When I returned to tattooing, I had a mascot which was a mushroom that would wear different stuff on its head as a cap. I built an entire career of this character called the Mushie. It may not be an animal, but it definitely encapsulates the spirit of what I do. I used to have a pug mascot before the Mushie, so if mushrooms dont count, then a pug. I have a lot of health problems.
Can you describe your first tattoo experience? How old were you? What was it of & Who was the artist?
It was 13 years ago, I was 19 getting an anchor tattooed by Old Man Donovan from Autumn Moon. I was so nervous to get it tattooed that I had not eaten or slept for two days. Needless to say, I immediately felt sick and lightheaded. One sip of a pepsi and I was back in action. I learned very quickly that when it comes to pain tolerance, I have none, but a strong will is all you ever need to get through ouchies. I have tonka-toughed it out through quite a lot of tattoos now.
Top 3 artists you admire? Can you give us a brief description?
My number one would have to be Adam Hathorn, aka Honkey Konger. Not only is he an incredible craftsman, he has created an extremely recognizable style and has branched out into many avenues to grow his creative empire. He is also a family guy, shop owner, and super rad dude. A great role model!
Second would have to be Timmy B, his illustrative prowess has blown me and many other artists away. I love his use of color and texture to make such dynamic new school designs. His mastery of color theory gripped me from my apprenticeship all the way to today. He also is extremely friendly and gracious. A solid dude, for sure!
Lastly, during my apprenticeship, I stumbled across Jean LeRoux out of the UK. He was finishing his apprenticeship at the time I believed but he was already a killer illustrator and graphic designer. The way he would plate his flash and pieces would blow my mind. I spent hours trying to dissect his work and how his thought process worked. Still stumped, but to this day, I love seeing his stuff on my feed~ There are at least twenty more I can think of off the top of my head, but alas, the show much go on.
What are some funny tattoo moments you have?
I have so much fun with my clients, laughter is a huge part of my life. Ridiculous conversations about Yak headed cults and Canadian foreskins stick with me to this day. I need to write down some of this stuff and do story time on tiktok or something!
If you were to choose a band to describe your artwork, which band would you choose and why?
Oooh this is a tough question. After much deliberation, I would say that Bilmuri is an artist I resonate with a lot. He has an impressive discography, hitting a lot of different emotional notes in his music. He uses humor a lot in the way he presents himself and how he names his songs. He will sometimes sample things from shows or memes and plug them seemlessly in his music. I feel like my art and the way I approach it is similar in a lot of ways to his music. Good stuff!
If you were to win best tattooer in the world who would you thank and why?
I would have to thank my girlfriend, friends, and mentors who support me the most of course! However, I think more than anyone, I owe everything to my clients. The people who put their faith in me to change their body forever will always be the biggest MVPs in my life. Everything I have is due to people loving what I love and I wake up every day grateful for this life.
Secret hidden talent? What is it?
I don't know if it is very good but very few people know that I am an amateur poet. It's a very personal experience and it is mostly about love and loss. I draw a lot of my feelings, but there are a few feelings I need to write about instead.
What is your kryptonite?
My own memory. I cannot remember anything I do not write down or leave for me to stumble across. It blows.
Any person you would like to change places with for the day? Who would it be?
I grew up dabbling in music a lot and being a part of a few bands. I was never really good at anything and I never got many chances to take to the stage. So I think it would be cool to swap places with a cool music artist and have fun up there. My second vote is to trade places with someone who's body is working right.
What book or movie would you say everyone should read or watch? Why would you recommend that specific one?
There is a book called 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' that really made me feel something. It is a very healing book for those who are going through something. As far as movies go, I am a huge cinephile so I could list quite a few, but one I recommend a lot is called 'Swiss Army Man.' It gets mixed reviews a lot because of its crass and raunchy nature, but beneath all that I think it has a lot to say about people who struggle with fitting in as well as loneliness. It also has an amazing soundtrack.
Which state are you located in? What do you like most about where you live and why?
I am located in Southern California and the two things I struggle to cope with in other places are food and weather. California has nice weather pretty much year round! We also have access to some of the most incredible food on the planet due to being a hub to so many ethnic groups with fantastic cuisine arts! I cannot handle the cold and I cannot handle mediocre food. I am spoiled.
What is something weird you do before bedtime?
I treat the end of the day as a crunch. I will set impossible goals and then try to find a way to get it all done even though it's impossible. Terrible idea, terrible plan. Somehow works out?
What would you say is the best way to deal with stress?
I don't think I have ever lived without it, I will die at 50, I will not survive the winter. Send help.
Do you have a moment that changed your life? Do you mind sharing?
I think my apprenticeship overall changed my life in a huge way. It taught me that I was coddled and never had real responsibilities. I was a baby before and I came out of it as a baby still but with a patch of hair on my chest. I owe a lot of my future successes to the work ethic I developed as an apprentice.
Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met?
The co owner and original founder of Black Umbrella, Kurtis Gibson. He is the most unique HUMAN I have ever met. He is a visionary and weirdo, it mashes together into an odd aura that everyone seems to always want to be around! I feel as though I am somewhat of a kindred spirit and I owe most of the career I have today to Kurtis' faith in me. I love that guy!
With having to promote yourself on social media, how do you maintain a positive mindset?
I have faith that everything unfolds as it does. I try my best. I put in the time it takes to maintain my momentum and my career, I never go to sleep with regrets. If it works out, it works out, why worry. I am stressed, of course, nothing seems to come easy, but this life and this gig is everything to me. I believe I belong here and I will put my everything into whatever I need to do to keep it.
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