THE YOUR TATTOO NEEDS
Reduces / Eliminates Dry, Peeling & Scabbed skin
Breathable Protective layer for the wound
Absorbs into the Skin / Non-greasy feel
Restores / Retains
Tattoo Vibrancy
Former Art teacher and professionally exhibited Artist, has been formulating natural skincare for the last 14 years. Her knowledge of essential oils, butters and herbs has her taking a different approach to preserving tattoo art through Urban's Edge aftercare
VEGAN FORMULA
Eliminates the Afterburn / Soothes the Skin
Jojoba Butter and Oils
Balances and Hydrates
Skin
URBANSEDGETATTOO.COM
WOODSY SCENT LAVENDER SCENT UNSCENTED SWEET MINT SCENT CITRUS SCENT E TH ICAL LY SOURCED BEESWAX
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So tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from and what was it like growing up?
I’m originally from Inner Mongolia, and I’m proud to say I’m Mongolian too. When I was a kid, school books just didn’t do it for me. Painting, getting creative with fun and novel things – that was my groove. As I grew up, my path led me to the world of tattooing, and it felt like a natural fit. I currently reside in Shanghai, China now where I tattoo full time.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I kicked off my tattoo journey in 2012, so it’s been a solid 11 years since then. This ride has been all about accumulating my own experiences and refining my techniques. Over time, my understanding of tattoos evolved, from aesthetics to embracing different forms and styles, each stage bringing its own insights.
At what age can you remember getting into art?
I remember getting into art during elementary school art classes. I was always drawn to sketching a variety of things. It wasn’t until junior high that I dove into more formal art education. That’s when I had the chance to witness some amazing works of art, including many traditional Chinese pieces.
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So you specialize in traditional Chinese, and Japanese art. What got you into that particular styles?
You’re right, traditional-style art really resonates with me. There’s a certain allure and charm that these styles carry, which is why they’ve stood the test of time. When I’m at work, I infuse my own perspective into these styles, adding my understanding to the mix.
So tell us about the awards you have won?
Sure thing! I was thrilled to secure the second prize in the traditional big picture category at the 2018 Shanghai Cross-Border Art Exhibition. The winning piece was a Japanese-style octopus and flower full-arm tattoo.
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Do you ever travel for work? And if so, where are some of your favorite locations?
Absolutely, I’ve had some travel tattooing experiences, and they’ve been quite enjoyable. However, I find my zone in a stable working environment. That’s where I can really get into my creative flow and bring tattoos to life.
What hobbies do you have outside of work? What do you like to do for fun?
I’ve got quite a few interests outside of tattooing. Billiards, mahjong, Texas Hold’em, movies, music, and travel all make it to my list. Interestingly, many tattoos are born from customers’ passions, forming connections with people who share similar interests.
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So I see you live or are from Barcelona, are you currently there now? Tell us a little bit about yourself and what was it like growing up? Hey Hello!! I am Samir Chara, I’m from Argentina, Cordoba. So, i currently live in Barcelona, I work at Bhorn tattoo
How long have you been tattooing for and what got you into the industry?
I tattooed 8 - 9 years ago and I entered the industry thanks to a friend who tattooed, he sold me my first machine, that’s how I started, then I started as an apprentice in a studio and never stopped again.
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Tell us a little bit about your apprenticeship. Did you have a hard one or a easy-going one?
learning as always is hard and never ends, it is a constant roller coaster of emotions, but despite everything it is the most beautiful thing that happened to me in life, I owe a lot to the tattoo
So you specialize in what I can see fine line black and grey, floral black and grey, surrealism, and some beautiful color and color infused, what got you into those certain styles? Which one is your favorite?
Now I find myself exploring and studying blackwork with a lot of contrast, and the truth is that I fall in love with it more every day. I don’t know what brought me here, I just let myself go Is there a style you don’t like to do?
It’s very difficult to define that, because I love tattoos and I like everything. but at the moment I’m studying blackwork and Japanese and that’s what I like the most.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the art and tattoo industry?
one of my biggest inspirations are Gakkin, Fibs, hood, Alex Tabuns, Arang Eleven and thousands more haha
Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year?
I had a year with a lot of travel and a lot of work, so what’s left of the year I want to relax, paint, tattoo and be calm, I’m going to the Brussels convention in November and then to the Argentine convention in December.
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What do you do outside of work for fun?
I like to make music, paint, go out to eat with friends, explore new places, read books, watch movies.
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78 Jamie Fincher Trainer-@mok9_jamie Business-@magnumopusk9 Interviewed by-msellersink13
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Decoy-James Terry
Photo by- Lauren Scorey
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Let’s start off with you telling us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?
I was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in a small town on a lake north of Houston. We had 100 acres of woods behind our house so my days were spent exploring nature, fishing, hanging out with our animals, and gaming with my family. My dad was a vietnam vet, cop, road captain of a motorcycle club, worked a lot of extra jobs and had adventurous hobbies on land and sea so we met interesting people and did a lot of cool things. My mom was more grounded and not as big of a risk taker but both supported us in any endeavors thankfully. As my brother and I got older we became band nerds throughout school and had a ska band together. I remember we would meet up with the other 9 members an hour away to practice for about 15 minutes then just have a Family Guy and Little Ceasar’s pizza marathon all night. My brother ended up pursuing music professionally in Nashville and I was always obsessed with dogs so my passion developed into a career working a lot of different jobs in the pet care industry, getting a degree at a vet tech school, and ultimately moving to San Antonio where I started my own Dog Training business and went full time during the pandemic when the pet market exploded with people bored at home getting puppies that they realized they needed a lot of help training and managing once they went back to work.
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So you train dogs in many different styles from shutzhound, protection, obedience ect… tell us about how you got into this field of work and how is it going for you?
My business is mostly pet training but my personal hobby and passion is with protection sports.
In the day to day I help train people and their dogs on how to understand and live better with each other. 99% of this is training the owner! In my free time I love training my dogs for competition in a protection sport called PSA. It is a sport that relies on heavy obedience control, environmental soundness from the dog, and the willingness for the dog to bite and fight a suited decoy. My obsession with this field grew from hands on experience from my jobs and getting involved in training and sports with my personal dogs and realizing how amazing a bond can be with a dog if you truly understand how to work with them and their genetics and build a better relationship.In my 20’s I was constantly at the city shelters involved in rescue work and would temperament test many dogs to bring into the rescues I volunteered with. Through dog daycare and kennel work I was always observing dog interaction and learning how to read them and it just fascinated me as they say everything with their body language and energy and you can learn so much by just being quiet and paying attention. I became increasingly frustrated at the behavior of dogs people would bring into the vet clinics I worked at and the owner’s lackadaisical attitudes towards their dogs so I eventually made the career switch to dog training and being my own boss and life has never been better!
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Photo-Lauren Scorey
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Looks like you own or work with Beauceron’s and Doberman’s if I am correct, what made you choose that breed?
I first noticed Dobermans in 2006 when I was working at a kennel tech at a vet clinic. There was a client who surrendered their Doberman ‘Deuce’ to us since he could no longer care for him. He was a black and rust cropped and docked male with a commanding presence but a very sweet disposition and so goofy. I thought he was the most majestic and coolest dog I have been around. An employee took him home and I never forgot him. Some years later I was working a dog daycare job and we had a frequent camper Doberman named Willie, also a black and rust cropped and docked male who was cool as shit. Loved that dog and decided I wanted to learn more about this breed and potentially own one so I started researching, fostering for Doberman rescues, and eventually got my first well bred Red and Rust male I named Optimus Prime. That dog spearheaded my interest in dog sports as we tried everything together from agility, to weight pull, lure coursing, dock diving, protection sports, and I certified him as a therapy dog and we worked as a team comforting people from nursing homes, childrens homes, funerals, to universities before students took their exams. Since then I have never been without a Doberman or two!
I also had a strong love for herding breeds as I grew up with a sheltie and Border Collies. I found interest in the German Shepherd and dove into life with them as well from fostering to training and doing therapy work. Sometime in the early 2000’s I saw the Beauceron on TV and knew I had to have one being that they are a herding breed but look more like a Doberman. I sought out people that owned this rare breed here and met them and researched the hell out of the breed. I also fostered one to get some experience living with them. In 2019 I was finally able to get a Beauceron and after years of research I imported my puppy from a working kennel in Czech Republic so I could pursue protection sports with a capable dog. I currently have the Beauceron, two Dobermans, a Pomeranian, a Sphynx cat, and a Sulcata Tortoise!
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You are covered in tattoos, at what age did you start getting tattooed?
What do you think your favorite tattoo you have is so far?
I started at 19! I had a boyfriend then that was covered and I thought it was so cool and was inspired and no turning back. I am 37 now and have around or over 30 tattoos. My favorite is a portrait of my Beauceron and the character Venom taking over him. I love Venom and my Beauceron loves to eat people so I couldn’t think of a more perfect tattoo for him!
What was the most painful tattoo you have gotten so far?
Close tie between the sternum and stomach!
Do you have any big plans coming in the near future?
I have a PSA trial that my Beauceron and Doberman are entered in and I am doing some traveling in and out of state for working dog seminars and to keep improving my craft!
I also want to thank you for accepting me for the October issue. October is my favorite month and it is very dear to me as it was also my late Uncle’s favorite month and we shared a love for spooky season things. He was a veteran that dealt with a lot of hardships throughout his life and unfortunately he took his own life in October 2016. Please help or direct someone to help that needs it. Warning signs can be subtle and can completely be missed because sometimes hurting people put on the happiest faces so this is why it is so important to check in on your people.
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Decoy-Dennis Straube
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Photo-Tahra Wisemen
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So I’m your profile I see a Spain flag are you born and raised there? Tell us a little about yourself and what was it like growing up?
I was born in Russia, in a cold city from the region of Siberia named Omsk, but I moved to Spain when I was 16. My family and I were coming here for summer time for about 8 years, they always wanted me to move here to continue studying in a university and, in general, because life was way better here. We didn’t want to wait too long, so when I turned 16, no longer after that I came here, to Guardamar del Segura, a little town near Alicante, where I currently live. My parents could come only 1,5 year ago so all this time I´ve lived almost alone. The first couple of years were really hard - a totally new place, new country, no friends - that was literally like starting a whole new life. Anyway, I was so excited about this, I learnt Spanish pretty fast and I felt really accepted and integrated here. For me, it was the best decision in my life.
At what age did you start getting into art and and what age did you start getting in to the tattoo industry?
I have been into art since I was born haha. I´ve always loved drawing. I am self-taught, because for me drawing has always been the way to escape from reality, I always drew for pleasure. I started getting interested in tattooing when I was 12 years old, but I bought my first tattoo machine 5-6 years later. I didn’t know how to start, I was just following my favourite tattoo artists works and wondering how they were doing that. When I was 18 I started as an apprentice in a tattoo studio in Valencia and after that I started to specialize in realism. This style was kind of easy for me to do because I had been drawing it all my life. Or maybe I just wanted to go away of fotos and draw something mine from zero.
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How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I started tattooing in November of 2018, almost 5 years ago. My tattoo career started in Valencia where I lived for 2 years and then, after COVID, I finally decided to come back to Guardamar.
Nowadays, my husband and I have a little studio here - Overlook Tattoo Studio - with 5 tattooers working with us. Honestly, now is when I feel happier than ever.
It’s looks like you focus or specialize in Neo traditional, and or Japanese? What style do you like to perform the most and did you pick that style or did it pick you?
My style has changed a lot these years. I started with realism, then with something more neo-traditional mixed with realism and every time I was going more and more away from this too. At the moment, I´d say that my style is a mix between neo-traditional and traditional or neo-japanese... I don’t really know haha.
I’d like to keep improving it, keep learning - that is one of the main reason because I like to do guest spots in other studios.
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Did you ever travel for work? If so where have you been and where are some of your favorite locations?
During these years I’ve traveled a lot but the most part of my guest spots I did in Spain . Out of Spain
I’ve been in Rome, Winterthur (Switzerland), Amsterdam… Now I have few countries more for this and the next year.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the art and tattoo industry?
I really love work of Alix (alixge), Miss Orange, Taymon, Acetates, Mike Dorsey , Rafa de Cráneo…
I could say a lot more but I have a really bad memory for names haha
What do you like to do for fun outside of work? Hobbies?
Oh I really like to paint. Maybe this is not really far from tattooing but it’s very relaxing.
Watching films is probably one of my favourite hobbies , also it inspires me a lot as well. I love A24 movies, horror films mostly.
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Tell us a little bit about where you are from and a little bit about your self?
Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland, our neighbors, the Lowensen’s, would babysit my older sister and I while my parents were working. My neighbor’s oldest son Charles, was an amazing artist and attended MICA. He was the older kid that I looked up to. While his mother was watching me and my sister, I would watch him draw things like Batman & Spider-Man. He could take a pencil and a blank piece of paper and make it look just like a comic book. I was amazed and wanted to know how to do that. So I begin drawing at a very young age. Had a great family that loved and cared for me. They have always supported me throughout the years. I followed my passion as an artist and went to art school. Pursuing my passion for tattooing and art in general, has become a healthy way for me deal with my emotions and grow as an individual. When I’m tattooing it’s like nothing else matters.
How was your journey into the industry did you have a tough apprenticeship or an easy going one?
I wanted nothing more than to be a tattoo artist. It was extremely difficult if not impossible for me to find a real apprenticeship. Had my family telling me, “get a real job with benefits and a steady paycheck”. I struggled trying to find myself and my place in this world. Finally, I met Chris “Church” Oppenheim in my 30’s and he gave me the opportunity of a life time. He took me under his wing and taught me how to tattoo. My relationship with Chris was a huge turning point in my career and my life.
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How long have you been tattooing for and how has it been for you?
Been tattooing, on again off again, for about 10 years now. Almost two years ago, I reconnected with Chris Oppenheim. He had moved to California and opened a new tattoo shop called Interstate Ink. Chris flew me over to California and helped me get my life and career back on track. I’m forever grateful for that knucklehead!
You seem to do a lot of color and color realism, what got you into that particular style?
On paper, I could draw you and make it look like a photograph, long before tattooing. Black and gray used to be my strong point. Color realism baffled me and I was attracted to the challenge. Although, I had to learn a lot more about color theory. So I watched different YouTube videos on color theory and also training videos made by different color realism tattoo artist. Reinventing the tattoo by Guy Aitchison and Evan Olin’s tutorials have helped me learn and understand the level that I was trying to reach.
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What are some of your most memorable experiences in the tattoo industry?
So far one of my most memorable experiences has obviously been moving to California and getting my career back on track. But I also got the opportunity to be tattooed by Jeremiah Barba and that was awesome. He’s such a cool dude, very talented and obviously an amazing artist.
Do you ever travel for work if so where are some of your favorite locations?
Other than Maryland and California, I haven’t done much traveling yet, although I am looking forward to doing conventions in the very near future.
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What are some hobbies you like to do outside of work?
I really enjoy spending time with my kids. Also I’m a big fan of watching movies. Sometimes, when I can get off my lazy ass, I enjoy going on nature hikes, and spending time on the water. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, although people would probably pay me to stop lol. Music is a struggle for me. Been drawing with prisma color pencils for years, although I’m about to start learning more about oil painting.
Do you have any big goals for the rest of the year?
Working on consistency in my life in many areas. I’m a father of three beautiful children ages 5 to 15. I have plans to do more “adulting”, like buy a home in the near future. Also planning to open a tattoo shop with my mentor and best friend Chris “Church” Oppenheim. Living a life worth keeping.
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In your bio it says you’re a TN transplant, where are you from and tell us a little bit about your self and what was it like growing up?
I was born a Jersey girl, but my musical career didn’t really start until I was in North Carolina. I grew up really shy and introverted so instead of trying to make friends, I spent most of my time in my bedroom putting on concerts for my stuffed animals. I was always writing songs, working on my vocals and practicing stage presence.
At what age did you find yourself getting into music?
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t completely obsessed with music. I can remember filling out a “get to know me” questionnaire on the first day of 1st grade and getting made fun of for putting “the grammys” as my favorite tv show.
Did you start A light divided? And or tell us how you got involved with that band.
I joined my first band in 2007 and when it fell apart a couple months later, the guitarist and I teamed up with Adam (our current drummer) who was a mutual friend and we formed what would be A Light Divided. Then over the years through touring and playing shows, we met Doug and Scott to round out who we are today.
If I am correct your current band A divided light has two albums and a new single out Rain? Tell us and the readers a little bit about that.
We released a couple of EPs in our early years, but I was so green to being in a band and had zero idea what I was doing. I feel like a lot of our early work was the ramblings of an angry teenager learning about who I was. It wasn’t until our album Choose Your Own Adventure in 2018 that I felt like I was really ready to take the band to the next level by refining our style and reintroducing myself as an adult. With every release since, I’ve really tried to push myself creatively by taking risks and using my experiences to share a larger message
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Who are some of your favorite bands that you have gotten to tour with? And who are some bands you would love to tour with?
We’ve actually had really good luck touring and have been friends with all of the bands we’ve been on the road with, so it’s really hard to choose a favorite. I’m still actively manifesting an opportunity to tour with A Day to Remember so I can sing “If It Means A Lot To You” with them at least once.
Who are some of the biggest influences to you on the music industry and why?
Going back to my previous answer, A Day to Remember has always been a huge influence on me. I feel like their music has been a roadmap for my own personal journey through the music industry. Their ability to blend genres and stay true to who they are throughout all the criticism is something that always really spoke to me. I also have a tremendous amount of love and respect for Taylor Swift. Say what you want about her music, but she is the epitome of a strong woman handling her business in an industry that tries its best to tear her down.
I see you have some tattoos which one would you say is your favorite and why? Do you plan on getting more?
I have a couple favorites. The huge Lisa Frank inspired peacock on my left arm is one I absolutely love because it’s colorful, reminds me of being a kid and just brings me a lot of joy to look at. And then on my right wrist, I have dice with my favorite number (7) as a reminder that with a little bit of risk and luck, you can change the outcome of your entire life. I definitely have plans for more, but haven’t found a new artist since moving to Nashville. I really need to get on that
What is some of the “craziest” things you seen while on the road and or at a show?
I remember one time the entire ceiling of the venue we were playing fell in during our set. After stopping to make sure everyone was ok (luckily everybody was) we continued, and when we were finished, signed so many pieces of broken tile for the crowd.
Does A light divided have any big news coming up? Any future plans?
We have a lot of new music in the tank that will eventually be packaged as an album, but until then, we’re planning to keep dropping singles and hitting the road. We’ve had a lot of fun being able to deep dive into each track and really allow each new song to have its moment to shine.
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THE YOUR TATTOO NEEDS
Reduces / Eliminates Dry, Peeling & Scabbed skin
Breathable Protective layer for the wound
Absorbs into the Skin / Non-greasy feel
Restores / Retains
Tattoo Vibrancy
Former Art teacher and professionally exhibited Artist, has been formulating natural skincare for the last 14 years. Her knowledge of essential oils, butters and herbs has her taking a different approach to preserving tattoo art through Urban's Edge aftercare
VEGAN FORMULA
Eliminates the Afterburn / Soothes the Skin
Jojoba Butter and Oils
Balances and Hydrates
Skin
URBANSEDGETATTOO.COM
WOODSY SCENT LAVENDER SCENT UNSCENTED SWEET MINT SCENT CITRUS SCENT E TH ICAL LY SOURCED BEESWAX
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Where are you from? And tell us a little bit about your upbringing?
I’m a tattoo artist from Lithuania, a small and beautiful country in the Baltic states. While I mainly work in Lithuania, I also travel a lot and do guest work in different tattoo studios worldwide.
Since I was really young, I loved art. I used to draw all the time with pencils, capturing the world as I saw it. My serious art journey started when I joined art school as a kid. I got even better there, and it was only natural for me to keep learning at the art academy after high school.
My dive into tattoos was a bit of a youthful adventure. When I was 15, my best friend and I challenged each other to do stick-and-poke tattoos. That experience ignited a strong interest in me that has only grown over time. Tattoos became a big part of who I am, a way to tell my story on my skin.
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How long have you been Tattooing for and what was your apprenticeship like?
I am now officially in the third year of my tattoo journey. As I began practising, I was pretty good for a home tattooer, but I quickly hit a wall. Being a perfectionist, I realized there were technical difficulties I needed to overcome to improve my work. This led me to search for a tattoo shop where I could apprentice and learn the proper techniques and skills required to become a professional tattoo artist. During my apprenticeship, I fell in love with the art form and decided to make it my career.
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It looks like you specialize in micro tattoos, fine line, black and gray, what got you into those certain styles?
When I started tattooing, I was drawn to the neo-traditional style at first. But as I learned more, I realized I had a talent for drawing lifelike portraits and objects. One day, I shared a hyper-realistic drawing with my mentor, and they encouraged me to apply this style to tattoos. Curious, I started trying black-and-grey realism in my tattoos. I discovered that this approach allowed me to make intricate designs, and I soon developed a strong fondness for it. I believe my desire for perfection has played a big role in my success with this style.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the Tattoo industry?
While I have a lot of admiration for many skilled tattoo artists, right now I’m particularly inspired by tattoo artist Alex Sorsa. I’m constantly eager to learn new techniques from various artists and incorporate them into my tattoos.
Do you ever travel for work? If so, where are some of your favorite locations?
I enjoy travelling and visiting different studios in different countries. I couldn’t pick a favourite country, they all have their own charm. I’m looking forward to visiting Edinburgh later this year and maybe visiting other European cities.
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What is one of the most memorable moments you have had in the Tattoo industry?
It is difficult to single out one such event. I think the most memorable moments are the reactions of the clients after the work is done. I had a project to make a portrait of a client’s dad from a photograph, and the client mentioned that she had been looking for a suitable tattoo artist for a long time, to whom she would entrust the task. I wanted to fulfil her wish in the best possible way... After the tattoo was done, the client cried tears of happiness and gave me a warm hug to say thank you. These moments are the most memorable for me and remind me why I enjoy this craft so much. It fulfils me.
What do you like to do outside of work? What hobbies do you have?
I have always been interested in sports. If it wasn’t for my art studies, I think I would have become a physiotherapist. But now, going to the gym remains a hobby that I do every day. I also love to travel and enjoy the culture, food and nature of other countries. In general, I love active leisure.
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So where are you from? Tell us a little bit about yourself and your upbringing?
I grew up in Tilburg, a cool industrial city in the Netherlands. It was home to my mother, sister, and me. Growing up, my mother was quite easygoing, allowing me a lot of freedom to explore and embark on adventures. I began with breakdancing, which eventually led me getting into graffiti and BMX riding. My bedroom was covered from walls to ceiling with graffiti, it felt like the interior of a subway car. In my early twenties, I relocated to Rotterdam, where I’ve been living since.
At what age do you remember first getting into art?
My fascination with art started around the age of 10 when I got into breakdancing. Street graffiti always captivated me, but it was at my breakdancing spot that I saw impressive murals that truly left a mark. I vividly remember my mother driving me and a friend downtown to photograph the murals. At that point I started drawing more and more. ?
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How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I took my first steps into the world of tattooing at a young age, around 15, I knew that I wanted to become a a tattoo artist. I immersed myself in drawing as much as possible and ventured into the scene by visiting conventions and making occasional visits to a local tattoo parlor. I struggled to secure an apprenticeship. But at 17, I managed to buy my first coil machine, then I started experimenting my own legs to figure out how the machine worked. Friends and people from the neighborhood allowed me to practice on them, witnessing my progression. Eventually, the demand grew, so I moved from my mother’s place to a small room where I spent over two years tattooing and living. Just before turning 20, I was able to establish my own modest street shop, and from there, things truly took off. After three years, I upgraded to a larger studio, providing a creative hub for fellow tattoo artists. Having run my shop for nearly a decade, I felt a shift toward prioritizing the artistic aspect and moved to a private studio, where I’m also honing my painting skills. Looking back, tattooing has evolved beyond a profession, it’s a defining aspect of my life, shaping me from an curious kid in Tilburg to a full-on tattoo artist.
You specialize in black and gray? Did you choose that style or did it choose you?
I’d lean towards saying that it choose me because it evolved pretty naturally. Particularly during the early stages of my tattooing journey, I often worked on canvases with a darker skin tone. So I had to come up with ways to utilize skin and create negative spaces, enhancing contrast and ensuring the longevity of the tattoo. Because of that I got really comfortable with doing black and gray. My own tattoos are predominantly in black and gray. I really like the way how gray wash blends into the skin and give it somewhat of a natural feel.
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Out of all the beautiful tattoos you have done, which one stands out to you the most and why?
That’s a hard one… I’d have to say the Jesus piece on the ribs. This tattoo took over 20 hours of tattooing. What I like the most is that I had the opportunity to incorporate two layers in specific areas, which added a significant amount of depth, particularly as the tattoo healed.
Do people ever ask you to do color tattoos?
Right from the beginning, I’ve been eager to expand my skills, which led me to tattoo some color pieces throughout my career. Every now and then, I receive requests for color tattoos or clients seeking to infuse a touch of color into their black and gray designs. While I’m open to certain color tattoos, if it’s not quite in line with my style, I will recommend another artist whose expertise aligns better.
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Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the tattoo and art industry?
Mr. Cartoon remains a pivotal figure who initially sparked my desire to become a tattoo artist and continues to inspire me. Carlos Torres is also a huge inspiration to me; his ability to capture motion and drama within his pieces is truly unparalleled. Someone else that inspired me in person is Jonaton Lambertina, an incredible tattoo artist from the Netherlands.
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So I see you own your own Tattoo Studio tell us a little about that?
In 2012 I opened up my own modest street shop in Tilburg called Bobson Ink, within a few years I was able to expand to a bigger shop, it became a huge succes. Despite the succes I wanted to find a better way to balance out being an artist and entrepreneur, so I transitioned to a private studio a few years ago. The studio is located in the heart of Rotterdam and provides the right atmosphere to focus on the one-on-one creation process without getting interrupted. The space is divided into two sections: one dedicated to tattooing, and the other half serves as an art studio, ensuring a continuous flow of artistic energy.
You have also judged at conventions what’s that like? And speaking of conventions you have also won awards, what awards have you won?
Being a judge at conventions is incredibly rewarding. It grants me the opportunity to closely examine exceptional tattoos and collaboratively decide on the deserving winners. It can be quite challenging at times, given the high quality of work. As for my own awards, I’ve had the privilege of winning nine awards so far. Among them, I am particularly proud of my 1st place win in the non-fresh category at the Rotterdam Tattoo Convention. This category was dedicated to tattoos and featured tough competition. Additionally, my other awards have all been in the black and gray categories, including four 1st place, three 2nd place, and two 3rd place honors.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Where your from and what was it like growing up?
Ok, so I was born in Maine and moved a fair amount as a kid. I think I was 12 or 13 when we moved to Colorado.
At what age did you start getting into art that you can remember?
I can’t really remember when I got into art. I know I was 7 or 8 when my brother came home with a tattoo, and I was hooked. I bugged him until he let me see it and that’s the day I decided to be a tattooer.
What was your apprenticeship like did you have a hard time or a breeze through?
So the first shop I was at, I really didn’t get an apprenticeship, it was let’s say, hands on learning. The next shop was Capitol Hill Tattoo, it was owned by Richie Romano. He taught me a lot and really got me moving in the right direction. It was kind of a working apprenticeship as I was tattooing before, but it was not easy by any means.
You seem to do all styles of tattooing, what do you think your favorite style is?
I really love tattooing many styles, when I started in the early/mid 90s, you had to be able to tattoo most anything that came in the door. But, my favorite is American traditional black and grey.
Do you have a style that you prefer not to do?
I do not tattoo portraits, unless you really don’t love your kids or wife and want them deformed on you.
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What was one of your most memorable memories in the tattoo industry?
It’s almost impossible to pick the most memorable experience in my career. Tattooing has been an amazing journey and I have so many stories and memories.i couldn’t pick just one.
Do you ever travel for work and if so what are some of your favorite places?
We love to travel, and I normally try to guest spot everywhere we go. It’s great that no matter where in the world you go, you can find a shop and it’s just like meeting extended family.
If you could tattoo anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Everyone, I want to tattoo everyone. I’m kidding, I do like that every client is different and that I can use tattoos to connect with so many different people.
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To our beloved friend Steve Azzara your legacy and hard work will be rememberd and continued through your magazine and memories. We all think about you everday until we meet again ol friend.
Steve Azzara Owner/ Founder / Mfic
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