December Issue #4

Tell us a little bit about yourself where are you from and what was it like growing up?

I was born and raised in the best borough, Manhattan, of the best city in the world, New York City. I am very proud of that, if it’s not already obvious. I have no plans on ever leaving but I never knew how tough it was growing up here until I became an adult. Nonetheless, growing up here has been an adventure to say the least and I wouldn’t change a thing. I come from a Domin ican family so anyone who’s Hispanic knows that family is important, I’m so grateful to say that I come from a loving family who know how to have fun.

At what age did you realize you wanted to be a tattoo artist? And how did that journey begin?

I personally feel like I realized too late in life that I wanted to pursue tattooing. Obviously you can pursue your dreams no matter your age but I wish I had a few more years of knowledge un der my belt. I was 21 when I finally decided to leave art school and find a tattoo apprenticeship. There was a lot of dirty work, uncertainty and self doubt but tattooing was just too much fun to give up. I wanted to get better so bad and I did eventually but I am forever learning!

How long have you now been tattooing and how has it treated you?

I’ve been tattooing for a little over ten years now and although I have many complaints, I really can’t complain, if that makes any sense at all. Tattooing has given me some amazing in dustry friends, some cool ass clients and cre ative freedom at its fullest. It’s still very trippy that people let me permanently draw on them, I’m eternally humbled by that.

I seen that you were on the T.v show Hero ink tell us a little bit about what that was like?

Would you do more TV shows if asked?

Hero Ink was so cool to be a part of! I loved being part of a project with such heart and integrity. I literally cried so many times on set hearing some of the stories, even if I wasn’t the one tattooing. I’m definitely down to do more tv work because I love the show making process itself. So that won’t be the last you see of me on TV!

Janice Danger

Congratulations on being a mother now! What’s that like with tattooing, working with tattoo academy and life itself?

It really did take a while to navigate but I’m glad that motherhood allowed me to set a work schedule. Tattooers will agree that this job can become a 24/7 shift, so now I’m forced to pull myself away from that from time to time and enjoy watching my child grow. Tattoo Academy has been great so far, I get to take part in putting good tattooers out into the world! Even once the course is done, I’m still very much involved in the students tattoo journey.

Your style is very pretty and delicate, what got you into that certain style?

My style really just evolved from how I draw on paper. Back when I started tattooing, it was beneficial to take on whatever style the client wanted because of the money and learning expe rience. After I gained a steady clientele, I started experimenting with designs that were more my style and it just morphed into a floral pepper-shaded dream.

What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of tattooing?

I’m a pretty boring person these days and I absolutely love it. When I’m not tattooing or chas ing after my kid, my husband and I love to play video games. Some of my favs are Assassins Creed (the Ezio trilogy) and God of War.

Do you have any big plans for the New Year?

I really want to get back to traveling next year! Getting pregnant during the pandemic kind of threw a wrench in my travel plans. I’ve also got a few projects lined up outside of tattooing but still within the creative field that I can’t wait to start on.

So Tell us a little bit about your self?

I was born and raised in a tiny town in Ohio, moved around a couple times before ending up in California - where I have now resided for 10 years. I have always been a creative person and have delved into several art forms (graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, special fx, etc). Fashion and beauty have also always been an interest of mine, around the age of 14 was when I began altering my clothing to make it fit my personal style more. A few years ago I finally landed an opportunity into the fashion industry, and I have stuck with it since.

When did you start Desthstetics and how is that business going for you? I seen some celebrities have worn one of your outfits tell us about that?

I started Deathstetics during the pandemic in 2020 (best and worst timing). New businesses are always tough, especially when it is something that is a very niche (and expensive) category, as well as many other factors to consider - but I think the hardest part is always just getting started. I am fortunate enough to have made some friends and acquaintances along my journey of living in LA, who see what I have to offer and are excited to support my dream and spread the word to their circles.

You’re also a model, streamer, and many other things? Sounds like you’re very busy, how do you handle all of that? What’s it all like?

This is the busiest I have ever been in my entire life, it takes a massive amount of time and effort to run your own business(es) - but I’m so passionate about what I do, I wouldn’t rather do any thing else (though I would love some clones to make managing everything more feasible). It’s very chaotic and because I am just one person doing everything, I’m not always able to do all of the things I need/want to do, but I’m just doing my best.

If you could make an outfit for anyone in the world who would it be and why?

It’s odd because though I have made garments for some celebrities and it’s always a gratifying feeling, I don’t necessarily have a bucket list of people I’d like to dress; I’m just happy to create for anyone who loves my visions and sees the value in what I am doing.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Any big plans?

In the future, I just hope to continue keeping the dream alive, and have it all get to a place where I can hire appropriate outside sources in order to give my company the fullest potential that I envision

The Most Famous Studio

Marco Scarfó, cosmopolitan Italian, resides in France in Perpignan, the city called by Salvador Dalí “The center of the universe”; founder and manager of “The Most Famous Studio”, “The Most Famous Gallery” and “Scarfò Galleries”, which are sections of “The Most Famous Project”. He personally selects talented artists and tattoo artists, some of them internationally renowned,sponsored and published. Marco Scarfó has organized during a period full of difficulties, from 2019 until today, events and ex hibitions in The Most Famous Gallery for some of the most famous artists in the world to whom he has offered his space for World Premiere, names like Rich Harris, Aleksandr Romashev Sigal, Steve Butcher, Jayfreestyle / James Asher, Will Yu, Maria Kleis and more.

The 3 technical rooms of The Most Famous Studio are used by tattoo art ists, mostly guests, for short periods, where the best international artists can demonstrate the best of their skills thanks to the clients selected by the studio, who only choose creations medium and large size. The studio and gallery are already published as the best and most important in the city and the department, supported by international sponsors: <It is about offering the best of the world market in one renowned place, respecting the client’s needs and always trying to grow professionally>, explains Marco Scarfó.

Contacts : Mobile or WhatsApp +33778403601 Email: scarfo.france@gmail.com Instagram: @ mostfamous0 / @mostfamousgallery Facebook: The Most Famous Studio / The Most Fa mous Gallery

Photographer-@wahmphoto

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you’re from, your current location, and a little bit about your past?

I am from Chicago, IL. I started off as a barber and opened up my own shops throughout Chi cago. I slowly wanted to start a new business venture and came across SMP around 9 years ago. Now I have been doing this for around 8 years. I am currently in Los Angeles working through a residency at Ganga Tattoo LA. The most prominent tattoo studio in the LA area.

Have you ever tattooed anything besides hair/ cosmetics ? If so tell us a little bit about that.

I have also tattooed scalps, although I do have an appreciation for tattoos and have a lot of tattoos on my body. Through this industry you get to meet a lot of talented individuals and it’s an honor to get pieces done by colleagues.

You have some really cool videos on your Instagram, do you travel a lot for work or just travel?

I travel a lot to spread the word about SMP and to teach classes around the world. It’s such a new procedure that many people have not been introduced to.

Do you have any big plans for the New Year?

Going into the next year I’m going to be teaching more often, in new locations across the globe and opening up a full time academy overseas. I can’t share much yet but my goal is to keep ex panding. I hope to start a podcast on entreprenualship

What’s it like tattooing someone’s head and face? I’m sure it’s got to be nerve racking!

At first it was nerve recking and there’s a lot of pressure because this changes someone’s ap pearance but It’s all about being patient and also making sure the client is properly healing their scalp. SMP healing is much different than a standard tattoo so making sure they’re aware and handling that properly is a big part of the process

What do you like to do outside of work? hobbies ect…

I really love speaking to people and passing along the message to continue working on their passions. I have always enjoyed connecting with people and that’s another reason why I find SMP so fascinating. It allows me to connect with people from around the world about a common issue.

So where are you from, where are you now and tell us a little about yourself please.

I was born in Ukraine and have lived there and in Russia for a long time. Just a few years ago I moved to Italy and stayed there for a while. I really enjoyed to discover European tat too masters and work there. Now by chance I am in Austin, Texas and start ing an absolutely new chapter in my art life.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

As a child, I saw a poster of Axl Rose - the lead vocalist of one of my favor ite bands Guns N’ Roses. More precise ly I paid attention to his tattoo sleeves. And it delighted me at the same time. I think it was that tipping point when I have this idea about having a career of a tattoo master. And also it inspired me to go learn to draw.

How long have you been tattooing for and how has it been going?

I have been a professional tattoo artist for 14 years. Everything is going pretty well so far. But there was a period in my life when I wanted to quit everything. This was at the time when Covid-19 started. I seriously thought that I could no longer take tattoo needles in my hands. But then I was again convinced that this is my life’s work.

What style are you best known for and what got you into that certain style?

I have always liked two styles: realism and Japanese tattoo. For a long time I could not choose one thing. But at one point, I realized that I don’t need to choose. I came up with the idea to combine two of my favorite styles. And so my signature style was born. And now people recognize me by it.

Do you ever travel for work? If so tell us about it. Yes, I definitely travel a lot because of work and thanks to work. I have attended many conventions both in Russia and Europe. France, Italy, the Netherlands - everywhere you could find specialists in their field and I always wanted to learn something new from them and be able to develop. But I always needed to speak English well for that. This was the incentive for me to go study English. So I ended up in the USA and now a new world of tattoos has opened up for me.

What hobbies do you have outside of work?

I am obsessed with books. I am pulling them out one by one. And I like to read books of completely different genres.I also love cycling very much. I don’t do it professionally, but I like to get together with friends and explore new places on my bike.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

If earlier I thought that three years is a long time, now I understand that they will fly by very quickly. I would like to remain a professional and be satisfied with my work. Stability is a sign of excellence. Do you have a least favorite tattoo style and why?

Maybe I will seem strange, but I think that in every style there is something special and eye-catching. There are styles in which I can hardly work, but I can understand each master and his vision. This diversity is the main idea of art.

When did you start tattooing and what was your apprenticeship like?

I started my journey about 6 years ago actually. My apprenticeship was about a year; and I hon estly thought that working in Cali in the me dia industry would prepare me for the bullshit lifestyle. You know...taking out trash, cleaning toilets, crying and self despair. Yeah no I was completely wrong.

I definitely did all the bitch work for sure and then some. I had one artist named Amber My ers that really took me under her wing in the shop and really taught me all she knew...while I took the brunt of the work from the others. Scrubbing toilets, cleaning the grout in the tiles with a toothbrush, being absolutely ridiculed in front of clients, losing my pride and my sense of will to live day by day.

Though it did get better obviously...to believe I was at that stage only 6 years ago really gets me. Now we have a great shop and awesome family!

So I see you work in Nebraska if I am cor rect, is that where you’re originally from? Tell us a little bit about yourself

Well actually I grew up in a small town in Colorado called Agate. I grew up on a ranch.. can you believe it?

We eventually moved here to Nebraska when my dad took a position at the Community College here in North Platte Nebraska right as I was about to hit High School.

I eventually graduated, did the college thing, moved to California and lived on a couch... you know..lived that glamorous life haha but eventually I grew tired and fell out of love with my job so I moved back home.

I Figured since I threw away my degree and wanted something to do with art I would make my parents proud and try tattooing haha

Looks like you like doing black and grey, stip ple, and whip shading style tattoos. What got you into that particular style?

I honestly thought I’d definitely be doing an other genre for sure, but I got into this style one day when a young lady came in and wanted a simple dainty pepper shaded flower on her shoulder. My mentor had me take it on and I pretty much rocked it. It’s been my style ever since and I mess with it every day trying differ ent ways to make it clean and fresh. Putting my own spin to it!

Are there any other styles you do enjoy doing or wish you could do more of?

I thought I’d be doing more black and grey realism since that’s basically all I do with pencil and paper. I get to do it every once in a while and I enjoy the hell out of it. Otherwise believe it or not I’m super into horror tattoos. Love a good horror movie and mon ster mash up in the shop. Makes for some great ideas...but not a lot of horror lovers in Nebras ka...just corn lol

Who are some of the other artists that have in spired you in this industry?

When I was younger, and to this day, I seriously look up to Stefano Alcantara. His work is just *chefs kiss*Right now though I’ve definitely turned into the direction of Cam Pohl because he basically does what I want to ultimately end up doing. Lots of black and grey with dainty flower work. A nice mixture of the both!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Oh man, that’s a tough one. I think a lot of people’s concepts of tattoo artists are just so glamor ous.And well not a lot of our lifestyles are like that. I can definitely get down with a great video game, trash TV, or a good book. Otherwise I love traveling and seriously seeing the world. Life is short and I want to do as much as I can so I can look back and feel good about all the memories I’ve stored away. Cheesy I know...

Do you ever get to travel for work conventions etc.

I try to do about 4 to 5 conventions a year. I stick to the smaller ones because they feel more personable..also terrified of the large crowds and big named artists at the other shows. Every one is just so intimidating haha

I’d love to eventually get into the European tour at some point in my life just to say I did it. Or do some more guest spots...but I don’t know a lot of people...Do you know anyone?

If you could tattoo any celebrity what would you do and on who?

OLLIE SYKES ( Singer for Bring

me the hori zon)

Let me add to that sporadic cluster of art he has covering his body! It would be an honor!

Pro Team Jimmy Dalessio

Lydia Bruno

Pammy Sellers Pepe Carire

Artist-@jimmydalessio

Artist-@pammy_sellers

Artist-@pammy_sellers

Orion Stephens

So tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? What was it like growing up?

I grew up in Baltimore, MD. My parents divorced when I was 6, so my brother and I were rocking it out with my mom for a while. She remarried and we have a step bro as well. I was in private school until I hit high school which was a big change, where I cleaned house on the wres tling team all four years haha. I guess it wasn’t too bad, had a pretty normal upbringing.

At what age do you remember getting into music?

I remember getting into music super young and I thought Michael Jackson was everything lol (his music still slaps) But mainly around 9 or so, my dad put me onto Korn and Limp Bizkit. I then became a big nu metal kid. (Got a Korn tattoo and all that now lol)

So you are in the band “In dying arms” how and when did the band start? Tell us a little bit about the band as well

I started In Dying Arms in high school back in 2006 with a bunch of my friends. We wanted to have fun and play metalcore madness. Now it still holds true but has evolved drastically since incorporating the new elements the genre has gone. A strong deathcore influence came in during the 2010 era. A lot of ambient dark leadwork now run the show as well. If you like heavy melodic music, you’ll easily find something to like with IDA \mm/

Who are some of your biggest influences in the music industry?

Literally all the bands I grew up on that are still kicking it that are fucking legends. Korn, Slip knot, Deftones, etc

Do you and the band have any big plans coming up for the new years?

We are wrapping up a full length, which will be our first record since 2016. The band broke up in 2017. We have since dropped 3 singles you can listen to with our comeback. Cold & Empty (2020) Deathwish (2021) Dark Days (2022) ( Youtube, And @indyingarms)

If you could do a tour with one band of your choice who would it be and why?

Korn because yeah lol

What are some of your hobbies outside of music and work?

I’m a pretty big social person so I’m always hanging with friends. This is still music related but I spend a lot of my time record ing. I’ve got a home studio and love creating new music. What’s even more fun is throw ing some beer back with the homies and recording freestyles with all the T-pain au totune in the world on it lmao. Also, I have a fiancé who I spent all my free time with all around that. She keeps me grounded haha

In dying arms just dropped a new music video a few months back ( dark days) what’s it like creating one?

Creating a music video is too much fun. You can finally paint that picture you want ed to paint with the track visually. Bringing the story to life. You do end up doing takes over and over and over again. Hitting dif ferent angles, the whole shebang. Check out Dark Days now if you haven’t yet \mm/