BEATRICE MEDINA

I learned what a tattoo was; I was about 5 or 6 years old. My mom had just gotten a little Tweetie bird tattoo. I remember seeing it and reminding her how she would always tell me that I couldn’t be drawing on myself all the time. She looked at me and said it’s different; it’s permanent; my little kid mind was blown. The rest was history ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I refuse to do any racist or hateful tattoos. I prefer to spread positivity and love ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the route tattooing has been taking is intense, in a really good way. So many people have discovered new and amazing styles and techniques. I hope to be one of the next pioneers contributing to pushing the bar even further ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Have passion and Integrity with everything you do. Don’t ever dilute yourself for some cash or to appease someone else. Be the best student you can be, and always keep an open mind. ✕

15 Years

Tattooing

Palm Coast, FL Location

Independent Artist

B&G realism/surrealism

B&G dog portraits Specialty

@tattoosbynewz Instagram tattoosbynewz1 @gmail.com dynamictattoo .ca

My name is Ryan Scarpino, 42 years old married, and father of two soon to be three amazing kids! I grew up in western Canada in Vancouver, BC. I have been tattooing for 15 years; two of those years were my apprenticeship. I have owned and operated my own studio for over a decade, and I specialize in black-and-grey realism and surrealism, and I especially love doing dog portraits! Tattooing saved my life, so I try to give back to it as much as it has given me. I have owned and operated my studio since 2010 and still own the studio, but I reside in Florida and work at Elite Custom Tattooing full time, going back and forth to Canada a few times a year to work and attend conventions. I am proudly sponsored by World Famous ink, Eldiablo needles, gold teeth Canada, and ink_bolm tattoo aftercare. I have attended and tattooed at hundreds of tattoo expos around the world, from Colombia to France, Australia, Indonesia, and Guatemala, to name a few. I love tattooing and the opportunities it has given me. I feel blessed to be able to do what I love every day; I feel privileged to be able to call myself a tattoo artist. I feel like I beat the odds every day! Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from God and my family; without them, I am nothing. Everything I do is for them.

What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) DO YOUR RESEARCH! Then when you find your artist, and it’s your time....get a night of good sleep, eat a big breakfast, bring a big bag of candy and snacks, trust your artist, and most importantly, breathe; pain is only temporary!

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? Just like, I’m sure many others before and after me, they didn’t love the idea. My grandma was my biggest supporter.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I love doing memorial pieces; I love giving someone a tattoo that helps them remember a friend, whether it be a pet or a loved one. It brings me joy to help them find some sort of closure.

Who are your favorite artists? That’s a tough one; there are so many amazing tattoo artists out there these days, like mind-blowing artists, and just when I think I have seen the best, I scroll down and see more not make me feel inadequate some days; but it pushes me to become better. I am amazed by how far tattooing has come in the last 15 years.

Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I’ll tattoo anywhere, but some places have handling fees and extra taxes.

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

Tattooing will be around forever; it’s a freedom of expression no one can take away from you. Not to mention all these parents getting tattooed are setting examples. The next generation is already planning their tattoos for when they are old enough. ✕