The Metanoia Tattoo Gathering was an absolute blast! I had the incredible opportunity to bring our Support Your Local Tattooer podcast to the event and connect with some truly inspiring women in the tattoo industry.

 We had insightful conversations with incredibly knowledgeable artists and entrepreneurs, and my wife & I even spoke on our own expertise on navigating finances in the tattoo world. The energy at Metanoia was unbelievable, and we were blown away by the sense of community and support.

Huge shoutout to Maribeth Klaar for being such an amazing host and creating such a welcoming and empowering space for women in tattooing. We left feeling energized, inspired, and even more passionate about supporting and uplifting our fellow artists. If you're a woman in the tattoo industry, we highly recommend checking out Metanoia – it's an experience you won't forget!

Jeffrey Bowser

@jckbtattoos

• 📍 Heritage Tattoo Las Vegas, Nevada (@heritagetattoolv)
• Eyes: 😍
• Hair: Fresh 💇🏻‍♂️

This month we are giving a spotlight to an amazing artist located here in Las Vegas! Jeffrey's been a huge supporter of our local events, even donating a hand-painted record to our Vino & Vinyl event hosted by our partner shop, Studio 21 Tattoo (check out how rad his record was ⬇️!).

On top of his participation in our local events, you might recognize him as one of our guests on the Support Your Local Tattooer Podcast from February! If you haven't already, check it out—it's such a great episode!! WATCH NOW

Above everything, Jeffrey is an AMAZING tattoo artist. If you don't believe us—just see for yourself! 👀👇 Make sure to keep reading to learn about the moment that solidified his desire to become a tattoo artist and the challenges he was able to overcome when getting into the industry.

What made you realize you wanted to become a tattoo artist? 

It's a funny story! When I was in 6th grade, I started getting into metal & my favorite band was Avenged Sevenfold! I idolized these guys & I wanted to look just like them when I was younger, but I would always hear things like 'no one will hire you with that many tattoos'. So I would think to myself 'well, it wouldn't matter if I became a musician like my guys in A7x!'

So... I picked up a guitar.... but I was extremely bad & I also realized I had NO desire to learn guitar the same way I had with drawing! 

So I thought, well, if I can do music, what if I became the guys DOING the tattoos! And I really manifested that! Some years pass & I ended up getting my first tattoo at 16 in a tattoo shop, and that's when it really solidified that dream. 

What is one challenge you have had to overcome within the tattoo industry?

One challenge I've overcome within the industry was definitely my apprenticeship! My apprentice taught me so much and opened up my eyes to so many possibilities!

When I got my shot at it all, one of the agreements I had with my mentor was that I had to be at the shop every day 12pm-8pm, but at this time I've been working full-time, graveyard shift at Nobu Hotel when I agreed to being at the shop everyday! Doing this, no doubt, changed my brain chemistry lol. 

I was able to do that for 3 months before I couldn't anymore, and that's when I had to make the decision to give up, or continue with what i've set out for myself!

I ended up leaving my job to pursue my apprenticeship head-on which in turn taught me to believe in myself, be purposeful, and never give up!

The impact that all had on me helped mold the person I am today and I am proud to have gone through a traditional apprenticeship! Tattooing is mystical and I absolutely LOVE IT. 

GIAN KARLE

• IG: @giankarle
• Location: New Hampshire 
• Eyes: 🔥
• Hair: Probably better than yours 😉

Heartbreaker alert! ❤️‍🔥 This February we are spotlighting our Maverick Family Artist, Gian Karle. He has been part of the Maverick Family since the beginning! Gian is a truly talented Neo Traditional tattoo artist originally from Puerto Rico. You might recognize him from the TV show Ink Master, where he represented Puerto Rico and achieved an IMPRESSIVE 2nd place finish—twice! With years of experience under his belt, Gian now travels the US in an RV with his wife, bringing his unique style to studios across the country. He's passionate about using art to heal and inspire, and believes in giving back to the community. When he's not creating stunning tattoos, you can find him painting Warhammer miniatures or hanging out with his wife and puppy. Check out his amazing work!! 

In case you missed it- check out our sticker collaboration that we did with Gian. Pick one up NOW on the shop for ONLY $3! 

SHOP GIAN'S STICKER

Make sure to keep up with Gian on his socials! ⬇️

👉🏼 IG : @giankarle

👉🏼 Website : giankarletattoo.com

In December we had the incredible opportunity to attend and sponsor the Winter Art Show hosted by Wolf & Goat Tattoo Shop in Denver, Colorado. The event brought together over 30 exceptionally talented tattoo artists from across the city, showcasing their creativity and diverse styles in an inspiring celebration of art. It was amazing to see the way each artist translated their skill in tattooing into other mediums, from bold paintings to intricate drawings, all tied together by their unique artistic voices. The energy in the room was vibrant, with artists and art enthusiasts coming together to connect and celebrate the creative community that thrives here in Denver.

As a sponsor of the event, I felt both proud and humbled to support such a remarkable gathering. It was a joy to meet so many of the artists and other attendees who share a passion for the artistry of tattooing and beyond. Each conversation deepened my appreciation for the dedication and talent these creators bring to their craft. The sense of community and collaboration was amazing, and it reminded me how fortunate I am to be a part of something so meaningful. I’m incredibly grateful to Wolf & Goat Tattoo Shop for hosting such a memorable event and to everyone who contributed to its success. This was not just an art show—it was a testament to the creativity and camaraderie that defines Denver’s tattoo and art scene. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to support and celebrate this amazing community!

-Austin Spencer

Make sure to check out some of the photos from the event! ⬇️

NATE BANUELOS 

• IG: @natebanuelos
• Shop: @castandbrandtattoo San Diego, CA ☀️
• Eyes: Behind the glasses! 🤓
• Hair: Slicked 💁🏻‍♂️

Tell us about yourself:

52 years old currently tattooing 32 years. San Diego based tattooer specializing in large format, dynamic imagery. Styles range from Biomech, Japanese, and Neo traditional and most any imagery I can be illustrative with. Nature and the outdoors are my favorite places to be. You can find me on IG and Facebook @natebanuelos 

What do you love about Maverick? 

The products themselves are worth loving and your whole vibe is cool but, I'm really digging your marketing and product packaging. It makes it fun again. The attention to detail, and the cards and mints every time I get an order. You guys make us feel appreciated. Helping support those who support you is what it's about.

What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

Depending on what I'm working on I'll line with 3,5,7 tight liners or 7-9 round shaders. black and grey tattoos get shaded with bug pin curves. Everything else is #12 curved mags.

The penguin is the Maverick founders spirit animal. What is your spirit animal and why?

Capybara.. knows how to chill

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? 

A celtic knot on my lower leg around 89-90 so I was definitely over 18. Don't ask me why I chose that, it is now covered. I just knew I wanted to get tattooed. There wasn't much for guidance in this area in those days, and I went to the one shop we always drove by as a kid. Blackstone ave. in Fresno, Ca. It was called "Body Art" it was owned by an artist named Chuck. I can't recall last names at the moment but a guy named Mike did it, and few other tattoos for me after that. They were cool, couple old school bikers. Tiny shop, wood panel walls, flash everywhere, taxidermy, and all kinds of old signs that read things like "we got to slap it to make the ink set" and "save the drama for your mama". They talked so much shit the whole time it was the best! I loved it. They had an apprentice kid at the time who was making their needles etc... We smoked weed together on breaks. He had cool tats, he was doing it right. That's when I had the breakthrough. I actually heard from Chuck a few years back.

Top 3 tattoo artists you admire? 

H.R. Giger, Alphonse Mucha, Robert Williams. These three have had the most influence in how my style developed.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

It's endless around the shop. No matter where i've worked the banter is pretty much the same.

If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why? 

I don't know, quick guess would be Pink Floyd. They're pretty psychedelic and trippy, can be heavy but mostly easy and flowey.

If you were to win best tattooer in the world, who would you thank & why?

I'd shake hands with God, because that means I must be dead. HAHA But jokes aside, yeah, GOD!

Secret hidden talent. What is it?

I'm not sure if it's a secret, but I do love singing. I've always dreamed of being lead vocals in a band.

What is your kryptonite?

technology

Any person you would like to trade places with for the day? 

No, I can barely handle my own problems, and you didn't specify is it their "good day" or "bad day". There are people I wouldn't trade my worst day for their best.

What book or movie would you recommend? Why would you recommend that specific one?

I don't find much time to dedicate to novels and such but I have read some really good spiritual and, for lack of a better term, "metaphysical' literature. One really good read was Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot I believe...? That one changed how I see the world around me, which doesn't happen often.

With having to promote yourself on social media , how do you maintain a positive mindset? 

Social media is great! It's another tool we can use to better our visibility. Though, as individuals our content is often drowned out in a sea of stimulation. I still believe it's more about how you treat people and the quality of service that's the best advertising. Clients are your walking talking billboards.

Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why?

California born and raised. The best thing about this state is the wide range of environments and activities you can find here. From the coastal ranges to the desert. You can find it all here. Other than the taxes and policies, there is no better place on earth!

What is something weird you do before bedtime?

eat garlic

What would you say is the best way to deal with stress? 

You just got to let it go. Take a breath, remember all that I'm grateful for and surrender it. Usually it's all out of my control anyways. A little surf, skate and hotrods helps too.

Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?

There's been a few. Life is always changing, whether I like it or not. If i'm not changing I'm not growing. I wish I knew in my 20's what I know now. Maybe I can pass it on.

Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met? 

Unique, as in style or tattooing? Lifestyle? I mean there are so many characters in this biz. Everyone has something to bring to the table. We're a family of misfits, none of us are unique.