ARE YOU THE
Tats by Vance
by Kris Kinville of Talkoforlando.com
hat’s up Orlando?! This week’s Talk of Orlando is artist elite among permanence in the world. “Tagging” people nationally, Vance Brown of TatsbyVance has made more than just an ordinary impression on our city. With colorful imagination and skill, he can make anyone’s desire to advertize their passion with Tattoo Art, some of the most impressive I have seen…and in Florida there’s definitely a wide range of examples to compare too.
I don’t know about other people but I have a waiting list.
Where do your creations come from? What is your inspiration?
Where/when did you become interested in tattoo art? I’ve done tats for about 15 years. I’ve always liked to draw, but I was exposed to “people as canvasses” watching my boys @ Big Dogs in Columbus OH. I was an apprentice and learned the art while cleaning around the shop. I was also the “flash or custom guy” at a lot of places. I actually learned the “art” of tattooing when I spent time overseas visiting my England family. I’ve also done men and women’s hair for 16yrs. I figured I could learn anything after that. I also have a graffiti background (shhhhhhhh).
What made you want to do tattoo art as a business? People in shops that are horrible, and actually making a living at this. The worst part is that they don’t understand the background, lifestyle, or passion for the art of tattoo. One day my brother came to me proud of his new lua loa tattoo. He showed me his arms and I was heated! That’s when I opened up my kit and started rebuilding.
Have you found business to be “booming” in Orlando with Tattoo Art? 8
| www.flyerpromonow.com
I see pictures in my head and create them. I see art in everything and everyday life. Tattooing is perfect for me because it’s a “hands on” art. I sit and meet with each person before creating their piece, an in depth consultation before each session. I get to know them and the image they want to have be a permanent part of their body & why. A client has to trust you to give them what they want. And as an artist I want my “living, breathing art” to be so impressive that each time the client looks in the mirror they say to themselves “that the shyt!” I want them to be proud to wear my art. With my graffiti background I find great pleasure in analyzing people & then “tagging” them! (Laughing)
What is the most intricate or most challenging piece you have done? I’m currently working on a space flower, Asian type piece. All the outlines are different colors and there’s mad dimension and color to the piece. It’s like arm tat in 3d.
How should a person prepare for getting a tattoo? Is there anything special they should do before their session? I actually prepare a person to get a tattoo that’s part of the process for me. First is the drawing, which usually comes from a concept or magazine. (I never
use flash) Then there’s consultation about allergies and cleanliness. Then there’s placement and pain management. Yes, I said pain management. I have an acupuncturist that I work with (Smirking) Yes! She can numb points in your skin as well as relax the squeamish or “kidskin” clients. I also use some of the natural numbing agents like Tramile and Dr.Numb. I always have gender specific assistants to help those that are uncomfortable.
Out of all the work you have done, you must have had some strange/ funny/unusual situations. Any you want to share?
site, but I have so many pictures on face book and on twitter. Google even has some of my pics.
Any shout outs? All my pure music group people, Jay “action” Jackson, Christian ”Cheeqs” Lucca, Tramille “trac” Carty (my dude) my 2 moms… birth & in law. My Mom especially for not killing me as a kid, allowing me to live on to tattoo! Fran, ”my tenth girl”, Pennacio, my brother chuck!, X (LIL ME) Figgy, Jess, most important MARI, My woman for pushing me to draw & tattoo every day. WITH OUT U THERES NO ME! Jeannine “aunt jack” Corbin, my partner in crime & acupuncturist, Marianne (the Chinese woman from soul train) Suyat, my twin sister in laws Maggie & Maria for basically letting me tat anything I want ! John “kocky” Hamilton for showing mad love. Ricky P., Everyone that has ever been tatted by me thanks for wearing my soul...power moves the world! & you (Kris of TalkofOrlando.com) for doing this article & always being super cool!
Contact info: Facebook - Vance Brown OR http://powermovestheworld.com/llc
Ok, first is I once had 3 people faint in a row, and all because they hadn’t eaten. Or the time I was at a shop up north and I was going to do an arm tat, the lady got completely naked! God times! (Laughing) Or the time I did the KFC logo on a guy. Oh & the time I was working on a Hispanic couple and a letter fell out of the lady’s purse. It was a booty letter that she had written to some guy in jail that was about to get out & all hell broke loose after that. Let’s just say there were a lot of expletives thrown mostly in Spanish, blood & police involved.
Have you ever refused to create/tat a person? Why? Yes if you have a skin condition, if you are visibly ill, if you have bad body odor, if you’re drunk, and the most important is if you hinder the relaxing atmosphere. You have to have a certain bond and mindset with the client. Constant distractions only hinder the process.
Where can a person see your work? Or contact you if they are interested in having you tat them? All over the place. I’m currently working on my www.flyerpromonow.com
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