VALL

Hello September! As we embrace the changing seasons, we're excited to feature one of our most talented artists, VALL. With his remarkable tattoo skills and warm, inviting personality, VALL is here to show you his skill & some sass.. keep reading! ⬇️

• IG: @valliant_arts
• Shop: Quill & Talon Tattoo Syndicate IN Virginia Beach, VA
• Eyes: Killer 👀
• Hair: Not as good as his cat's 😸

Tell us about yourself:

I've been tattooing since '07, worked with some incredible people throughout my career, trying my best these days not to take opportunities for granted, love my fam and crew, i'm only slightly more interesting in person, and i only look "ok" naked. i own Quill and Talon Tattoo Syndicate in VA beach VA with my stud-muffin, Ande chambers.

You can find me on ig- @valliant_arts , webpage- quillandtalon.art .

What do you love about Maverick? 

The mascot... and also the cartridges are pretty swell. good team over there, they never forget a Christmas card. 

What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

Liner's i use 9's, 5's, and 3's. shading and coloring i go for 11mags & 15curved.

The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?

My cat; he's lethargy personified. or catified? he's the epitome of "living the life..." he's large, he's fluff, he rules.

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? 

 I tattooed myself on my waist (back when i could see it). i was 19 and more of a dirtbag than i am these days.

Top 3 tattoo artists you admire? 

 - tim biedron - a true giant in terms of humility, creativity, and execution -

ande chambers - humble but critical, constantly elevating the standard, virginia's best tattooer 😉 -

i'd list a 3rd but there's a massive swath of artists i admire: kevin dickinson, harrison out of melbourne, the tex's, steve moore, my dudes at the studio mondo and gonzo constantly stepping it up, etc etc.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

Sheeeeeeit... anything during a convention i suppose. but you can only hear those stories at conventions, not reader appropriate.

If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 

Somewhere amidst deftones and christopher cross probably... just the sense i get. pretty subjective honestly, but always leans one way or the other.

If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?

I'd have to thank all of the formerly mentioned "admired artists" for dying, otherewise i'd have no shot at the opportunity.

Secret hidden talent. What is it?

 I can sleep through absolutely anything. a-ny-thang.

What is your kryptonite? 

Cats; it's a little alarming how much i've grown to like a cat.

Any person you would like to trade places with for the day? 

My kid maybe? just to relive youth for a blip.

What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?

Book -princess bride

Movie- princess bride why- if you don't like either, then you've been judged accordingly and we probably won't be hanging out anyway so piss off. 

With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset? 

I don't. 

Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why?

VA beach VA. i like it here because of the people honestly. and as much as i hate people in general, i've managed to find the good one's around here that are able to put up with me. and my clients are fantastic (also good people able to put up with me).

What is something weird you do before bedtime?

Beat up the cat. 

What would you say is the best way to deal with stress? 

Oh, i take meds for that man.

Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?

Too many, too sappy, not enough pages. next question.

Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met? 

Man there's a lot, they're all unique. if i had to pluck one out off the brim, i'd say my friend and colleague, Mondo Felton. a true inspiration of creativity and left-field-thinking.

NICK KEISER 

🎤 Welcome to August, artists & tattoo collectors! 📣

August is here, and this month we're all about soaking up those summer rays and celebrating amazing artistry!☀️ This month we are showcasing one of our incredible family artists, Nick Keiser. He's turning up the heat with his style! It's time to celebrate his amazing talent and unique art as our August spotlight artist (many of you may know him as @deadmeat).

Keep up with Nick this month & read about his artist inspo, cartridge line up, and his love for dogs! 🐕 Check it out! ⬇️

• IG: @deadmeat
• Style: Neo Traditional 
• Shop: Materia Tattoo @materiatattoo (Downingtown, PA)
• Eyes: Hypnotic 👀
• Hair: Wild & Free  💇🏻‍♂️

 What do you love about Maverick? 

Maverick not only provides my favorite cartridges but I can tell this company really cares about the tattoo community. I love how closely they work with the pro team and also take feedback from anyone using the products. I appreciate quality in a business full of poorly made products. 

What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? 

I got my first tattoo when I was 18. I got wings on my entire upper back. They were supposed to look like crows wings but def look like a baby cherubs. 

Top 3 tattoo artists you admire? 

 I love Theresa Sharpe for her illustrations, color theory and complete originality. 

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

I have too many funny moments at the shop because I always end up working with hilarious people that say the weirdest shit. 

If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 

Idk what music represents my work but a musician named Estas Tonne is def my fav to listen to while drawing. 

If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?

Secret hidden talent. What is it?

Don’t know if it’s hidden anymore but I’m a heck of a chef. 

What is your kryptonite? 

Kryptonite is def dogs. I will stop tattooing just to pet a dog. 

Any person you would like to trade places with for the day? 

I’d trade places with Joe Manganiello because I want to know what it’s like to be that handsome, buff and married to Sophia Vergara. 

What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?

Book- Rant. It’s super fucking bizarre and awesome. Movie- Memento. Same answer. 

With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset? 

MASON CHIMATO

Hey Maverick Fam,

July is here! Time for sunny days, beach trips, & festive summer vibes.☀️ Let's make the most of this month together by introducing you to an amazing artist & friend, Mason Chimato!

Mason's work is all about quality creativity and showing up energetic and caring for the ones he is working with. Here's to celebrating artistry and passion throughout our Maverick community. 🥂 Make sure to check out Mason on all of his socials below! ⬇️

• IG: @masonchimato / @sevenreapers
• Style: Art Deco/ Art Nouveau/ Neo Trad 
• Shop: Seven Reapers (Tampa, FL)
• Eyes: Mesmerizing ✨
• Hair: Better than mine 💇🏻‍♂️

 What do you love about Maverick? 

Branding and styling /Quality and integrity of the products /Forward thinking /Small business

What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

Tight 3 liner

Tight 9 liner

11 straight/flat open mag

Sometimessssss

17 straight/flat open mag

23 curved open mag

The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?

Golden Retriever 

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? 

My mom required me to wait until I was 18, and I got a band logo that was a C, so that if I didn’t like them later it would still go with my family name, hahaha

Top 3 tattoo artists you admire? 

Bobby Johnson- His continued ability to evolve and grow is incredible.

Ryan Thomas- Outrageously disciplined, creative, and authentic.

Steven Compton- Hands down the most creative person I’ve been around, his willingness to take risks and find success in them is unmatched.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

Nothing too funny, Aaron and I falling down stairs in Savannah on our way to the convention, getting stuck in France and turning it into a fun vacation, certainly some funny times I’ve had!

If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 

He is legend. Weird, not very successful, but technically talented. Hahaha!

If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?

My family and partner, they have all been so supportive in letting me move all over the country and away from them to grow as an artist. Billy toler-my mentor Timmy b Keith Bodnar-machine builder Ryan Thomas Aaron springs Steven Compton.

Secret hidden talent. What is it?

No real hidden talent, but am a Jack of many trades. Golf, first person video games, unnecessary football knowledge.

What is your kryptonite? 

Cheese itz, or maybe potato chips.

Any person you would like to trade places with for the day? 

Dave Grohl

What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?

Back to the future, hands down the best trilogy of all time.

What state are you located? What do you like most about where you live and why? 

Florida, it’s home for us. Both my partner and I grew up here in Tampa!

What is something weird you do before bedtime? 

I don’t feel like I have any weird routines, I tend to play video games after Jess goes to bed until I’m completely exhausted haha.

What would you say is the best way to deal with stress? 

Exercise, other hobbies beyond drawing/painting, making sure to step back and be present.

Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing? 

Bill being willing to take me on as an apprentice really changed the trajectory of my life and future. Tattooing really took my life in a more intentional direction.

Who is the most unique tattooer you've ever met? 

My time at red dagger(now heavy hearts) was very unique. I talked about this on the podcast about truly being the worst Tattooer there and still being treated as a peer and brother by Steven and Aaron was something unique.

With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset? 

I don’t think that I have in the past, I’m trying to just sort through how posting can be creative to me again. And just trying to be creative with it!\

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EVIN PFAFF

Happy June Maverick fam!

This month we are stoked to introduce Evin Pfaff, our June Spotlight from the small town of Bedford, PA. With a hidden talent for using both hands to tattoo (even if the left isn't perfect😉), Evin's work is always evolving and full of gorgeous surprises. Living in a small town might mean limited food options and no Uber, but she loves how chill it is & the nature that Bedford offers- you can see this through her art pulling inspo from the scenery in her small town. With hair that is literally GOALS, Evin's work is as gorgeous as she is! If you don't believe me, check out her work below! ⬇️

Evin Pfaff STATS:

• IG: @evin.p.tattoos
• Style: NeoTrad & Illustrative color
• Eyes: To die for 
• Hair:  Better than yours 

What do you love about Maverick?

So many things! Of course the quality of the product is amazing. Their cartridges are the best I’ve ever used by far and the people that run the company are wonderful. You can tell they really care. I love the notes and tiny surprises they add to their orders.

What are your favorite groupings to use for tattoos? 

I use a tight 3, loose 5 and loose 9 to line almost every tattoo. For color packing I use a curved 17 mag.

The Penguin is the maverick founder's spirit animal. What's your spirit animal? & Why?

My spirit animal would have to be a platypus. They are weird little things, but look like they know how to have a good time.

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? How old were you? What was it of and who was the artist?

I got my first tattoo when I was 15. Not recommended. It was the start of a large piece that has since been removed. Ironically it said “regret nothing”. The man that gave me the tattoo ended up mentoring me.

Top 3 artists your admire? Can you give us a brief description? 

Steve Moore. His color palettes are mind blowing. The way he packs all of the colors so solid on such a large scale is incredibly impressive. Jeff Gogue. He was one of the first tattoo artists that I started following when I was teenager. I love the way he goes about his designing process. All of his work flows with the body so nicely. Simeon Nelson. His work is so FUN. The boldness of his portraits with the thick lines and color choices makes my eyes happy.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

Oh gosh, I have heard hundreds of funny stories from clients. Most of them, I’ve promised to keep secret forever though, so I cannot answer this question

If you were to choose a band to best describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 

Hmmm I guess Glass Animals. Only because the word “animals” is in the name, and I tattoo a lot of them.

If you were to win best tattooer in the world lol, who would you thank and why? 

My dad, he was a big reason I got into tattooing. Everyone that has gotten tattooed by me & of course, Maverick Supply.

Secret hidden talent? What is it? 

I can tattoo with both hands. If I use my left one, it comes out horribly, but I can still do it

What is your kryptonite? 

New school. For me that’s the hardest style to draw. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make the head of something 3x bigger and keep it looking pretty.

Any person that you would like to trade places with for a day? 

The only correct answer is Nic Cage

What book or movie would you say everyone should read or watch? Why would you recommend that specific one? 

Not a huge book person, but my IMDb app is full of movie ratings from me. I like anything that makes me think & is a little bit creepy so my favorite genre is psychological thrillers. Nocturnal animals is definitely in my top three.. but I love a ton of stuff David Fincher has worked on. Too difficult to choose one.

Which state do you live in? What do you love most about where you live and why? 

I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. Even though there aren’t many food options and Uber doesn’t exist here I’ve learned to love it. It’s affordable, quiet, and there are lots of woods you can wander into.

What is something weird you do before bedtime? 

Sometimes I watch those ASMR videos. Brain tingles. IYKYK

What would you say is the best way to deal with stress? 

Take life one day at a time and get out in nature. Going for a little hike helps clear the noggin.

Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?

Probably just meeting people that think differently than me and working on changing my mindset. I wouldn’t say I have one moment that drastically changed my life. It’s been more of a slow burn

Who is the most unique tattooer you've ever met? 

Hmmm maybe Flipshades. I met him briefly a few years ago and they just seemed like such a nice person. His style is super cool and I love his work.

With having to promote yourself on social media, how do you maintain a positive mindset? 

I went through a few years of really trying to build up my social media following. While I do think it really helped my career, it was exhausting. I think as long as you have enough work that’s all that really matters and in the grand scheme of things likes and comments shouldn’t be anyone’s main focus in life.