Sammy McCoy Philadelphia, PA

Artist SAMMY MCCOY

I am a 22-year-old self-taught artist from Philadelphia. My favorite style to tattoo is realism or portraits, black and grey, fine line, and anything floral. I’ve only been tattooing for two years, but I’ve been creating art since I could hold a pencil. Tattooing was a whole new medium for me, but I have fallen in love with it ever since ⸺ What

advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first

tattoo? (A tattoo virgin) I would say that it’s important to stay true to what you want/envision on your body; everyone will offer their opinion on your tattoos, but you’re the one living with them so take people’s opinions with a grain of salt ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? My favorite part of the job is seeing how much of an impact my art can have on people’s lives and especially their self-image. I think body modification can completely change how people view themselves and create a sense of self-love that people never knew they had, and I am so grateful to be a part of that process. ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? Growing up, I could never imagine myself doing anything other than being an artist. I think after getting a few of my own first tattoos, seeing the workplace environment being surrounded by other artists, and getting to create art all day, I knew I needed to take that chance, and I’m so glad that I did ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? I think the future of tattooing needs to be heavily focused on prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in the industry. As artists, we are responsible for making changes that will ultimately create a safe space for everyone ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Don’t give up. There will be so many times when you feel discouraged or not confident in your abilities but practicing (and drawing/sketching) as often as you can is the most important thing you can do to see progress in your work. ✕

BODY MODIFICATION CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE HOW PEOPLE VIEW THEMSELVES AND CREATE A SENSE OF SELF-LOVE THAT PEOPLE NEVER KNEW THEY HAD