Josh Sutcliffe 

Ah, February... the month of LOVE 💗! What a better way to kick off the month of February than to show some love to one of our local artists. Josh tattoos at Studio 21 Tattoo here in Las Vegas and has been tattooing for quite some time now!

Fun Fact about Josh, he did his tattoo apprenticeship while being on a National TV show called "Inked". It was also the first tattoo shop in Las Vegas to get permitted to be housed inside a Casino, which helped pave the way for other tattoo shops to be opened on the West Side of the Las Vegas Strip (Thanks Carey Hart and Partners!).  

If you ever meet Josh, grab a drink, sit down and visit, he's got some pretty fun stories! He is truly a kind and magnetic human being. 

 Tell us about yourself? Where can we find you/ Social media @'s?

I am a Las Vegas native that loves to surf. I grew up near the beach in the summers and fell in love with the ocean. That's where I feel most natural but still love the desert and mountains. Obviously a huge outdoors person and am passionate about exercising and cooking. I spend most of my time drawing, painting and tattooing. Two of the most important things to me is to travel and listen to music. That is my medicine. I am a lover of life and am always in awe of how we exist on a ball floating through space.

What do you love about Maverick? 

I love that maverick is tattooer owned and operated. I think the eco-friendly route that has been taken with all of the supplies is great too!

What are your favorite groupings /or Maverick supplies you use while tattooing?

So far the 35 curved mag has been delightful. (These are some samples Josh tried that we have coming soon 😉). But pretty much everything I have used needle-wise has been great! Also the sticker labels, razors, bottle bag covers are pretty cool to use.

The penguin is the Maverick founder's spirit animal. What's your spirit animal and why?

My spirit animal is a bird. no specific type. I've always been in love with the idea that birds get to fly around above everything else and it just seems so peaceful, especially by the beach.

Can you describe your first tattoo experience? How old were you? What was it of? Who was the artist? 

My first tattoo experience consisted of my mom taking me to some guys house in Mesa, Arizona. I was probably 16-17 years of age and I wanted to get the Pennywise PW logo on my calf. This was a birthday present, we got there and the guy said he didn't do band logos and that I was going to regret it as I got older. So I picked something out of his book of flash. It was a 3d tribal design. Not sure who the artist was but I still want my pennywise logo haha

Top 3 artists you admire? Can you give us a brief description?

-Steve Moore out of Canada- full color full body suits with a very unique approach to the way he draws his artwork.

-Jeff Gogue out of Oregon. Lots of fun Japanese style designs. Mostly large scale.

-Aaron Della Vedova out of San Diego. Also large scale color pieces. his artwork is hard to explain.

What are some funny tattoo moments you have?

I have ton but a few are me tattooing a guy and then he throws up and shits his pants at the same time. I didn't realize my nose was running one tattoo and it dripped on this clients arm. The client had a quick freak out reaction but didn't say anything and pretended it didn't happen. It was super hard not to laugh out loud.

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

The Red Hot Chili Peppers because they started off not really being that good when they were younger but weres so passionate about their craft that they kept doing cause it made them feel good and made other people feel good.  As they kept at it, their music got better and better and that's how I feel about my art.

If you were to win 'best tattooer in the world' who would you thank and why? 

I would start off by thanking Carey and my cousin Jason who went to high school with Carey and was the first manager at HnH. That's how I got the job there, and from there I would thank Ben Corn for getting me started in an apprenticeship for tattooing that led to being taken over by Thomas Pendleton and then finished off with Twig. Also Clark North was a huge help and influence on me. Those were the primary people and mentors that I would say thank you too that I wouldn't be tattooing today if it weren't for them. Also my family and friends for supporting me for the last 20 years of my career.

Secret hidden talent? What is it?

Being able to do math in my head on percentage conversions in groups of 10 very easily.

What is your kryptonite? 

Lately it has been sweets. Especially with the holidays just passing. But on an overall scale of life, probably women.

Any person or animal that you would like to change places with for the day? 

I would love to trade places with a bird for a day. I know they have their problems too like predators and such but the idea of flying around birds eye view sounds amazing.

What book or movie would you say everyone should read or watch? Why would you choose that specific one? 

I would say everyone should read a new earth and/or a power of now. These books really teach you how to kill your ego and to live in the moment. Very eye opening. Also the four agreements,  not taking anything personally and not making assumptions. Just two of the four but those two are the most powerful in my opinion.

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

In Las Vegas, NV. I love living here because we are central to the beach and mountains. Everything is just a few hours away. We are spoiled with the convenience that we can get whatever we went whenever we want as the city is always open. We get a bunch of great music coming through and now we have sports. But also cause my family lives here.

What is something weird you do before bedtime? 

Scroll on my phone. Although normal now a days, it's something I don't like and is weird to me that its a thing we do.

What would you say is the best way to deal with stress that the busy tattoo life can bring on?

The best way to deal with tattoo stress and any stress is doing hot yoga and yin classes. These make you really focus on your breath work which relaxes you which then carries over into tattooing. Deep long slowly breathing will heal anything and anyone in any situation.

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

A moment that changed my life was getting a job at Hart & Huntington tattoo co. It's Carey Harts' shop that opened in 2004 in the Palms Hotel. We had a T.V. show on A&E that blew up and was a big deal at the time. I was apprenticing at the time and long story short, it was the start of my career and got me to where I'm at today.

Who is the most unique client you've ever met? 

I honestly couldn't pick one client! I have met so many different awesome and unique people that not specifically one person can out more than another.

Does the constant pressure and challenge of having to promote yourself on social media exhaust you or is it second nature? 

It's right in the middle for me. I like filming and editing, I enjoy being on camera but it's a lot of work and I actually go out of my way to balance it so I don't get burnt out on it.

Do YOU have anything in common with Josh? Let us know 💭

& Don't forget to keep up with Josh ⬇️

IG: @fitz_tattoo

FB: @ Joshua Sutcliffe

NICHOLAS PEIRCE

·What do you love about Maverick?

I love everything about Maverick, especially the marketing behind everything they do. Genius.

·What are your favorite groupings /or Maverick supplies you use while tattooing?

I have never used a better 3rl in my life than Mavericks. Hands down the liners are my favorite, but I also use the wash bottles, wash bottle bags, pen machine covers, razors, rinse cups, ink caps, and liquid solidifier. Basically everything Maverick sells, I buy.

·The penguin is the Maverick owner's spirit animal. What's YOUR spirit animal? 

I honestly don’t know what my spirit animal is, but I could easily relate to the penguin. My mom’s favorite animal is the penguin and I had a STARWARS penguin tattoo before I ever heard of Maverick. 🐧

·Can you describe your first tattoo experience? How old were you? What was it of and who was the artist? 

My first tattoo experience was terrifying. I got my first tattoo THE DAY I turned 18, and I originally only planned to get one single tattoo of a cross on my upper left arm. I had a friend whos wife was related to a tattoo artist in NW Arkansas (at a well known shop called Brainstorm), but I don’t remember the artists name — he doesn’t have social media. But the entire time (1.5 hours) all the artist talked about we’re all the people who had passed out during their tattoo appointments, and chain smoked every 15 minutes of the 1.5 hour appointment… he also told me he had his 🥜 tattooed like time bombs… I declined to see if he was lying. That’s all I remember about him and the experience…

·Top three artists you admire? Can you give us a brief description? 

1: Tim Hendrix has always been an inspiration to me, mainly because of his super laid back attitude towards everything. I met him once at a California tattoo convention.

2: Nikki Hurtado had always been an artist I strives to be like (artist wise), but I don’t know how he is as a person. I only see what he posts on social media. I also let him in California at the same convention I met Tim Hendrix at. It used to be called “Ink and Iron”, and it was on the Queen Mary cruise ship in Long Beach.

3: Andres’ Acosta has to be my favorite realism artist. I’ve never met him, but I would love to take one of his seminars and possibly get tattooed so I can really hone in on how he applies that butter smooth ink…

·What are some funny tattoo moments you have?  

I have tattooed a lot of funny tattoos and people… but I would say the funniest moment for me was a lady I was tattooing her on her ribs, I don’t remember the tattoo, she was clenching so hard from the pain she blasted a fart and acted like it was me 😂. Clearly there were two of us in the room… and I felt it rip out of her body because I was on her ribs/stomach.

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

I’ve never really compared myself to any bands… but I do love NF and play his albums on repeat A LOT. His style of rap is pretty legit.

·If you were to win 'Best Tattooer in the World', who would you thank?

I would thank God first and foremost… because without him I would be nothing and wouldn’t have the artistic ability to do what I do. Second I would thank my mom for giving birth to me… without her… I wouldn’t be here.

·Do you have a secret talent? What is it?

I am full of complete random facts that I sometimes blurt out like I have tourettes! Not sure if that’s a talent or not…

·What is your kryptonite?

My kryptonite is a client that can’t sit still. I’m sure I’m not alone on this.

·Any person or animal that you would like to trade places with for the day?

I would 100% trade places with a silverback gorilla for a day! I would see exactly how strong they really are! Probably the closest to being like the Hulk that I could ever get.

·What book or movie would you say everyone should read or watch? Why would you recommend that specific one? 

I’m not much of a reader, but If I could recommend a book it would be the Holy Bible, a great guide book for living, and “Passion of the Christ” for a movie. Non religious movie, Back to the future 1-2-3 hands down.

·What state are you located in? What do you love most about where you live & why?

Arkansas. I love how simple and quiet Arkansas is compared to most big city states. I love to travel and see big cities, but I love to come back home to the peace and quiet.

·What is something weird you do before bedtime? 

I’m like an old paranoid dad who roams the house checking to make sure all the doors are locked and the garage doors are closed and the alarm is set, or I can’t go to sleep.

·What would you say the best way to deal with stress that the busy tattoo life can bring on? 

I’m terrible at dealing with stress, but lately I’ve been running. That seems to be the best thing I can do to de-stress. RUN.

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

Meeting my wife and having kids has probably been the greatest thing(s) that I have ever had happen in my life and transformed all aspects of where I was going and what I had planned for my future. All for the better.

·Who is the most unique client you have ever met? 

My man Butch Harris! He’s a 74 year old dude who refuses to retire from working and also refuses to quite getting tattooed. To me he’s truly someone who has been through a lot in life. And through it all, keeps the most positive attitude and gratitude. His skin is not the best to tattoo from all his motorcycle adventures getting scalded by the sun, but he’s such a cool dude! Still builds and rides Harley’s at 74.

·Does the constant pressure and challenge of promoting yourself on social media exhaust you or is it second nature? 

It 1000% exhausts me because of the algorithm that social media plays with. With the 35k followers I have on Instagram, 1% sees my work and interacts with my page. I’ve been on instagram since day 8 of the app being a thing.

JONNIE COIMBRA

Introducing this month's ARTIST SPOTLIGHT! Our talented family artist from Concord, NH is Jonnie. He has been with us for a while and his work is absolutely stunning (see below). Jonnie is a tattoo artist and owner of Golden Order Tattoo in New Hampshire and has been in the tattoo game for 6 years now. He specializes in Neo-traditional tattoos with muted color tones and lots of varying line weights. If you're ever wandering through the New Hampshire landscapes, don't miss a chance to swing by his shop. And for those of you who might be a tad far from Jonnie, be sure to give his social media channels a visit!

IG: @jmc.tattoo

SHOP: Golden Order Tattoo

ABOUT YOU: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU/ SOCIAL MEDIA @'s?  

I'm a tattooer and owner of Golden Order Tattoo out of New Hampshire and I've been at it for six years. I specialize in Neo-traditional tattoos with muted color tones and lots of varying line weights. When I'm not tattooing I'm frequently out in nature seeking inspiration or spending time with friends and family. You can find me on Instagram under the handle @jmc.tattoo or you can find me on my shop website www.goldenordertattoo.com

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love Maverick for its grass roots vibe; keeping things really personal with every purchase. You can tell they really appreciate your patronage with the signed thank you cards they place in every delivery. They have been right by my side since I started working with them and always go out of their way to represent the artists they sponsor. This is an organization about the artists. I love their product for sure, I don't use anything else. High quality cartridge's and awesome shop materials like bio-degradable bottle bags, clip cord covers, ink caps etc. Oh and their packaging is awesome.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS AND OR MAVERICK SUPPLIES YOU USE WHILE TATTOOING?

I like running their tight liners and open mags, specifically the 15 curved mag and the 23 curved mags. I use their bottle bags, and clip cord covers as a way to cut down on plastic waste. I love that Maverick includes bio-degradable options.

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

this is a tough one.. Maybe a sloth? I like to relax as often as I have the chance haha.

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

My first tattoo experience is technically a stick and poke I did on my own wrist when I was fifteen. As far as being tattooed in a shop I was 18 and I got a sun and moon on my wrist done by Matt Clark. He currently works out of Meredith NH at Midnight Moon tattoo. Solid guy, would recommend.

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

1.Viviana Calvo- for her use of bright color and really intricate designs 2.Ulyss Blair- I just love his portrayal of animals (have you seen his birds?)

3.Rob Borbas- His work is just wild so detailed. I can look at his work all day long.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Early in my career I had a client come in that wanted some script. They showed me what they wanted- it was spelled incorrectly so I pointed that out but they insisted. So after trying to convince them to correct the spelling error I just did the tattoo. They later wanted a refund because it was spelled incorrectly..... I thought it was funny.

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

I probably have to go a little old school and say Brand New. Its got a moody sort of feel at times, but can also brighten up when needed.

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

I'd thank my closest friends in the industry for constantly being a source of inspiration and growth. People like Randy Burnham, Bill Quindley, Neil Comeau, Gian Karle.. I could go on and on.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can do a head stand.. Shhh *don't tell anyone*.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Video games... I can lose whole days just gaming away in a dark room.

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

My cat for sure. Sleep, eat, and play all day? like could life get better?

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

The Lord of The Rings. Book or film. You wanna see a good example of friendship?

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

I'm currently located in New Hampshire. I love that I'm close to Boston, the ocean, and a massive mountain range. There is always something to do yet its nice and quiet at home.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I do yoga, is that weird?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS' THAT THE BUSY TATTOO LIFE CAN BRING ON?

Take some time off here and there. I take a week off every month just to do things that I love and spend time doing leisurely things . DONT WORK SEVEN DAYS A WEEK- the hustle aint going anywhere.

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

I was working in a street shop for a couple years in my early career, but I wanted to specialize and focus on neotrad. I saw that Randy or @rb.tattoo was looking for help at his shop so I hit him up thinking what's the harm in trying. He responded and took me on and from there my career took off and I got to learn from one of the best I believe in this country. Pretty life changing.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE CLIENT YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Probably the one client I had who brought in a sleeve he designed printed on paper with exact measurements to his arm. He wanted the tattoo EXACTLY as it was in his mock up. So I did it... and he hated it. Never saw him again.

DOES THE CONSTANT PRESSURE AND CHALLENGE OF PROMOTING YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA EXAUST YOU OR IS IT SECOND NATURE?

It is single handedly... My least favorite part of the job.

BEN OZ

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

Bret rosepiler his neotrad is insane the simplicity I. The designs yet they are so detailed and amazing everything he does is magic. Next I’d say rob goodkind he’s a legend he’s mixed Japanese and dark elements and it’s so rad his stuff is constantly inspiring me to do more . Lastly I’d say The Sepp I don't know his name or what country he is from but his stuff is so wild his prints and tattoos are constantly pushing the limits and he’s just a really good artist

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

I don’t think I can pick one I think every day at our shop tops the last we are like a big disfunctional family

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

I’d say it’s a mix. It Dies Today is like a metalcore band I think it’s the angry bloody dark side to my work then maybe like the deftones or tool also representing the dark creepy sad part of my art and the. A stoner metal band called Windhand and they are like my psychedelic weird side of my art

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

I wouldn’t but if I did I’d thank everyone , from the people that hate me and have tried to hurt me they constantly push me to keep going and get better . To my family without them I would have been lost along time ago

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can juggle

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Myself

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

My two dogs elsa and Trinity, they are 2 year old cane corsos, they have the best life they just get fed run around play and sleep

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

I am a movie guy and I love books I don’t read a lot anymore I listen to audio books while I paint and draw but if I had to pick I’d say the matrix , I don’t know why but I live the first 3 movies

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

I’m from New Jersey but I’m in south Florida right now. I personally don’t like the heat I’m more of a cold and snow kinda guy so that part of where I live I don’t like but the sky here whether it’s sunrise or sunset or thunderstorm like right now the sky is always so crazy and beautiful

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

 I don’t have anything really weird but I draw myself to sleep every night and I usually stay up till 5-6 am I don’t sleep much and I feel more creative at night for some reason so I usually stay up for most of it

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS' THAT THE BUSY TATTOO LIFE CAN BRING ON?

I’d have to say the thing that causes my stress is my stress relief, tattooing drawing and painting

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

I was in prison for a few years when I got out I was homeless and very down and out I ended up meeting my wife and she got pregnant and I started tattooing all in like 6 months without all those things happening I’m not sure I’d be here . I was definitely on a downward spiral up till that point

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE CLIENT YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I don’t think one comes to mind I’d have to say if you like my art your a unique person. I have a niche style and it’s not for everyone but most every client I tattoo whether they are silent the whole time or talk the entire time they are all very good and interesting people!

DOES THE CONSTANT PRESSURE AND CHALLENGE OF PROMOTING YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA EXAUST YOU OR IS IT SECOND NATURE?

It’s brutal I hate the social media aspect , after I had been tattooing a few years I wasn’t getting anywhere on Instagram I was t growing and had only a few thousand followers, so I decided for a whole year I’d post everyday no matter what I did that and I went from a few thousand to like 60-70k almost a year and a half later I hit 100k and I thought we’ll I reached 100k I can stop posting it will grow on its own. That didn’t happen my account stopped I started to post again and I started to grow again. I hate social media I really have to force myself but without it I wouldn’t have clients they mostly all find me on Instagram so I have to keep up with it!

Hey there Maverick FAM! Let me introduce you to our Spotlight Artist for the month of JUNE! With summer soon approaching we have a bright month ahead for all of you! 

Introducing... Rennie Dunne!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love Maverick cartridges because of the consistency. Every time I pull out a tight 3 I know it’s going to be sharp and clean and exactly the same as all of the other tight 3’s in the box. I love the Maverick brand and family because of the genuine kindness. The hand written thank you notes with every order, the positive vibe that radiates from every post and the inclusiveness I had felt before I even joined the family has made this a brand I want to support and be part of.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

My go to’s right now are a loose round 5 liner and a tight 3 for little details, usually a 15 curved mag as well.

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

I think as corny as it is I’d probably be a little raccoon. They stay up late and they’re into everything, they do fine on their own or in a squad, and they’re just the right blend of sneaky and silly.

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 when I was 14. A kid from my high school was doing tattoos at his house. I got some emo song lyrics across my back. It was going to be cute and delicate and feminine, really thin cursive lettering, arched in the middle going across the center of my back. He had me lie down on his couch and I remember his cat sitting there while he did it. He charged me $40 for it and I thought it was expensive at the time. Afterwards I cut all of my shirts so they would hang low and everyone could see my tattoo at school but it wasn’t quite what I expected. It was crooked and blown out, a big black smudge across my back but at the time I thought it was the coolest thing.

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

Peter Lagergren, I admire him because his work is immaculate and his color saturation is insane. I’m amazed by his drive and his work ethic. His shop is literally covered floor to ceiling in his drawings. Evin Pfaff because her style is so unique and beautiful. It’s illustrative, and realistic but somehow also magical and whimsical. She did an amazing portrait of my dog for me and captured her essence perfectly in the tattoo. Not to mention she was so friendly and warm. Chris Primm, I think that one is obvious if you look at my tattoo collection. I have my whole front done by him, my whole right leg and we’re working on my back now so I’m about to have close to a Primm bodysuit. You know his work as soon as you see it. He’s developed a unique style that holds up so well over the years and he’s really shaped the neotraditional style, especially in California, as well as being a kind, genuine guy who makes you feel comfortable right away.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

The most recent funny tattoo moment I have was actually when it was my turn to get tattooed. Chris Primm is working on my backpiece right now and I had a session where I thought we were going to be outlining the bottom half of it. I was really nervous for our session so I decided to use numbing cream. I had a friend help me put on a whole jar of it and plastic wrap my lower half. I showed up to the appointment ready to go, completely numb from the waist down. Chris came out and told me we weren’t going to outline the bottom half, instead he wanted to work on shading the top half. So I had to sit through the session feeling all of the pain and embarrassment, numb in the wrong area.

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

I’d have to say Movements has shaped me and my work the most recently. It started when I had a client who asked me to create a tattoo based off the song “Daylily” by them. I listened to it a few dozen times and created a tattoo for her based off the imagery that came to mind while I listened. Since then I’ve done a few more tattoos and paintings based off their music like that, I’m usually listening to them while I draw. I feel really inspired when I listen to them.

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

I feel like this is another corny answer but I’d have to thank my husband, Dermot the most. He’s stood by me through every part of my career. Before I even tattooed we were together and he pushed me to pursue an apprenticeship when I didn’t have the confidence to. He believed in me when I couldn’t tattoo a straight line. He got the first tattoo I ever did on someone aside from myself and has tattoos from each different phase my style has gone through. He brings me coffee at work and stays up with me when I’m up late drawing or painting just to keep me company. I don’t know if I’d be where I’m at now without him.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

Shuffleboard. I’m like a champion shuffleboard player. Take me to the dingiest dive bar in town, if they have a shuffleboard table I’ll be on it winning all night.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Treats. Any kind of chocolate, cake, donuts, you name it. I love a little surprise treat to get me through the day.

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

I’d like to be one of the guys who rides a motorcycle upside down in the cage at the circus. I think if I didn’t tattoo I’d want to do that.

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

I recently read the book “Tender is the Flesh” by Agustina Bazterrica and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It is a disturbing read that questions what it means to be human.

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

I’m currently located in California and have been here for about 10 years. I love the variety here. I’m lucky enough to live on the central coast where the beach is a 10 minute drive away, there’s hiking trails just down the street from me and there’s always something going on downtown. A few hours north and you’re in the mountains or San Francisco, a couple hours south and your in LA. Everything is so accessible, no matter what it is you’re looking for.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I like to sing to my dog. It doesn’t happen every night but when it does it’s a good night. She usually gets the zoomies and runs around the house right before we go to bed. I make up songs for her, usually they’re versions of other songs but with her name in them. Sometimes it’s Bon Jovi, sometimes it’s Tom Petty but I really think she enjoys it.

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

The best way for me to deal with stress is to reconnect with nature. Usually that means taking my dog to the beach and walking on the sand barefoot. There’s something really healing about being reminded how small we are and how important the simple pleasures are.

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

When I was like 9 or 10 I told my mom I wanted to join the local swim team. I could barely doggy paddle to stay afloat, I really couldn’t swim. But she signed me up for it and on the first day they threw me in the pool with all the other kids that had been swimming for years. I tried to swim just to the end of the pool and everyone passed me a couple times before I got there. By the end of it I was crying and choking on water. When my mom picked me up I said I didn’t want to do it anymore. Well she took me back the next day and said she’d already paid for it so I was going to swim. At the end of the season I won the award for most improved on the team. That’s not to say a lot because I started from absolute rock bottom but I think it taught me that if you want to do something you can. It’s not about the talent that you were or weren’t born with it’s about the dedication, it’s about showing up every day and just doing it and it’s about how much you want it. I think that’s translated into lots of aspects of my life but especially tattooing.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I was lucky enough to have my sleeve done by Grime. It’s hard to put into words what exactly makes him so unique because it’s a combination of so many elements and he truly is one of a kind but it’s all reflected in his work. His tattoos are undeniably recognizable as Grime and he’s had a massive influence on the industry as a whole.

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

I think disconnecting from time to time is really important. To try to be more present in the current moment. Using social media as a tool to promote your work but treating it like it’s part of the job, so when you come home you put it away. Remembering that you’re doing the painting because that’s what you love to do, that the tattoo is for the client and how much they love it is what matters more than the amount of likes it gets.