CORY CARTWRIGHT

Welcome to 🎉2024!! It's a BRAND NEW YEAR🍾 Maverick Family! We have been loving our monthly artist spotlights and we hope YOU🫵🏼 have been too! To kick off 🥂The first month of the year in 2024, we have an amazing Artist for you all- introducing the one and only Cory Cartwright. If you don't already know who Cory is (you must be living in a cave or something...) He was also one of our first sticker collaboration artists 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼(peep below!) 🐧 Check out his sticker HERE! 

Cory's Interview below is fun and interesting. I love that he talks about the life changing moment of becoming a Father. I know you dads out there are pickin up what he's puttin down! 

 ⬇️ Keep reading! ⬇️

Don't forget to check out Portal Tattoo Gallery if you're ever in the Woodstock, GA area!

·Tell us about yourself. Where can people find you? Social media @'s?

Im a tattooer and shop owner in Woodstock, GA. I have been tattooing just under 11 years and have done mostly illustrative color work during those years. Lately i have been studying traditional to help build a stronger foundation for my neo-traditional work, which is my current favorite style to pursue.

Check out my current work:  @corycartwright

Check out my shop: Portal Tattoo Gallery 

·What do you love about Maverick?

The positive attitude and all the little things that set it apart. All the way down to the little mints in the packages. Lol 

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

23 mags, 17mags and loose 9 rounds are just so satisfying to use. I use pretty much everything from Maverick though!

·The Penguin is the Maverick founder's spirit animal. What's your spirit animal & why? 

My spirit animal would have to be an elephant. I have recently taken a new outlook on life within the past few years where maintaining composure and remaining unruffled comes as second nature. Feeling into the state of being unbothered by the small things and looking at the bigger picture has been really important to me.

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

I was 17 (couldn’t wait 3 more months for it to be legal) and i used a fake id to get my parents initials on my inner forearms. They have since been removed due to being done poorly but i plan to have them redone better soon!

·Top 3 artists you admire? 

Currently my favorites i really enjoy are:

·Sam Clark

·Sneaky Mitch

·Chris Primm

·What are some funny tattoo moments you have?

I once tattooed Gary The Snail on my buddy TJ’s ass. Ill let you guess where the snail trail ended.

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

Gramatik.  Bold, colorful, funky

·If you were to win 'BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD' who would you thank and why?

I would like to thank all of the haters for pushing me to succeed.

·Secret hidden talent? What is it? 

I can blow spit bubbles on command.

·What is your kryptonite? 

Well im allergic to bees.. so that would put me down haha. Gravity also keeps me down 🙃

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

Im pretty focused on living a comfortable lifestyle and making the best decisions for my family, so i don’t trust my life in the hands of an eagle. But… i would love to fly over beautiful landscapes all day.

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

Watch “A scanner darkly” with Keanu reeves. Its a quite trippy movie about substance abuse and how it can ruin your life. Also the whole movie is done with rotoscoping which basically looks like a illustrative filter on-top of the original footage.

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

Georgia! I live specifically in north georgia and the lush green mountains and woodlands are my favorite part of this state. I also enjoy experiencing all 4 seasons. It helps me regulate throughout the year.

·What is something weird you do before bedtime?

Watch people play old video games on youtube.

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

Smoke weed everyday. 

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

When my son was born my whole outlook on life changed. I surprisingly have been able to overlook small stressors that used to have my mind going in circles. I am more calm and able to navigate MOST days concisely and maintaining composure.

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

They are all very unique in their own ways. I cannot pinpoint one.

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

It used to be second nature, but with the ever evolving algorithms and the devotion it takes to keep up, it has become very overwhelming. I try to create healthy boundaries with it and check in with myself about how im spending my time and a way brain power.

Maribeth Klarr

Waddap Everyone! This month's Spotlight Artist is the talented MariBeth Klarr. Co- Owner of Las Vegas's very own Collective Tattoo Parlor and founder of Metanoia Tattoo Gathering (The renewal of heart and mind through personal connection and education). We're so stoked to be able to feature Maribeth  this  month here on our blog . Read ahead for the scoop!

·About you: Tell us about yourself. Where can people find you/ social media @'s? 

My name is Maribeth and I have been tattooing since 2009! I guess I’m old now! Hahah. I am a mother of two super rad children. My daughter Kaia, age 13 and my son Koa, age 9 are my whole heart. I have an amazing husband and partner in life. He is my best friend and we always have the BEST time together.  I am so thankful to be a tattooer and a part of such an incredible community of artists. I love painting and doing other various crafts. Ive recently fallen in love with surf-skating and Im just having the best time getting better at this new hobby.

· 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. Is there a specific non profit organization that you are interested in? For your spotlight month we will be donating money to an organization of your choice. What makes you passionate about this organization?

Building Metanoia Tattoo Gathering is my calling in life. For years now I have dreamt of creating a space where women and mothers in our industry can come find transformation of mind and heart. A place where they can find renewal and joy through education and community. My heart especially goes out to mothers in our tattoo industry. It can feel super lonely trying to balance motherhood, tattooing and business ownership. Metanoia Tattoo Gathering wants to support mothers in tattooing. We want our mother attendees to know they are valued and we want to offer them a space where they can come share their stories, connect with other moms, build up their business, and grow their craft in a welcoming, supportive, and loving environment.

· What do you love about Maverick?

What is not to love? The Maverick Team is so passionate about what they do. I am so impressed by Austin and his excitement about providing artists with incredible, high quality, even eco friendly tattoo supplies. I love the heart behind Maverick and the support this company offers to tattooers all over. I am so thankful to know this team and have their support!

· Do you have any favorite groupings and or Maverick products you use while tattooing? 

A while back I tried out some bugpin curved mags and they were amazing. I was very happy with the quality. Im really looking forward to using some of Mavericks eco friendly tattoo supplies was well! Freezo liquid solidifier is amazing!

· If you weren't a tattoo artist, where do you think you'd be & what do you think you'd be doing? 

I actually ask myself this question all the time lol! I love so many things. I would definitely still own my own business. I would likely own a coffee shop, do some sort of bead working or jewelry making, paint full time, or re-sell thrifted clothing items I have redesigned into something new.

· Can you describe the first time you were exposed to a tattoo or tattooing experience? 

I got my first tattoo at 18 years old. So exciting lol. I designed it myself and I was 1 of 2 people in my entire school who had a tattoo. I SHOCKED everyone because I was a nerd…not a badass.

· Top 3 artist you admire? Can you give us a brief description?

Chance Gomez: He is my business partner in crime! I have such great respect for him. Chance has taught me so much. His passion for tattooing is admirable. He has great respect for tattooing and where it came from. He has so much wisdom to share and I always know I can go to him with any questions I have. Not to mention, he is humble, kind, loves his family, and is an amazing tattoo artist!

· What are some funny or embarrassing tattoo moments you have? 

I accidentally tattooed a mandala of penises. It was one of those things I discovered way after the fact. Lol. I tattooed it, years later came across a photo of the tattoo, and realized- oh. Thats a lot of penises. And im certain that is not what my client was going for.

· If you were to win "best tattooer in the world" lol, who would you thank and why? 

Oh my gosh. Hahaha. Uh, probably one of my most favorite clients. His name is Roy. His very first tattoo ever was immediately a full sleeve- then immediately a full leg sleeve. He is so enthusiastic and appreciative and I adore him!

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

Nevada baby! I love Las Vegas so much. I need good weather all year round. I need the sun and I need palm trees. Everything about vegas is what I need to survive effectively lol. I also love how Vegas provides big city options when it comes to activities and things to do while simultaneously offering residents with a small town feel in regards to friendships and community.

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

Oh this is huge! I love this question. Stress takes such a huge toll on a tattooers mental health and capacity to grow. I get it. Number one, REST. FIND REST. Rest is not earned, rest is a necessity. If we do not allow ourselves adequate rest away from social, away from work, away from the daily grind….we will only find ourselves stressed and burned out. I can say so much about this but I will leave it at that.

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

Wow, just one? There are so many moments in my life that have seemed to completely change the trajectory of my life. But honestly, the first thing that came to mind with this question was meeting my husband. It was so random and so quick and so sudden- yet both of our lives changed dramatically shortly after we met. After only knowing one another for about a month or so, we committed to be with one another for life….

· Do you have a unique client that stands out, that maybe inspired you or motivated you in any way? 

Honestly my guy Roy I already talked about! Him and his whole family are just so amazing. They all get tattooed by me and I just adore how much they all love one another and how close they all are. They’ve suffered great tragedy in their lives but they did not allow it to keep them from living and finding joy in life. I truly admire Roy and his family in so many ways.

· How do you feel about today's social media driven world and the challenges we face as artists feeling the need to constantly promote ourselves? 

I am so freaking old and crotchety when it comes to social media now a days. But I also know that social media has brought me so many connections with amazing clients and tattooers. I have to show appreciation in that sense. Outside of that, I hate the idea of needing a marketing degree just to get my art seen. Lol. It gets tiring.

It's officially  November- the month of warmth & gratitude.Crisp air & shorter days... this time of the year is all about being
thankful.🧡

Thanks to all of YOU we were able to donate our
monthly cap of $1,000 to..

FIGHT THE NEW DRUG

This month's spotlight artist is Nicholas Pierce and he chose to have his monthly donation go to FIGHT THE NEW DRUG. Fight the New Drug is an organization working to decrease the demand for sexual exploitation through education while helping individuals live lives free from the harmful consequences that sexual exploitations can cause.

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.

Did you know  your local  health department requires tattoo artists to label all your fluids bottles (soaps, surface sanitizer, water, and alcohol) in a professional tattoo shop? Here's 5 important reasons to step up your bottle label game:

1. Safety and Hygiene: Properly label fluid bottles so the contents are easily identifiable. This is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in a tattoo shop. Tattoo inks, pigments, soaps, alcohol , and other fluids used in the tattooing process should be clearly marked to prevent cross-contamination and to ensure that the correct substances are used.

 2. Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Labeling bottles helps prevent the accidental mixing of different substances. Cross-contamination can occur if bottles are not labeled, leading to health risks for both the tattoo artist and the client. Using the wrong ink or fluid can result in infections or other adverse reactions.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Health departments have specific regulations and guidelines for tattoo shops to ensure public health and safety. Proper labeling of fluid bottles is often a requirement to meet these regulations. Tattoo artists are expected to adhere to these guidelines to maintain their operating licenses and protect the health of their clients.

4. Traceability: In the event of an adverse reaction, infection, or other issue, having properly labeled bottles allows for traceability. If there is a problem, the health department and you as a professional can investigate the source of the issue and take appropriate action, which may include your own inspections and investigations as to what happened in tattoo process.

5. Professionalism: Labeling fluid bottles demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to safety and hygiene. Clients are more likely to trust tattoo studios that adhere to these practices, and it helps build a positive reputation for the industry. Also in our case, the labels just look amazing!

In summary, labeling fluid bottles in a tattoo shop is a crucial practice to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and tattoo artists. It helps prevent cross-contamination, complies with health department regulations, and fosters a professional and responsible image for the tattoo industry.

PURCHASE YOUR BOTTLE LABEL PACKS NOW!

https://mavericktattoomercantile.com/collections/bottle-labels/products/professional-tattooer-bottle-label-pack