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 on my upper left bicep at 15 years old. A family friend tattooed a cross with my initials and some tribal design behind it in red. Needless to say, it's been covered.
TOP 3 ARTISTS YOU ADMIRE. CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION?
Andy Chambers @andechamber He is the only person that I have ever seen do every style of tattooing flawlessly and he has done 90% of my body suit. Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky Anastasia Strizh @murrrmurous Their ability to freehand geometry is otherworldly!
WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?
About 5 years ago, when I was working at Sandbridge Tattoo, I had a woman scheduled for a large leg piece from thigh to knee. I shaved her, laid down the stencil and she asked me to move the stencil to the inside of her leg. I shaved her and laid the stencil again. It wasn't until she did this again that I realized she was just getting me to shave her entire leg. Finally, the stencil was then laid on the original placement and tattooed.
IF YOU WERE TO CHOOSE A BAND TO BEST DESCRIBE YOUR ARTWORK, WHICH BAND WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
Free Flow Flava - Alexandr Osipov (born October 18, 1994), better known as FREE FLOW FLAVA, is a beatmaker from Russia. His first official album “BOKUDEN” was released in 2014. FFF claims to be hugely inspired by Eastern Asian folklore, and is known for mixing traditional Japanese music with modern hip-hop beats.
IF YOU WERE TO WIN BEST TATTOOER IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD YOU THANK AND WHY?
I would thank my wife, my son, my parents, and my clients. My family has been with me through all of my trials and tribulations. I have always been able to count on them through and through. My clients because I wouldn't be able to do what I love without them!
SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?
I am a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo and I have trained in four other martial arts.
WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?
My kryptonite is when clients try to micromanage me. I prefer to work with as much creative freedom as possible.
ANY PERSON THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR THE DAY?
If I get their abilities too then I would say Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky or Anastasia Strizh @murrrmurous
WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY EVERYONE SHOULD READ OR WATCH? WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT SPECIFIC ONE?
Everyone should read 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius and 'The Art of Living' by Epictetus. I recommend them because they are life changing.
WHICH STATE ARE YOU LOCATED? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHY?
Virginia Beach, VA currently. I like this area because we're not land locked and my family is here.
WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?
I usually draw and smoke weed before bedtime.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS?
The best way that I deal with stress is to work because my tattooing intricate patterns and designs brings me peace.
DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? DO YOU MIND SHARING?
A moment that changed my life is when I met my wife. I was in an extremely depressive state when we met and she never gave up on me, she taught me how to love and be loved again. I was able to remove anything that wasn't for me or good for me with her strength, love and support. We were able to open GreyScale Tattoo Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. We brought on 4 artists and we all make a great team! Before her, I had very little hope in life.
WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE TATTOOER YOU HAVE EVER MET?
Kenji Alucky @kenji_alucky he's just someone you'd need to meet yourself; dude is otherworldly, seriously!
WITH HAVING TO PROMOTE YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET?
Fortunately, my wife manages this side of the business and it makes things a hell of a lot easier for me! She allows me to focus on my clients, drawing and tattooing without worrying about the nuances of daily operations.
