Maverick ZINE — Tattoo Culture, Art & Artist Stories

MAY SPOTLIGHT ARTIST

MITCH B 

We hope everyone is excited for Summer! I know it's not here just yet, but at least here in Las Vegas we will be feeling the HEAT for sure come the end of this month ☀️

For our last month of Spring we are introducing a CRAZY talented & SELF-TAUGHT artist, MITCH BAER! 

Is anyone else here a first-generation tattoo artist? If so, read on and get some advice and fun stories from our friend MITCH! While some of us were probably up to no good during our teenage years, Mitch was focused on the art of tattooing.  At the age of 16 (or maybe even earlier), he realized he had a love for sacred geometry and ornamental blackwork 🖤 (see pics below). 

Mitch owns GreyScale Tattoo Gallery with his AMAZING ❤️ wife in Virginia Beach, VA! These two seem to make a great team together in more ways than one! To read more about Mitch and his journey as a tattoo artist- KEEP READING. 

IG: mitchbtattoos 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love the consistent quality of cartridges Maverick makes. Their staff is incredible! With Maverick being a family owned and operated business it's easier to feel like family. My wife and I run our studio together so we know the work it takes to be in business with family. We love the personal touch of getting handwritten notes and candies with our orders. But ultimately, the quality and eco-friendly aspect of Maverick is why I fell in love to begin with, everything else is just added benefits!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

T7L, 14RS, 27COM. They are staple for EVERY SINGLE TATTOO (PERIOD).

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

My spirit animal is a monkey. 🐒 The monkey spirit animal represents intelligence, playfulness, and curiosity, which is totally me!

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

My first tattoo experience was on my upper left bicep at 15 years old. A family friend tattooed a cross with my initials and some tribal design behind it in red. Needless to say, it's been covered.

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

Andy Chambers @andechamber He is the only person that I have ever seen do every style of tattooing flawlessly and he has done 90% of my body suit. Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky Anastasia Strizh @murrrmurous Their ability to freehand geometry is otherworldly!

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

About 5 years ago, when I was working at Sandbridge Tattoo, I had a woman scheduled for a large leg piece from thigh to knee. I shaved her, laid down the stencil and she asked me to move the stencil to the inside of her leg. I shaved her and laid the stencil again. It wasn't until she did this again that I realized she was just getting me to shave her entire leg. Finally, the stencil was then laid on the original placement and tattooed. 

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

 Free Flow Flava - Alexandr Osipov (born October 18, 1994), better known as FREE FLOW FLAVA, is a beatmaker from Russia. His first official album “BOKUDEN” was released in 2014. FFF claims to be hugely inspired by Eastern Asian folklore, and is known for mixing traditional Japanese music with modern hip-hop beats.

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

I would thank my wife, my son, my parents, and my clients. My family has been with me through all of my trials and tribulations. I have always been able to count on them through and through. My clients because I wouldn't be able to do what I love without them!

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I am a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo and I have trained in four other martial arts.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

My kryptonite is when clients try to micromanage me. I prefer to work with as much creative freedom as possible.

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

If I get their abilities too then I would say Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky or Anastasia Strizh @murrrmurous

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

Everyone should read 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius and 'The Art of Living' by Epictetus. I recommend them because they are life changing.

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

Virginia Beach, VA currently. I like this area because we're not land locked and my family is here.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I usually draw and smoke weed before bedtime.

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

The best way that I deal with stress is to work because my tattooing intricate patterns and designs brings me peace.

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

A moment that changed my life is when I met my wife. I was in an extremely depressive state when we met and she never gave up on me, she taught me how to love and be loved again. I was able to remove anything that wasn't for me or good for me with her strength, love and support. We were able to open GreyScale Tattoo Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. We brought on 4 artists and we all make a great team! Before her, I had very little hope in life.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky he's just someone you'd need to meet yourself; dude is otherworldly, seriously!

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

Fortunately, my wife manages this side of the business and it makes things a hell of a lot easier for me! She allows me to focus on my clients, drawing and tattooing without worrying about the nuances of daily operations.

As you all know, Maverick began as just a SIDE HUSTLE! And its amazing to see what these ventures can become.  

We are so fortunate that Maverick has grown as big as it has, and it would not be possible without all of you amazing supporters. No post, message, purchase, or note goes UNNOTICED- WE SEE YOU (& we love ya)!

On this Beautiful Spring Month of MAY we are very proud to present a raffle for this hand painted saw- seriously out of this world. 

MAKE SURE TO BUY YOUR RAFFLE TICKET HERE!!!

Check out what Taylor (topshelfsigns) had to say about his journey! ⬇️

I was first introduced to sign painting when I was about six or seven years old. I grew up traveling carnivals with my family's Concession business and would watch Signpainters working on my dad‘s trailers out on the midway.

In 2011 I picked up my first lettering brush, and in 2013 I started Top Shelf Signs. I’ve always been heavily influenced by Tattoo imagery. Carnivals and tattoos go hand-in-hand. I use to watch carnies get tattooed under the grandstands back in the early 90’s.

I’ve been making my way around the country painting tattoo shops and cut out signs on and off since 2017. In 2019 I landed the position of being the third Grave Digger monster truck painter in history.

After realizing I didn’t wanna paint the same thing over and over, I’m back on the road painting tattoo shops and hitting conventions because that’s where I feel most at home. 

IG: @topshelfsigns

Tiktok: @topshelfsigns

Website: topshelfsigns.online

Read more

Happy April.. or should I say happy 4/20. 🥦

As you all know, Maverick began as a side hustle and quickly turned into a full time gig! Now we have been given the ability to show off amazing artists each month as a new side hustle of our own. We are so excited to have this opportunity to give you all an idea of what other types of creative outlets you can dive into while learning about some amazing people. 

This month we are showcasing a super talented artist from our hometown- VEGAS! From art prints, acrylic on wood, all the way to giant enamel pins let me introduce- Casey Weldon!

Please make sure to keep reading to see just how talented he is. ⬇️

And for my cat lovers out there... be ready for some awesomeness! 🐈‍⬛ 

 MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKET HERE (RAFFLE ENDS APRIL 30TH)

TWO WINNERS ($200 VALUE)

1 ART PRINT EACH

1 GIGANTIC ENAMEL PIN EACH

1 DRAWSTRING BAG EACH

2 PACKS OF MEOWY WOWIE STICKERS (13 CT EACH PACK) EACH

Do you have a full time gig or jobby job? 

Technically, I suppose I would classify the illustration and gallery side of my work as my ‘jobby job’, but I’m not sure Snoop’s father would agree with that.

Can you tell us a little about your creative outlet that you might consider a SIDE HUSTLE?

That would be the merch stuff, I think. While a lot of it is somewhat standard and affordable ways to offer art, like prints, stickers, puzzles, I try to get as creative with it as possible, like making the puzzles double sided of mirror image, make enamel pins that are gigantic and covered in glitter and glow in the dark, offer prints as die cut valentine cards in little valentine packs. Hopefully it keeps getting weirder. 

Anyone in particular that inspired you to move forward and  take your side hustle a little more seriously?  

I never really considered doing anything other than prints until Joey Nix, the owner of one of my favorite bars in Seattle - Jupiter, asked for vending machine sized art packs to sell at the bar. I made 3-4 types of mini print and sticker packs that I’ve been selling ever since, but have actually yet to give him any for the bar’s vending machine.

Do you think it’s important for artists to have multiple creative outlets?

Absolutely. I think creativity rarely confines itself to one type of media/expression. Trying your hand at other arts will likely expand the scope of your vision and the ability to realize it. Or you find out what you don’t like to do. I don’t care for interpretive dancing.

Do you have a creative outlet that you’d rather not turn into a side hustle? Something just for YOU that helps you escape or relax?

Yes, that would be music. I’ve made myself a tiny little band room where I can go play tiny little songs to myself and not have to worry about ever monetizing it because it is extremely hard to make money off of music, and also I am terrible.

Do you have a bigger picture or a vision of where your side hustle could take you?

I’ve often thought about combining forces with some artist friends and creating a kind of boutique of just our wares and not so much original art/prints. I know quite a few artists with a variety of skills in rarer mediums, and it would be so fun to offer like a ceramic or bronze item inspired by an artist who usually only paints in 2D. Not a super original idea, except there would be an emphasis on the artists working together in a very hands on way. It’s so easy to get a product made and have it sent to you, it would be great to have a real insolvent and learning experience in creating that product.

Any advice for artists that are interested in building up a new side biz or SIDE HUSTLE?

Print on demand fulfillment sites are everywhere now. You can easily upload an image to a site and have it turned into a shirt or a phone case or whatever. I think they are great when you are first exploring using your art for merchandise, and maybe even further down the line when their products are very specialized. However, I highly recommend trying to create a product yourself as much as possible. Get creative and weird, Even if you’re just making a sticker pack, try to make it standout from the packs that are offered by the big printers out there. If you’ve spent so much hard work making the art that you can really be proud of, do you really want to offer it on a low quality basic bitch coffee mug?

You have any Artists that have been truly inspiring and or helped you in any way?

Ken Harman at Spoke Art/Harman Projects, Mike Biggs and the whole Art Fart Night crew here in Vegas. The folks at Almost Amusing, Sticker Robot, Sticker Ninja, and Matt Midgely at Gallery Ergo.

You have any random knowledge to drop on us that could potentially inspire us to push forward and pursue our passions? 

I know a lot of miserable people, and I proudly call them my friends. Every single one of them that finally started paying more attention to the things they wanted to do for the peace of mind and paid less attention to making the money beyond necessity has ended up so much less miserable. It can be frustrating, but it’s a different frustration than traffic or jobby job shit. Its invigorating and it demands trying again and again until you get a result you are proud of. Those tiny achievements blossom into bigger ideas and wonders and dreams and it all has a stronger effect on the rest of your head than most of the things you can buy. Except mushrooms… I also recommend mushrooms.

HOW DO WE FIND YOU?

@CASEYWELDON

https://www.caseyweldonstore.com/

ALEX HAMILTON

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

First off, you Always have all of the needles I use , in stock .I usually bought from multiple suppliers before switching to Maverick. You guys have solid, consistent products. I can tell that you guys are very passionate about your company and your brand. You always go the extra mile with everything. You guys are dependable and I feel well taken care of! Your packaging is cool. The shipping is the fasted I’ve had. And the notes and stickers are always awesome too! I’m super stoked to be part of the crew! ❤️ (We love you Alex!)

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

Tight 3s and 5s. 15 curved mag.

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

Roadrunner! In Az we see them all the time. Hunting rattle snakes and lizards . They’re a raptor species , so they’re actually pretty brutal lol.

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

My top 3 - Chris Primm @Primm - Bobby Johnson @glendalebully Those 2 are really close, but I’m constantly inspired by their drive and passion for crispy clean, super readable, bold tattoos. I’ve been getting tattooed by Chris for a couple years and we just started tattooing my entire back. Last but not least I Admire @RB.tattoo and his amazing efficiency and color saturation. He’s truly changing the game.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

One time a 9 year old came in with grandma and was gonna have her sign off on him getting Tattooed . Grandma said she was ok with it because other 4th graders at his school were tattooed. We unfortunately had to turn him away.

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

“Squid” because it’s just , the right amount of weird.

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

Who would judge that! Lol Well , I would have to thank my parents for making me. Also, Kenny , Tony , Jake B , TA , and Mario for opening the doors for me .

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I was a Sax man in a jazz band once.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Water color tats. I’m super grateful for them because in the beginning they helped me learn color but If I didn’t have to do another one that’d be cool too.

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

My first thought was Pete Davidson . So I’m gonna go with that.

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

“Jobs” is a movie that inspired me. “ How does somebody know what they want if they haven’t even seen it?"

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

Arizona. it’s the Wild West. Well, I’m from here. But everyone seems to be moving here so there must be something about it!

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Scroll Pinterest.

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

I need answers for this as well! Lol

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

My last day at my part time job before taking the Leap into full time tattooing. Scary , but exciting because I could finally give it my all.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Jack Mosher . If you know ,you know.

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

I stay positive because social media allows you to be who you want to be. You set your own tone and your own vibe. And people can take it or leave it a they choose. Social media is a beast tho for sure.

KEEP UP WITH ALEX:

https://www.instagram.com/_hamiltontattoo/