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.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

3LT, 5LT, 7R, 11r, 5M, 11M, 17M

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

Rabbit

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

I was 18 and had to wait because my father made me.  He was going to be the one doing it. I was just starting out but was kind of cocky thinking I could tattoo better than him. So we had a Nautical star contest, spoiler alert he won, and mine is for ever blown out lines, and the green nice and bright haha! So I have a Nautical star tattoo as my first!

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

As of right now Tim Biedron ( @onlythedeadaresmiling ) , Ian Bederman ( @wonkytiger ), Emmanuel Mendoza ( @sacred_crow), GG( @ggtattoos ).... Find myself wanting to spew out more. They give me inspiration of producing art that I wanna see for myself.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Not necessarily funny in the moment.. buuuttt. It was crazy none the less. Sister Jessica was tattooing a young lady, while I was tattooing next to her. The client started to lean back slowly as if she wasn't trying to mess her up.. turns out she was passing out, and slowly falling off the bed. Without hesitation, and with a running tattoo machine in my hand, I reached over to catch her by the shirt to slowly let her down. Was nuts to just think so quickly, and save this girl from a bruise I guess. 

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

Bring Me the Horizon why you may be wondering.. Well as a band they have taken a journey of being crazy grind core heavy, and then switch up sounds, and styles of direction to a point that it seems they don't care what people think and make what ever they want heavy or soft and anything in between. Also their sound reflect that I cannot stay in one lane.

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

My Mom & Dad cause no matter what they did everything they could to make sure I did what I wanted to do and discover things in my life without having to grow up to fast. 

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

Idk if its a talent but I ride a mean longboard, and test the boundaries of my balance without injuring myself.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Cheese

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

Jim Carey

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

The Power of Habit - You'll find yourself being aware of the fact that we all have habits, some deep, and some silly. Just that awareness you can do a better job breaking and making new habits. 

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

Minnesota all the seasons, and the type of environment I live in very lush and full of life

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I pray for Yezus you know Kanye West

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

Meditate.. Get your self back to the present and rest from your thoughts. Work with them not against them. We are human, everyone including me struggle with it and its easier said then done in some cases.

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

Think some of the best moments that change something are the smallest things, and sometimes without a big movie moment realization. A lot of small things seem to make the biggest changes. So no I don't have a moment that comes to mind off the top of the dome.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Idk.. I think the one that sticks out to me was Noah Moore. Think it was watching the processes of a guy making something.

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

Know that social media isn't the only tool and it is isn't the only way. Ask yourself the question (like Banjo, a tattooer I've met recently) "do they know you down the street of your own town? Is this a Yes or no? if not, then you got to start tattooing your local people.

All I am trying to say is.. don't be hard on yourself, its all the little piles of building that make a big pile. Stay consistent as best you can.

VAN NAVA

Happy New Year everyone! 🍾 Did everyone enjoy their holiday season? Did you do anything crazy for the New Year?! I know the end of the year can be super busy for most of us but let’s all take a minute to enjoy the start of the new year and learn about this month’s spotlight artist. 

We would like to introduce one of Maverick’s newest Family artists, Van Nava. Van hales from Denver Colorado and has been professionally tattooing for 7 years now. Back in 2021 he opened up a private tattoo studio in downtown Denver with a good friend and fellow tattooer Tier Nguyen @Skvllhound. Van spends pretty much all of his time tattooing and when he finds some free time he likes to repair and refurbish Thermofax machines! “I’d say my art is heavily influenced by my background of oil painting mixed with my love of bold and saturated tattoos that are made to last.” Van has some amazing work and great responses in his interview.

Instagram: vanxtattoos

Tiktok: vanxtattoos

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love Maverick’s high quality products and their personal touches on each order. I’m also happy to support Maverick as a company that gives back to the Tattoo community and charitable organizations that support the arts. 

MAVERICK'S GOAL IS TO HELP OTHERS WHERE WE CAN. AS PART OF OUR 'GIVE BACK' PROGRAM, $1 FOR EVERY CARTRIDGE BOX SOLD GOES TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM WITH A CAP OF 1K MONTHLY. WE TRY TO TARGET FOOD, ART, AND MUSIC (FAM) BASED NONPROFITS OR THINGS RELATED TO THE TATTOO COMMUNITY AND ARTISTS (LIKE SPECIFIC GOFUNDME PAGES FOR ARTISTS). IS THERE A SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN? FOR YOUR SPOTLIGHT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DONATE MONEY FOR AN ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE PROVIDE THE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE CORRECT ORGANIZATION. WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION?

Artfromashes.org is an organization that is designed to help at-risk youth with self expression through art to help promote constructive development. I can definitely relate to the issues these kids are facing as I too had many of the same issues when I was young.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

I often use 7RL, 3RL, 9RS and 15CMBP for all my tattoos. 

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

My favorite movie was The Lion king as a toddler, so much so that my first words were “Squish Banana” 😹. My favorite animals from the movie were the hyenas which spawned my life long fascination with them. Petting a hyena is on my bucket list for sure! 

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

Believe it or not I got my first “Real Tattoo” when I was 14. It was a solid black star on my neck by a Tattooer who was an apprentice at the time. After this tattoo I became obsessed with the idea of tattooing. I will forever be grateful to him as he unknowingly introduced me to my life long passion.  

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

Aniela Dahlgren - I have been awe struck by her tattoos since the first time I saw them, all her work is bold and yet still painterly and soft. 

Justin Hartman - His work is beautifully composed, technical and calculated. He has been a huge inspiration of mine in tattooing. 

Bobby Johnson - Bobby’s tattoos are second to none in my opinion. All his projects have beautiful color schemes flow and amazing attention to detail. 

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

There’s too many moments to list. One of my favorite things about this career is the ability to share stories and jokes with my clients and coworkers.Tattoo shop antics are very unpredictable.

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

That’s a hard question. I guess I would just say any aggressive music because that’s what I want to listen to while I tattoo. 

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

I think if that ever happened I would finally be able to give myself a pat on the back. 

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can forget people's names almost instantly after meeting them 😅

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

The sun! I’m very pale.

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

Gordon Ramsey! I'd get to eat the best foods when I want , be brutally honest and yell in a British accent. 

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

I think everyone should watch the movie Snatch just because it’s one of my favorites and the first movie to come to mind. 

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

I currently live in the Denver metro area in Colorado, I prefer Colorado because I feel as though people here are creatively open and are overall very friendly compared to other places I’ve lived. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Ok this is pretty specific and weird but here we go … often right before I fall asleep I always picture how to position my feet on a skateboard to accomplish a predetermined trick. then I play out in my head what movements I would need to do in order to successfully land that trick. I don’t know why but I find this very calming. Although I have woken myself and my girlfriend up by kicking to try and do these tricks as I’m falling asleep. 

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

I’m the wrong person to ask about that, but I feel most at ease when I’m tattooing. For me all the stress of day to day life goes away when I’m tattooing and talking with my clients. 

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

Unfortunately I had some pretty traumatic experiences early in my childhood that drastically changed my outlook on life. Because of these events I was forced to mature quickly. Despite it all stemming from negative experiences I feel as though it motivates me to make positive decisions.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Probably Bobby Johnson, he is one of my favorite people and endlessly entertaining. 

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

Social media to me has just become so routine that it doesn’t really affect me negatively. Despite staying busy I always look forward to promoting new projects on social media because any chance to get the projects I work so hard on seen by new people is exciting to me. I also enjoy looking back at older posts on social media to see my progression. I tend to be my worst critic so looking back at my old work at least gives me a sense of accomplishment from where I was to where I am.

NOVEMBER BLOG- STEVE OKER

I hope ya’ll had a great Halloween! It's that time of year to get prepped and ready to go for the Holiday season approaching, love it or hate it, you gotta admit, the cooler weather and warm lattes turns any day into a great day to be alive :) 

Something else to celebrate is our November artist spotlight- Steve Oker. Steve has been tattooing since 2008, and spent most of his life fulfilling his artistic side through this form of expression. He grew up outside of Chicago but then made the decision to pack up and move to Florida! (talk about a fresh start- am I right?) Not only is he a father, but he strives to have a strong family focus- it shows through his studio Moth & Flame collective being co-owned by himself and his fiance Kayleigh. When Steve isn’t tattooing, he’s enjoying the outdoors and/or spending time with his family.

Keep reading below to learn more about Steve, you might be surprised at how much it will resonate with you. I’m sure a lot of us have a similar ‘before bed’ routine lol..I know I do. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love that you guys are a small family owned operation. You don’t find that very often in tattooing anymore. The hand written cards you provide adds that extra love that is so often left out. Not only that, the quality and consistency of your products are top notch.

Be sure to check him out!

Website/Shop : https://www.mothandflameco.com 

Instagram: @steveokertattoos IG

Want to learn more about Steve? KEEP READING-

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

Truthfully I just want to make cool tattoos and stay busy. Social media is definitely bitter sweet. It’s best to not let it define who you are or take control of your life. It helps in connecting with people and providing inspiration, but it’s also very easy to hide behind.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

My buddy Ryan @eternaltattooing. We met at a shop in Orlando that we worked together at. Dude has so much heart and is the life of any place you go to. 

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

There’s been a few. Biggest one was getting arrested when I was younger. I was at the lowest point in my life then. Positive to that was becoming a dad. Wouldn’t change it for the world. 

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

Weed 100% Can I say that? 🫣

Being out on the water is definitely second in line. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Snack, which I know I shouldn’t. #dadbod4life 

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

Florida. It’s nice to not have to deal with snow, but damn does the humidity get spicy. 

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

Back to the Future. One of the greatest movies of all time. I’m also bias 😂

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

Travis Pastrana, despite all the broken bones I would prefer to not have that dude is living his life to the fullest. 

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

All things outdoors.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

Money Origami 

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

I don’t know if I would ever get to this point, but if I did I would definitely have to thank my fiancé and my friends and family for always being there for me. Supporting me and driving me to be a better artist. 

Without them who knows where I would be in life. Probably an auto mechanic or something haha.

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

Honestly, this is another hard one.

I would have to say Dirty Heads is one of my go to bands. They always put me in the right mood and mindset when I’m creating art. 

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Conventions, ALWAYS. There is never a full moment that’s for sure. Probably the most memorable one I have though was the Atlanta when we all went to the Clermont. If you know, you know 😂

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

This is such a tough one. The list of artists I admire is never ending. There are so many good artists. Just to name a few though: 

Chris Primm

Karlos Lloyd

Daniels Bauti 

Bobby Johnson 

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

Awful! I was in my apprenticeship at the time and my mentor made me and another apprentice trade tattoos. It was a cherry creek koi fish and I hated it the second he was done with it. I got it covered a couple weeks later. 

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

As cliche as it is, I've always had an affinity for tigers. A lot of times though I feel like I match up with a Panda 😂

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

Loose 9 liner paired up with a tight 3 or 5 liner and a curved 17 mag. 

MAVERICK'S GOAL IS TO HELP OTHERS WHERE WE CAN. AS PART OF OUR 'GIVE BACK' PROGRAM, $1 FOR EVERY CARTRIDGE BOX SOLD GOES TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM WITH A CAP OF 1K MONTHLY. WE TRY TO TARGET FOOD, ART, AND MUSIC (FAM) BASED NONPROFITS OR THINGS RELATED TO THE TATTOO COMMUNITY AND ARTISTS (LIKE SPECIFIC GOFUNDME PAGES FOR ARTISTS). IS THERE A SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN? FOR YOUR SPOTLIGHT MONTH WE ARE GOING TO DONATE MONEY FOR AN ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE PROVIDE THE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE CORRECT ORGANIZATION. WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION?

NRDC 

Act.nrdc.org

It’s so important for us to protect the planet we live on. We can either save it or destroy it. All living things depend on how we care for Earth.  Please see below to view the donation made on behalf of Steve Oker.