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

Cory Cartwright

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.