Maverick ZINE — Tattoo Culture, Art & Artist Stories

Austin Spencer

To end off this year right, we decided to give the Maverick community something special. For the month of December we wanted to showcase the owner of Maverick Supply Co.... (drum roll please!)..... Austin Spencer. We recognize that while you guys get some goofy videos of him here and there, you don’t truly know much about him and how he began his career. In his interview he shares some of his thoughts on building community, how he manages stress and being on Social Media, as well as the inspiration behind the company. 

A father/husband before anything else, Austin has two little babies, and an amazingly supportive Wife. As most parents can relate, having children is stressful enough.  Add on starting up a business on the heels of a Global Pandemic and you have yourself a recipe for true craziness, but if you ask him, he would not want it any other way.  Austin's primary belief remains true just as much now, as it did in the beginning, that if you put People First, you cannot lose. 

Austin has had an entrepreneurial mindset his entire life. Starting with scrubbing up old golf balls lost in the woods on a golf course, he would polish them up and package them in old egg cartons to sell to the neighbors.  His Parents have always been supportive of his interests, allowing him to explore different hobbies, hustles, and art forms.  A Multi Winning Artist in the design of slot car racing, this might have been his first taste of creating Art for Competition, and winning.  This experience was unique in that you competed with all ages, Says Austin.  It made you realize that when youre an artist, your age, background, etc. didn't really matter. It was about letting your mind and imagination create something you could be proud of.  Something that he still focuses on today, with his own art.  

With the accumulation of all of these unique experiences, Austin was bound to create a hierarchy of his own one day. 

Thank you to our community (all of you), for supporting and collaborating with Maverick on what you want to see in a Tattooer focused business and community.  Your words, thoughts, ambitions, dreams, and feedback is what Maverick was built on, and it will set the course for Maverick's future as well.  

Without the feedback, constant support, and encouragement from all of you, we would not have made it this far. 

To hear some hilariously relatable content from the owner of Maverick, please keep reading. Again, thank you all for helping our Vision become a Reality. 

SHOP:  STUDIO 21

IG:  AUSTINSBRAIN

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

Building community has always been a passion of mine. I've forever loved meeting new people through tattooing. Working out of my shop Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery of Las Vegas for over 20 yrs has resulted in me learning so much about people in general due to the time sitting, chatting, and going through such a vulnerable experience as getting a tattoo can be. Maverick's given me the  experience of meeting  new tattooers, younger artists with new fresh perspectives has kept me so stoked on growing the community and trying to bring a new vibe and potentially new home for people to keep coming back to within the industry. I hope to see many more years ahead and meet so many new friends.

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

ONLY go there with purpose. Don't fall in the hole. You have to focus. It consumes you. I currently spend more time than ever on social media unfortunately. The bright side is that I can talk to and tell the whole world about Maverick Supply Co. from my living room in my underwear lol! I'm obsessed with making new friends and learning about new tattooers, tools, and the industry's bright future.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Lars Uwe "Lu's Lips" He tattoos in Berlin as far as I know at Luxedrom Tattoo. Wildest most passionate human I've ever met. He lives his life like a Tiger he says. I have stories for days! Spent a week with him in the early 2000's. Met him through Myspace haha.

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

The day I tattooed for the first time. I fell in love.

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

Sobriety + Yoga. I don't really get stressed anymore although having young children is a new kind of stress ish. Currently learning to find my moment of silence. I don't like letting myself get stressed though. In through the nose out through the mouth. It will all work out.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Brainstorming constantly. I wish I slept better. I need the wine to wind down.

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

Nevada. I love the Desert! The sunsets, the cactus and plants that somehow survive in the most barren of settings makes me happy. It's a different kind of beauty. Las Vegas itself is a whole different experience. It's amazing. People from all over the world showing up every day to party, be someone that they might not be at home and try to go as nuts as they possibly can. It's the best haha.

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

My wife gifted me a book called the "Outwitting the devil" by Napoleon Hill when we first started dating. It's pretty wild. Ted Lasso show rules too haha.

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

What about a  Dolphin!? That would be pretty badass. Just tearin' ass across the ocean occasionally jumping up and out of the water sounds tight. A person..not really sure. It might be cool to trade places with a musician to feel how wild it would be to sing to an arena full of people. That energy would be pretty wild I can only imagine. Maybe an astronaut. I dunno I've always enjoyed being me.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

My wife.  A good bottle of red wine...and some good food. I can't say NO to any of those.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

Ahhh shit. I don't know. Maybe being the best Dad I can. I love being a Dad. It's the coolest. I'm incredibly fortunate.

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

Best tattooer in the world...haha. I'm Not even close. Tattooers wear so many hats.  but in all honesty, we as tattooers don't recognize or appreciate ourselves enough (if ever) so I would probably take my own advice, and thank myself honestly.

Please know, I do not want to sound like a butthole, but I'm the one that stuck it out. I was hated on, embraced, supported and shunned. I didn't let it faze me. I worked  through the hardest of times as lonely as it can be. I'm thankful for the great clients and even the tough clients for pushing me at times to places I didn't wanna go. The long days and nights drawing and sometimes not, only to be forced to draw faster and on the fly for big work and walk-ins.

Somehow I fumbled through learning to work with and manage other tattooers/artists along the way keeping most of them as friends. This was the hardest challenge I've ever faced. I don't really have a mentor as far as running a business. I just read as many books and never gave up. I teamed up with great people and trusted them to do their thang. I think we all owe ourselves a little credit. I personally never gave it to myself in the past. I've now learned that it's ok.

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

Blink 182 I guess haha Bubbly, Playful and fun. I've never takin' myself too seriously. I like to keep it light.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Good Laward! I've had a few. 

My lil' sister nicknamed Corndog (Courtney) used to run the front counter at my shop and was always getting hit on by all the guys. Not sure how it started but they would ask her if she tattooed and I finally told her to tell the annoying ones that she did. We drew her up a flash sheet of corndogs with ketchup or mustard mohawks. She easily tattooed a dozen or more randos with absolutely no experience (we let them know that lol) but dudes can be so dumb lol.

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

Always been Influenced and admired Aaron Dellavedova at Guru Tattoo in San Diego for his approach to tattooing, business and his impeccable execution at whatever he puts his mind to. He's the man. I got a full sleeve by him in the early 2000's...02-03 ish.

I also LOVE me some Adam Hathorn at Big Trouble Tattoo in San Diego too! He's from the same lineage/area of Tatt Gods! I love how he's always stuck to his style and vision as an artist. His tattooing is technically as simple and bold as it gets providing a finished tattoo that will look amazing forever but has such a distinct unique style that's incredibly HIS.

I love it. Lu's Lips (Lars Lou) not really sure what he goes by these days. He's by far  the wildest human I've EVER met. Got tattooed by him in Berlin years ago and he honestly is the most influential tattooer I've ever seen. I'm not sure if the younger  Neo Traditional community  even knows that their essentially flowing the work that he's laid out back in the day. He's an animal. 

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

First female tattooer in Las Vegas to open a shop..the 2nd shop EVER in Las Vegas. Dante. She was a badass for sure. "Studio Tattoo"  on Boulder highway. 15 years ish later called us up when we opened our shop "Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery" and yelled at us for having a similar name. OOPS! I watched her tattoo my dad in the early 90's and was hooked. I wanted to do what she did bad. She was cool enough to  tattoo my drawing that I did for my dad on him..pretty rad. She said she could "make it real nice if we paid more" in the middle of the tattoo haha. So random.

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

That's me, the Penguin! The best. Community driven, loyal, and empathetic along with that bold black n white suite. Who doesn't like penguins!?

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

I love our tight 3's, loose 9's and a 15 Curved Open Mag ALL DAY!

In the season of giving, we need to stop gatekeeping and start sharing our secret to amazing art! Tom Haubrick is our side hustle artist feature of THIS month and YOU. CAN’T. MISS. THIS. While he regularly tattoos at Big Trouble Tattoo, I think the only one who will be in big trouble is ME if I don’t share his @’s! He has been drawing most of his life and has been painting for roughly 20 years. He has had his fair share of side hustles throughout his life, including pottery, comic books, and all things art. While we are all guilty of our phone being in our hands 24/7, let’s take some advice from the one and only Tom Haubrick.. “Put down your phone and draw something!”--

Website: https://www.tomhaubrick.com/

This month we are raffling off some amazing pieces from Tom! If you would like to be entered to win these items please purchase a raffle ticket featured on our website or click HERE.

Where do you tattoo?     

I tattoo at Big Trouble Tattoo. 

What’s your SIDE HUSTLE?

Besides tattooing I paint and draw pretty regularly.  I make a bunch of books and various merchandise with my art. I recently started branding my art under the name Overcast, but I’m not sure at the moment if I will keep the name or not. I also write and draw comics. check out haubscomix!

How’d you get into your side hustle?

I’ve been drawing forever but I started painting seriously around 2003ish.  I started showing in a few Los Angeles galleries that time, most of which are all gone now.  I also started doing conventions or local art markets around then.  All of those kept me producing new things pretty regularly, and I just kept doing it since then. 

How do you find time to work on your side hustle after tattooing/drawing/running Social media and all the other tasks we have as tattooers? 

I actively make time for it. I don’t go out that much anymore.  Nowadays I feel it’s all rolled into the job of being an independent  artist.  

You think it’s important for tattooers to have other creative outlets?

Yes, definitely.  So much growth comes from experimenting on your own.  

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

Video games maybe? It’s not so creative but definitely takes my mind off work. haha.  I want to get into pottery again. I really enjoyed it in college and miss building things with my hands. 

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

I’d love to be able to paint/draw full time and tattoo on occasion. That’s my main goal these days. 

Any Advice for Tattooers that are interested in building up a new SIDE HUSTLE?

Do it! you won’t regret it. 

Shoutouts? 

Thanks Austin and the Maverick crew for the support! Thanks to everyone at Big Trouble and Nice Guy for the fun times and inspiration, and a big THANK YOU to my wife Jessie who is the absolute best. 

Random knowledge drops/closing statements?

Put down your phone and draw something!  

How do we find your SIDE HUSTLE?

Check my work at www.tomhaubrick.com  There’s links to everything I do there.

NOVEMBER BLOG- STEVE OKER

I hope ya’ll had a great Halloween! It's that time of year to get prepped and ready to go for the Holiday season approaching, love it or hate it, you gotta admit, the cooler weather and warm lattes turns any day into a great day to be alive :) 

Something else to celebrate is our November artist spotlight- Steve Oker. Steve has been tattooing since 2008, and spent most of his life fulfilling his artistic side through this form of expression. He grew up outside of Chicago but then made the decision to pack up and move to Florida! (talk about a fresh start- am I right?) Not only is he a father, but he strives to have a strong family focus- it shows through his studio Moth & Flame collective being co-owned by himself and his fiance Kayleigh. When Steve isn’t tattooing, he’s enjoying the outdoors and/or spending time with his family.

Keep reading below to learn more about Steve, you might be surprised at how much it will resonate with you. I’m sure a lot of us have a similar ‘before bed’ routine lol..I know I do. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love that you guys are a small family owned operation. You don’t find that very often in tattooing anymore. The hand written cards you provide adds that extra love that is so often left out. Not only that, the quality and consistency of your products are top notch.

Be sure to check him out!

Website/Shop : https://www.mothandflameco.com 

Instagram: @steveokertattoos IG

Want to learn more about Steve? KEEP READING-

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

Truthfully I just want to make cool tattoos and stay busy. Social media is definitely bitter sweet. It’s best to not let it define who you are or take control of your life. It helps in connecting with people and providing inspiration, but it’s also very easy to hide behind.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

My buddy Ryan @eternaltattooing. We met at a shop in Orlando that we worked together at. Dude has so much heart and is the life of any place you go to. 

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

There’s been a few. Biggest one was getting arrested when I was younger. I was at the lowest point in my life then. Positive to that was becoming a dad. Wouldn’t change it for the world. 

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

Weed 100% Can I say that? 🫣

Being out on the water is definitely second in line. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Snack, which I know I shouldn’t. #dadbod4life 

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

Florida. It’s nice to not have to deal with snow, but damn does the humidity get spicy. 

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

Back to the Future. One of the greatest movies of all time. I’m also bias 😂

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

Travis Pastrana, despite all the broken bones I would prefer to not have that dude is living his life to the fullest. 

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

All things outdoors.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

Money Origami 

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

I don’t know if I would ever get to this point, but if I did I would definitely have to thank my fiancé and my friends and family for always being there for me. Supporting me and driving me to be a better artist. 

Without them who knows where I would be in life. Probably an auto mechanic or something haha.

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

Honestly, this is another hard one.

I would have to say Dirty Heads is one of my go to bands. They always put me in the right mood and mindset when I’m creating art. 

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Conventions, ALWAYS. There is never a full moment that’s for sure. Probably the most memorable one I have though was the Atlanta when we all went to the Clermont. If you know, you know 😂

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

This is such a tough one. The list of artists I admire is never ending. There are so many good artists. Just to name a few though: 

Chris Primm

Karlos Lloyd

Daniels Bauti 

Bobby Johnson 

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

Awful! I was in my apprenticeship at the time and my mentor made me and another apprentice trade tattoos. It was a cherry creek koi fish and I hated it the second he was done with it. I got it covered a couple weeks later. 

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

As cliche as it is, I've always had an affinity for tigers. A lot of times though I feel like I match up with a Panda 😂

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

Loose 9 liner paired up with a tight 3 or 5 liner and a curved 17 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?

NRDC 

Act.nrdc.org

It’s so important for us to protect the planet we live on. We can either save it or destroy it. All living things depend on how we care for Earth.  Please see below to view the donation made on behalf of Steve Oker.