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

PLA 

PLA also known as Polylactic Acid, is basically a special kind of plastic that is better for the environment.

It's made from things like plants and corn which makes it possible to break down by itself and doesn't stick around in the environment for too long! 

Why is PLA a better choice? 

Biodegradable: PLA breaks down naturally over time, reducing plastic waste, making it great for one-time use items. (ink cups, rinse cups, razors, bottle bags, pen machine covers). This is why we chose to add an eco-friendly line of products, because most all of our tattoo needs can be substituted for a more environmentally friendlyer option! 

Renewable: As mentioned above, PLA is made from renewable sources like cornstarch! This is so beneficial because this helps us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels (oil, coil) for plastic.

Lower Carbon Emissions: Making PLA creates less air pollution than regular plastics, which is better for the environment.

Low Toxicity: It's less harmful to people and the environment during production and use.

Recyclable: PLA can be recycled through composting and special recycling systems, further reducing its environmental impact.

To get a better understanding as to why PLA products are better than plastic, it's important to consider the benefits (mentioned above). PLA products are kinder to human health AND the environment as a whole, enhancing safety and responsibility in the tattoo industry. Additionally, they come from sustainable sources and can be recycled which further contributes to their eco-friendly appeal. 

Embrace the future of tattooing by choosing eco-friendly products. It's not just about tattooing; it's about leaving a positive mark on our planet, one tattoo at a time.

Why NOT make the switch to eco-friendly? 

If you didn't already know, we offer a full line of ECO-FRIENDLY tattoo products. Our bundles include options for: 

· RAZORS

· INK CUPS (Sizes S / M / L) 

· RINSE CUPS

· BOTTLE BAGS

· PEN MACHINE COVERS

· CLIP CORD COVERS

ECO FRIENDLY TATTOO PRODUCTS

JONNIE COIMBRA

Introducing this month's ARTIST SPOTLIGHT! Our talented family artist from Concord, NH is Jonnie. He has been with us for a while and his work is absolutely stunning (see below). Jonnie is a tattoo artist and owner of Golden Order Tattoo in New Hampshire and has been in the tattoo game for 6 years now. He specializes in Neo-traditional tattoos with muted color tones and lots of varying line weights. If you're ever wandering through the New Hampshire landscapes, don't miss a chance to swing by his shop. And for those of you who might be a tad far from Jonnie, be sure to give his social media channels a visit!

IG: @jmc.tattoo

SHOP: Golden Order Tattoo

ABOUT YOU: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU/ SOCIAL MEDIA @'s?  

I'm a tattooer and owner of Golden Order Tattoo out of New Hampshire and I've been at it for six years. I specialize in Neo-traditional tattoos with muted color tones and lots of varying line weights. When I'm not tattooing I'm frequently out in nature seeking inspiration or spending time with friends and family. You can find me on Instagram under the handle @jmc.tattoo or you can find me on my shop website www.goldenordertattoo.com

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAVERICK?

I love Maverick for its grass roots vibe; keeping things really personal with every purchase. You can tell they really appreciate your patronage with the signed thank you cards they place in every delivery. They have been right by my side since I started working with them and always go out of their way to represent the artists they sponsor. This is an organization about the artists. I love their product for sure, I don't use anything else. High quality cartridge's and awesome shop materials like bio-degradable bottle bags, clip cord covers, ink caps etc. Oh and their packaging is awesome.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GROUPINGS AND OR MAVERICK SUPPLIES YOU USE WHILE TATTOOING?

I like running their tight liners and open mags, specifically the 15 curved mag and the 23 curved mags. I use their bottle bags, and clip cord covers as a way to cut down on plastic waste. I love that Maverick includes bio-degradable options.

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

this is a tough one.. Maybe a sloth? I like to relax as often as I have the chance haha.

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

My first tattoo experience is technically a stick and poke I did on my own wrist when I was fifteen. As far as being tattooed in a shop I was 18 and I got a sun and moon on my wrist done by Matt Clark. He currently works out of Meredith NH at Midnight Moon tattoo. Solid guy, would recommend.

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

1.Viviana Calvo- for her use of bright color and really intricate designs 2.Ulyss Blair- I just love his portrayal of animals (have you seen his birds?)

3.Rob Borbas- His work is just wild so detailed. I can look at his work all day long.

WHAT ARE SOME FUNNY TATTOO MOMENTS YOU HAVE?

Early in my career I had a client come in that wanted some script. They showed me what they wanted- it was spelled incorrectly so I pointed that out but they insisted. So after trying to convince them to correct the spelling error I just did the tattoo. They later wanted a refund because it was spelled incorrectly..... I thought it was funny.

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

I probably have to go a little old school and say Brand New. Its got a moody sort of feel at times, but can also brighten up when needed.

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

I'd thank my closest friends in the industry for constantly being a source of inspiration and growth. People like Randy Burnham, Bill Quindley, Neil Comeau, Gian Karle.. I could go on and on.

SECRET HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?

I can do a head stand.. Shhh *don't tell anyone*.

WHAT IS YOUR KRYPTONITE?

Video games... I can lose whole days just gaming away in a dark room.

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

My cat for sure. Sleep, eat, and play all day? like could life get better?

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

The Lord of The Rings. Book or film. You wanna see a good example of friendship?

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

I'm currently located in New Hampshire. I love that I'm close to Boston, the ocean, and a massive mountain range. There is always something to do yet its nice and quiet at home.

WHAT IS SOMETHING WEIRD YOU DO BEFORE BEDTIME?

I do yoga, is that weird?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH STRESS' THAT THE BUSY TATTOO LIFE CAN BRING ON?

Take some time off here and there. I take a week off every month just to do things that I love and spend time doing leisurely things . DONT WORK SEVEN DAYS A WEEK- the hustle aint going anywhere.

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

I was working in a street shop for a couple years in my early career, but I wanted to specialize and focus on neotrad. I saw that Randy or @rb.tattoo was looking for help at his shop so I hit him up thinking what's the harm in trying. He responded and took me on and from there my career took off and I got to learn from one of the best I believe in this country. Pretty life changing.

WHO IS THE MOST UNIQUE CLIENT YOU HAVE EVER MET?

Probably the one client I had who brought in a sleeve he designed printed on paper with exact measurements to his arm. He wanted the tattoo EXACTLY as it was in his mock up. So I did it... and he hated it. Never saw him again.

DOES THE CONSTANT PRESSURE AND CHALLENGE OF PROMOTING YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA EXAUST YOU OR IS IT SECOND NATURE?

It is single handedly... My least favorite part of the job.

October's Side Hustle is with none other than long time family friend, Travis Jackson.

Having known Travis over the course of the last 3 decades it's almost impossible knowing when and how to start an introduction. Mixing together hilarious charm, purposely awkward questions and comments, alongside his sporty energy, there's no doubt you'll never be able to maintain a dull moment around him. One thing is for certain though: Travis has never stopped drawing. He's always prepared with a  pen and sketchbook tucked away in his pockets. Whether at the dinner table, coffee shop, barber shop, or even while riding his bike! Travis always manages to get a line down!  You may have seen some of his murals located inside local restaurant Cornish Pasty Co., cocktail bar The Velveteen Rabbit , Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, and MGM Grand Resort's LEVEL UP!  With such a unique style and weird characters, his work is easily recognizable amongst the crowd. 

It's truly an honor to celebrate him here for all of you ! 

$5 will ENTER you in a chance to WIN this one of a kind- 1 out of 1  10.5" X 15" painting. 

KEEP READING to find out more about this lovely human being !

MAKE SURE TO GRAB YOUR RAFFLE TICKET HERE!! 

ARE YOU A FULL TIME ARTIST?

On & off (depending on the month or year) haha

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE OUTLET THAT YOU MIGHT CONSIDER A SIDE HUSTLE OR HAS NOW BECOME A FULL TIME GIG?

Well, I do commercial illustration, paintings, murals, animation, printmaking, gallery work, zines, poster design, apparel, commissioned odd jobs, etc… but to be honest they all seem like slight variations of drawing to me. The mediums may vary in approach & process but at the end of the day - they’re all based on a love for drawing.

WAS THERE A KEY MOMENT IN LIFE THAT INSPIRED YOU TO MOVE FORWARD AND TAKE YOUR CREATIVE OUTLET OR SIDE HUSTLE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

There have been plenty of key moments & scenarios that pushed me to create full time… but the truth is that I have gone back & forth between doing it on the side vs. full time for the last 17 years.

DO YOU THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ARTISTS TO HAVE MULTIPLE CREATIVE OUTLETS?

Absolutely. I don’t understand how anybody can do the same thing over & over without losing interest at some point. My inspiration dwindles drastically without some level of stimulation from novel experiences

DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE OUTLET THAT YOU'D RATHER NOT TURN INTO A SIDE HUSTLE? SOMETHING JUST FOR YOU - THAT HELPS YOU UNWIND AND RELAX?

Yes! I do a lot of large scale ink drawings on newsprint with no premeditation or planning whatsoever. I call them “warm-ups” or “therapy” or a “creative charge” because they are very effective at helping me to loosen up & be present with my mark making habits. Most of my paid gigs can be very precise & refined.. & tend to stiffen me up psychologically. My girlfriend has been telling me that I need to do them on higher quality paper & sell them because some of them end up being my best work.. but I think it’s the fast/intuitive aspect & lack of hesitation that makes them enjoyable (both to make & look at). Obviously, there’s no concern of wasting a 5 cent piece of newsprint so they tend to manifest quickly & boldly & without fear of mistakes.. & the good ones usually end up wheat pasted somewhere in public.

DO YOU HAVE A BIGGER PICTURE OR A VISION OF WHERE A SIDE PROJECT OF YOURS COULD TAKE YOU?

Yeah - I’d love to travel more to do murals & show work in different countries. Although I’ve done a decent amount of large scale / high-paying murals - the vast majority of them have been local. I’ve fantasized most of my life about painting for & amongst completely different cultures (so holler at me if you live outside the U.S. & want odd psychedelic imagery on your wall!! ;)