making something cool ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? A scene from a movie, something I see out on a walk, or just a feeling I go off of to start a drawing ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) The advice I like to give people is to not get too worked up about it. It’s not as bad as people make it out to be and should be an enjoyable experience ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends and family were pretty supportive for the most part. It did take my parents a bit of warming up to their

kid not having a stable nine-to-five job with benefits, though. But after seeing how happy I am after all my hard work, they’re very proud of me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The gratification I get from making people happy with my artwork. Whether it’s a memorial tattoo, covering scars, or just wanting something pretty, I’m stoked that people come to me in search of that closure or piece they’ve wanted forever ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I’ve always been a bit of a weird kid and was fascinated with tattoos and body modifications. I wanted to be a part of something where different people like me are celebrated ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? At this point, it could be anything. When I started my apprenticeship, all we had were coils/rotary machines and a light table to make designs with. Everything is wireless and digital now; only time will tell what new advancements will be made ✕

LEAH FINE

I am a Chicago-based tattoo artist pursuing my dream. I dream of working with fun people, creating fun experiences for them, and creating art that accentuates the beauty of one’s natural body.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? With a background in Art History, I show respect to the cultures that came before us by drawing inspiration from their knowledge and ornamental motifs repeated throughout history.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I tell everyone before a tattoo that it’s not as bad as you think it’s going to be, and I say, “I told you so,” after we start. Just breathe through it and start small. Also, don’t feel bad advocating for yourself and what you want.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They had a lot of questions at first but are supportive and even impressed now. What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love meeting new people and learning from them and their perspectives every day.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I’ve always been an artist and obsessed with tattoos. Before tattooing, I was only using social media to look at tattoos. Once I realized that, I figured it was time to make it my career.

Who are your favorite artists? Alex Grey, Kel Tait, Tim Burton, Kehinde Wiley, Yayoi Kusama, Vincent Van Gogh…

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) It all depends on the situation.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I believe the tattoo stigma is lessening and will disappear completely. I hope we live in a society soon where we are encouraged to customize our bodies. What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be patient with yourself and take it slow. ✕

1 Year Tattooing

Chicago, IL

Location

Independent Artist Botanical Ornamental Specialty beyondbeleaff @gmail.com

@BeyondBeleaff Instagram

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Two things. I work on a plethora of scars ranging from self-harm to surgical. The most rewarding part is seeing someone enter my studio as one person and leave as another because they turned something painful into art: feeling confident, free, and at peace. I love when they first look at the finished piece and are overjoyed. For the first time, they are able to roll up their sleeves at work without anyone questioning their past but complimenting their tattoo instead. I also love when they wear that clothing that shows off the part of the body they’ve hidden for so long. It is a true reward to be a part of their journey. Secondly, working with the top-notch artists at my studio is pretty amazing. Every day I get to go to work and be in an atmosphere with inspiring and talented people that make the job fun. It’s not often one can say they love going to work because of their co-workers and creating, especially in this industry ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I admire a lot of artists out there for their stellar art, but as far as my favorite artists, they are the ones I know personally for who they are as people and how they contribute to the industry, as well as my tattooing journey. All artists at Ivy Ink Tattoo, Ariah Wooster, Rian Othus, Season Licon, and Tayler Recollet-Goulais. Also, Cody Hart, Jess Locke, and many more. They know who they are ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be careful who you learn from. Not everyone who can tattoo can teach. Find a mentor, not just an apprenticeship. The support of someone who is invested in you and supports you on your journey is priceless ⸺ What would you like to see changed in the industry? More consideration for the safety and treatment of clients. ✕

IVY

THE MOST REWARDING PART [OF MY JOB] IS SEEING SOMEONE ENTER MY STUDIO AS ONE PERSON AND LEAVE AS ANOTHER BECAUSE THEY TURNED SOMETHING PAINFUL INTO ART

BONGJIN JEON Artist

Bongjin is a South Korean-born artist who specializes in blackwork tattoos. His vision is to use his preferred medium, the skin, to create statement pieces and conversation starters. Bongjin’s tattoos present a blend of contrasting forms that are both edgy and delicate. His favorite thing to do when given the opportunity is to incorporate an element of wit into a piece. Although he is meticulous in his handling of bold outlines and solid planes of crisp, all-black ink, he believes that part of the fun in life is not taking oneself too seriously! ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I want to tell them to think about brief ideas and plans of what tattoos they would get and what placement they would want, not just for the first time but also in the future. With these concepts in mind, we can get a better plan of the design, size, and placement of their first tattoo to make it compatible with other tattoos in the future. I also always tell them to go with what feels right to them at the moment and what they like the most before anything else. Because at some point, they will eventually regret their tattoos for some amount of time regardless, whether it’s for a brief second or a couple years, whether it’s a 110% perfect tattoo or a shitty tattoo. You will come to like it again ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I admire a lot of artists out there

for their stellar art, but as far as my favorite artists, they are the ones I know personally for who they are as people and how they contribute to the industry, as well as my tattooing journey. All artists at Ivy Ink Tattoo, Ariah Wooster, Rian Othus, Season Licon, and Tayler Recollet-Goulais. Also, Cody Hart, Jess Locke, and many more. They know who they are ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? First of all, being a tattoo artist is a little secret of mine. Technically tattooing in South Korea is still illegal, so I don’t want to freak them out. I told them I’m kind of a drawer/painter in NYC. I’m planning to tell them the truth when tattooing is legalized in South Korea. My friends were just excited for me since they could get free tattoos when I was an apprentice! ⸺ Who’s the person you want to tattoo the most and why? Angus Young (AC/DC) and Kristen Wiig. AC/DC is my favorite band of all Fxxking time. Angus Young is my icon, for sure. The fact that he is one of the biggest rock stars and doesn’t have any tattoos (allegedly) intrigues me! Kristen Wiig is an actress/comedian who makes people crack up at any age. Imagine her with some dope tattoos on her back or upper arm, but we don’t get to see it until she’s in her costumes. It would bring a fun twist to her comedy. ✕

I’m originally from Brazil, where I started tattooing 9 years ago; there were many difficulties and challenges I had to go through to get to where I am today, a tattoo artist residing in Los Angeles, specializing in exclusive creations.

Since I was little, art was what I knew how to do best, like drawings, paintings, handicrafts, and so on.

God used art to help me be disciplined, grateful, and happy.

After these years in tattooing, I changed my way of thinking and discovered that my clients wanted more than just good drawings on their bodies; they wanted emotion, feeling, and experience, and that’s how I was recognized for transforming stories and feelings into art.

Tattooing with me is much more than sitting in your chair and waiting for the job to be finished.

Here we share stories, feelings, and emotions, the energy is different, and those who felt this experience will never accept less than that in their next tattoo sessions.

FILIPPE ART

9 Years Tattooing California Location Independent Artist Realism Surrealism Specialty @filippeart_tattoo Instagram tattoo4booking @gmail.com

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I seek inspiration by going to museums, traveling, and getting to know different types of cultures. I feed on art all the time, I’m very observant, and I absorb everything I see with an artistic eye. This was the best way I found to keep myself inspired.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part is being able to travel, listen to so many stories, learn so many cultures, have this exchange of experience, and see the happiness of my clients after seeing the finished art.

Who are your favorite artists? I have many references, but the artists that inspire

me the most are: Salvador Dalí, Basquiat, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Aleijadinho, Cândido Portinari, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and many others

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

The most important and

simplest advice is not only for those who want to start tattooing but for every one that is about to start. Stop and think if it’s really what you love because success only comes when you do what you really love. ✕

I’m Kiwi! I’m a 4th-year tattooer. You can catch me traveling the country doing guest spots or at my home base in Fort Collins, Colorado. PMA!

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

I’m very fortunate to have such an amazingly supportive family! I owe everything to them. There were a few times at the beginning (apprenticeship) when I got tired of eating deep breaths for lunch and just wanted to give up, but they reminded me of the big picture. Truly without them, I would not be where I’m at now.

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

The most important advice I would give someone is to not look for any instant gratification. It’s easy to look at others and get discouraged, especially with social media. There is no race! Practice, be patient, and find inspiration to keep that ball rolling.

What’s it like being a young tattooer?

In the beginning, it was hard to be taken seriously, and it was mad discouraging. The only thing that helped me get through it was the grind to be an artist and let my work speak for itself.

How has social media affected you? Social media is what you make it. For the longest time, I hated it, but times are changing! If you want to be discovered and stay relevant, that’s the place to do it. The best thing a business or an individual can do is to stay updated with the times, so I quickly learned that the more I posted, the busier I was becoming. It can also be discouraging because you can’t help but compare yourself to others, so just worry about your journey and do the best you can do every day! PMA (positive, mental attitude)!

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I’m excited to see what’s in store for the future of tattooing. I’m a product of reality TV tattoo shows and an iPad kid, so seeing where the industry was when I was getting into it and where it is now is awesome. I would love to see acceptance of tattoos continue to grow, products continue to get better and better, and tattoo artist discovery from a client’s viewpoint continue to become even more accessible. ✕

4 Years

Tattooing

Fort Collins, CO Location

Independent Artist

American Traditional Specialty @kiwitattoo_ Instagram & TikTok

Cabos is an artist specializing in lettering with his own dark twist to it. His style has no bounds, anything from paintings, murals, to tattooing ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Most of my inspiration comes from graffiti and different styles of lettering I see day to day in the real world. Anything from billboards, food menus, or flyers. All styles and types of lettering serve a purpose. The way they bend and can be shaped in so many different ways offers a lot of possibilities ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Most of them thought it was silly and that I had no future in it. They saw it as a hobby and didn’t believe I could make a living from it. It was very discouraging at the time and felt like an uphill battle a lot of times. I, in turn, used it as motivation ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job, I would say, is when a client comes in and asks to just have some freehand lettering done and to do as I want. Nothing compares to that feeling of just drawing directly on the skin on the spot straight from my head. Then seeing it come to life as I tattoo it ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? A good piece of advice, I would say, is if you truly want to excel in the industry, you just have to put in more than what you expect out of it. Tattooing owes nothing to us, but we owe everything to it. It will only give us back a fraction of what we put in; just being fortunate enough to have a part in it is very humbling ⸺ What else do you hope to accomplish in the future? For now, I’m trying to get out as much as I can, guest spots, conventions, all of it. I’m really big on putting my name where it isn’t; I’m determined to leave my mark. Just grateful to have a place in the lettering game means a lot to me ⸺ Any other upcoming artists we should look out for? The whole squad at Virtue Tattoo is making big things happen! ✕

I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY. I did six years in the US Air Force as a C-130 jet engine mechanic. I did an apprenticeship in 2007 to be a professional tattooer and have been doing this since then.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Art runs deep in my family, with my earliest inspiration being my grandfather. He was a self-taught painter and musician of many instruments. And now, my wife and kids inspire me to keep learning my craft.

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

(A tattoo virgin) Do your research. Look up portfolios. Find someone who’s really good at the style of tattoo you are trying to get done, or just a good clean artist to bring your idea to life for you. Last, don’t believe everyone’s description of how a tattoo will feel. Everyone is different, and everyone’s pain threshold is different. You’re a lot tougher than you think.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family loved it; they all thought they were going to get free tattoos. And they still do, mostly.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is getting to meet people from all walks of life. Everyone’s stories are different, everyone’s journey has taken them down unique roads, and sometimes I get to hear the stories.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Going from doing art on paper, to walls, to trains, to people. The fact that my art gets to travel with people for the rest of their journey through life is so dope to me.

Who are your favorite artists? @justinbua,@ sylvrstar2, and @jimlee

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) No racist shit. No face tattoos unless you’re heavily covered or in the

15

industry. No P’s, V’s, or B-hole surrounding area. Cheeks are cool, though, the lower ones.

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

Crazier and even more beautiful designs, and eventually…..robots. Robot tattooers.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t get complacent. Keep growing your art, and don’t ever stop. ✕

NATHAN TARANGO

My name is Nathan Tarango; I am a tattoo artist and the owner of Copper Cobra Tattoo in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I specialize in American Traditional, Japanese, and Black and Gray realism tattoos. I love everything about tattoos ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) My advice would be to choose a classic design or imagery for any tattoo. Trends come and go, even in tattooing. Classic imagery will always look good and will stand the test of time ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family and friends have always been supportive of my choice to tattoo. I have good friends that have supported me from the very beginning, and I still tattoo some of them to this day ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love creating. I also love meeting interesting people from all walks of life. I have awesome clients who trust me and allow me to do what I love most. Thank you for that ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I have always been an artist. After I got my first tattoo, I fell in love. It was then that I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to tattoo ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Be open-minded. Never stop trying new things. Try new machines, pigments, needle groupings, etc., and find what works for you and helps you to grow as an artist. Always have respect for those that came before you and paved the way. They are the reason we do what we love ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I had a lot of bad experiences with tattooing in the beginning. I was learning, and that was part of the process. I had to learn how to take something positive from each of those experiences. It takes a lot of work to push beyond that and continue to grow. ✕

My name is Cara, and I tattoo out of Advent Tattoo in Houston, TX! I have a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and worked as a veterinary assistant for several years before switching careers. Now I’m known as the resident cat lady tattoo artist, and I love tattooing anything that’s animal or nature related!

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I get a lot of inspiration from just seeing other artists out there doing awesome work! I also like experimenting with different types of mediums to fuel my creativity and learn new techniques that I can apply back to tattooing.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research beforehand to find an artist you like and can trust. After that, just try not to overthink it; as long as you like it, that’s all that matters!

Who are your favorite artists? My mentor, Mike Woods, will always be an obvious one for me. His high-contrast color work is so bright and vivid it’s phenomenal. Mike Stockings is another unbelievable artist with his expert use of light source and color theory.

LEE CARA

1.5 Years Tattooing

Houston, TX Location

Independent Artist Advent Tattoo Shop

Animal portraits

Neotraditional Specialty @caraleeart Instagram caratattoos @yahoo.com

Lastly, Aaron Springs is a fellow Houston artist I really admire. I love how much feeling/ personality he’s able to convey in his illustrations.

What was most intimidating when going into the tattoo industry? I was really worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously because of not having tattoos or being a woman in the industry. But I was determined to prove myself and show that I was willing to work for it. Luckily, I work with a super awesome group of artists, and the tattoo world has been very welcoming in my experience.

What has been the most surprising aspect of tattooing? How personal the experience is between artists and clients. The fact that people trust me to put my art on them forever is so humbling. I’ve been so lucky to find literally the best clients that I was surprised to have grown so close to.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The art of tattooing is a cruel bitch… it’s way harder than it looks. Focus on progress over perfection, and never stop learning! ✕

My name is Davide Set! I’m an anime tattoo artist from Italy who wants to conquer the United States, sponsored by Proton Tattoo ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I love watching anime and especially reading manga, I think that every mangaka with his own style is able to express himself in the best way with real emotion; so, I try and study every day to be more recognizable. One piece is my favorite, and Luffy (the main character) is probably my perfect alter ego ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Avoid the ribs, fellas! It fuckin hurts ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? In the beginning, they asked me if I was sure about this kind of job..they thought it wasn’t something that I could sustain. Making this a sustainable job was my first goal. I was confident in my ability; now I’m saying this in a magazine ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Tattooing, no doubt! I mean, we have to think before we create, project our design, and then draw…but the real magic is with the needle; I can bring my design to life ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Well, my father had 3 little tattoos, and one of them was a little rose on his hand, close to his thumb; I’ve always been fascinated by this “thing” that couldn’t be erased ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? The GOAT is Simon Kbell; he’s terrific..the second one is Hori Benny, and my third choice is Yeray Perez ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I try to change the placement by talking with my client if I think that the spot doesn’t work perfectly for the design. Usually, I don’t refuse anything ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I don’t really know, but I hope to be an important part of its future. For example, being part of a pro team and working with them to improve and develop new technology and create innovative tattoo equipment. ✕

Anime-Manga Specialization

Independent Artist Atlanta, GA Location

Apocalypse Tattoo Co. Shop 9 Years Tattooing

I am a 24-year-old tattoo artist raised in Los Angeles, CA, and currently tattooing out of Colorado Springs, CO. Being a past military dependent, my apprenticeship was in a small town called Mildenhall, England, in the UK. I spent almost two years there, being taught from the ground up everything I know about tattooing. Getting to meet artists from all over Europe and the rest of the world exposed me to many influences and cultures that have shown through in my art and personality. My time overseas prepared me to become a successful, full-time tattoo artist once I moved back to the States.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Know what you want but definitely be ready for your tattoo artist to take some creative liberties with your idea. An inperson consultation is never a bad idea. Getting to sit together and talk about your ideas, what might work and what might not, is really what makes a good tattoo. Being able to see how a client reacts to certain ideas and getting to hear the back story helps to create your perfect tattoo. Being a decent human being helps, too, so we know we’re working with someone who genuinely cares and appreciates the work we put into the design.

LAPIDES JOHN

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Work hard and be passionate. That’s it. Good things come to those who put in the effort. If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top. Surround yourself with like-minded people who want to watch you succeed and are going to help you in any way they can. Your success isn’t based on what everyone else is doing. If you want to be a good tattoo artist that people look up to and respect, you better be ready to put in the long hours and go get it for yourself. Don’t do it for anyone else. I think it’s super important to be passionate about this industry and put in the hard work that comes with it. It’ll all be worth it in the end.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the world of tattooing will only get better as time goes on. With more talented artists emerging and machine technologies advancing, our job is becoming much easier, and hopefully, this skyrockets the tattoo industry higher than we can imagine. ✕

IT’S SUPER IMPORTANT TO BE PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY AND PUT IN THE HARD WORK

MIKE ANGEL

I just make art 305 ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get most of my inspiration from the struggle & sacrifice my parents endured to get to this country and give my sister & me the opportunity to succeed in life. What would I stand for if my dad floated here in the ocean from Cuba at 19 & I grew up to achieve nothing? I have to make my family proud ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Research & experience the culture. Tattoos are lifestyle, and we dedicated tattooers take our creative process very seriously, so look at different styles & artists until you find an artist you relate to and request an appointment or consultation. Keep in mind all ideas sound great in theory but not all translate well on the skin, so the right artist will guide you & create your tattoo in a way where both you and the artist are satisfied with the outcome. Most importantly, treat tattooing the way you would want it to treat you! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? What most family & friends would say… “Get a real job,”…”You’re never going to make money doing tattoos,”… “You should find a career”… hahaha. Obviously, I didn’t let any of that phase me & here we are now! ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of being a tattooer is that I get to live the life I want with no strings attached. I don’t have to hide my tattoos or clock into a job I have no interest in, I don’t have to wear a uniform of any kind, and I get to meet new people on a daily basis who share my same love for art & self-expression. Every story teaches me something new; every client becomes a friend ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Tribal armbands in the 90s, stick-on tattoos my dad would put all over my arms and face as a kid, tattoo & low rider magazines, but most influential to my journey as a tattooer was when “Miam ink” aired on TV. I’m a Miami native so seeing these guys tattooing and also earning an honest living gave me hope that I could be like those guys one day. ✕

TATTOOSBYBEANZ

I’m David. I go by beanz. Born in California, living the dream in Cincinnati, OH. Married with two beautiful children.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My dad is my inspiration. He was an artist who always helped me draw and look at other subjects more as shapes, so it was easier on the eyes and mind to create.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Take your time, look at the artist’s work, think real hard about what you want, and let the artist use his passion to create something lifelong for you.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Everyone was happy. They knew that I loved art.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Talking with clients about their stories.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Getting my face tattooed, no turning back …

Who are your favorite artists? My dad and everyone I work with.

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

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Great things. I see so many young talented people. It’s insane.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? So far, my career has been amazing.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Draw, pay attention to your mentors, and ask questions. ✕

I started getting tattooed while I was living in Germany, and I was introduced to real tattooing by AJ Lingerfeldt. He encouraged me to seek an apprenticeship which I finally got into after moving to Hawaii. I tattooed there for a little over 3 years before moving to Spokane and being hired on by Walt Dailey at Tiger Tattoo, where I will probably be until the end of my days. Walt retired, and the shop passed to Duffy Moon. I often travel to do guest spots as well as work the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get a lot of inspiration from the tattooers around me, which is why I like to travel often. I often say I don’t do a single tattoo alone, which is true. I always want opinions from other artists on placement, color theory, or any input that will make my work better. I love watching other tattooers work their craft and try to pick up things I would have never thought of ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t take yourself so seriously, and just commit to a great piece. Everyone wants their first tattoo to mean something, I get it, but honestly, most of the best tattoos don’t mean anything. They are just cool. And stop trying to get the artist to make it smaller ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I’ve always been artistic, so I don’t think any of them were as surprised as I was. I didn’t grow up exposed to great tattooing; it was all green smudged out “trucker trash.” But once I saw what great tattooing could be, and I was sort of initiated into it, I was hooked ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The ability to go wherever I want and meet new people. I can bring my job with me ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get tattooed a lot. Travel. Let people pick apart your tattoos; it will make you better. Take your earbuds out and connect with your client. ✕

My name is Casey Meservey; I’ve been tattooing since 2009. I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and I’m currently living in southern Oregon.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I have various things/artists that inspire me, but my #1 inspiration in tattooing was Joshua Carlton.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t worry; it doesn’t hurt as bad as all those jackasses told you! Get good rest, eat and drink water before, and get excited! It’s gonna be a fun experience.

CASEY MESERVEY

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I had a lot of support. My band wasn’t so stoked when I quit to start tattooing, but otherwise, friends & family were very supportive. What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Putting pretty pictures on people’s skin, duh! Lol, no, when the session is done, I see so much excitement on the client’s face. It makes my day.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Getting my first professional tattoo. I instantly fell in love with the experience and the whole process.

Who are your favorite artists? Joshua Carlton, Trash Polka official, Yogi Barret, Ralf Nonnweiler, Marco Pepe, and Andres Acosta.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) It really depends on the circumstances, but in general, no facial, head, or genitals. There are some styles of tattoos I won’t do either.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Oh yes, lol. I don’t have any juicy stories to tell; it’s primarily

been nightmare clients who make me want to gouge my own eyes out. But thankfully, I really only seem to have amazing clients these days.

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

Really focus on what you’re passionate about! Whatever style excites you the most, go for that and put your all into it. In my opinion, it’s better to be a master of one thing rather than a jack of all trades. ✕

LILIANA YANETH

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and knew I was going to be some type of artist when I grew up. I first got my apprenticeship right after I graduated high school. I had to stop tattooing for about three years because I had my son, but once I was able to start again, I never stopped and put everything I had into my career ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from many different artists, especially those I get to work with. I really look up to them, and it pushes me to do better ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research and find an artist you love. Your tattoo doesn’t have to be super meaningful; just get something that makes you happy. Make sure you eat before your appointment and remember pain is temporary, so don’t freak yourself out ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I’m sure my parents would’ve preferred if I went a

different path, but overall, everyone has been very supportive, and I am forever grateful ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Connecting with my clients and bringing their vision to life that they get to carry with them forever ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Since I was a kid, tattoos fascinated me, I thought if someone had a tattoo, they were the coolest person ever, and I wanted to be like them. Once, I was in high school, I had no interest in anything other than tattooing, and I got laughed at, but I did it! ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I have so many artists I look up to that it’s hard to pick favorites ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I wouldn’t do anything racist or flat-out ignorant ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? More inclusivity, it’s been a male-dominated industry for so long, and we’re now seeing more women and LGBTQ+ artists. ✕

With a vibrant persona earning him over 4 million followers on social media, MUSICIAN

Chad

Tepper

...has Definitely Spent Some Time in the Limelight.

Since moving from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles in 2015, he’s jumped at every opportunity to grow his fanbase, showcasing his larger-than-life personality through stuntman-like antics and skateboard tricks. But in more recent years, he has shifted focus to his true passion–making music–and building a lasting legacy in the alternative world. >

Photographed by ANDREW M. GLEASON

I honestly freestyle

most of my music. . .

Since hitting the studio for the first time five years ago, the singer and guitarist is proving to be our generation’s next authentic rockstar. The effortless grunge quality of his voice, combined with an all-or-nothing mindset and flair for storytelling, find him equipped with the tools he needs for a fruitful career. Already seeing streams in the millions—over 15 million this past year alone—his talents have been recognized by industry majors such as Apple 1, Spotify, Lyrical Lemonade, and KROQ, among others. 2021 saw huge milestones for Tepper, boasting dream collaborations with Simple Plan, Bowling for Soup, Travie McCoy, and Cheat Codes; all acts that he grew up listening to and influenced the artist he is now.

How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What was it? I was a teenager, I can’t remember, but I got it with my mom, and it was a secret from my dad for months. It was a skateboard shop that I used to skate for, but I actually got it covered ⸺ Do people treat you differently because of your tattoos? 1 million percent. Especially on my face. I love my tattoos, and a lot of them define who I am, but I’m happy with the way that I look because of them. These tattoos help me feel like I’m really in my own skin.

But renting a house, interacting with cops, meeting parents, going to business meetings, etc., all of those interactions are different when you have tattoos the way that I do. You deal with a lot of people judging you and staring at you. I mean, I’ve had a cop legit ask if I was on parole/probation or if I was in a gang because of my tattoos ⸺ Who are your favorite tattoo artist(s) to get tattooed by? AJ Grzy -

bowski of Lucky’s Tattoo in Simi Valley is my main guy. He does all of my current work and is the best guy. I also love Alex John Bready and Jared Starbard. Zach Roehner has also done a lot of my work recently ⸺ What’s the wildest thing someone has said or asked you about your tattoos? I had an old lady come up to me in the 99-cent storeold ladies come up to me pretty often. She says, “You are so gorgeous, you’re like breathtaking, but why TF did you have to ruin it with your face tattoos?!” She then said that my mom and dad had to be ashamed and kept pushing about what I could possibly be doing for work and all this wild stuff.

Another time I was at a different store, and this other old woman was staring at me super hard, and then she said, “You must be a real tough guy with those tattoos,” and then asked when I got out (of jail)...

I’ve experienced some wild hatred toward tattoos ⸺ What is your 001

CHADTEPPER’S TOP5DEADORALIVEMUSICIANS

“Bygenre!Ican’tgobyjustfiveoverall.”

favorite tattoo that you have? It’s kind of impossible to say, but I really love the broken heart that’s on my face. It’s really generic and cheesy, but it’s so me. I really wear my heart on my sleeves, but instead, I get to show people in a legit way who I am cause I’ve had a broken heart so many times for so many different reasons, and now people will never not know that I’m truly brokenhearted on the inside ⸺ Where do you get your tattoo ideas from? All kinds of different places. 5% of the time, I’ll have an idea of what I want before I go in. 95% of my ideas come from the tattoo artist at the time. The designs don’t really speak to me as much as the moment does, or even having the specific space being covered.

Sometimes with AJ, I’ll just text back and forth before I come in, and we’ll pick something that will fit the spot I need covered.

A few of my tattoos, like my friend’s face, a flying penis, and a drunk rat banging a beer can that says “I love trash,” I have some songs that I’ve made, like the cover art or even an “FTP” on my leg, those all come from just being in the moment and being an idiot ⸺ What’s the longest tattoo session you’ve ever sat through? The longest one I’ve ever done is 10 hours, and it was when I was doing the tv show “how far is tattoo far” on MTV, and it’s a portrait of my buddy Zackass, and since we were filming on MTV, it had to be completely silent with no music and no nothing, so it was absolutely miserable. I’ve been on three tattoo shows, and they’re all the same. Absolutely terrible experience to get tattooed on tv - the outcome is dope, but the time during it sucks

⸺ What is the most painful tattoo that you have? My rib piece that I got before I moved to California. It was some old guy that was part of a motorcycle gang in Florida, and I traded him a dope Oakley watch for it. It was in my upper ribs/armpit area, and that sucked ⸺ Do you have any tattoos that you regret? Pshhhhh, all of em, hahahaha! One thing I’ve learned, but I keep doing it for some reason. Just stop putting logos, friends, and names on you because sometimes that doesn’t last forever, but the tattoos for sure do ⸺ Do you have the most tattoos out of your family & friends? Definitely the most out of my family and probably the most out of my friends, but if not the most, then for sure in the top of both groups ⸺ What’s the next tattoo that you plan to get? I don’t really plan on them, and right now, there’s nothing on my radar, so I guess you’ll just have to wait and see what comes next ⸺ How did you end up homeless? How did that affect your music & you in general? I was homeless from the age of 5-12. I was a little kid; living with my mom, dad, and two brothers. My parents were great people who made some mistakes and fell on hard times, so that’s how we ended up homeless at that time. It’s really shaped me and how hard I work. It’s a lot of trauma that I have to deal with every single day, but it made me a man, and I bust my ass, so I never have to go back to living like that again. My music was shaped by it in so many ways, but to keep it short, it allows me to be more vulnerable and real and show my grit ⸺ Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety? I used to have to drink and smoke to get on stage, but as I progressed as an artist and developed out of that, my thoughts shifted. I don’t really get anxious about performing because it’s my dream. It’s a gift. It’s what makes me happy, and I love it, so I want to enjoy and remember every single moment. So outside of praying and manifesting a great night and show, I don’t really do much besides warm up my vocals and prep with my band ⸺ How was it playing at the Roxy? It was one of the best nights of my life. It was just a lot of fun. Something I’ve always dreamed of, and it surpassed all expectations. I had a smile on my face the entire night, and sometimes I still can’t believe I got the chance to play at such an iconic venue ⸺ What’s your creative process? I honestly freestyle most of my music. I love to run and gun ⸺ What’s your favorite song you’ve done? Ask my label and my manager, and my favorite song is the newest one. But the one that is random and isn’t my best song is SOS off my first album, Trash Loser ⸺ Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music? Yeah, I love to paint, skate, write poetry, making short films and content. I just love anything

—OLD LADY IN 99¢ STORE

and everything art-related ⸺ Tell us about your dogs and how you came to be a dog person. Dogs are the best thing on this earth. They love you, they don’t judge you, they’re soft, and they’re there for you all the time. Dogs rule. I always wanted one growing up but couldn’t have one when I was growing up since I was homeless, so as soon as I could afford one, I got one! ⸺ Do you still skate? Yeah, of course! I try to go hit the park at least once a week ⸺ Give me one of your favorite skating experiences? Too many to name! Skating was and is such a big part of my life and my growing up. The whole culture and growing up in it has been my favorite experience. ✕

“YOU ARE SO GORGEOUS, . . . WHY TF DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT WITH YOUR FACE TATTOOS?!”

AJ GRZYBOWSKI

Shop Owner/Artist

LUCKYS TATTOO

Simi Valley, CA.

Hello, I’m AJ, owner, and artist at Luckys Tattoo in Simi Valley. I started my career in 2009. I spent the next 10 years learning and striving to make each tattoo better than the last and stepping outside my comfort zone to try new techniques and new applications. After the covid restrictions were lifted, I opened Luckys Tattoo. Here at Luckys, I am trying to provide a quality tattoo experience and build friendships. I’m a husband and father of three, and I value family most ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? That’s a tough one to nail down a few. When I first started, I was into black n grey and would get inspired by Chente. Then the shop I was at started getting into traditional, and that list is too long. But to name a few, Paul Dobleman is a huge inspiration. Then gravitated toward Japanese work, Robert Aktinson, Jojo Akerman, Horiokie, and Alex Rusty, to name a few ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Run it ⸺ What did your family

13 Years Tattooing

American & Japanese Traditional Specialty tattoosbyaj.ag

@gmail.com

@luckystattoosimi Instagram

luckystattoosimi .com

and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? To be honest, they didn’t like it at first. They’re from a different generation. But they’ve grown to it over the years ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job would be helping addicts and people struggling, whether it be from me telling my story or just listening and helping where I can; hands down the greatest feeling ⸺ Was it hard getting an apprenticeship? How was yours? Yeah, I became friends with the guys at the shop first and would hang out almost every day. Over time I saw them looking for apprentices more and more. I finally said give me a shot. They said no at first and finally said ok. My apprenticeship was great. I’m glad I did it where I did it and with who I did it. I owe it all to them ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t do it. There’s enough of us. But if you get lucky enough to get in, you’re lucky. ✕

Shop Profile

Luckys Tattoo in Simi Valley opened in October 2020, just after Covid restrictions were lifted. Luckys is a hidden gem. The shop tattoos all varieties ranging from American traditional, neo trad, fine line black n grey, lettering, Japanese, and just the simple ones. This shop strives to provide you with a quality tattoo and tattoo experience. Luckys Tattoo has its hands in some local charities, including “For The Need Foundation.” If you are ever in the Ventura County area, please stop by and check this gem out. ✕

15 Years

Tattooing

Realism, Illustrative Specialization

warhawktattoo @gmail.com

@saltlakesbesttattoo Instagram

My name is Tyler Bloomingdale, and I started tattooing in the sunny city of San Diego, California. I grew up as a surfer/skateboarder and was exposed early on to the Punk Rock culture and its artwork. Due to this, the imagery I create seems to have a dark undertone, and my rendering is a bit more graphic ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Often enough, I get my inspiration from my friends and some heroes in the industry. Thomas Carli Jarlier, Yarson, Arlo Di Cristina, Rember, and TheAttic _c.p push me daily. As far as favorite traditional artists James Jean, Alphonse Mucha, Burne Hogarth, and Shepard Fairey, to name a few ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do Your Research! Make sure the artist you are requesting fits the mold for the style of work you are looking to have rendered ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was supportive. My mom said I was always creative,

TYLER BLOOMINGDALE

Owner/Artist

so, to her, it made sense. My girlfriend at the time explained to me that, even though she couldn’t continue a relationship with me as an artist, it was what I was meant to do. It was the end and the beginning ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I believe we are going to see some new amazing styles out of truly gifted up-and-coming talent. N ew styles of equipment are a for sure. Also, new methods in health and safety equipment. The future is bright ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? The very first professional tattoo I ever did, my client was hung over. I was doing a simple cross, banner, and lettering design on the inner forearm. After 45 minutes, he started to vomit. I had him hold a trashcan while we finished the tattoo. Not fun ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? We aren’t brain surgeons, and the clients come first. Let’s all stay humble cause if you want to be a rock star; there is a different industry for that.

Resident Artists Dati

WARHAWK TATTOO

LAYTON, UT

Warhawk Tattoo is tattoo artist owned and operated. The artists here are award-winning and worldclass. Shop sponsors include Tae’Tu Aftercare, Fusion Ink, and Axys Rotary. Opened October 1, 2020 by Tyler Bloomingdale in the city of Layton, Utah, the shop has a laid-back feel with the client’s comfort in mind

⸺ There are currently seven chairs with five full-time artists ⸺ We are always looking for new guest artists!

Tried and true, we honor old traditions and new; we are not your average tattoo shop. Stop in if you’re ever in Davis County or the Utah area, or give us a call at (385) 301 9548 anytime! We are open seven days a week from 11 am-6 pm, and we’d love to see you. ✕

Guest Artists:

11 Years Tattooing

TN

Tattoos. Metal. Family. Friends. Heart. Father and husband. Metal head. Horror junkie. 11-year tattooer.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I try to draw inspiration from other tattooers and artists I know. There are lots of amazing artists here in Memphis.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Fucking BATHE. No one likes a smelly client. And eat something. Other than that, just grip it and rip it, man.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were all about it, but my family was

concerned that it wasn’t a viable career. Their tune has changed since then.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Being able to look and dress how I want and designing my own schedule. Little freedoms like that are so important.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was 5 years old on the bus and saw a biker dude with tons of tats on his arms, and I thought, “I want that.”

Who are your favorite artists? My buddy KP is here in Memphis. The dude is cold-blooded. Big Meas, Orks, Gabri, and Steve Moore.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nah. Not really.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I have no idea. The bar continues to push higher and higher, so the sky really is the limit.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Tattooed on a guy for 3.5 hours only to be told he had $23 to his name.

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

Hello! Im Grettel from Lima, Perú. I am an artist, tattooist, graphic designer, and illustrator based in Miami, Florida. I’m specialized in fineline, micro realism, floral work, and also color in some of my pieces. My work is based on peper shading style. I love all things spiritual, crystals, nature, paint, and CATS ⸺

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My inspirations: kelogsloops painter, Triotan artist, the internet, and books ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Just relax; a broken heart hurts more than a prick ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? That I’m crazy, but they know I love all artistic skills and tattoos; now it’s my fav ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The process of sketching. I also like when my clients first see their tattoos and at the end when they see the tattoo done ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? The pandemic, free time, crazy friends, and, of course, art ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Tritoan, Sebaztian Maranta, and Tomagematoma ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)

No

⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? New opportunities for new artists and new styles to be explored that have been limited by holding past beliefs and social rules; what’s coming is going to be much cooler ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Nothing crazy, just the normal ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Practice and be consistent. ✕

Artist

My name is Krissy Diane, and I am a tattoo artist out of Woodstock, IL. I work at Lost Lagoon Tattoo alongside some very talented artists. I apprenticed under the very talented Billy Raike. I have been tattooing for 8 years & found my passion for blackwork about 5 years ago. I have a dark, spooky style, and I love tattooing floral, skulls, & anything organic. I also have a passion for movie-themed pieces. I am a huge Rock N Roll fanatic & when I’m not tattooing, I love spending time with my husband and beautiful baby girl.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from a lot of art I have come across throughout my life in movies, paintings, and photography. I was an art major at Western Illinois, where I was able to learn many different techniques in different mediums.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) My advice would be to really do some research on what style you are looking for. Then take the time to look at artists’ portfolios and find someone who specializes in that style; once you find your artist put your trust in them & let them have free rein & artistic freedom.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? When I first mentioned I was interested in becoming a tattoo artist, there was definitely some nerves from my father, but as soon as he saw my potential & passion for it, he became my biggest fan & supporter.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I absolutely love hearing all of my clients’ ideas & then getting to make them come to life. Getting to see the expression on their faces when they see their tattoos is the best.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was interested at a very young age. I loved the way tattooed people looked & my love for Rock N Roll introduced me to a lot of men and women who were covered. As a little girl, I would even tattoo my barbies. ✕

DIANE KRISSY

8 Years Tattooing

Woodstock, IL

Location

Independent Artist

Lost Lagoon Tattoo Shop

B&G/Blackwork

Stipple/Fine line Detail Specialty

krissydianetattoos312 @gmail.com

@KrissyDiane_Tattoos Instagram

krissydianetattoos .com

I am an artist based out of Austin, Texas, specializing in black and gray realism. I work under the shop name Vice and Virtue Tattoo, located in downtown Austin at 910 East Cesar Chavez St. I was born and grew up in Baltimore City. My family is split between the United States and Italy. My mother is a Baltimore native who comes from a family of artists, and my father is an Italian who relocated to the US in the 1980s to pursue a career in medicine. I was encouraged at a young age by both my parents to devote time to my “natural talent” in the visual arts. I was lucky enough to get accepted to the Baltimore School for the Arts for high school, where I cultivated my skills and gained a deeper appreciation for art ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I am heavily influenced by my roots, combining aspects of my Italian heritage (passion, workmanship, and art history) with the natural eye and art techniques gifted to me by my mother’s family. Getting the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in Italy has shaped my taste in Art and Design and continues to inspire my work ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends and family were overall very supportive of my transition into the tattoo industry. At the time, I was working in home remodeling, and the people closest to me always encouraged me to use my skills in the arts to earn a living ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? What drew me to the art of tattooing was the honesty in it. I appreciate how heavily it relies on technique and the clear distinction between a well-done tattoo, in any style, and a bad one. This, along with the pressure of creating a tattoo in one attempt, interested me. For these reasons, I believe tattooing is one of the most challenging and inspiring forms of visual art. ✕

MEL B

14-year Navy veteran that is self-taught and has been tattooing for 20 years. I can do all styles, even cosmetic, lol. I opened Uniquink tattoos in 2017. I’ve had some amazing artist work for me along the way, and more to come.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? The Lord above.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you pick the right artist for what you want.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They loved it and are very supportive.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Making people’s visions come to life.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My love of art.

Who are your favorite artists? Jay Freestyle.

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

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t give up... it is worth it. ✕

TANK MAASS

I was born and raised in the Greater Houston area; I moved away when I was 22 and only recently moved back. I started tattooing and piercing around 2003 in Waco, TX. I had a short and rather crappy apprenticeship which led to some struggles in making advancements, but I managed while continuing to work full-time being an EMT, then a process technician, and then a manufacturing production manager. In 2013 I decided to step away from everything else and started focusing solely on my passions and career as an artist. I enjoy a challenge and love small details, but I get the most excitement from black and grey realism and anything with a horror vibe or a dark and macabre aesthetic ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My love for all things macabre. Death is inevitable, and the struggles along the path to that end are what we call life. Lately, I have been working with some clients that struggle with mental health disorders from walking that path, and I try to capture their struggles in their tattoos in hopes of helping them heal ⸺ What advice would you give to

someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Always check the portfolio of the artist before you get work from them. If you don’t like the work they post, then you might not like your tattoo ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were all very supportive; I think my mom was the first person I ever tattooed; besides myself ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I truly enjoy working with my clients, getting in their heads, and seeing the joy that my art brings them. The best reward is seeing the true emotion of when a client looks at their finished piece; you can’t replace that feeling ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? It may sound weird, but it was the machines and the process of tattooing. I built my first tattoo machine when I was about 12 after seeing one operate ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I have always looked up to the amazing art by Paul Booth, Bob Tyrell, Goethe Silva, Victor Portugal, Guy Aitcheson, and David Jorquera, just to name a few. ✕

Artist

World traveled tattooer, now based in Miami, FL. Suro specializes in fineline work, especially with her pet portraits and florals.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Traveling. I’ve seen so many great artists at work all over the country and internationally (not just scrolling thru IG). My favorite has been Toronto so far.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t smoke (weed), please lol. People think it may calm them down, but it really just heightens the pain. Seriously tho, just eat, rest up, and come knowing that you are getting something permanent done. Do your RESEARCH!

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My mom’s side was more supportive; however, my dad still tries to wrap his head around everything. My friends are the true light! They kept pushing me since day 1. A lot of free tattoos in the beginning, haha, but my friends were amazing, allowing me to tattoo them when I had zero experience. My heroes!

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? The culture, I’ve always been different, you know. I wore baggy pants, colored my bangs, and had a myspace “scene” profile listening to Aiden and breaking benjamin. Seeing all the musicians with their tattoos, I knew it was something I had to see for myself,

Who are your favorite artists? My Life/Shop partner, of course, Nelbotattoos, Zeetattoo, Valentin.ink, Hannah flowers, mgptattoos.

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

A tattoo pen that has a camera so you can take even closer shots of the process. Have you seen these latest reels?? Like holy ****!

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Had someone literally love the tattoo, comment on the social media post, then two weeks later have a meltdown asking for money back. Uhm bye.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Trust the process, be patient. Never stop learning. You are so lucky cause the industry is nicer now, lol. ✕

10 Years Tattooing Miami, FL Location

Independent Artist

Fineline floral, Animal & Pet portraits Specialty @Melodyb69 Instagram info @suroshinn.org

info@surohinn .org

Artist

Naira Dots is an ornamental tattoo artist specializing in the dotwork style. She has been involved in the tattoo industry for many years, being a model for her husband, a famous tattoo artist, Ilya Cascad. Ilya (ilyacascad) is known due for the huge 3D optical illusions he manages to fit into his projects. Together, they’ve received numerous trophies showing off his ornamental art on Naira’s body. At the beginning of 2022, they opened their tattoo studio Ornamentalika.ink, in Las Vegas, and Naira started her own artistic career, making custom mini ornamental works

⸺ How many tattoos do you have? Tattoos cover a significant part of my body; however, I only have a few tattoos. I prefer massive projects that are thought over at the very beginning. That gives an obvious result - everything matches and looks balanced together ⸺ Are all your tattoos made by your husband, Ilya Cascad? Most of them are done by Ilya. My legs are done in collaboration with MaximXIII, an amazing artist and our good friend. I can’t even say how proud and happy I am to have their collective art on me ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Definitely my husband, Ilya Cascad. His

talent is inspiring; he creates something unique with every project he makes! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My parents are very conservative, and I believe I’m the first person in my family who has tattoos. However, all questions and concerns ended when this became a profession and started to bring me money. They realized that my husband and I are happy doing what we love and traveling around the world for conventions and guest spots ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part is to realize personal growth and development, skills improvement, and the ability to create something new and unique ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? All of my surroundings were pushing me into tattooing: my husband’s work, our tattoo studio, and my interest in ornamental style. So it was just a question of time ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? There are so many of them I can’t even highlight one... artists who have their own unique style... if you see work and you know exactly who the artist is, this is what is called unique. ✕

Ornamental/dotwork Specialization

Independent Artist Las Vegas, NV Location

Year Tattooing

GIANNA QUICK

My name is Gianna Quick. I’m 24 years old; I’ve been tattooing for 4 years now and have found myself really enjoying the microrealism style. One thing I absolutely love about this job is I’m constantly learning and growing.

What is the weirdest tattoo that you’ve ever done? An outline of someone eating a butt on a butt.

tattoo artist population is definitely at an ultimate high, and some of these artists are so incredible.

4 Years Tattooing

Ewing, NJ Location

Independent Artist B&G Fine realism Specialty

@keepitgtattoo Instagram keepitgtattoos @gmail.com

If you could tattoo only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Black and grey florals.

What is one negative thing about tattooing? Having the back problems of a 90-year-old at 24.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I absolutely love renaissance style paintings; I definitely get a lot of inspiration from them. Also, learning from other artists. The world

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Definitely pick an artist that you are 100% comfortable with. You want someone who you can be open with about changes, and if you have any questions, you should never have to feel uncomfortable with asking them.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I had my family and friends support 100% all the way through. I really don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t have support from them.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of this job is seeing

the look in my client’s eye when I’m done working. I know I’ve done my job right when their eyes light up, and I see the biggest smile. It is super rewarding.

Who are your favorite artists? Edit Paints, Ryan Ashley Malarkey, Nick the Tailor, and Zlata Kolomoyskaya.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Definitely refusing any offensive tattoos and no genitals. Style-wise, 100% no tribal and no Celtic knots… not a fan.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Take your time with everything. Patience is so important. Trust the process and ask as many questions as you can. ✕

I grew up in the punk/skateboard/hip-hop scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s; I dropped out of art school to play music ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Nature, Culture, Symbolism, Movies, Music, Art ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t rush into getting highly visible areas tattooed; get a feel for what tattoos you want to have in the future. Start with something small to palm-sized ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were happy ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I like it all, but the use of color is really fun ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I was interested in tattoos since I gave myself sleeves with temporary tattoos from the corner store at age 6 ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Geno, Frank Garbuggino, Robert Ryan, Dan Higgs, Tomas Redrey, and Cheyenne Sawyer ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) It depends on who’s asking ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I honestly have no idea ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Nothing worse than traveling to another country for a custom tattoo and the artist telling you they didn’t draw anything, just pick something off the wall ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Meet the people, get some tattoos, and participate in the industry you hope to profit from. Be open to criticism and ask for help when you need it. It’s hard to learn sitting alone in a private studio. ✕

JANKY

My name is Benny Gonzalez, I’ve been tattooing for about 17 years, and I specialize in realistic black and grey and comic book-style tattoos. I’m currently 36 years old and have been drawing since I was 3 years old (according to my mom). I’ve competed in countless tattoo competitions and have won over 50 awards in various categories.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? When it comes to inspiration, I don’t really have a main source. I’m inspired by many things, such as moments in life, music, philosophy, and other artists. Inspiration typically comes to me when I least expect it, so I try not to hunt for it; I just let it come to me.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t overthink it; tattoos don’t always have to mean something; there’s nothing wrong with getting a tattoo simply because you like it. And if it does mean something to you at that point in your life, try not to look at it later with regret; people change, but at the end of the day, it’s your story, and that in itself means something whether other people understand it or not.

BENNY GONZALEZ

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is being able to do what I love daily and see my evolution as I go. I can be myself, dress how I want, talk how I want, and live my life on my terms. Plus, there’s nothing like running a needle across someone’s skin and producing beauty out of pain.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I never wanted to be a tattoo artist; at the time, I didn’t think of it as an option. It sort of just fell on my lap when another tattoo artist saw my sketchbook and asked me if I would like to be his apprentice. I hesitated at first, but once I realized that I could not only make money doing it but that I was also pretty good at it, I made up my mind then and there that this was what I would do with the rest of my life. ✕

17 Years Tattooing Orlando, FL Location Independent Artist Comic Book Style Realism Specialty @bennygon Instagram sincitymail @gmail.com

JAMES MINER

Portland, OR-based tattooer working in fine-line detailed ornaments ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Nature, folk art, and psychedelic culture ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Trust your artist, avoid copying an existing tattoo, and don’t go too small ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were generally supportive with a few sideward glances ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? That I get to stay inspired by art; my head is constantly swimming with ideas for the next design I want to tattoo ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My sister got me a tattoo for Christmas one year. We went to Saved in Brooklyn. I fell in love with it instantly ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Stizzo. Max Brain. Marco Sergiampietri. Olivia Dawn. Flavio Cannata. Becca Genné-Ba-

con. Blum. Dino Vallely. Barb Rebelo. Katy Hayward. These people inspire me every day and never seem to miss ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I won’t do someone’s first face tattoo ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think quality is going to continue to soar as more artists flock to tattooing ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Not really! I am very lucky with all of the great people I get to tattoo ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The same advice that was given to me; draw as long as you can before you ever pick up a machine. Once you start tattooing, you will rely on that experience, so don’t shortchange yourself ⸺ What do you want potential clients to know? I am as excited about your tattoo as you are, especially when I have the freedom to work from my ideas. ✕

Journey Tattoo was established in August 2015 by my big brothers Quoc Duong and Dominic Nguyen. We are one of the very first Vietnamese tattoo studios in the Houston area. Our team has continued to grow, and now we have 12 artists working together like a big family. Each

JOURNEY TATTOO

artist has their own style that is easy to recognize in their work. We all have a similar beginning, which is why we understand each other well. We have the same passion and love for tattoo body art and always try to learn and improve our work day by

day. As an immigrant, I am so thankful for this country that helps all of us to do our dream and become successful. Our team has won many tattoo art conventions in texas, and hopefully, we will go to more in other states. As of today, so many tattoo shops have

94 THE TATTOO INDUSTRY Shop Profile

opened, showing that the tattoo industry has been growing and will continue to grow. Therefore, we always try to work and improve ourselves.

Blvd ( 14403 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 ) and the other one on Katy ( 1718 Fry rd #300 Houston, TX 77084 ). Please come and check us out; we always try to do our best because we understand it will be with you forever.

@jorney_tattoo Instagram Loi Nguyen Contact

I was born and lived in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, until the age of 15, and then my family moved to the US. I started tattooing when I was 20 years old. My tattoo style is very traditional. Currently, I am working at Journey Tattoo in Houston, Texas ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My hometown and the traditions there have always been a source of inspiration for my work, and I wanted to combine them with the style of traditional American tattoos ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)First of all, you have to know what style of tattoo you want so you won’t regret it later and cover it up with another tattoo ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I like painting the most, but tattooing is my life ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? When I was 20 years old, I was doing other things outside and didn’t go to school anymore, I didn’t want to waste my youth, so I started to try tattooing ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? My master is my favorite tattoo artist; he always pushes the passion of each person he teaches ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? My advice to those of you who are pursuing the tattoo industry is to try to pursue it with true passion and to stay healthy to live with it. ✕

Independent Artist

Polina Cohen is a 24 y.o artist based in San Francisco, California. Specializing in dark realism with abstract and gothic art.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I’m inspired by renaissance artists.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do research on the styles. Make sure you feel comfortable with your artist. Try to give your artist artistic freedom (we really get inspired by that).

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were telling me to try tattooing since I was 15. After some time, I tried and fell in love with tattooing, and I can’t imagine my life without it any longer.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part is seeing the reactions of my clients when they see the final projects. I really enjoy tattooing family members and covering scars; I love seeing the relief my clients feel after having a scar covered.

Who are your favorite artists? Carlos Toress.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I believe that any tattoo must have the right composition and flow with the body shape. Tattoos are like jewelry that emphasizes individuality. ✕

POLINA COHEN

Outlaw Tattoo is owned and operated by a mother-and-son team. We were tired of the dark and dingy dungeonstyle tattoo shops and wanted to bring a more elegant approach to our tattoo shop. Brandon has been tattooing for about 15 years and has owned a few different shops in different cities. He loves what he does and can’t see himself doing anything else. Lisa is not a tattoo artist but is great at marketing

and financial aspects that come with running a tattoo shop. When Lisa got laid off from her job in the mortgage industry in Jan. 2022, she and Brandon set out to open Outlaw Tattoo Studio. Although we just recently opened in April 2022, we have a fairly large following. Our shop has the most experienced and talented artists in the Temecula Valley. We take customer service very seriously and provide a clean,

OUTLAW TATTOO STUDIO & BODY PIERCING

outlawtattootemecula.com

relaxing environment for our clients. We want our clients to walk out proud of their new art and feel well taken care of.

We have 6 amazing artists, some with award-winning pieces. All of them have their own style, talent, and achievements. No matter what style of tattoo you want, whether it be black & gray, traditional, or any one of the many other styles of tattooing, we’ve got you covered. At Outlaw Tattoo, we are

all family and treat our clients like family as well. Our shop is kid friendly with a small play area to keep them occupied. Our clients also get a free aftercare sample kit when they are finished. We have some fun promotions going on right now. We have Flash Art Fridays and the Get What You Get Tattoo wheel. We also sponsor local events at our shop. A local group wanted to do a fundraiser to raise money for a family

in need. Our artists graciously donated their time for the event to help bring as many donations as they could.

Our shop sells Outlaw Tattoo merchandise such as t-shirts and hats. We also sell a variety of different aftercare products.

If you’re not really into the tattoo thing, we also have 2 fantastic piercers. If you have it, they can pierce it. We also have additional body jewelry available for purchase. ✕

TEMECULA, CA

@outlawtattootemecula Instagram

Lisa Simmons & Brandon Fuller Owners @bfullertattoo Instagram

Queen Tattoo was envisioned during the year 2015 when Leticia was preparing to sell her first shop in Brazil to move to the United States. The inspiration for the name came from the band “Queen” and because it is a noble and empowering feminine word.

At the beginning of 2020, after four years of hard work to rebuild in the USA, Leticia started looking for business locations. There were several refusals from landlords due to prejudice

Shop Profile

QUEEN TATTOO CO.

JACKSONVILLE, FL

info

LETICIA BOMTEMPO

Owner/Contact

against tattoo parlors, but she found a great location right on main street in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Right after signing the leasing agreement, the Covid lockdowns forced all tattoo artists in the area to be out of work for months.

The pandemic brought uncertainty and added difficult challenges, but with perseverance, Leticia used the isolation time to build the shop.

In a happy coincidence, the shop was finally ready and licensed to operate in September

of 2020, right after the Covid restrictions were lifted from business in our city. In the beginning, it was only Leticia and her apprentice. It took a couple of months until we started to welcome new artists onto our team.

We cannot say for sure if this was due to Covid, but at the beginning, business was unusually slow. Even Leticia’s regular clients disappeared. But we never quit. We kept working to the best of our abilities, and people started to come.

The shop is about to reach its second anniversary, and we finally have a full team of tattoo & permanent makeup artists. Our team grew naturally, and we came together like a little family; now, there are almost ten of us.

We are all hard workers and full-time artists. Our manager does a magnificent job and keeps the shop running smoothly. We have won eight tattoo awards, have been in three publications, and have been invited to

work with big brands since this shop opened.

Leticia’s wife, Jamie, recently joined the shop with her supporting business, Zest MFR, providing health services in an office adjacent to the shop. She also helps with the daily needs of the shop and will hopefully also learn how to pierce!

Queen Tattoo Co. is building a reputation for being a warm and inviting shop providing quality services to Northeast Florida and for being a safe and rich environment. ✕

MARCELINE MICHAELA

My name is Michaela, but most call me Mic, Mac, or MicMac! I am 24 years old (25 December) and a tattoo artist at the wonderful Dark Arts Tattoo Studio in Churchville, MD. I graduated from the Douglas Education Center in January 2018 with a specialized business degree in special effects makeup artistry under the Tom Savini program. I am also recently married (10/22/22) to the love of my life! I am in year 4 of my career, but I have been making art since I could hold a crayon; my mom even has the pictures to prove it! The life I am currently living is something magical, and to be able to create fun and beautiful pieces of work daily is something little 6-year-old me always wanted to be able to do - make art for a living! ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Personally, go big or go home! Make sure that you can review the tattoo prior to getting it done, and do not be afraid of making changes. You are paying for it. You don’t want to get stuck with something you don’t like for the rest of your life. Please hydrate and eat prior to getting your tattoo and bring snacks with you! I cannot stress this enough ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was excited for me to have found my niche, and so were my friends! As I became more involved in my craft and started to gain a larger following from potential clients and other artists, I did lose a few people along the way. The loss hurt, but I know now that they were never in my corner, and that’s okay. I wish them all the best in their own paths to happiness and success ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? First, you will be judged (not to be confused with constructive criticism). Screw the judgment. This industry isn’t forgiving, and it will not let you dismiss your mistakes. Keep pushing, believe in progress, and trust the process. Practice makes perfect. Second, self-care is important. Burnout is very real, and if you don’t make time for yourself, your body will make sure you take a break without your permission. Third, your artistic style will change A LOT, and that’s okay. That means you are growing, and growth is good! ✕

I’m Ashkon, 37y/o father, husband, and tattoo artist. For the past 5 years, I’ve been tattooing out of the world-famous Club Tattoo Venetian, located inside the Venetian Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip! When I’m not tattooing or spending time with my family, I like to train Jiu Jitsu @FTCCLV.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from many different sources like family, friends, art, music, and food, just to name a few.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Getting your first tattoo is a big deal; you want it done right the first time. Do some research and find a reputable shop. Get what you want, everyone has an opinion, but you have to live with that tattoo.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I didn’t consider anyone’s opinion when it came to my career path. I

knew what I wanted to do and went for it.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is watching my client’s eyes light up when they see their new tattoo.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I’ve always been an artist; drawing came naturally. I gravitated to tattoos from a young age. I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday, and I was hooked.

10+ Years Tattooing Las Vegas, NV Location

Independent Artist B&G American Traditional Specialty tattooer.ash @gmail.com @artbyashkon Instagram

ASHKON

Who are your favorite artists? My favorite artists include Chris Garver, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, and Horiyoshi 3, just to name a few.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t tattoo genitals. I don’t tattoo minors (under 18).

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? The industry is becoming more advanced, and tools and techniques

are being refined. The quality and longevity of tattoos are getting better. The sky is the limit.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t learn by yourself. “Self-taught” translates to “bad habits” get an apprenticeship and trust the process. ✕

DANI

I’m Dani; I’m 24 and from Southern California. I have been in the industry since 2015. I specialize in black work, fine line, and floral pieces. I have been tattooing for three years and piercing for seven ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? I have three idols that I am heavily inspired by: @3kreuze, @ryanmrray, @mattwmurray. I aspire to create unique black work pieces with added spooky elements ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Well, my family at first considered it more of a hobby rather than a career. My friends were excited because it meant free tattoos and being a canvas for them. Now being in the industry as long as I have, my family is now requesting work from me, and they seem to be quite proud. It is definitely exciting to have a career in art after being told I never could ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My clients. Hands down. I love my clients, from my younger people to my older people. I love to hear their stories, experience their personalities, and just bond with them. My clients are what make me push to do what I do ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My brother, Glenn. I was about 10 years old when he showed me how to make and apply stencils, from covering me with deodorant and carbon paper to actual needle and ink. He always sat there and explained what he knew about tattooing and introduced me to a career I would later find to be my saving grace ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) No, give them all to me. They’re going to get them one way or another. Might as well collect the cool stories about these placements ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? This industry is constantly evolving and changing. I believe way more new-age artists for sure. Bringing their own unique styles and teachings. Come back styles as well. New machine mechanisms. The possibilities are endless in this industry. ✕

MARY LE

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Originally I started off doing hair the Vietnamese way, but I have always drawn since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to find my mentor to learn the craft. I had no ambition or confidence in myself until I learned to tattoo. Tattooing has really saved my life, and now I’m happy to say I have been a shop owner for four years.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Make sure you do your research on the artist and if their style matches what you want. Don’t let the fear of pain deter you from getting the tattoo where you want it because pain is temporary, but the tattoo is forever. Also, please eat a full meal before your tattoo; I know it can be hard if you’re anxious, but it’s better that way.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My dad said cool, but just don’t get any tattoos. My friends were mostly supportive.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Making new connections and seeing how happy my clients are. The challenge of pushing my artistry to be better and being able to be creative as a career.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Ever since I was young, I’ve always seen body art as amazing. I’ve always doodled on myself; I thought being a tattoo artist would be an amazing job.

Who are your favorite artists? Shige, Zihwa, Horitomo, Tishtattoo, etc. there are just so many great artists on Instagram that it would be a long list.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I believe in time, there will be more education, and I’m hoping to see great artists offer workshops; I’d be down to travel to go to a class from a renowned artist.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Always strive to learn. You will have good and bad days, don’t let the bad days eat you up too hard. Learn from them and try to think how you can improve from the situation. ✕

POTATO TATS

I started my art journey by doing charcoal and color pencil realism portraits and I now specialize in fine-line manga and anime tattoos! ⸺ How did you decide to specialize in fine-line tattoos? Coming from a realism background, I originally thought that was what I wanted to tattoo, but the idea of doing that everyday kind of bored me. Part of realism drawing for me that was interesting was being able to really focus on the little details that make up a final image, which always fascinated me. I realized that with fine-line tattooing, I could use that attention to detail but also be working on something that was just a more interesting and creative subject matter for me. Tattooing thin lines has always been my comfort zone as well, as I find it much easier for me than tattooing thick lines ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Just from so many places! Like any art in any style, I think I can take some form of inspiration from. I love the delicacy and femininity of fine line art, the dynamic action shown in anime and manga, and the vibrancy and beauty of neotraditional; I could go on forever ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Don’t stress out or panic about the design! If you find an artist whose work you truly love and trust, you will likely love the result. A first tattoo can be super scary or daunting, but at the end of the day, it’s just art. Also, come to your appointment well-fed and hydrated ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? It means so much to me to know I am providing something special to my clients. I know body image is very important to a lot of people and something I have personally struggled with. I started getting tattoos to help myself with my own body image, and a lot of my clients have expressed similar feelings to mine. Knowing that I can give someone art that makes them feel better about themselves is just so incredible to me. ✕

Line/Manga Panels Specialization

Artist Orlando, FL

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

The shop I work in, Old Familiar Tattoo Company, is full of incredibly talented tattooers. Having so many amazing people around me to bounce ideas off of and share designs with really keeps me motivated to push myself to keep drawing and getting better at my trade. Instagram is also a huge source of inspiration for me. With tattooing getting crazier and crazier while being able to see it all happen on a tiny screen in my hand... there’s a sort of pressure to keep up with the rest of the world that drives me.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Stay relaxed, remember to breathe, and (most importantly) don’t move.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My parents were skeptical at first. They were supportive but didn’t really understand the idea of an apprenticeship and the fact I wasn’t getting paid in money during that time period. Then after I started tattooing and making good money, they felt a little better about it.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Honestly, I don’t know. It’s overwhelming in itself that I am even allowed to be a part of this trade. From the history, the people, the clients, the machines, all the different styles that exist... it’s all just so incredible to me.

Artist

Who are your favorite artists? CW Neese, AJ Ludlow, Tim McGrath, Dustin Moerler, Pretty Billy, Heather Bailey, J Ranno, Jordan Brill, Rich Hardy, and Jemma Jones.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Nothing racist, gangrelated, or hateful.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Man, who knows. Somebody in the world does something incredible and unheard-of every day.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Oh man... like, the entire first six months of my career.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? One of my mentors would say, “do something else. There’s too many of us as is.” I’d say, don’t quit. Get good. Make money. ✕

5 Years Tattooing Mobile, AL Location Independent Artist American Traditional Walk-in Wizardry Specialty @fourthwilliam Instagram willbrewer.iv @gmail.com

My name is Gabriel Ramos, aka “Big G.” I have been in the tattoo industry for about 20 years. I’m an artist out of Indian Trail, NC. I enjoy traveling, working at tattoo conventions, and doing guest spots around the country ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Some of my inspirations in the industry are artists that paved the road for us to progress in this beautiful profession, artists like Freddy Negrete, Mark Mahoney, and Rick Walters, to name a few ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would advise them to do some research beforehand and consider placement, size, and aftercare. Also very important, make sure they choose an artist that matches the style of tattoo they are looking for ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? I want to thank my family for always supporting me in my tattoo career. My wife and kids especially. I couldn’t do this without them ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is being able to experience the satisfaction of my customer looking in that mirror once we finalize the piece. Especially when it is a meaningful one ✕

CESAR GARCIA INSIGHT INK STUDIO

I was born in Mexico City and came to the United States when I was 16 years old to live the American dream. I am very thankful that my parents brought me to this country full of opportunities.

How long have you been tattooing & What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I have been tattooing for 10 years; ever since I can remember, I have loved drawing, but I was really big into illegal graffiti back in Mexico. I hung around a lot of heavily tattooed people, tattoo artists, and graffiti artists; it was a huge community back in Mexico.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Please do your research and trust your artist; stop trying to get the same tattoo everyone gets, and give your artist the freedom to create something original; everyone deserves an original tattoo.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My parents were always very supportive; they were just worried; they wanted to make sure I really knew what I was doing. As far as my friends, they thought I was playing when I started tattooing.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Creating art and seeing the progress; but honestly I love talking to people. My wife says I talk too much, and I do… only when I feel very comfortable. I love all my clients and the stories they tell me. I feel more like a therapist to be honest; I love it.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? Very big things: we all know tattoos have been part of history but now they are becoming more accepted which makes me very excited.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? I think we all have; misspelling stuff has to be one of the ones we all hate along with difficult clients too.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Work hard every day; every tattoo should be better than the last one, stop comparing yourself to other bigname artists. Never get too comfortable, and last but not least, be very professional. ✕

MEMPHIS, TN

AMELIA EDWARDS

Hi! I’m Amelia! I’m an autistic tattoo artist and co-owner of a private studio (Happy Heart Tattoo) in Denver, CO. I started tattooing in Nebraska in 2018 and have since also tattooed in Washington and Virginia! I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together, we have 2 kids, one very rotund cat, and an energetic dog ⸺ Has it been hard working as a woman in a male-dominated industry? Yes. Plain and simple. Especially as a young mother, it’s been extremely difficult. After I had my oldest daughter, I only had about a year of experience under my belt, so I knew I wanted to be in a shop setting to be able to continue to learn and grow. Most people wouldn’t even look at my portfolio. The people that did told me that if I prioritized my family over tattooing, I would never make it in the industry. Trying to be a good wife, mother, and friend has always been my top priority. I just can’t bring myself to put any merit into the toxic mindset that seems to be so common in this industry; that you have to break yourself and dedicate all that you are to be successful ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give a female new to the

art of tattooing? I would say, just keep pushing yourself to grow, and don’t lose focus on what’s most valuable to you. Attend seminars regularly, and make friends with tattoo artists that are at different stages of their careers than you are (you’d be surprised how much someone “less experienced” can teach you.) And always be open to constructive criticism and advice even when you don’t ask. Thinking you know it all will get you nowhere fast ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I draw inspiration for my tattoo designs from art, tv shows, and other tattoo artists! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My mom, siblings, and friends were all ecstatic and extremely supportive! I tattoo my mom regularly! My old-school dad, however, was less than enthused. I think he’s getting on board, though! ⸺ Do you have any other art mediums that you like? Oil painting, charcoal, watercolor? I really enjoy watercolor and pencils! However, I also find myself painting just about anything I can get my hands on with acrylic paint. ✕

Hi. My name is Anna Chernova, and in the tattoo world, they know me as Horror Tattoo. I live in Los Angeles, and I am a member of a professional team of several major brands. I am a winner of conventions in the USA and in Europe.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from ideas; if there are none, I am not very interested in the work. I like collaborating with clients. And I’m glad when for him/her, my tattoo means something more than a picture on the body.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Probably more to trust the artist because they like to control the design and placement and change everything in the process.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Well, at first, of course, my parents weren’t happy, but over time they got used to it when they realized that I didn’t want to do anything else in life. My friends were glad, of course, but now they have a lot of tattoos for which I am ashamed.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When I’m happy with the design and the outcome, definitely.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

Everything seemed to be decided for me, I just started doing tattoos, and a month later, I had no free dates for bookings. I had to leave my main job.

Who are your favorite artists? Oscar Akermo and Pawel lndulski

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

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think it will always evolve; styles will just change, adapting to new fashion trends.

Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Yes, of course, when I started getting tattoos; I didn’t understand why everything didn’t work out perfectly.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t be afraid to try new things, don’t quit, continue to develop; now, there are so many online courses and personal pieces of training. ✕

9

My name is Yari Hercules; I was born and raised in Honduras, Central America, and traveled to the United States in 2009. I started college but dropped out after two years. I began to work decent-paying jobs: office clerk, house cleaning, waitressing, and construction. My passion for art started in kindergarten when the teacher made me draw and use crayons. Throughout my school years, I kept trying to do realism (I didn’t know the term at the time). I kept drawing until I could draw the exact image myself. I signed up for an independent after-school academy and assisted with and started doing sculpting, book printing, breakdancing, piano classes, sketching, oil painting, and photography. I even had an exhibit at the Betchler Museum of Modern Art in 2012-2013. The idea to start learning to tattoo was given to me by my family, so that became my new year’s resolution for 2021. I kept researching on YouTube the stuff I needed to buy; I kept adding stuff to my amazon cart, but I was procrastinating and didn’t actually jump on it until March of 2021. I got my

first certificate in a studio two months later, and ever since then, I finally LOVE WHAT I DO and just keep trying to learn every day! I want to be a well-rounded artist, capable of executing whatever tattoo style the client desires ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from my friend and mentor, Manny @sirtinta; he is a great artist and a great person overall! ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) There is a lot of advice that I could give, depending on many factors. But the ones I never miss are telling the clients to start moisturizing their skin area, to drink lots of water, and to eat before their tattoo session ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Definitely tattooing; the days can turn miserable and extremely boring sometimes when you don’t get to tattoo. But also, learning from my friends at the studio, I learn a little from everyone around me every day! ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Frida Khalo, Vincent van Gogh, and Salvador Dalí. ✕

Born in Puerto Rico and raised by a single mother, I took to art as a kid and have been drawing since the age of five. At thirteen years old, I received a coil machine frame with no knowledge of how to fix it. Instead of tattooing with it, I put a pencil in it and began drawing with that machine to get used to the weight of holding a coil machine. Ever since holding that machine, I knew I wanted to do the real thing; I wanted to become a tattoo artist, and the rest is history.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from Japanese iconography and motifs; every day, I draw and paint to keep my mind thinking about what I can create next and tattoo.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They have been supportive since day one. I owe my success to them, especially my wife, who supported me in leaving a normal full-time job with a 401k to pursue my dream full-time.

Artist

ROMAN

2 Years

Tattooing

Merritt Island, FL Location

Independent Artist

Japanese traditional B&G realism Specialty

@Roman_Jiujitsu Instagram

contacthector98 @gmail.com

romantattoos .com

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I was 8 years old, and the area I grew up in, in central Florida, was known for gang banging and drug dealing. I associated tattoos with crime and all things sketchy. I was grocery shopping with my grandparents, and I noticed a big bikerlooking man at the checkout and grabbed my grandpa to tell him, “Look, that guy is in a biker gang.” My grandpa was huge, and keeping with the mantra of never judging a book by its cover, he grabbed me and walked me up to the guy and told him what I said. I nearly shit bricks as a kid, thinking that this guy was going to beat my grandpa’s ass for even talking to him. Turns out that the biker guy was an artist for Disney and his tattoos were actually not gang related but of Disney characters and his family. That was the first time I actually started looking at tattoos as art, and I was immediately hooked and interested in tattooing and how someone could create those images with a machine. ✕

I am originally from Cuba, and I have 14 years of experience in the tattoo industry. I am currently living in Miami, Florida. I graduated from plastic arts in 2008. I am an award winner in national and international tattoo conventions. I am passionate about creating unique pieces in my style of realism and sub-realism. The best pieces are created when clients leave me free in the process of designing the piece. This way, my mind is more fluent in my ideas, and I feel totally satisfied that all my inspiration will be captured in the art that we are trying to portray on the skin ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My son and my family are the main source of my inspiration ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) First, select a good artist and remember this is for the rest of your life; something meaningful for sure ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were the first ones to support me and donate their skin; my family always supported me ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? When the client is satisfied with what was created ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Studying in the school of art and realizing that this was another way to create art ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? I have many; it’s almost impossible to mention them all ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I have created tattoos in all styles. But, I have specialized my skills in realism and sub-realism ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? It will continue to grow, given that there are many incredible artists creating amazing pieces ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Thank god it has never happened ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Perseverance. ✕

Realism/Sub-realism color, B&G Specialization

Independent Artist Miami, FL Location @chris_angeltattoo Instagram chrisangeltattoo @yahoo.com

My name is Brooke Daniel. I’m a professional Tattoo Artist and Piercer located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I find inspiration in all sorts of ways; music, literature, architecture, and the artists I grew up adoring, like Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Gustav Klimt, to name a few. I am lucky enough to work with artists that will give their advice and input on my designs. They have several more years of experience in the field but still treat me as their equal. I can find art and beauty in most things.

Has it been hard working as a woman in a male-dominated industry? In the beginning, yes. Going to conventions and having men automatically assume you’re the client and not the artist was always sort of funny to me. They didn’t seem to have any interest in getting to know me cause I was the new kid on the block, and that was all fine because I was going to make sure my reputation stemmed from my ability to tattoo and not from what others may assume.

One of my proudest accomplishments is snagging 3 awards in my first 6 months of being a licensed artist. That definitely turned some heads, and I was able to gain respect from veteran tattoo artists pretty quickly. They know that I am a force to be reckoned with when it comes to competitions. Ultimately I think any female can identify with that feeling of belittling,

incompetence, or imposter syndrome when you are working in a male-dominated industry, but boy doesn’t it feel good to see the looks on their misogynistic faces when we prove them wrong time and time again. Over the years, I have seen the degradation fade, and it has become such a loving and much more welcoming community. And as for the men whose egos were big enough to fill a room, well, let’s just say you don’t hear about their great successes anymore. The tattoo community had

evolved so much from when I first started back in 2014, and it’s so nice to see artists supporting one another and building each other up.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) There is not enough money in the world that will get me to tattoo a male’s genitals. I also refuse to do any tattoos that convey racism/homophobia or anything that I find morally reprehensible. ✕

8 Years Tattooing

Merritt Island, FL Location

Independent Artist

B&G, Floral, Linework/Mandalas, Neo traditional Specialty @sweetheart_tattoos Instagram sweethearttattoos @gmail.com

BROOKE DANIEL

TRINITY RENEE

I’ve been creating art since before I can remember - it’s been the one thing that has given me a voice throughout my life and the one thing that I could always count on. I was raised mostly in Colorado and still consider the mountains home even though I’m now in Florida ⸺ Do you have more male or female clients? I mostly work with women, but I do have a lot of male clients as well. I think it’s about a 70/30 split. A lot of my clients are in the LGBTQ+ community, and I love getting to work with so many amazing individuals ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.)

I don’t tattoo on faces or hands for anyone under 25 and not already heavily tattooed or in a solid career that has clearance from their boss. I would hate to be the reason someone can’t get into their job or career because of an elective procedure ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My friends were extremely supportive. Even the members of my family who don’t like tattoos have been surprisingly supportive. I promised my grandmother at 13 I wouldn’t be covered in tattoos when I got older, but here we are ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t let the boys get you down. The industry is full of people who are going to try to discourage you and make you feel like you aren’t good enough. Keep drawing, and don’t give up. ✕

My name is Andres Corzo; I am from Cuba and started tattooing more than five years ago. Since I was little, I have always liked painting and drawing, and that led me to study arts in my country. Since I was a young teenager, I used to go see my friend’s tattoo shop, and I got really interested in the industry. In 2017 I was able to start tattooing, and I have not stopped since then. In the beginning, I had to do all kinds of styles, but once I got more comfortable, I discovered that my style was realism. Today I own Three shops in South Florida, I surround myself with some of the best artists in my area, and we all enjoy the process of learning and always keep improving in the industry.

What is the craziest tattoo that you have ever done? I got contacted by an influencer to work together, and I ended up tattooing someone ex’s inside of a supermarket.

What is a common misconception about tattoos? That only bad people get tattoos. Tattoos are another expression of art. I have done tattoos on all kinds of people.

If you could describe your tattoo in one word, what would it be? ART

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? Tattoos are another way of expressing art; most of the time, my inspiration comes from big tattoo artists and fine arts history in general. What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family has always been very supportive in every step of my career, my friends also were supportive, and some of them even offered to be my practice canvas.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Seeing the expression of clients once the tattoo is finished,

also I enjoy doing the design for my clients.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I started looking at tattoos at a very young age, and I believe my interest in tattoos just got bigger over time. I have always enjoyed everything about the process of tattooing.

Who are your favorite artists? Right now, there are many tattoo artists that are doing an excellent job, I have so many, but to mention some, I can say Steve Butcher, Yomico Moreno, Dbkaye, and Levgen. ✕

DAVID VANCASSO

David VanCasso began his career a few months before the Covid lockdown after an unexpected turn of events with his past career. With many years of experience in different art media, including fashion design, tattooing found him, and with his new and great opportunity, he never looked back ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Funny story, so when I went into it, I didn’t tell anyone close to me until I grasped onto what I was doing. I was already battling with my own insecurities and doubts. I didn’t want any outside sources to add to it. But once I got it going and showed people, they were excited for me ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? What sparked my interest was visiting my brother Devin over the years (he actually ended up mentoring me). Talking with him and having a light art background, I had slight thoughts about it. But it wasn’t until I got let go from my main source of income that it became official, with the

help of D ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Some of my favorite local artists are Daniel Rocha, Alan Delarosa, Ash tattooer, and Mike Ta. Then there are guys like Oscar Akermo, Alex Sorsa, Coreh Lopez, and Zihwa. These are just a few, definitely many more to list

⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? What I think is in store for the future of tattooing is the acceptance of tattoos to continue to grow. Utilization of tools to help business to expand. Possibly see some kind of academy opening if not already

⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The best advice I can give is to take it seriously. If you like art and want to be your own manager, be determined, focus on the craft, and create experiences with clients and artists. Stay humble and coachable. Even when you gain knowledge, there’s always more; we can’t know everything, and who wants to? That’s boring. ✕

Raised by wolves in the snowy backwoods of Alaska, I spent most of my time as a kid drawing and listening to music. I moved to Oregon at 20 to play music. At 22, I traveled around Central America for the better part of a year painting murals, working on farms, and living as cheaply as possible. After a stint back in Portland, Oregon, to go to school, I got an apprenticeship at Analog Tattoo Arts Kolectiv in San Jose, CA, where I lived and worked for 3 years. Currently back home in Alaska with all the bad bitches at Ultra Violence Tattoo.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I try not to look at other tattooers’ work as much as possible and stick to the old ukiyo-e masters

Artist

EYESACK

8 Years Tattooing

Anchorage, AK Location

Independent Artist

Irezumi American traditional Specialty @isaacnichols Instagram izaakn @hotmail.com

like Kyosai, Yoshitsuya, and Kuniyoshi. It takes practice, though. Other tattooers have already done the legwork over the years and taken those old images and made them more tattooable, so they’re easier to reference. But if you’re trying to do traditional-style tattoos, I think your goal should

be to go straight to the source and focus on the traditional reference.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They all thought it was great. My dad is a sign painter, my grandfather was a sign painter, my brother is a tattooer, my mom is a really talented illustrator, and all my friends are degenerate punk rockers. What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? My older brother was the one who got me interested in tattooing. He’s been living and tattooing in the CA Bay Area since he was 17 and introduced me to all the really good shit. There wasn’t much of a

tattoo scene in Alaska when I was growing up, so my only exposure would have been tattoo reality shows. Without his influence, I doubt I would have found it.

do all the work for you. Pick up a non-digital pencil every once in a while. And paint as much as you can. It’s as important to paint as it is to tattoo. ✕

My name is Mitchell Dean. I work at The Séance Tattoo Parlor in Pennsylvania ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I draw most of my inspiration from my friends and the people I surround myself with. The cooler the stuff I see them putting out, the more I want to do cool stuff as well ⸺ What do you feel is the hardest part of being a tattoo artist? The mental battle you go through daily. With any type of art, there’s this cruel part where the more you understand something, the more you see flaws in your previous work. So each day you learn more or study more, the standard you then set for yourself gets higher, while the confidence you had about your previous work gets lower ⸺ What do you normally listen to while tattooing I listen to a lot of deathcore and nu-metal while tattooing. Bands like Darko us, Lorna shore, Slipknot, and Marilyn Manson ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A

tattoo virgin) They don’t have to have a meaning. Just get something you like. No need to explain yourself; if you like something, go for it. Find an artist that does a style that you like and get something custom from them. Be you ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is that I get to create a piece of art that someone will have every day until their last day and even a little while after that. It’s one of the things people actually get to take with them to the grave ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? What sparked my interest the most in tattooing would just be the environment of the job. I saw these dudes come into work at noon, listen to their favorite music all day while tattooing skulls and wizards all day, and thought this was the greatest job out there. Obviously, I later realized there was a lot more to it than that, but at 18 years old, it definitely was everything I wanted to do with my life. ✕

MITCHELL DEAN

I started 11 years ago in Colombia when I was studying my graphic design career. I have always been a person dedicated to art and drawing; I began to learn as an apprentice of Jhon Alex Cruz, currently one of the most important realism tattoo artists in Colombia. After having a successful career in graphic design and 3D art in my country, I decided to move to the United States to grow my career as a tattoo artist in the big tattoo industry of this country.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

A lot of my inspiration comes from urban art and graffiti; I also love mixing styles like realism with illustrative.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Do your research and find the type of tattoo you want first, then find someone who specializes in that particular style; also, give your artist freedom so they can deliver their 100%.

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They were not sure about it at first; coming from a background of graphic design and 3d art, it was a natural move for me but a little unconventional for them.

JOSE PULIDO

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Every day is a challenge; I like to see at the end of the day what I created and compare it with the client’s original idea.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I greatly admired the work of someone who later became my mentor; I always felt very curious about how it was possible to capture so much art on the skin.

Who are your favorite artists? Carolina Caos Valle, Victor Chill, and Federico Andujar (fede gas).

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I believe that we are going to advance too much in the coming years in terms of education and professionalizing our profession.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Become obsessed with art in all its forms, and practice a lot of painting and composition; technical prowess will come with time. ✕

KARL VELAZQUEZ PROENZA

I’m from Puerto Rico and came to Florida 6 years ago. I started working at Walt Disney World for about 5 years and then at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. When the pandemic struck, I quit both jobs, and that’s when I decided to pick up my art skills again and practice tattooing. Shortly after, I stumbled upon a new studio opening, and after meeting with the owner and interviewing, I was offered an apprenticeship. As a gay Hispanic artist in the industry, I was very fortunate for the opportunity. A couple of months later, I became a professional tattoo artist and started tattooing as my full-time job ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I started my artistic journey watching my older sister draw and was always motivated by my parents to continue growing that skill ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Come in with an open mind, trust your artist and do your research on what artist you want to work with for your first tattoo ⸺ What did your family

and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? My family was excited I had finally found a career doing something I love and supported me all the way ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? The chance and opportunity to continue to grow and learn throughout my career experience ⸺ Who are your favorite artists? Jean-Michel Basquiat, Van Goh, Chris Wright, Gabriel Picolo, Mark Ryden, and Victor Castillo are some of my favorites ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) Not so much based on the area but the concept. I refuse to do anything that symbolizes any form of hate, discrimination, or anything against any person’s race, gender, religious beliefs, sexuality, physical appearance, etc. ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I would like to think that the future of tattooing will be more open to all sorts of people and artists and, in doing so, get rid of the “intimidating” reputation it used to and continues to have in some cases. ✕

I come from the Queen City, Buffalo, New York, but I am now living and tattooing in Anchorage, Alaska. I primarily work in black & grey but love to play with color every once in a while. I am by appointment only out of a private space, Southside Tattoo, in the beautiful last frontier.

KAITLIN MCCANLESS

Who/where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from limitless sources. Living in Alaska and tattooing a lot of organic, nature-themed work — I am surrounded by the subject material. I also pull a lot from the elements, subliminal meanings, and spirituality and add personal snippets from my client. I feel as though I’m a pretty versatile artist and can tackle a lot of different kinds of work, which makes it very fun and playful.

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

Finding the right artist is a big one for me. Being heard and respected as a client is important. Making sure the artist fits the style you are looking to get work in is also pretty important. A lot of first-timers don’t understand styles and assume a “tattooer” can tattoo anything. Try not to price shop, either. While more money doesn’t necessarily equal higher quality, in most cases, it does.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Every single day is a new day. Whether you’ve been doing this for a few years or a decade — there are always new things to experience. You can make your career however you want it to be.

11 Years

Tattooing

Anchorage, AK Location

Independent Artist

Black and grey Neo-traditional Specialty @kaitlintattoos Instagram tattoosbykaitlin @gmail.com kaitlintattoos .com

If you want to be a gypsy, you can be successful in that traveling around. If you want to be a street shop king, do it. If you want to be a private, appointment-only artist, you can do that. I love that whatever speaks to you in this industry or this life, you can make it so. I love and appreciate all the freedom tattooing have given me.

Who are your favorite artists? In this season of my career, I really love seeing Squire Strahan’s beautiful florals. Love DJ Tambe and his insane versatility. I’ve taken seminars from them both and have enjoyed them as people too. ✕

CHARLIE

BAKER

Charlie Baker has been serving tattoos to his hometown since 2006. Specializing in his award-winning, unique color illustrative style, this Augusta native works alongside his crew at his shop, Mr. Tattoo ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Look for an artist whose work you can see yourself in and you can see yourself sitting in a room for hours with. Recommendations aren’t everything, do your own research and go with your gut. Also, get your first under your shirt ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Really supportive! For my 18th birthday, my whole family chipped in and bought my first tattoo kit. I even did my first tattoo on my mother! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? For me, tattooing was my art school. I didn’t do great in school, but I was motivated nonetheless. I started hanging around in tattoo shops, drawing the flash off the wall, eventu -

ally earning an apprenticeship ⸺ Who are your favorite artists?

Nick Blackstone, Roger Dorsey, and all the other awesome homies at my shop. I’m a huge believer in supporting your tribe, the people who you’re around make you the person or artist you are. We gotta be each other’s best resource and inspiration! ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? One time, I was tattooing a calf, and the client was wearing the most rotten pair of sneakers imaginable. The smell was horrendous, and what made it worse, they kept flapping them up and down, wafting the air right up my nose. Not gonna lie, kinda rushed that one. Clean up before you come in, folks ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Figure out how to be of service to others, not just yourself. You’ll be surprised how fast the world opens up in this industry when we give that little bit extra of ourselves to someone. Happiness is a renewable resource, y’know? ✕

I was born in Baytown, Texas, in the summer of ‘84. Since then, I began creating, painting, writing, playing music, building models, character design, world-building through concept creation, and even sculpting in my later years. My mother remarried, and it forced us to move to the state of Wisconsin. Therefore, I spent my entire high school years in a block schedule district in the small town of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Rolling hills and a highly diverse wildlife system sparked my imagination! I then began to keep a daily journal and log my thoughts! Years later, I can look back at pages of history, inventions, and designs. I began tattooing in the small town of Liberty, Texas. After years of studying the appropriate methods of tattooing with the help of several very gifted Tattooists from South Carolina to California, I found myself back home. I now reside in and Tattoo in College Station, Texas. I am also a student at the Academy of Arts University out of California. I am obtaining my Bachelor’s in Visual Development.

Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration mostly from books. I have a huge library at my home studio, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit down and drink coffee and look at them for hours.

Artist

What do you think the noblest method of tattooing is? That’s easy, tattooing for your client, not for other tattooers. I see so many tattoo artists tattoo in an effort to impress some other tattoo artist in the shop or on social media. I personally tattoo for my clients. I want my client to be proud and fulfilled with their new tattoo as well as the whole process.

What’s your attitude towards fellow artists and clients in general? I always treat others the way I want to be treated. No matter what. In the end, I want someone to go up to my children and ask, “Was Randal Falcone your dad?” and they would say, “Yes sir/ Ma’am.” and then that person would say, “He was a bad Mother F**ker!”

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? We are just getting started growing to great heights. I know that we have come far in the past 10-20 years, but seeing the new machines develop and things like second skin and uniquely designed setup components, show me that we are just scratching the surface of what is growing to be a highly advanced medium. ✕

13 Years

Tattooing

College Station, TX Location

Independent Artist

Neo Traditional Japanese Specialty

randalfalcone Instagram

noblesketching @gmail.com

randalfalcone .com

ISSUE# 20

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