Name: Elvis

Age:28

Location: New York City

Your Website & : http://www.hardcorenyc.com 

 

How many years in the biz:10

Your shop website & Url: http://www.hardcorenyc.com

 

BAW: What made you want to become a Tattoo Artist?

Artist: My father had a tattoo on his arm that he had done many years ago when he was in

the air force, it was that tattoo that made me interested in the art. He had hand poked a

heart with my mothers name in it, and it was all blurred and faded but I had thought it

was really cool and wanted a tattoo because of that...my mom also had the same thing on

her arm that he did with his name in it.

 

BAW: Who are your influences?

Artist: every one who I have had work done by, and anyone who I have had the pleasure to

work with, and all those that I have read about, seen thier work throughout the

years...also all those that paved the way...respect.

 

BAW: What is your favorite style of work?

Artist: neo-traditional, and new school, also, anything that I get to experiment

with...by the client letting me have artistic freedom to create ;0)

 

BAW: Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?

Artist: The first tattoo experience I had was when I hand poked a little man on my right

hand with a sewing needle and indian ink...I was twelve, and tried to hide it for awhile

with a band-aid, but eventually my parents saw it, and I so got in trouble for that one...

 

BAW: What is your favorite piece you own?

Artist: ah, they are all one and the same...and I love none better than others...as they

are a part of me..

 

BAW: What is your most memorable Tattoo given and why?

Artist: my rocket ship on my arm, it is in memory of one of my friends who died fighting

off a gang attack on our shop...if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be here

today...rest in peace...JB

 

BAW: Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?

Artist: I don't do facial work, but under certain circumstances, such as someone who

already has extensive coverage, or someone who is in the business.

 

BAW: How do you feel about female Tattoo Artists?

Artist: the fact that i'm being asked this is sad, male. female. black, white, none of

that superficial surface shit matters....human beings are human beings...(now ask me how I

feel about stupid people, well that's another story...)

 

BAW: Do you support supply co. that sells to the public?

Artist:No. And this is a debate i've seen go on for quite some time. Years ago you would

have somebody come in the shop ask the artist if they sold machines or supplies etc..and

they would promptly be thrown out and asked never to return under penalty of severe

torture and death...seriously...I just think that the purity of the trade should be kept

within the shops and artisans that have paid thier dues, served thier apprenticeships, it

is the way I was taught, and I do think that there should be respect for the 'old school'

ways...it just keeps it where you don't have anyone going out, buying equipment and just

because they have that and think they can draw, they are now a 'tattoo artist' ...ha...

 

BAW: Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be

tattoo artists?

Artist:apprenticeships....given by artists who have worked in the business for at least 5

years...and each artist has thier own way of teaching...it's just the way it was meant to

be...

 

BAW: Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?

Artist: more styles, more possibilities, better inks, however, it's still the same as it

has always been, we are putting ink into skin...and creating...and will continue to do so

even if society says we shouldn't, it just makes us want to do it more..heh...

 

BAW: Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as

possible?

Artist: I think that every artist should do what they feel is right for them as artists

to grow...or if you're an apprentice, then your master should make that decision for

you...

 

BAW: What advise can you give to someone who is starting or looking to get into the tattoo business?

Artist: Get ink...and visit shops, talk to the artists, see what the lifestyle is about,

and if you're still interested, well there's nothing we can do for you...you're

fucked...lol...no, if you do want to get into the business...ask about apprenticeships and

what you have to do to get one, and who's offering...

 

BAW: What could you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?

Artist: ...they're not all like that...that whole judge not thing...

 

BAW: Since you have started what changes have you seen in the industry?

Artist: A lot more people in the business than there used to be, and yet, it is still the

same small community that it's always been, as it should be...we've been a little bit more

socially accepted, and yet, not...and nobody has crossed the line yet, as far as

commercialism goes...or selling out...

 

BAW: How do you feel about apprenticeships?

Artist: see above

 

BAW: Where do you think the Tattoo Industry is going today? Do you think it is getting better or worse?

Artist: it will be what it will be, better and worse, and the roller coaster effect will

remain constant...

 

BAW: Please share any other comments or views or questions to the public you

might have.

Artist: Respect to those that have made it possible for us to be where we are today...and

I hope that we stay pure...