Ripley Tattoo Lake Villa, IL

TATT2T

I am a self-taught tattoo artist and have been tattooing for 14 years. I love what I do, and my journey has been a blessing from the Man above. I specialize in black and grey realism but am fully versatile in all styles ⸺ Who/where do you get your inspiration from? My mother is an artist. Watching her as a child inspired me ⸺ What advice

would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo?

(A tattoo virgin) Do your research on the tattoo artist ⸺ What did

your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo

business? They thought it was amazing because I was a great artist ⸺ What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Creating custom artwork ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest

in tattooing? I have always loved the art of tattoos ⸺ Who and what influences you to create your work? My clients give me their vision, and I get to work ⸺ Are there any tattoos you would refuse to do? (face, private areas, etc.) I don’t have availability for these, so I pass them along to my employees, lol ⸺ What do you think is in store for the future of tattooing? It’s just getting started and will become more acceptable and respected ⸺ Have you ever had a bad tattooing experience, and what was it? Yes, I was tattooing a woman’s bottom, and she kept farting in my face ⸺ What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing? Stay consistent, and don’t give up. You learn something every day. ✕