PRESTON
Hello October!🍂 As we embrace the cozy charm of fall and the vibrant colors of the season, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible Preston Schooley!
Get to know Preston: "My name is Preston Schooley, AKA Pdude. I’ve enjoyed art since I was a kid but found my true love for oil painting in 2010, right after my daughter was born. 6 years later landed a tattoo apprenticeship right before my 31st birthday. Shortly thereafter, I had a silly tattoo go viral that really helped get my name out there. 8 years later, a few laughs and a few cries, I’m still committed to growing and being the best artist I can be. Outside of tattooing, you’ll find me with my family, on a lake or by a campfire watching the stars. @pdudetattoo @pdudesart"
What do you love about Maverick?
I love the consistency of the product. I also love the fact that Maverick carries environment friendly supplies. Tattooing is terrible for the environment, so it’s nice to see companies that care. I’ve always been treated with kindness, and who doesn’t love goodies and thank you cards with every order. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ company
What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos?
Tight 5,9,14 Round Liner Loose 7 Round Shader 5, 15, 23 Open Curved Mag
The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?
Oh man, I’m a trash panda. Snacks and more snacks, feed me and don’t get on my bad side. Did someone say snacks?
Can you describe your first tattoo experience?
One week after turning 18 I went to a shop called LOST ART. It was “The place to go”. I was more nervous driving there than I was waiting to be tattooed. I showed my lame drawing to the front help and Luis Flores wanted the idea. I sat there for a few hours waiting for him to finish a tattoo and draw mine. I chose my inner bicep and it took him about 2 hours. He was super polite and had such solid work (still does). He completed a black and gray chain and sprocket with a tattered banner that says “Dedication”. I rode BMX heavily between 13 and 23 (I thought I would go pro). After that, I was addicted to the tat life.
Top 3 tattoo artists you admire?
Thomas Carli Jarlier- I love how smooth and saturated his work is. Very readable at a distance. I find myself really analyzing his work.
Steve Moore - His color palette is amazing. His work tells a story which I think is incredibly hard to accomplish in tattooing.
Alina Gokk- I really just love her style, and smooth solid blends.
What are some funny tattoo moments you have?
One of the dudes (Nick) I work with was raving about this yellow ink he started using and told me to try it. I borrowed it and shook the hell out of this bottle. To my surprise, the lid was barely screwed on and I whipped an entire bottle of ink everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE. I ruined a favorite shirt and a brand new pair of shorts. It was all over my station, my chair, and the wall. Somehow I missed my client, and they got to watch me spend the next 30 min trying to clean yellow off everything. I still think Nick did that shit on purpose, even though he swears he didn’t.
If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why?
Toto- hold the line. Or Devo- Whip it. See what I did there? Fun fact: the original lead singer of Toto was kicked out of a ROCK band for doing too much cocaine. That’s impressive. One might even say he was a pro at holding the line.
If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?
First and foremost, my clients. They’re the reason I’m here doing what I love. I’d like to thank my wife (Jessica) for dealing with all the tatt daddy shit that comes with the job. Vic Back for welcoming me into his studio and treating me like family. The crew at 27, they’ve become family and I’m constantly inspired by the insane talent.
Secret hidden talent. What is it?
My ability to insert “your mom goes to college” in any conversation.
What is your kryptonite?
Chicano script. I admire things I’m no good at.
Any person you would like to trade places with for the day?
Neil Armstrong. Space exploration has to be one of the coolest experiences, let alone setting foot on a foreign rock. Settle down conspiracy theorists, your government wouldn’t lie to you.
What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?
Dune 1 and 2. The books were ok but the films are awesome. The cinematography, and composition of scenes are incredible . As a visual species we get excited when we see something new for the first time. This film was that way for me.
With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset?
I just post and walk away. I try not to get too caught up in what Instagram wants me to do in order to be relevant. Fancy cameras and funny content can help promote me, but giving my client the best experience possible will bring me the clientele I want. Your work in the wild will speak louder than a silly TikTok video.
Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why?
I’m in Salt Lake City, Utah. I love that I can drive an hour any direction and be in a completely different landscape. We have one of the most incredible mountain scapes right in our back yard. There’s plenty to do here if you like the outdoors.
What is something weird you do before bedtime?
I lay my neck on an ice pack. Supposedly you fall into a deeper sleep when your brain cools off by 3 degrees.
What would you say is the best way to deal with stress?
Paint, go for a drive, put your feet in the grass and read a book.
Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?
Divorce changed my life immensely. It was a punch in the gut even though we weren’t compatible in the slightest bit. It helped me grow closer to my daughter. I quit drinking for 5 months to focus on art. My friend moved in (he was going through a similar situation) and we stay up every night drawing and painting. He talked me into seeking out an apprenticeship. I quit a career of 14 years to start tattooing full time. I met my wife, bought a house together. We travel a bunch. Life is good.
Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met?
DJ Tambe. What can’t he do? Is he even real? I watched him tattoo a tiger up the back of this guys leg. It was huge and he had it done in 4 hours. It made no sense how he moved so quickly. I completed something the size of a softball in that time frame. Oh, he’s also a rad, super humble, and a kind person.
