AUGUST BLOG- TRAVIS BROWN

Our summer is now coming to a close and it is August! This month we want to highlight a brilliant and talented artist, Travis Brown. Travis is a co-owner of Tight Lines Tattoo Collective in West Palm Beach, FL. He lives a pretty low key life spending his time like any normal Floridian, fishing! He is also your dedicated family man, enjoying most of his free time with family and friends. Travis will occasionally guest spot at his friends’ shops but mostly likes to travel and live his laid back lifestyle. Travis specializes in Neo-Traditional and Neo-Japanese tattoos. Make sure to check out his work, we love it and know you will too!

Check out what Travis had to say about being part of the Maverick family below:

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

They’re a small and personable company. They take the extra time to make you feel valued as a customer, and write thank you notes. The quality of their products is amazing and always consistent. 

Be sure to check him out!

Instagram: @travisbrown918 

Website: tattoosbytravisbrown.com (linked below)

TRAVIS BROWN

Studio: Tight Lines Tattoo Collective 

Want to learn more about Travis? KEEP READING-

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

Social media is bittersweet. I just want to create art and have fun, but social media makes it so competitive and it can be draining. As much as social media helps to connect people, showcase work to clients, and find inspiration, it tends to drain people and can be so fake. I keep positive by not being glued to my phone, I focus on the things that matter most to me. 

 

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

My buddy Kevin Hock @hocknessmonster, he’s a baby tattooer but he’s the most ridiculously funny person I’ve ever met. If you ever meet him, he leaves a mark, you’ll never forget him and he is one of the most genuinely kind people. 

 

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

I got arrested when I was younger, it made me hit rock bottom and forced me to grow up. I got into tattooing shortly after, and my whole life changed from there. 

 

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

If I could even get close to winning best tattooer in the world, I’d have to thank my wife for holding it down and supporting me with all the time and energy I’d need to be dedicating to becoming the best. 

I’d thank my parents for always encouraging me to create art and draw. 

I’d thank all my early clients for trusting me from the get go. 

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

A long time ago I worked at a convention in Atlanta, and the fire alarm got set off in the hotel. The event was a total shit show, and anyone that was there knows exactly what I’m talking about. The convention was canceled, then relocated, then hosted in the original hotel it was scheduled for. So we designed up a little Georgia Peach tattoo to commemorate the goofy trip, and about 40 of us artists ended up getting it. 

 

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

That’s a good question. 

Thrice, starting out a little all over the place and just gotten more refined and better with time. I used to tattoo everything, but really found my sense of style when working with NeoTraditional. 

 

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

That’s a tough one, I could go on and on. There’s so many amazing artists out there that are just all around good people. 

Bobby Johnson @glendalebully 

His work is super unique and he’s just an all around awesome person.

 

Parry Chotipradit @parrychotipradit

I’ve learned a lot by working with Parry, and he’s such a creative and kind dude.

 

Brian Povak @brian.povak

Our styles are completely different, but Brian has always been an awesome friend and supportive

 

Pat Patterson @tattoosbypat

We work so well together, we’ve been working together through my whole career. He’s always been my biggest push when it comes to tattooing. 

 

Harlan Kantner @harlankantner 

We come up with the coolest collaborations and he is as funny as it gets. 

 

Chris Primm @primm_

His work has been an inspiration to me since I found out about him a few years ago. 

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 on my 18th birthday, a week after 9/11. I wanted to get something to commemorate that time frame, so I ended up picking a flash piece of a crying eyeball. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

17 curve mag. Loose 11 RL. Loose 9 RL. Tight 5s and Tight 3s.

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?

I picked the turtle rescue because I love wildlife, spent a lot of time there as a kid and want to see the rescue stay around for generations to come!  https://marinelife.org/

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can make really long, drawn out fart noises with my armpit. 

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Fishing.

ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY? Adam Sandler, he’s the man! 

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

Jurassic Park. And for anyone that hasn’t watched it…that’s why!!! It took 65 million years  to make!

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

Florida, the sunshine state! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

Apply my nose strip. 

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

Fishing. 

 

JULY SPOTLIGHT ARTIST-KRISH TRECE

Wake up, it’s the first of the month! It is officially July and our summer is just getting started. With this being our third successful month of Artist Spotlights we would like to introduce an amazing and gifted artist, Krish Trece. Krish was born in Spain but is currently NYC based. Amazingly enough Krish owns a studio in Madrid called Karbon Tattoo & Gallery! We can currently find them working in Brooklyn at 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo NY. Specializing in both Neo Traditional and Neo Romantic styles, Krish’s designs meld a classic aesthetic with a nature inspired approach. We are so happy to have Krish as part of the Maverick family and can’t wait to show you all what they have to offer. 

Check out what Krish had to say about being part of the Maverick family below:

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

What isn't there to love! Let's start by highlighting the amazing work done by Maverick by creating such a variety of eco-friendly products. Not to mention, the outstanding quality of cartridges that make work so much easier. They are a perfect match for creating such solid lines. The design and packaging is absolutely beautiful, definitely unique and eye-catching. Finally, I really appreciate how well taken care of I am! The thoughtful postcards, filled with wishes, stickers and xmas decorations, it really makes you feel special!  

Be sure to check them out!

Current location: 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo NY

Studio: Karbon Tattoo & Gallery IG: @karbon.tattoo

Instagram: @krishtattoo (linked below)

Krishtattoo 

Want to learn more about Krish? KEEP READING-

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

What a great question! I personally maintain a positive mindset on social media by taking the time to answer/like and thank every comment. It’s a way to give back that same care and energy that this person has taken to value my work. It's a way to be grateful I guess, to share that much needed positivity and kindness around. This small gesture, in my opinion, is the key to a personal positive mindset in a crazy world which is social media.WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

This is hard to choose but I would have to say my favorite is definitely the 3RL, it comes very well grouped and marks the ink impeccably from the first pass. I also love the 9RL and 7RS/9RS for bolder lines.These all make spectacular line work! Definitely recommended!

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

My spirit animal would be undeniably the giraffe. I love its energy and presence but especially how peaceful and calm they always are. What about those little alien horns they have, which are so awesome and unique! Another thing that I love is the symbolism behind giraffes. Because of their long necks, they have a good vision to see what's coming ahead and see the bigger picture of things, which makes them even more amazing!

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

This is tough because there is so much talent out there!! If I had to mention 3 and although I'm missing out on so  many amazing artists I would have to say..

Hannah flowers: Her women pieces are absolutely beautiful, they speak to you and express so much emotion. Her color palette is so personal, elegant and unique - all in all gorgeous. 

Jacob Gardner: His style, drawing skills and methods are out of this world, not to mention his technique and taste for applying color which are absolutely exceptional.

Lord lips: Outstanding compositions, his work is unique and undeniably pure elegance.

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

Agar Agar would be my band of choice - I love that they say they get their inspiration from their intuition. I like how their sounds are influenced by nature and play classic melodies with a modern approach.

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

I will always be grateful to my soul sister, Mimi Tattoo (@mimi_tattoo). We have grown up together - as best friends and as artists. I have learnt so much from her and opened up our studio together (Karbon Tattoo & Gallery) which was a huge thing for us. Also, to my wife and friends that have been by my side throughout my journey, I will always be grateful for it!

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

This is extremely random but I always find "lookalikes" or "Doppelgängers" of people or celebrities by accident, mostly because I get them confused, but it comes naturally and they are pretty on point!

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

This is a complicated question.. I'm unsure if I would want to trade places with anyone because you just never know what they may be dealing with and so on - so freaks me out a little. 

Does my dog count? Yes, my dog definitely!!!

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

Oh I could go on for days with this one! If I have to pick a good combo it would be without a doubt, Tales from the Loop and all of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrations and outstanding work. The romantic desolation, the storyline, the graphics, colors, the sci-fi nostalgia, it literally has everything!

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

You’ve probably heard this a trillion times but New York City has an energy and uniqueness to it and this is definitely true! It's the diversity in culture, you feel you are traveling the world without leaving the city. The art scene is breathtaking, you can literally find inspiration in every corner, from the urban scene to the beaches and nature. It's a pretty special place to immerse yourself in.

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

To take time to catch up with your hobbies and things that make you happy. It's hard to find time but when I can, I take my camera out and enjoy it. I have a great passion for urban and street photography. I also love heading out for long walks at parks and into nature. I get some really amazing references for my pieces when I do this, so it's a win win!

When I don't have time and I need a quick way to deal with stress, video-games truly help me unwind, it's my form of meditation, plus it's fun also!

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I would have to say Bobby Johnson aka @glendalebully - he has such a personal style that without a doubt makes him a unique artist.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I don't really do anything weird before bedtime but I have been told I get these weird body spasms as soon as my body relaxes and I fall asleep, which freaks out my wife and dog every time!

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

Moving to NYC. It was a huge cultural change and a bit of a challenge to learn a new language. To start your life in a foreign country is definitely life changing and full of adventures. This said, I wouldn't change a thing! This has taught me so much and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to live this experience.

GIVE BACK:

As part of our 'Give Back' program we are giving each spotlight artist the opportunity to choose an organization of their choice to donate to. On Krish's behalf, Maverick donated the money gained over this month in order to benefit their organization. Stay turned for the newsletter coming this month to learn more about this program.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT ARTIST-TERESA ANDREWS

HAPPY JUNE & WELCOME TO SUMMER! This month we are highlighting our amazing family artist, Teresa Andrews. Teresa is California raised but moved to Maine in 2009 (talk about a change of scenery). Her original focus in college was in marketing and advertising, but lucky for us Teresa decided to take a chance on a tattoo apprenticeship in 2014 instead. She is admired for her tattoo realism and elaborate floral designs. Today, we can find Teresa working at Venom Ink in Sanford, Maine. We love having Teresa on our team because she is not only artistic, but also enjoys our family based approach as a sponsor and our goal to continue to develop and help connect our Maverick Community. Maverick will always have a focus on appreciation for the amazing tattoo artists out there- check out what she had to say below.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

Maverick makes you feel like family. From the start, everything has been very generous, communication has been quick and direct, and they create an artist support ambiance which I can very much appreciate. Keeping up with the trends and being innovative, this brand is just getting started!

Be sure to check her out!

Teresa’s Booking form: teresa-booking-form

Shop name: Venom Ink

Instagram: @teresa_andrews_art (linked below) https://www.instagram.com/teresa_andrews_art/

Want to learn more about Teresa? KEEP READING-

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS TO USE FOR YOUR TATTOOS?

Awwhhhh my go to groupings are, 15COMMag, 7 RL, and 3 TL…and after that it all depends on the piece!

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

Well that’s a good question! I’d go with a Siberian tiger ‘cause fuck it, why not! They are my favorite animal; they always appear calm and cute, but can flip the switch when they need to. Oh and they like to nap, and I love to nap, so ya, win win!

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

Timmy B has been my favorite artist to follow and I have admired since forever. He is incredibly talented, and is a solid good human. Antonina Rostra is phenomenal for her bold florals that I love so much, and Frank La Natra for his amazing color theory skills and design!

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Oh that one time I got a lot of ass in one day…apparently more ass then my co worker at the time had seen in a year! Haha, so I tattooed like 7 young dudes butts one after the other, my second year of tattooing. They were all military getting ready to deploy and wanted the stamp, “Made in USA” on their butt. Yes, I do have the photo of their butt cheeks out mooning me with their new tattoos!

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

Well I do like to listen to City and Colour a lot, so they would be pretty fitting. They are serene in tone, but strongly impactful in their delivery.

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

Oh dang! I would think the guy who runs the shop I work in now, Chad Chase. Before I came to his shop, I was unaware of how impactful a team of righteous, talented, and giving people can have on someone’s life and career. It really is who you surround yourself with that makes a difference. Chad has taught me invaluable skills in my technique, even before I was even on his team, and continues to offer input when I’m really struggling.

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

Alicia Moore, aka Pink. To know what it is like to have all of that chaos from the outside world and yet so much love to give at the same time is beyond me. This lady is unapologetic, truly herself, and knows how to love unconditionally.

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

Pppfftttt I dunno! Well there was one book that really helped me out years ago called, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey that helped me turn my financial life around. I was at the end of a marriage and was staring down a dark hole of debt, almost losing everything I had. I think this book was meant to find me when it did and today it still helps me navigate the things school doesn’t teach us on financial survival, especially for the future.

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

Maine. It’s easy to live here compared to Southern California and isn’t crowded all year long, so getting places isn’t always a burden! Seeing the four seasons is also pretty interesting, the fall is the best to see in New England…the colors are unreal.

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

Take deep breaths and remember that some things are not meant to be directed at you or are out of our control, so just let it pass.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?

I have not met her, but Daria Pirojenko always intrigued me!

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

Self promotion is always weird but in this world, it’s necessary. Maintaining positivity is easy when you don’t let the negativity ruin your day:)

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