VALL

Hello September! As we embrace the changing seasons, we're excited to feature one of our most talented artists, VALL. With his remarkable tattoo skills and warm, inviting personality, VALL is here to show you his skill & some sass.. keep reading! ⬇️

• IG: @valliant_arts
• Shop: Quill & Talon Tattoo Syndicate IN Virginia Beach, VA
• Eyes: Killer 👀
• Hair: Not as good as his cat's 😸

Tell us about yourself:

I've been tattooing since '07, worked with some incredible people throughout my career, trying my best these days not to take opportunities for granted, love my fam and crew, i'm only slightly more interesting in person, and i only look "ok" naked. i own Quill and Talon Tattoo Syndicate in VA beach VA with my stud-muffin, Ande chambers.

You can find me on ig- @valliant_arts , webpage- quillandtalon.art .

What do you love about Maverick? 

The mascot... and also the cartridges are pretty swell. good team over there, they never forget a Christmas card. 

What are your favorite groupings to use for your tattoos? 

Liner's i use 9's, 5's, and 3's. shading and coloring i go for 11mags & 15curved.

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

My cat; he's lethargy personified. or catified? he's the epitome of "living the life..." he's large, he's fluff, he rules.

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? 

 I tattooed myself on my waist (back when i could see it). i was 19 and more of a dirtbag than i am these days.

Top 3 tattoo artists you admire? 

 - tim biedron - a true giant in terms of humility, creativity, and execution -

ande chambers - humble but critical, constantly elevating the standard, virginia's best tattooer 😉 -

i'd list a 3rd but there's a massive swath of artists i admire: kevin dickinson, harrison out of melbourne, the tex's, steve moore, my dudes at the studio mondo and gonzo constantly stepping it up, etc etc.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have? 

Sheeeeeeit... anything during a convention i suppose. but you can only hear those stories at conventions, not reader appropriate.

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

Somewhere amidst deftones and christopher cross probably... just the sense i get. pretty subjective honestly, but always leans one way or the other.

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

I'd have to thank all of the formerly mentioned "admired artists" for dying, otherewise i'd have no shot at the opportunity.

Secret hidden talent. What is it?

 I can sleep through absolutely anything. a-ny-thang.

What is your kryptonite? 

Cats; it's a little alarming how much i've grown to like a cat.

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

My kid maybe? just to relive youth for a blip.

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

Book -princess bride

Movie- princess bride why- if you don't like either, then you've been judged accordingly and we probably won't be hanging out anyway so piss off. 

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

I don't. 

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

VA beach VA. i like it here because of the people honestly. and as much as i hate people in general, i've managed to find the good one's around here that are able to put up with me. and my clients are fantastic (also good people able to put up with me).

What is something weird you do before bedtime?

Beat up the cat. 

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

Oh, i take meds for that man.

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

Too many, too sappy, not enough pages. next question.

Who is the most unique tattooer you have ever met? 

Man there's a lot, they're all unique. if i had to pluck one out off the brim, i'd say my friend and colleague, Mondo Felton. a true inspiration of creativity and left-field-thinking.