SHOP TALK — Artist Spotlight

OCTOBER BLOG- DAVE KOENIG

IT’S SPOOKY SEASON! ☠️ Get ready for the funky costumes and copious amounts of candy for the next month. And for some, the beginning of Christmas decorating… (if you’re that person, no judgment here). Something less spooky is our Artist Spotlight this month- Dave Koenig. As you can see from Dave’s responses, he has such a distinct sense of humor- I guess that explains his spirit animal (see below). All the way from Nebraska you can find Dave located at Tenth Sanctum Tattoos in Omaha. Not only does Dave have a long history of art itself, but teaching art was in his past also! His tattoo career began in 2001 and on his website you can find some other forms of art also, NFTs. With a past of artistic ability it is obvious that Dave is an inspiring tattoo artist and his work shows just how unique his abilities are. You definitely do not want to miss out on all of what Dave had to share below, including his movie recommendations as well as some great advice on maintaining a positive mindset.

Side note: visit his website to see some gorgeous prints- my personal fav is the OCTOPUS MERMAID. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

Well first off is the quality of the product. I love the cartridges they make. They are easy to use and always consistent. Maverick seems to be an on-point organized business with people with good integrity. They are beyond accommodating and very personal. Every time I get a package from them there is a positive handwritten note and extra stickers and mints that accompany my product. And might I say I am a fan of their branding. Well done Maverick. In an industry fueled by high voltage energy drinks and angry skulls, it is a relief to side with the penguin.

Be sure to check him out!

Website: dkoenigart.com (LINKED) WEBSITE

Instagram: @davekoenigart (LINKED) INSTAGRAM

Want to learn more about Dave? KEEP READING-

WITH HAVING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET?

If I ever doubt because of social media or really anything for that matter I just go back to the drawing board. Not figuratively but literally. Drawing is what got me to where I am. When I am drawing I lose time without wasting time. So I know that is what makes me happy. That is where I find peace. If I can make a few people happy by sharing what I do that is a bonus too. 

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

That is a hard one. I have met so many unique tattooers that I can’t pick one. I love it. They come in all shapes and sizes expressed in so many ways. I am fortunate to tattoo in a time with so many different personalities.

THE PENGUIN IS THE MAVERICK FOUNDER'S SPIRIT ANIMAL. WHAT'S YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Most likely a rabbit. Or a clown. I don’t know why. They are the first things that came to mind. Generally, I go with the first thing that comes to mind. 

WHICH STATE ARE YOU LOCATED? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHY?

Nebraska. The people. They are nice. And they are tough

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I have to win 2 games of chess against the computer. If I get too tired and start losing I will lower the difficulty level just to win 2 no matter how many losses. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS?

Jujitsu, and Nature. Everyone needs a physical release that frees them of their monkey mind and forces them to live in that moment. Everyone also needs to connect to nature, freeing them from the chaos and allowing them to breathe again.  

DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? DO YOU MIND SHARING?

Every major catastrophe in my life leads to something great. I have had many. I just fail forward. There is no sense in dwelling on it. Just learn from it and proceed forward.  

IF YOU WERE TO WIN BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD YOU THANK AND WHY?

Whoever fixed that contest.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

I tattooed a guy's nipple off once. I was blacking out his nipple and had most of it done. He used to have it pierced and gaged so it had that larger nub to it. I was pulling up on it to tattoo the sides using a mag grouping and then pop. He didn’t even realize it just came off as he was talking to his friend. Holding it between my index finger and thumb I neatly set it on the tattoo tray. I got his attention and pointed to it. I told him he was welcome to it when we got done. It just laid there like a piece of sausage on a thin crust pizza. Kind of irks me out thinking about it. 

IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE A BAND TO BEST DESCRIBE YOUR ARTWORK, WHICH BAND WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

I would like to say the Bones of JR Jones or Aesop Rock. Just because I love to listen to them while I work. 

TOP 3 ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE. CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION?

Jeff Gogue. Jeff is a highly regarded tattooer and painter for me. His work speaks for itself. But how he interprets tattooing, art, and life as a whole has molded me as an individual artist/tattooer. I am fortunate to call him a friend. 

Fibs would be another. By chance, I had the pleasure to share a booth with him at the San Diego tattoo convention that Bill Canales holds. He is a great guy and his work is phenomenal. No one can beat his compositions and use of tone. 

Then Christian Casas. He would be my 3rd. I don’t even know where to start with that guy. His work makes me want to quit tattooing as much as it inspires me to do better. Look these gentlemen up. 

26swordstattoo

Fibs_

Kasasink

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TATTOO EXPERIENCE ? HOW OLD WERE YOU? WHAT WAS IT OF AND WHO WAS THE ARTIST ?

I was 5 years old. It was the first and only time I met my grandfather Roland. He was a towering deep-voiced man that had 6 well-trained dogs that stood by him in full attention. I remembered his bellowing laugh as he picked me up. He had a skull on his arm accompanied by crosses of some sort on his hands. Later I found out they were gang tattoos from his rowdy past. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

5 curved bug pin mag. 3 tight liner. 13 curved bug pin mag, 27 curved bug pin mag

MAVERICK'S GOAL IS TO HELP OTHERS WHERE WE CAN. AS PART OF OUR 'GIVE BACK' PROGRAM, $1 FOR EVERY CARTRIDGE BOX SOLD GOES TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM WITH A CAP OF 1K MONTHLY. WE TRY TO TARGET FOOD, ART, AND MUSIC (FAM) BASED NONPROFITS OR THINGS RELATED TO THE TATTOO COMMUNITY AND ARTISTS (LIKE SPECIFIC GOFUNDME PAGES FOR ARTISTS). IS THERE A SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN? FOR YOUR SPOTLIGHT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DONATE MONEY FOR AN ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE PROVIDE THE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE CORRECT ORGANIZATION. WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION? 

MENDING THE SACRED HOOP                

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can do a great smeagol voice. 

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Alice in wonderland tattoos without a doubt. Everyone wants every single piece of subject matter from that story in their stupid tattoo. 

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY?

Oh, Harrison Ford. You know he lives in the mountains in a beautiful home. I bet he sips on coffee while sitting on his porch remembering how fucking badass he is. I mean the man was two of cinema's most influential badasses. Asides from Bruce Lee Indiana Jones and Han Solo taught me what it is to be a man.  

WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY EVERYONE SHOULD READ OR WATCH? WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT SPECIFIC ONE?

I have many books to recommend. But everyone asks about what literature you read. So I am going to go with the movie this time. And that movie is Snatch. It is the perfect balance of true gentleman grit and humor accompanied by witty responses I only wish I could deliver on the regular. I love how every character’s outcomes are directly related to their simple fuck ups.          

         

SEPTEMBER BLOG- MELISE HILL

Is it Fall yet? Well, almost.. but it is time to fall for our Maverick Family Artist for September! (haha I make myself laugh!) With a sense of humor that is like no other, let me introduce you to Melise Hill. She is from a small town in Ontario Canada where she began her tattoo career. After moving to the states in 2015, she started working at Ironclad Tattoo Co. directly out of Detroit, Michigan. Melise also just opened a private studio in the Great City of Detroit, CONGRATS! You can currently find her there today. Melise specializes in full color and illustrative work usually incorporating natural and botanical elements. Her personality is extremely relatable and she has some great advice on how to deal with stress. We’re so happy to share her interview with all of you, we know you’re going to love her work! 

Check out what Melise had to say about being part of the Maverick family below:

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love how personal the interactions with Maverick have always felt. It doesn’t just feel like a brand, but more like friends. The communication is always quick and helpful, and of course, they make pretty solid needles!

Be sure to check her out!

Instagram/TIKTOK: @melisehilltattoo

Website: www.melisehill.com

Want to learn more about Melise? KEEP READING-

WITH HAVING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET?

Social media is just a part of the job! I think as long as you can separate it from real life, it’s not too bad. There’s so much inspiring content on there, I just have to remind myself not to spend too much time scrolling!

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Oh man, this whole industry is made up of unique characters! I’m going to go with my good friend, Kurt Ross. I’d definitely watch him on reality tv!

THE PENGUIN IS THE MAVERICK FOUNDER'S SPIRIT ANIMAL. WHAT'S YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Ohhhh, probably something super basic like a golden retriever. Who doesn’t want to be a family dog?

WHICH STATE ARE YOU LOCATED? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHY?

I’m in Michigan. I haven’t been here that long and haven’t taken much time to explore the state, but I really do love the city of Detroit. There’s so much history and character here, and a strong sense of community, which is what drew me there in the first place. 

I grew up in the country though and I’d like to move back to Canada eventually, it was a great place to grow up. I really appreciate trees, water and open space. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Well, I just had a baby, so I’m sure I’m about to get into some weird baby bedtime rituals… I’ll keep you posted. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS?

If we’re talking specifically tattoo artist related, I think it’s important to have a life outside of tattooing. There can be a lot of pressure to be a certain way, or produce a certain quality of work and it can sometimes be overwhelming. So I think it’s helpful to have something else to be able to step away from all of that when it gets to be too much. 

DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? DO YOU MIND SHARING?

Honestly, this whole pandemic has really changed my perspective on things. I used to be very busy all of the time and thought I had to do everything. Being forced to slow down has helped me to enjoy the moment a lot more and it’s a mindset I’ve maintained, even as life has started to pick back up.

IF YOU WERE TO WIN BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD YOU THANK AND WHY?

So many people! My mentor, Kris Kani for taking me on as a scared little apprentice with hardly any tattoos, the guys at Ironclad for taking a chance on this rookie from a foreign country, and of course all of my amazing clients who have trusted me artistically and allowed my career to develop in the way it has. Wouldn’t be here without you guys!

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

I don’t want to put anyone on blast here too bad! But I did have this client one time, as I finished up the tattoo, I looked down and realized that he’s peed all over the floor, and I was like, is that pee?! And he just looks at me like yeah? So? Like what, you don’t pee your pants every time you get tattooed?

IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE A BAND TO BEST DESCRIBE YOUR ARTWORK, WHICH BAND WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Something with pretty, ethereal lyrics like the Shins. Although, my actual work playlist is more along the lines of Shania Twain and the Backstreet Boys. 

TOP 3 ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE. CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION?

This changes fairly often, but most recently I’m really into an artist from the UK named Eli Gander or @eliluciitattoos on Instagram. She does these beautiful recreations of vintage botanical prints that end up healing in a way that looks painted on the skin. 

Kelsey Ellis or @honeybasiltattoos has been a big inspiration of mine for a while too! She has definitely perfected her style of illustrative botanical.Third, but always my biggest artistic inspiration is British painter, Jenny Saville. Her use of color and creating texture with paint never ceases to amaze me!

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST TATTOO EXPERIENCE ? HOW OLD WERE YOU? WHAT WAS IT OF AND WHO WAS THE ARTIST ?

My first tattoo wasn’t until I was 19, moved away to college, and got my student loan. That’s what student loans are for, right? I got the Eiffel Tower on my side by a guy named Ralph at Perfect Image in London, Ontario. I was a really annoying client, you know, brought my own drawing and said it had to be exactly like I drew it, size and all. I think I’ve improved as a client since then. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

I use cartridges primarily for shading. It’s cool to work with a brand that offers such a variety, so even though the 13 mag is my go to, I dabble with any size 11-19, curved or flat. 

MAVERICK'S GOAL IS TO HELP OTHERS WHERE WE CAN. AS PART OF OUR 'GIVE BACK' PROGRAM, $1 FOR EVERY CARTRIDGE BOX SOLD GOES TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM WITH A CAP OF 1K MONTHLY. WE TRY TO TARGET FOOD, ART, AND MUSIC (FAM) BASED NONPROFITS OR THINGS RELATED TO THE TATTOO COMMUNITY AND ARTISTS (LIKE SPECIFIC GOFUNDME PAGES FOR ARTISTS). IS THERE A SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN? FOR YOUR SPOTLIGHT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DONATE MONEY FOR AN ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE PROVIDE THE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE CORRECT ORGANIZATION. WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION?              

Not exactly art related, but an organization that’s personally dear to me. My sister has some developmental challenges and the Windsor Family Network has been a staple for my family as long as I can remember. They support families of children with disabilities. https://windsoressexfamnet.ca

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I’m really good at spelling, which has been helpful to have never made a spelling mistake on a tattoo!

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Tequila shots …. gets me every time. 

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY?

Someone who was a professional at some sort of extreme sport like wingsuit flying or volcano surfing, you know, assuming I inherited their skills for the day too. 

WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY EVERYONE SHOULD READ OR WATCH? WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT SPECIFIC ONE?           

I can’t come up with an answer for this one, sorry! My taste in books is more for entertainment rather than anything too moving or educational. 

 

JULY SPOTLIGHT ARTIST-KRISH TRECE

Wake up, it’s the first of the month! It is officially July and our summer is just getting started. With this being our third successful month of Artist Spotlights we would like to introduce an amazing and gifted artist, Krish Trece. Krish was born in Spain but is currently NYC based. Amazingly enough Krish owns a studio in Madrid called Karbon Tattoo & Gallery! We can currently find them working in Brooklyn at 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo NY. Specializing in both Neo Traditional and Neo Romantic styles, Krish’s designs meld a classic aesthetic with a nature inspired approach. We are so happy to have Krish as part of the Maverick family and can’t wait to show you all what they have to offer. 

Check out what Krish had to say about being part of the Maverick family below:

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

What isn't there to love! Let's start by highlighting the amazing work done by Maverick by creating such a variety of eco-friendly products. Not to mention, the outstanding quality of cartridges that make work so much easier. They are a perfect match for creating such solid lines. The design and packaging is absolutely beautiful, definitely unique and eye-catching. Finally, I really appreciate how well taken care of I am! The thoughtful postcards, filled with wishes, stickers and xmas decorations, it really makes you feel special!  

Be sure to check them out!

Current location: 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo NY

Studio: Karbon Tattoo & Gallery IG: @karbon.tattoo

Instagram: @krishtattoo (linked below)

Krishtattoo 

Want to learn more about Krish? KEEP READING-

WITH HAVING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET?

What a great question! I personally maintain a positive mindset on social media by taking the time to answer/like and thank every comment. It’s a way to give back that same care and energy that this person has taken to value my work. It's a way to be grateful I guess, to share that much needed positivity and kindness around. This small gesture, in my opinion, is the key to a personal positive mindset in a crazy world which is social media.WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

This is hard to choose but I would have to say my favorite is definitely the 3RL, it comes very well grouped and marks the ink impeccably from the first pass. I also love the 9RL and 7RS/9RS for bolder lines.These all make spectacular line work! Definitely recommended!

THE PENGUIN IS THE MAVERICK FOUNDER’S SPIRIT ANIMAL. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

My spirit animal would be undeniably the giraffe. I love its energy and presence but especially how peaceful and calm they always are. What about those little alien horns they have, which are so awesome and unique! Another thing that I love is the symbolism behind giraffes. Because of their long necks, they have a good vision to see what's coming ahead and see the bigger picture of things, which makes them even more amazing!

TOP THREE ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE. CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION?

This is tough because there is so much talent out there!! If I had to mention 3 and although I'm missing out on so  many amazing artists I would have to say..

Hannah flowers: Her women pieces are absolutely beautiful, they speak to you and express so much emotion. Her color palette is so personal, elegant and unique - all in all gorgeous. 

Jacob Gardner: His style, drawing skills and methods are out of this world, not to mention his technique and taste for applying color which are absolutely exceptional.

Lord lips: Outstanding compositions, his work is unique and undeniably pure elegance.

IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE A BAND TO BEST DESCRIBE YOUR ARTWORK, WHICH BAND WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Agar Agar would be my band of choice - I love that they say they get their inspiration from their intuition. I like how their sounds are influenced by nature and play classic melodies with a modern approach.

IF YOU WERE TO WIN BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD YOU THANK AND WHY?

I will always be grateful to my soul sister, Mimi Tattoo (@mimi_tattoo). We have grown up together - as best friends and as artists. I have learnt so much from her and opened up our studio together (Karbon Tattoo & Gallery) which was a huge thing for us. Also, to my wife and friends that have been by my side throughout my journey, I will always be grateful for it!

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

This is extremely random but I always find "lookalikes" or "Doppelgängers" of people or celebrities by accident, mostly because I get them confused, but it comes naturally and they are pretty on point!

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY?

This is a complicated question.. I'm unsure if I would want to trade places with anyone because you just never know what they may be dealing with and so on - so freaks me out a little. 

Does my dog count? Yes, my dog definitely!!!

WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY EVERYONE SHOULD READ OR WATCH? WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT SPECIFIC ONE?

Oh I could go on for days with this one! If I have to pick a good combo it would be without a doubt, Tales from the Loop and all of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrations and outstanding work. The romantic desolation, the storyline, the graphics, colors, the sci-fi nostalgia, it literally has everything!

WHICH STATE ARE YOU LOCATED? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHY?

You’ve probably heard this a trillion times but New York City has an energy and uniqueness to it and this is definitely true! It's the diversity in culture, you feel you are traveling the world without leaving the city. The art scene is breathtaking, you can literally find inspiration in every corner, from the urban scene to the beaches and nature. It's a pretty special place to immerse yourself in.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS?

To take time to catch up with your hobbies and things that make you happy. It's hard to find time but when I can, I take my camera out and enjoy it. I have a great passion for urban and street photography. I also love heading out for long walks at parks and into nature. I get some really amazing references for my pieces when I do this, so it's a win win!

When I don't have time and I need a quick way to deal with stress, video-games truly help me unwind, it's my form of meditation, plus it's fun also!

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I would have to say Bobby Johnson aka @glendalebully - he has such a personal style that without a doubt makes him a unique artist.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I don't really do anything weird before bedtime but I have been told I get these weird body spasms as soon as my body relaxes and I fall asleep, which freaks out my wife and dog every time!

DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? DO YOU MIND SHARING?

Moving to NYC. It was a huge cultural change and a bit of a challenge to learn a new language. To start your life in a foreign country is definitely life changing and full of adventures. This said, I wouldn't change a thing! This has taught me so much and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to live this experience.

GIVE BACK:

As part of our 'Give Back' program we are giving each spotlight artist the opportunity to choose an organization of their choice to donate to. On Krish's behalf, Maverick donated the money gained over this month in order to benefit their organization. Stay turned for the newsletter coming this month to learn more about this program.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT ARTIST-TERESA ANDREWS

HAPPY JUNE & WELCOME TO SUMMER! This month we are highlighting our amazing family artist, Teresa Andrews. Teresa is California raised but moved to Maine in 2009 (talk about a change of scenery). Her original focus in college was in marketing and advertising, but lucky for us Teresa decided to take a chance on a tattoo apprenticeship in 2014 instead. She is admired for her tattoo realism and elaborate floral designs. Today, we can find Teresa working at Venom Ink in Sanford, Maine. We love having Teresa on our team because she is not only artistic, but also enjoys our family based approach as a sponsor and our goal to continue to develop and help connect our Maverick Community. Maverick will always have a focus on appreciation for the amazing tattoo artists out there- check out what she had to say below.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

Maverick makes you feel like family. From the start, everything has been very generous, communication has been quick and direct, and they create an artist support ambiance which I can very much appreciate. Keeping up with the trends and being innovative, this brand is just getting started!

Be sure to check her out!

Teresa’s Booking form: teresa-booking-form

Shop name: Venom Ink

Instagram: @teresa_andrews_art (linked below) https://www.instagram.com/teresa_andrews_art/

Want to learn more about Teresa? KEEP READING-

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

Awwhhhh my go to groupings are, 15COMMag, 7 RL, and 3 TL…and after that it all depends on the piece!

THE PENGUIN IS THE MAVERICK FOUNDER’S SPIRIT ANIMAL. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

Well that’s a good question! I’d go with a Siberian tiger ‘cause fuck it, why not! They are my favorite animal; they always appear calm and cute, but can flip the switch when they need to. Oh and they like to nap, and I love to nap, so ya, win win!

TOP THREE ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE. CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION?

Timmy B has been my favorite artist to follow and I have admired since forever. He is incredibly talented, and is a solid good human. Antonina Rostra is phenomenal for her bold florals that I love so much, and Frank La Natra for his amazing color theory skills and design!

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Oh that one time I got a lot of ass in one day…apparently more ass then my co worker at the time had seen in a year! Haha, so I tattooed like 7 young dudes butts one after the other, my second year of tattooing. They were all military getting ready to deploy and wanted the stamp, “Made in USA” on their butt. Yes, I do have the photo of their butt cheeks out mooning me with their new tattoos!

IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE A BAND TO BEST DESCRIBE YOUR ARTWORK, WHICH BAND WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Well I do like to listen to City and Colour a lot, so they would be pretty fitting. They are serene in tone, but strongly impactful in their delivery.

IF YOU WERE TO WIN BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD YOU THANK AND WHY?

Oh dang! I would think the guy who runs the shop I work in now, Chad Chase. Before I came to his shop, I was unaware of how impactful a team of righteous, talented, and giving people can have on someone’s life and career. It really is who you surround yourself with that makes a difference. Chad has taught me invaluable skills in my technique, even before I was even on his team, and continues to offer input when I’m really struggling.

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY?

Alicia Moore, aka Pink. To know what it is like to have all of that chaos from the outside world and yet so much love to give at the same time is beyond me. This lady is unapologetic, truly herself, and knows how to love unconditionally.

WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY EVERYONE SHOULD READ OR WATCH? WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT SPECIFIC ONE?

Pppfftttt I dunno! Well there was one book that really helped me out years ago called, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey that helped me turn my financial life around. I was at the end of a marriage and was staring down a dark hole of debt, almost losing everything I had. I think this book was meant to find me when it did and today it still helps me navigate the things school doesn’t teach us on financial survival, especially for the future.

WHICH STATE ARE YOU LOCATED? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHY?

Maine. It’s easy to live here compared to Southern California and isn’t crowded all year long, so getting places isn’t always a burden! Seeing the four seasons is also pretty interesting, the fall is the best to see in New England…the colors are unreal.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS?

Take deep breaths and remember that some things are not meant to be directed at you or are out of our control, so just let it pass.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I have not met her, but Daria Pirojenko always intrigued me!

WITH HAVING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET?

Self promotion is always weird but in this world, it’s necessary. Maintaining positivity is easy when you don’t let the negativity ruin your day:)