About Me
2023
Professionally, I’m passionate about designing tattoos and painting flash, and I've recently started rebuilding tattoo machines, finding a lot of satisfaction in the process. I spend a lot of my time reading and watching videos about the history of tattooing and techniques. I’ve learned a lot from others who have made a name for themselves in the industry and I have so much respect for them. (Sailor Jerry, Ed Hardy, Freddy Corbin to name a few). It’s amazing living in the world we do. Not only can we learn from our local mentors, but with social media and the internet, we are able to learn from people all over the world. One person that comes to mind is Paul Dobleman. He’s developed his own recognizable style based on American Traditional tattoo work. I suppose that’s the goal, is to find your own style as an artist, and that’s what will make your work stand out.
Aside from tattooing, I enjoy wakeboarding, snowboarding, hiking, camping, bowling, skating, film enthusiast. I like to read, big fan of Stephen King. A bit of a Harry Potter nerd as well to be honest.
I’m a tattooer but I’m and a big family guy. I come from a tight-knit family and we get together pretty often. Now I’ve actually got my own little family with my girlfriend, her two girls, and our dog Jackie. The support and love of my family is everything to me and I’m so blessed to have them.
Why did you start tattooing?
I grew up with parents who had tattoos. So when I reached adulthood I fell in love with the art and environment of it all when I was getting tattooed. It took me awhile to break into the industry (as it should be, respectfully) but I’m so grateful for my mentors and supporters during the journey the last five years.
What are your goals?
The only goal I truly have is to have the privilege of both doing what I love for a living while comfortably supporting myself and my family. It’s hard to make goals for tattooing specifically, because as Sailor Jerry once said “I haven't done my best yet… only my best so far”.
Some of my favorite quotes
"I am my own worst competitor and also my own most severe critic and it's a hell of a spot to be in!" - Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
“I'm always willing to listen to somebody else's ideas…because we can always learn more." - Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
"I don't have a single design that can't be improved on; every so often I get the urge to "renew" to keep ahead of the tattoo masters!” - Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
“Bold simplicity is the keynote to good design.” - Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins
“I just wanted to tattoo by any means necessary. I wasn't going to say no to somebody who was just going to open the door for me.” - Freddy Corbin