ALEXIS MCKNIGHT

My name is Alexis McKnight, and I am a 22-year-old artist based in Dallas, Texas. I love to draw things that look like they could come out of a dream or fantasy story ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? I source much of my inspiration from dreams, nature, and life experiences... as well as old tattoo flash and artists around the globe ⸺ What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) Once you have researched a reputable artist/shop, trust their advice! A good artist will likely have some things to educate a “tattoo virgin” with, and this may or may not result in something different than planned. This being said, we only want to give you the best! ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They are relatively supportive; my parents don’t like me getting tattoos, though ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? It is hard to pick one thing, so I guess I have to say the general essence of satisfaction that comes with the constantly evolving discipline that is required with this lifestyle! ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I honestly did not know what I was truly getting myself into, but I was drawn to the idea of having a creative job. I have been an artist to some degree for as long as I can remember, and I had a gut feeling that this was for me. I like to think I was right! ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I generally won’t do hands/neck/face on a young or lightly tattooed person ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I would love to see Licensing taken a bit more seriously in states like Texas so that not just anyone can become a tattoo artist so easily ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Get tattooed. That’s really all it takes to find a relationship within the industry that you know feels right for you. Don’t rush, and of course, be ready for criticism. ✕

My name is Chauncey Kochel; most in the industry know me as C.K. The majority of my career, I’ve been based out of Galveston, TX. I’ve always had a passion for the arts and have been successful in a variety of mediums, from digital art to music and, most notably, tattooing.

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

(A tattoo virgin) The best advice I can give someone seeking their first tattoo is to spend the extra time to seek out a reputable artist/ studio; present them with your idea and let them do what they do best. It may be a more expensive avenue, but it will save you in the long run!

What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? At first, I think my family and friends were a little skeptical about me choosing tattooing as a career path. Old industry stereotypes, I’m sure, were a cause for concern. Luckily for me, they were always supportive of it.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job? I think the bonds we make with our clients are one of my favorite parts of the job. We build relationships over several years with great people from all walks of life.

What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?

I always enjoyed and appreciated the tattoo arts, but I never dreamed I’d actually be a tattooer. I was a musician at the time I was offered an apprenticeship and couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think stricter regulations are in store for the future of tattooing and are very necessary, in my opinion. With tattoo supplies/ kits readily available online for any person to purchase, combined with AI-generated works, I think we will see many unqualified individuals trying their hand at the game.

What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? The best advice I can give to someone new is to be open to trying new things! What you end up being good at isn’t always what you set out to be good at. A lot of people want to tattoo a specific style but wind up being better and stronger in another style. ✕

15 Years Tattooing Galveston, TX Location

Independent Artist

Illustrative Realism/ Surrealism Specialization vonstrigacrew @gmail.com

@cktattoo Instagram vonstriga .com