Maverick ZINE — Tattoo Culture, Art & Artist Stories

We at Maverick are very excited to share with you our first featured artist with a Side Hustle. You may recall our featured Family Artist in July, Krish Trece. If you haven't… you gotta read it, you won’t be disappointed!

You can find this awesome read in the link BLOG (a little shameless self promo).

Krish wears many hats, not only a tattoo artist, Krish also creates Art prints, street photography, and abstract paintings just to name a few. Krish describes in their interview below when and how they began loving these forms of expression. Please keep reading to learn how Krish got into the side hustle gigs, advice for new tattooers getting into a side hustle, and some awesome shoutouts & quotes. 

If you are interested in being entered to win one of these AMAZING prints made by Krish Trece, please head to our website to purchase a raffle ticket or click the link below.

RAFFLE TICKETS

As mentioned in our previous post regarding the SIDE HUSTLE project, we are raffling off these AMAZING pieces. 

Where do you tattoo? 

I am currently working at 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo, Brooklyn NY and when I get a chance to visit my home-town, I go to my beloved studio,Karbon Tattoo & Gallery, Madrid, Spain.

What’s your SIDE HUSTLE?

Art Prints! I first started my journey like many other tattoo artists down the illustration path. Here I discovered my passion for drawing, learnt about several art styles and materials I could work with. With time I discovered the art of tattooing and I finally found my calling! This being said, the tattoo industry and the art print movement have always gone hand in hand. It is something I have been doing since I started illustrating as a student and it eventually turned into my Side Hustle.

How’d you get into your side hustle?

I guess it became a true side hustle when I realized there was a demand for my artwork. It is usual practice to exchange prints between other tattoo artists you meet, admire, work with and so on. So it is common that you have your prints as a tattoo artist always available just in case! 

The side hustle happened gradually, I started to realize I would run out of prints at conventions, my clients would start ordering my artwork more frequently and even commissioning custom pieces. My commissions were now not only for their skin, but for their living room! Then suddenly there was a demand not only from my tattoo clients but an actual clientele which was interested in my artwork specifically in print form. This blew my mind and I can't express how happy and grateful I am for all the support I have had, it means so much!

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'm not going to lie, the time is hard to find BUT it's very important you take any moment you have available to do what makes you happy. Don't get me wrong, I love tattooing and it's my life - but it does take up most of my time, so what I decided to do is illustrate during my time off. When I go on vacation or have a couple of days that I'm completely free; that's when I take the time to illustrate. What sometimes happens with this is, it can take months for me to complete one single print - but it's totally worth it! It's a calming process that I truly enjoy and gives me a chance to complete my creative ideas and aspirations.

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

I think it's important for any creative person to be curious. In my opinion, having another creative outlet definitely supplements your knowledge and work as a whole. I think what's important here is to be open to trying new creative forms, styles, crafts and materials. You may discover something new you love to do, improve your skills or even meld new techniques you have learned with your existing style. I truly believe that the key is to never stop learning.

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?

Yes! My two other passions would be street photography and painting abstract expressionism. I discovered my love for street photography when I started living here in NYC. I know this sounds cliché but this city is alive! It's hard not to capture such unique moments and people in this diverse, creative, sometimes slightly eccentric and special city. Every walk I take, I have the camera with me because you just never know! You can find something remarkable in every street you wander and there's definitely so much character and energy in people's simple daily activities. 

My love for abstract expressionism painting came when I was exploring different creative outlets, it was strangely liberating. My mood shifted and I found true value in a completely different creative form as mine. These seem like such contrasting styles, I know! I have learned so much from abstract painting, I'm so grateful I gave it a chance!

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

I just want to have the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do, which is to continue creating. Tattooing is my life and having the opportunity to create art prints just makes the dream even better :)  To know that someone values and loves your art makes me extremely happy and grateful.

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

Give it a try! Although it feels like you won't find the time or it's too much hassle, don't doubt yourself. If you love what you are doing, it will definitely be worth it. There's a good possibility you'll feel happier and more fulfilled as a person so my advice is to go for it!

Shoutouts?

This is perfect actually, because one of my favorite things I would do with my best friend was to spend our Sundays illustrating and working on prints together. I miss that time we used to spend together back in Madrid, so a big shout out to my 'sister from another mister' and also incredible artist: @mimi_tattoo!

Inspirational or funny quotes?

"Alway be yourself. Unless you can be a penguin. Then, ALWAYS BE A PENGUIN!" - The Internet.

Random knowledge drops/closing statements?

Just a HUGE and most sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has believed in me, given me a chance, trusted and valued my work. This "Side Hustle" and my work as a professional tattoo artist wouldn't have been possible without all of this - I'm truly grateful.

How do we find your side hustle?

Please feel free to head over to my Online Store onBig Cartel (www.krishtrece.bigcartel.com) to check out my latest art prints or follow me on@krishtattoo for more updates! Thank you so much!

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.          

         

WELCOME TO OUR MAVERICK'S SIDE HUSTLE PAGE

Maverick FAM- GUESS WHAT?

We’re working on a new fun project over here called “SIDE HUSTLE”. You may have seen us calling out to the community via IG.

Being A Tattooer Owned Business- Maverick Started out like most things… as an initial Side Hustle with Austin having a passion, strong interest, in expanding creatively and sharing more with the Artist Community.

With Austin being an Artist (as all of you may relate) it's gravitated Maverick towards a new “Side Hustle”. Showcasing the amazing work that we come across within the Tattoo and broader Artist Community.  What people create and have to offer is something TRULY AMAZING, INSPIRING and just overall down right IMPRESSIVE.

We wanted to have a lane to share some of our favorite Artists with extraordinary talent, sharing their gift with the world. These “GEMS” we have mined through Social Media, Word of Mouth, and coming across them as we journey through our every day lives.

From machine building, painting, ceramics, and all sorts of other rad hustles, we’ve been reaching out to see who's who. 

Here's how it works:

Each month we will be teaming up with a selected talented artist to showcase their art through our Maverick Featured "Side Hustle" by purchasing a tangible item of their work. Whether it's a print, painting, pottery etc..we want it! 

Each month on the Maverick Site/App you will be given the option to purchase a Raffle ticket OR you can find our raffle ticket listed as a featured product on the home page. At the end of the month Maverick will randomly pick a ticket and the winner will receive the amazing gift of that month’s chosen SIDE HUSTLE Artist. 

Our hopes are to help educate, support and expose us to new artists and their talents.If you’d like to submit yourself or another talented artist, please email us megan@mavericktattoomercantile.com

 

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. 

AUGUST BLOG- TRAVIS BROWN

Our summer is now coming to a close and it is August! This month we want to highlight a brilliant and talented artist, Travis Brown. Travis is a co-owner of Tight Lines Tattoo Collective in West Palm Beach, FL. He lives a pretty low key life spending his time like any normal Floridian, fishing! He is also your dedicated family man, enjoying most of his free time with family and friends. Travis will occasionally guest spot at his friends’ shops but mostly likes to travel and live his laid back lifestyle. Travis specializes in Neo-Traditional and Neo-Japanese tattoos. Make sure to check out his work, we love it and know you will too!

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

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

They’re a small and personable company. They take the extra time to make you feel valued as a customer, and write thank you notes. The quality of their products is amazing and always consistent. 

Be sure to check him out!

Instagram: @travisbrown918 

Website: tattoosbytravisbrown.com (linked below)

TRAVIS BROWN

Studio: Tight Lines Tattoo Collective 

Want to learn more about Travis? KEEP READING-

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

Social media is bittersweet. I just want to create art and have fun, but social media makes it so competitive and it can be draining. As much as social media helps to connect people, showcase work to clients, and find inspiration, it tends to drain people and can be so fake. I keep positive by not being glued to my phone, I focus on the things that matter most to me. 

 

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

My buddy Kevin Hock @hocknessmonster, he’s a baby tattooer but he’s the most ridiculously funny person I’ve ever met. If you ever meet him, he leaves a mark, you’ll never forget him and he is one of the most genuinely kind people. 

 

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

I got arrested when I was younger, it made me hit rock bottom and forced me to grow up. I got into tattooing shortly after, and my whole life changed from there. 

 

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

If I could even get close to winning best tattooer in the world, I’d have to thank my wife for holding it down and supporting me with all the time and energy I’d need to be dedicating to becoming the best. 

I’d thank my parents for always encouraging me to create art and draw. 

I’d thank all my early clients for trusting me from the get go. 

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

A long time ago I worked at a convention in Atlanta, and the fire alarm got set off in the hotel. The event was a total shit show, and anyone that was there knows exactly what I’m talking about. The convention was canceled, then relocated, then hosted in the original hotel it was scheduled for. So we designed up a little Georgia Peach tattoo to commemorate the goofy trip, and about 40 of us artists ended up getting it. 

 

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

That’s a good question. 

Thrice, starting out a little all over the place and just gotten more refined and better with time. I used to tattoo everything, but really found my sense of style when working with NeoTraditional. 

 

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

That’s a tough one, I could go on and on. There’s so many amazing artists out there that are just all around good people. 

Bobby Johnson @glendalebully 

His work is super unique and he’s just an all around awesome person.

 

Parry Chotipradit @parrychotipradit

I’ve learned a lot by working with Parry, and he’s such a creative and kind dude.

 

Brian Povak @brian.povak

Our styles are completely different, but Brian has always been an awesome friend and supportive

 

Pat Patterson @tattoosbypat

We work so well together, we’ve been working together through my whole career. He’s always been my biggest push when it comes to tattooing. 

 

Harlan Kantner @harlankantner 

We come up with the coolest collaborations and he is as funny as it gets. 

 

Chris Primm @primm_

His work has been an inspiration to me since I found out about him a few years ago. 

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

I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday, a week after 9/11. I wanted to get something to commemorate that time frame, so I ended up picking a flash piece of a crying eyeball. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

17 curve mag. Loose 11 RL. Loose 9 RL. Tight 5s and Tight 3s.

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?

I picked the turtle rescue because I love wildlife, spent a lot of time there as a kid and want to see the rescue stay around for generations to come!  https://marinelife.org/

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can make really long, drawn out fart noises with my armpit. 

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Fishing.

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY? Adam Sandler, he’s the man! 

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

Jurassic Park. And for anyone that hasn’t watched it…that’s why!!! It took 65 million years  to make!

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

Florida, the sunshine state! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Apply my nose strip. 

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

Fishing.