JULY SPOTLIGHT ARTIST- COURT 

Hugs & hellos to this incredible community of tattooers. We are so thankful to have had so much support from all of you throughout the year so far. 🫵🏼

(✨virtual high five🖐🏼)

Can you believe it? This year is already halfway through and the love you have shown us this 2023 has been sizzling 🥵 HOT. Don't give up on us yet, the heat is about to turn up.. get ready to be introduced to our July Spotlight Artist!

From the adorable town known as Naugatuck, Connecticut, we bring you this month's spotlight artist: (drumroll 🥁 please) COURT MELLO! As the gorgeous owner of Tooth and Nail Tattoo, Court not only has a knack for creating stunning tattoos of course (see below), but personality is definitely another benefit to who she is. Buckle in for some amazing artwork and some hilarious stories that Court tells below. KEEP READING..if you want to hear about the time she was lactated on! 🍼🤣

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

I love a 15 curved mag. It’s my every day go to. Perfect mid size for what I need.

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

Although I do not own one, I think I can relate to a cat the most. Socially selective, sometimes not very nice to people who try to get too close quick but if I decide I like you I can be very lovable and playful.

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

I did my first tattoo at age 15 on myself with a sewing needle and India ink I stole from school, it’s a heart on my ankle and I still have it. I also have some shit from my “tattoo kit” days when I’d tattoo myself and friends in houses. The first professional tattoo I’ve ever got was a bride of Frankenstein pinup on my calf that I drew as a part of my first flash sheet as an apprentice, it was done by my mentor Mike French in North Carolina. The first tattoo I ever gave anyone in a shop was the word “pooper” on some kids butt cheek. I had a panic attack and didn’t finish it.

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

 My top 3 Valarie Vargas Claudia Desabe Greggletron I’m really drawn to faces, and they all have beautiful artwork that centers around faces. Literally that’s it I love a good face. They’re all so dope, clean and recognizable as theirs. They’re all also clearly done in a way that’s mindful of the tattoo aging process which I respect. Especially in this day and age.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Oh shit haha, I’ve had a lady lactate on me, I screamed. I’ve had a lady fart right in my face. And a kid projectile vomit on my legs and himself while he was fainted in a chair. When he woke up he started screaming “what the fuck is this” all panicked and I told him I puked on him haha

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

I’m not really sure. That’s a tough one. I listen to a lot of Led Zeppelin and talking heads while I draw so maybe one of those two.

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

Easy, my husband. He found me when I was a black out drinking several times a week.I had literally nothing. Nothing. I don’t know what he saw in me but he thought I was the most amazing girl, I started to believe him and took my shit seriously. Quit drinking, quit smoking and after that my work seemed to take off. He supports me, understands my passion and all the time I put into tattooing and just…. loves me. Enough sappy shit, don’t tell him I said that.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I’m a pretty decent gardener. I love making miniatures. Maybe that. I’m kinda boring.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Raviolis, I’ll get into a kidnappers van if their was a plate of ravioli in there.

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

No, I’m pretty happy with myself.

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

The little prince. But get super stoned first. It’s super deep and meaningful about a shit loads of subjects. It’s really the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.

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

I’m from Connecticut. It’s a New England state and I love New England, especially in the fall. Everything is old and has that spooky vibe. I also love our pizza it’s the best in the country.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Hah. I’m a 34 year old woman who sucks her thumb with a blankie. Not ashamed but defiantly weird. But maybe not that uncommon, I think lots of people do and just don’t talk about it.

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

I pull out little clumps of my hair, that’s what I do. But it’s not the best but it gets me by. I’m always stressed and anxious so I’m probably not the best person to ask.

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

I have A LOT of fucked up shit that’s happened. I don’t really wanna go through it all but I think every experience I’ve had has helped me become who I am and had changed me and although my life would have been easier without them I’m not sure I’d be the same person without so I’m grateful for it all and wouldn't trade it.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I just met Tiffer Wright at a convention and he was tattooing in a one piece bathing suit. That’s pretty unique.

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

Mmm I think I just have to remind myself to not compare myself with others, tattooing moves in trends and social media, while helpful for many things, isn’t want puts value on us.