2 minute read
Romantic Simon Gyllström
TAYLOR NICOLL
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CCS Illustration ‘19 Clown Enthusiast Aspiring Cenobite
Who/where do you get your inspiration from?
When I first started taking drawing seriously (at the age of like- 12 or 13 ish?) I was influenced a lot by manga and anime. Even though I tried moving away from it while I was in college, I think my work still reflects those early influences. More recently, I feel I’m inspired a lot by the artists I work with at KARMAKNIFE. Working alongside talented artists I’ve looked up to pushes me to try new things and get better!
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)
Don’t sweat it too much! Just make sure you’re going to an artist whose work you love and trust in them! If you let them do their thing, they’ll give you their best! Also, please eat before getting stabbed!
What did your family and friends think about you getting into the
tattoo business? I’m fortunate enough that my parents have always been super supportive of me and my artistic journey! I don’t think I’d be where I am now without them, honestly!! My husband supported both of us while I finished up my apprenticeship. My family and friends were there in the very beginning to lend me their flesh for practice. I’m grateful for them every day!
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Honestly, making art every day and bringing people’s ideas to life! Tattooing has pushed me to draw things I wouldn’t normally do, and it’s allowed me to grow as an artist in ways I didn’t know was possible! Making my own schedule isn’t too bad, either.
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?
Keep going!! It is so rough at the start, but I promise the grind is so worth it!!
What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing?
Tattooing had always been kind of a dream job I never thought was actually possible. I graduated from college in December of 2019 with plans to do freelance illustration work. I was fortunate enough to have a friend who was already at a shop reach out to me because they had an artist leave very suddenly and were looking for someone new. I jumped into tattooing the following January and ran with it! It honestly feels like I’m living in a dream every day. ✕
