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BAW:
What made you want to become a Tattoo Artist?
Artist:
I’ve been into art all of my
life. What made me decide to tattoo was actually my first shop
experience. Bob Roberts did a Japanese dragon on my arm. I fell in love
with the idea that you could do art for a living in a laid back setting
like this. A suit and tie job was never an option for me and this was a
way to do art and be able to make money, and all in a great atmosphere.
BAW:
Who are your influences?
Artist:
I have been influenced by a
great multitude of people throughout my entire life. Right now, my
number one inspiration is my girl Chani. I have also been influenced by
many great artists I‘ve worked with: Ron Earhart, Keith Bailey, Karl
Fisher, Oey, Ms. Mikki, Salem, Danny Boy, Jesse Roberts, Erno & Greg
Kulz, Jason Storey, Natasha Robinson, Reed, Devon Blood, Kicker, Atom
and Chris Gay at ArtCore, Alaska Mike and many others. There are also
just incredible people, friends and family that have had great impact on
my life: Ernie Cortez R.I.P., Raw Raw, Grandpa, Perry, Rob and Mama Joe.
BAW:
What is your favorite style of work?
Artist:
I appreciate all styles of
tattooing. I work primarily in kind of a New Skoolish style and recently
I have been into doing a lot of large Japanese work.
BAW:
Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?
Artist:
I
did a few small tattoos on myself but my first shop experience was
getting the dragon by Bob. I picked it right off the wall and was back
the following week for more.
BAW:
What is your favorite piece you own?
Artist:
I
have a bunch of different styles by over 25 amazing artists; it is too
tough to pick a favorite.
BAW:
What is your most memorable Tattoo given and why?
Artist:
There
is so many tattoos I have done that stand out to me; the butt on a butt
on a butt that someone got on a dare is sick, but I think the one that
stands out the most was one I did on this real tough guy, jerk off. He
came in and wanted a Punisher Tattoo with his soon to be badge number
underneath it (he was fresh out of the Academy). He sat for the outline
and the shading but couldn’t take anymore after that. He ended up
showing up on his first day of work smelling like booze from the night
before. They put the breathalyzer to him and he got fired. Losing his
job, the badge number he got tattooed, and the chance to ever be a cop.
BAW:
Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?
Artist:
I
won’t tattoo the butt hole, it stinks
BAW:
Do you support supply co. that sells to the public?
Artist:
I
guess I would prefer if supply Companies sold only to professional
tattoo artists but there is no stopping it so what can you do? You can
get anything on Ebay. Besides people are going to find some way to do
what they want so I guess its good in a way that at least they can use
some decent supplies.
BAW:
Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be
tattoo artists?
Artist:
No.
BAW:
Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?
Artist:
Of
course. Now tattoos are really trendy. People that wouldn’t have even
thought about getting a tattoo 10 years ago now have two or three kanjis.
I think it has lost a lot of what was special about it.
BAW:
Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as
possible?
Artist:
I
travel every summer to do guest spots and try to do one or two shows and
I am content with that right now.
BAW:
What advise can you give to someone who is starting or
looking to get into the tattoo business?
Artist:
Draw,
paint, produce, develop a portfolio and get an apprenticeship from a
good artist.
BAW:
What could you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?
Artist:
Don’t
go back to somewhere or at least someone that you are uncomfortable
with. Research your artist, look at the work that they have done, check
out portfolios.
BAW:
Since you have started what changes have you seen in the industry?
Artist:
It
has developed a lot in the fact that the level of talent in tattooing is
incredible, but the industry is also becoming flooded with new shops and
artists.
BAW:
How do you feel about apprenticeships?
Artist:
I think for the most part
apprenticeships are handed out by people that just want someone to build
their needles, mop their floors and scrub their tubes. I think that
apprentices should be carefully selected, and have ability and interest
in art. My girlfriend Chani is finishing up her apprenticeship with me
and we work on art all the time. We are constantly doing new projects in
watercolor, acrylics and both growing as artists. You can see her work
at www.chanisinc.com,
or check out some of the work we have done together on my collaborations
page at www.tattooblasphemy.com.
BAW:
Where do you think the Tattoo Industry is going today? Do you
think it is getting better or worse?
Artist:
Worse.
Artwork is growing better but I think that due to overcrowding
the conditions are going to get tough. We’ll see I guess.
BAW:
Please share any other comments or views or questions to the public you
might have.
Artist:
Hey to my
girl, friends, family and kids, Orcutt Hardcore, OBHC, Sacred Tattoo,
Lynnwood Tattoo, Good Karma Tattoo, and RIP Ernie Cortez
I’ll be on the road in Juneau Ak, Cal and Seattle this summer
and am working the Seattle Tattoo Show in Aug.Take a look at my
website…
www.tattooblasphemy.com
if interested hit up…Christian Lyze
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