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    SHOP TALK

    GIVE BACK PROGRAM X Justin Shimrock

    GIVE BACK PROGRAM X Justin Shimrock

    JUSTIN SHIMROCK 

     

    🐧 It's March! Time to bloom 💐 some love to our amazing Maverick community!🧡

    For the month of March, our spotlight artist Justin Shimrock has chosen to have his donation go towards Hope vs Cancer. This organization promotes hope through art- check out some of the donor artists HERE.

     

    Thanks to all of YOU we were able to donate our monthly cap of $1,000 to..

    HOPE VS CANCER

     

    Hope vs Cancer Foundation serves as a crucial voice in raising awareness about childhood cancer. Recognizing the emotional toll cancer takes on children, this organization focuses on uplifting their spirits during treatment.

    Hope vs Cancer uplifts the spirits of children battling cancer through the power of art. Artists contribute their creations, which are then transformed into temporary tattoos, providing a source of joy and comfort for children facing difficult times.

    If YOU would like to submit your art work to this organization, check out the submission requirements HERE.

    Maverick Family Spotlight Artist

    Maverick Family Spotlight Artist

    JUSTIN SHIMROCK

    Hey everyone! Get ready to meet Justin Shimrock, straight out of the sunny vibes of Orange County, CA! Justin kicked off his tattoo journey with an old school apprenticeship in his teenage years. But get this- it was nearly a DECADE later before he dove into the tattoo scene.

    Now you can find Justin holding it down over at Black Umbrella Tattoo in Garden Grove. But if this seems too far from you- don't sweat it! When Justin isn't at Black Umbrella you can find him all over North America.. he's always on the move lucky for us ✈️!

    Just when you think he can't get any more exciting.. not only does he showcase his creativity through tattooing, but he is also a classically trained artist- yup, you read that right! He even went to Laguna College of Art & Design where he studied Illustration and Entertainment Design! If this doesn't seem amazing to you, just wait because his creative talents don't stop there. Justin also specializes in pixel art animation and illustration!  You can check out his most up to date work on his INSTAGRAM- don't miss this!  

     

     

    What do you love about Maverick?

    Maverick is a small business with a big heart. When I finally started tattooing full time, the crew welcomed me into the Maverick family and has shown me and many others nothing but love and sincerity. It is easy to be overlooked by a lot of suppliers, but Maverick always made space and time for me, no matter how busy things get. Supporting small business is important to me, but the crew here makes it an easy choice for anyone!

     

    What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

    I am obsessed with Loose 9 Rounds and Tight 7 Rounds as a combo. I design most of my small and medium designs to be done with just this combo. I did a small gummy worm on Bryan at Maverick HQ using these two needles! When approaching larger designs, I will expand to larger sizes and include an Open Curved Mag as well.

    The penguin is the Maverick founder's spirit animal. What's your spirit animal & why?

    When I returned to tattooing, I had a mascot which was a mushroom that would wear different stuff on its head as a cap. I built an entire career of this character called the Mushie. It may not be an animal, but it definitely encapsulates the spirit of what I do. I used to have a pug mascot before the Mushie, so if mushrooms dont count, then a pug. I have a lot of health problems.
    Can you describe your first tattoo experience? How old were you? What was it of & Who was the artist? 
    It was 13 years ago, I was 19 getting an anchor tattooed by Old Man Donovan from Autumn Moon. I was so nervous to get it tattooed that I had not eaten or slept for two days. Needless to say, I immediately felt sick and lightheaded. One sip of a pepsi and I was back in action. I learned very quickly that when it comes to pain tolerance, I have none, but a strong will is all you ever need to get through ouchies. I have tonka-toughed it out through quite a lot of tattoos now.
    Top 3 artists you admire? Can you give us a brief description? 
    My number one would have to be Adam Hathorn, aka Honkey Konger. Not only is he an incredible craftsman, he has created an extremely recognizable style and has branched out into many avenues to grow his creative empire. He is also a family guy, shop owner, and super rad dude. A great role model!
    Second would have to be Timmy B, his illustrative prowess has blown me and many other artists away. I love his use of color and texture to make such dynamic new school designs. His mastery of color theory gripped me from my apprenticeship all the way to today. He also is extremely friendly and gracious. A solid dude, for sure!
    Lastly, during my apprenticeship, I stumbled across Jean LeRoux out of the UK. He was finishing his apprenticeship at the time I believed but he was already a killer illustrator and graphic designer. The way he would plate his flash and pieces would blow my mind. I spent hours trying to dissect his work and how his thought process worked. Still stumped, but to this day, I love seeing his stuff on my feed~ There are at least twenty more I can think of off the top of my head, but alas, the show much go on.
    What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 
    I have so much fun with my clients, laughter is a huge part of my life. Ridiculous conversations about Yak headed cults and Canadian foreskins stick with me to this day. I need to write down some of this stuff and do story time on tiktok or something!
    If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 
    Oooh this is a tough question. After much deliberation, I would say that Bilmuri is an artist I resonate with a lot. He has an impressive discography, hitting a lot of different emotional notes in his music. He uses humor a lot in the way he presents himself and how he names his songs. He will sometimes sample things from shows or memes and plug them seemlessly in his music. I feel like my art and the way I approach it is similar in a lot of ways to his music. Good stuff!
    If you were to win best tattooer in the world who would you thank and why? 
    I would have to thank my girlfriend, friends, and mentors who support me the most of course! However, I think more than anyone, I owe everything to my clients. The people who put their faith in me to change their body forever will always be the biggest MVPs in my life. Everything I have is due to people loving what I love and I wake up every day grateful for this life.
    Secret hidden talent? What is it? 
    I don't know if it is very good but very few people know that I am an amateur poet. It's a very personal experience and it is mostly about love and loss. I draw a lot of my feelings, but there are a few feelings I need to write about instead.
    What is your kryptonite? 
    My own memory. I cannot remember anything I do not write down or leave for me to stumble across. It blows.
    Any person you would like to change places with for the day? Who would it be? 
    I grew up dabbling in music a lot and being a part of a few bands. I was never really good at anything and I never got many chances to take to the stage. So I think it would be cool to swap places with a cool music artist and have fun up there. My second vote is to trade places with someone who's body is working right.
    What book or movie would you say everyone should read or watch? Why would you recommend that specific one? 
    There is a book called 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' that really made me feel something. It is a very healing book for those who are going through something. As far as movies go, I am a huge cinephile so I could list quite a few, but one I recommend a lot is called 'Swiss Army Man.' It gets mixed reviews a lot because of its crass and raunchy nature, but beneath all that I think it has a lot to say about people who struggle with fitting in as well as loneliness. It also has an amazing soundtrack.
    Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why? 
    I am located in Southern California and the two things I struggle to cope with in other places are food and weather. California has nice weather pretty much year round! We also have access to some of the most incredible food on the planet due to being a hub to so many ethnic groups with fantastic cuisine arts! I cannot handle the cold and I cannot handle mediocre food. I am spoiled.
     
    What is something weird you do before bedtime? 
    I treat the end of the day as a crunch. I will set impossible goals and then try to find a way to get it all done even though it's impossible. Terrible idea, terrible plan. Somehow works out?
    What would you say is the best way to deal with stress? 
    I don't think I have ever lived without it, I will die at 50, I will not survive the winter. Send help.
    Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing? 
    I think my apprenticeship overall changed my life in a huge way. It taught me that I was coddled and never had real responsibilities. I was a baby before and I came out of it as a baby still but with a patch of hair on my chest. I owe a lot of my future successes to the work ethic I developed as an apprentice.
    Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met? 
    The co owner and original founder of Black Umbrella, Kurtis Gibson. He is the most unique HUMAN I have ever met. He is a visionary and weirdo, it mashes together into an odd aura that everyone seems to always want to be around! I feel as though I am somewhat of a kindred spirit and I owe most of the career I have today to Kurtis' faith in me. I love that guy!
    With having to promote yourself on social media, how do you maintain a positive mindset? 
    I have faith that everything unfolds as it does. I try my best. I put in the time it takes to maintain my momentum and my career, I never go to sleep with regrets. If it works out, it works out, why worry. I am stressed, of course, nothing seems to come easy, but this life and this gig is everything to me. I believe I belong here and I will put my everything into whatever I need to do to keep it.
    Make sure to follow Justin on all of his platforms!

    STUDIO 21 TATTOO ANNIVERSARY

    STUDIO 21 TATTOO ANNIVERSARY

    You start to feel real old when you realize the age of your shop can legally drink! I could not have imagined the twist and turns life would take me opening up our shop back in 2003. Being a young tattooer, in love with the craft, enjoying creating an environment for artists to have fun, work hard, and make a good living was all my family and I strived for.  
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    There were some difficult times, tough lessons, and moments that truly humbled me.  The evolutions, peaks and valleys, along with a constantly changing environment of not only the tattooing industry itself but also our City, Las Vegas. I learned to stay on my toes and always look towards the positive because there’s a silver lining in every obstacle and celebration for every win. 
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    If I could go back and teach my 23 year old self one thing, it would be to enjoy the ride, and soak in those moments that make you feel lucky to be on this earth. I’m thankful for my family and those that I have encountered along the way, the span of years I spent traveling the US doing conventions was one I’ll save for my future memoirs (I got some damn good stories!). 
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    If I never said it, for those of you that I’ve met throughout the years, please know I’m thankful to have worked along side you, to share a few laughs, maybe even some difficult conversations. I grew into the man that I am today because of tattooing and the people in this industry, and I’m going to say that I’m damn proud of the person staring back at me in the mirror (even if my hairline is doing some weird shit these days!). 
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    Here’s to 21+ years and counting, my first relationship was Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, and I’m happy to report we are still together, just as in love as the first day we opened our doors. To an industry where you are always a student, learning from the generations coming up, and the generations going out. 
    I love you.
    Austin

    What's the Proper Way to Dispose of Tattoo Shop Sharps Containers?

    tattoo supply

    Hey Maverick Fam! 

    I know that most of you are veterans out there in the tattoo community, but wanted to make sure we providing content that is all encompassing in the tattooing world.

     Disposing of your contaminated products is important, especially in a clean, sterile, and secure way. Cartridge needles for example, should always be disposed of using a sharps container. I know there are new products coming out from some amazing tattooer supported companies that will be more function friendly than the traditional red container. Keep your eyes out! We are also working on some designs! 

    Here are some proper procedures for the disposal of sharps containers to ensure the safe and responsible management of used needles and other sharps. Checkout the typical process below for disposing of a sharps container:

    1. Secure and Seal the Container: When your sharps container reaches the full line, make sure to seal it up tight! It should be closed tightly and not easy to open- safety first! 


    2. Label the Container: Don't forget to slap a label on that sharps container! Stick on a "Biohazard" tag or whatever warning symbols fit the bill. Labels make sure it's handled safely when it's time to store it for proper pickup.


    3. Follow Local Regulations: Check with your local health department or relevant regulatory agency for specific guidelines and regulations regarding sharps disposal. Guidelines and rules can differ depending on where you are, so it's crucial to play by the local book and follow their requirements. Better safe than sorry!

    4. Contact a Medical Waste Disposal Service:  Professional Tattoo artists, don't just toss full sharps containers into the regular trash – that's a no-go! Reach out to a licensed medical waste disposal service or a biomedical waste disposal company. These folks are pros at handling and getting rid of medical and biohazardous waste in a way that's safe and meets all the regulations. Keep it clean and proper!


    5. Arrange for Pickup/Drop-Off: Coordinate with the medical waste disposal service to schedule either pickup or drop-off of the full sharps container. The disposal company will transport the container to a facility specificly designed for the safe disposal of medical waste.


    6. Keep Records: Maintain records of your sharps disposal, including the dates when containers were filled and disposed of, as well as any relevant documentation required by your local health department or regulatory authority.


    It’s essential to handle and dispose of sharps containers responsibly to prevent the risk of injuries and the potential spread of infections. Tattoo artists must be aware of and adhere to local regulations regarding medical waste disposal to ensure the safety of themselves, their clients, and the environment.

    For more helpful articles like this and other fun ones about tattooers in the community please subscribe to our news letter! 

    Tattoo Aftercare: The Must Have Ingredients:

    Tattoo Aftercare: The Must Have Ingredients:

    Ever wonder what's in Tattoo aftercare products? There's a lot of info and different ingredients in various different types of aftercare. Theres Vegan Friendly, all Natural, Organic, and Petroleum based. Maybe even a combination of some of these that align with a company's marketing strategy.
    Trying to find the right one is difficult, and often times we find ourselves being a creature of habit (using something because we always have) or simply because we like the touch, feel, and result of actually using it. It's definitely a bonus when it also aligns with our own personal value system.  
    At Maverick we really like organic and all natural based products and there are so many plants and different types of natural products that help with making your tattoo not only look bright and moisturized, but feel great too. 
     
    Most Aftercare products typically contain a variety of ingredients that help promote healing, prevent infection, and maintain the appearance of the tattoo. While specific formulations can vary between products and brands, here are some popular ingredients commonly found in tattoo aftercare products:

     

    1. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter:

      • Shea butter is known for its moisturizing properties. It helps in nourishing the skin, while healing and reducing any inflammation as well.
    2. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil:

      • Sunflower seed oil is a lightweight oil that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It helps in moisturizing the skin and supporting its natural barrier function. The anti-inflammatory properties also help with soothing any irritated or damaged skin. That alone is a key ingredient when choosing your aftercare product.  
    3. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil:

      • Coconut oil is well-known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It helps in hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting the skin's natural healing process!
    4. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax:

      • Sunflower seed wax helps in creating a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and supporting the healing process. The wax helps with contributing to the overall texture and stability of the product.
    5. Cetyl Palmitate:

      • Cetyl palmitate enhances the texture of the product, making it easy to apply. Cetyl palmitate contributes to the overall skin-feel of the aftercare product.      
    6. Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax:

      • Candelilla wax is a plant-based wax that adds texture and stability to the product. It contributes to the product's thickness and even helps in creating a protective layer on the skin!
    7. Tocopherol:

      • Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. It helps in protecting the skin from stress, supporting skin healing, and maintaining the stability of the product.
    8. Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil:

      • Vetiver oil is often used for its calming and grounding properties. It can also contribute to a soothing and relaxing experience. 
    9. Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil:

      • Peppermint oil is known for its refreshing and cooling sensation. It can provide a soothing effect on the skin.
    10. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract:

      • Aloe vera is popular for it's soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps in reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and providing a cooling sensation on the skin.
    11. Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract:

      • Chamomile extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can help in soothing irritated skin and promoting overall skin health.

    Basically the ingredients above are like a superhero squad for your aftercare. They bring in moisture, southing properties, and antioxidants! Your skin will be all around nourished. Like seriously, who DOESN'T want that? Not only does it help with all of that, but with the natural ingredients your skin will definitely be thanking you.