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BAW: What made you want to
become a Tattoo Artist?
Artist: I’ve always
drawn since childhood, which led to tattoos, which led to tattooing.
BAW: Who are your
influences?
Artist: I’m influenced
by everything. Life, all arts, everything. I try to be inspired by other
tattooers, but not so much “influenced”. My main inspirations are my
staff- Rich Depue, has a tremendous sense of color- Tray Kamprath, is a
solid technical tattooer- Outside our shop, I like Dustin Golden, Mike
Rubendall, Martin Lacass, and Robert Hernandez. Everything you see
influences you in someway.
BAW: What is your favorite
style of work?
Artist: Large anything. I
just like to work. Japanese or Fantasy, if I had to choose. I’m just
happy to work.
BAW: Tell us about your
first Tattoo experience?
Artist: I got a crappy
tribal dragon, the guy did a crappy job, and also he made it a pretty
bad experience. To top it off, after that, I got a crappy cover-up on
it, and now it’s getting removed.
BAW: What is your favorite
piece you own?
Artist: Rib panel from
Mike Rubendall. He is very professional, friendly and has excellent
technical skills. Great experience.
BAW: What is your most
memorable Tattoo given and why?
Artist: Tattooing my Uncle Matt. He was my first one I did. The best
part about being a tattooer, is tattooing people your close to.
BAW: Is there a part of
the body you won't Tattoo and why?
Artist: Nothing that’s
not healable.
BAW: Do you support supply
co. that sells to the public?
Artist: Being 20 miles
from “Spalding”, I hate the concept because it breeds scratchers.
But a lot of the artists who have changed the face of tattooing today
started like that. Tattooing people is a moral responsibility; I think
people are as responsible as the companies.
BAW: Do you feel there now
should be mandatory schooling for soon to be Tattoo artists?
Artist: Organized Schools?
NO, I believe tattooing is a tradition, taught to only people who
deserve to know. Not some college that any asshole can attend. We need
to try and maintain some semblance of integrity in our business.
BAW: Do you feel Tattooing
has changed over the years, and if so why?
Artist: The Internet has
connected everyone, all this shared art and information is amazing.
Tattooing is getting better every year.
BAW: Do you think it is
important to do as many conventions and shows as possible?
Artist: NO, But if done
correctly, it promotes tattooing to the public eye, which is good. Some
conventions are asking for portfolios before you got a spot now-
Awesome.
BAW: What advise can you
give to someone who is starting or looking to get
into the tattoo business?
Artist: Take a formal
apprenticeship, do it for the right reasons, and you get what you put
in.
BAW: What could
you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?
Artist: Do more research.
I love it when people come in and say “A crack head did this for
$20”. What was the first indication that this was a good idea?
BAW: Since you
have started what changes have you seen in the industry?
Artist: Better information
and equipment. Eikon Device, and Pulse have made some great innovations.
The industry standard for everything is much higher
BAW: How do you
feel about apprenticeships?
Artist: If the right
person is giving them, they are a great tradition, and a great way to
pass down our art.
BAW: Where do you
think the Tattoo Industry is going today?
Do you think it is getting better
or worse?
Artist: Better tattoos,
better equipment, more information available. I’d have to say better.
BAW: Please share
any other comments or views or questions to the public you might have.
Artist: I’d just like to
thank all of the people who have shared the information that has helped
me become a better tattooer. Also, my clients, nothing is possible
without canvas that has faith in your ability. Lastly, that I respect
the tattooers who aren’t afraid to contribute. Taking the time to
share information is important for the productive growth of the tattoo
community. I’m thankful to be a working successful tattooer, and I try
to give as much as I take.
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