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Mark
Longenecker |
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Hobbies
& Interests:
Surfing...Surfing, surfing. Skating, snowboarding, surfing, Traveling
to cool surf spots. |
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Name: Mark Longenecker
Email: goodmarky@aol.com
Age: 32
Location: Cocoa Beach Florida
Your Website & Url: www.endlesssummertattoo.com
How many years in the biz: 10
Your shop website & Url: www.endlesssummertattoo.com
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BAW: What made you want to become a
Tattoo Artist?
Artist: My first roommates in Key West. They were tattoo artists, and
the more I hung out with them the more I thought "I could do
this"
BAW: Who are your influences?
Artist: Paco Excel, Pinky, Jeff Raisser, Joel Long, Chris Trevino, Jason
Brooks, Troy Lane, Mike Wilson.
BAW: What is your favorite style of work?
Artist: Surfy, beachy, aquatic, margarittaville style.
BAW: Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?
Artist: I got tattooed by a cool biker chick right down the street from
my pad in Savannah. I brought in some skateboard graphics I liked. The
design was a cat chasing a mouse a piece of cheese all making a infinity
shape. After I got it everyone asked me what it meant, so I made up all
sorts of deep stuff, but the only real reason I got the thing was because
I like the way it looked.
BAW: What is your most memorable Tattoo given and why?
Artist: My back was done by my friend Joel Long, and I will never forget
that. It was very painful but a great learning experience. I would get
it done every week, and before we would start I would have him critique
my drawings for the tattoos I was going to do that week.
BAW: Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?
Artist: I am weird about facial tattoos. You better be covered in
tattoos before you ask me to tattoo your face. I will never get my face,
neck or hands tattooed. But I think it looks cool on other people.
BAW: Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be
tattoo artists?
Artist: No, but it should all be monitored by the board of health.
BAW: Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?
Artist: There are so many bad-ass tattooers out there now. When I
started I could count on my fingers who all the bad-asse's were.
BAW: Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as
possible?
Artist: Conventions are great. they help the artist build a name for
themselves, and you learn allot by being around so many other killer
artists. Now that I am running my own shop it's not so easy for me to go
to them. If I had a bunch of employee's it would be easier, but that is
not the case, and never will be.
BAW: What advise can you give to someone who is starting or
looking to get into the tattoo business?
Artist: Get tattooed by killer artist's. People ask me to teach them
everyday to teach them how to tattoo, and they don't even have any
tattoos. I really have no interest in teaching someone unless they could
blow me a way with their artwork and attitude.
BAW: What could you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?
Artist: You didn't do your homework. There is way to many good artists
out there for you to be getting a crappy from some Joe Schmoe.
BAW: How do you feel about apprenticeships?
Artist: I think an apprentice should jump through all the hoops. They
need to prove they want it.
BAW: Where do you think the Tattoo Industry is going today? Do you
think it is getting better or worse?
Artist: Better for sure. People expect more these days too.
BAW: If there was something you could change in this industry what would
it be and why?
Artist: I its all good, I try to always look at everything optimistic. I
hate hearing people bitch about the industry. I love my job, tattooing is
my passion in life.
BAW: Please share any other comments or views or questions to the public
you might have.
Artist Work hard, party hard. that's a good motto! Got to have
some balance.
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