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by: Chief Bronson Recently it was my extreme pleasure to have a sit down with Jason Griffiths currently of Carlsbad CA. To discuss his interest in Tattooing folks, where his interest developed and came from. His insightful, as well as direct responses are indicative of both his Military service in the ‘Corps’, USMC, as well as in his up bringing. Jason was in Virginia Beach to attend the Oysters 4 Warriors this past October, a fundraiser to benefit the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. Jason generously donated a custom 4 plus hour Ink job to the cause in an effort to help raise funds, while also helping out during the event. I had several questions for Jason as they relate directly to Military Ink, and here in his own words are his answers. “First of all, thanks for having me in your column, Chief! I can’t think of a better idea or direction than writing about Military Ink, nor can I think of a better suited person to manage this column. Now let’s get to some of your questions. I have always been an artist. Since I was a toddler, I could draw anything. Usually they’d sit me down with a Sear’s and Roebuck catalog, and I’d immediately flip straight to the “guns n knives” section, and draw whatever I saw and liked. I loved pictures, so naturally it seems, I love pictures on skin. From an early age, I had temporary spider man tattoos all over me, pretty much most of the time. My mom said she knew, but never seemed to make a big deal of it, and I believe her. We had this group of shirt less bikers living next door. Their bikes strewn across the dirt lawn. Most of the guys covered in unrecognizable tattoos, black blue blotches mostly; but if you looked close, you could tell what they’d been long ago. Many of these same shirtless biker-guys had served in one form of military services or another, and as I remember they were all really great guys. And I remember them all being very nice to me. My mom left me with them frequently, and I can remember being the center of attention. You know, I look back and remember, looking around at all these hairy, tattooed, tough biker guys thinking “this is awesome!!!” From then on, I was hooked! What a life. Living free and easy, tattooed as hell! That’s the life for me. The world of INK is definitely a weird one, but no longer an obscure one. Which is absolutely fine by me and you know why? Because art deserves a platform, and as you can see, tattooing or getting tattooed has become a very popular, finally. I love American traditional, and Japanese Tattoo Art mostly, with a twist/my own personal twist...How much of my Ink is personally applied? You know Chief, that’s a good question and in answer; I’ve tattooed my stomach, thighs, shins, ankles, and feet. Now that I have to say, my feet, were definitely a challenge. As with most challenges in my life however, this was met with success and victory! Not only do I like what I do but I’m always up for a good challenge. Bring your Ink challenges to me, and they will always be met with the same Success and Victory! And yes, not only do I like everything I have personally tattooed on me, but every other tattoo on me as well. I’ve been a Solo artist since 09. Political differences always seem to permit me from staying to long in any shop. About Face in Oceanside CA., was the last shop I worked in. I’m mostly a happy go lucky artist, which somehow bothers other artists when in the confines of a shop environment. That being said however, I take my job seriously. I like to have fun while doing my job because
it’s about giving my clients an experience, which sometimes in my opinion, is lost in modern tattooing. You know Chief, the traveling artist I’ve become was an accident. As you know, I served in the U S Marine Corps from 94 to 98, and then with the Army National Guard until 02. Over time, I have developed quite an extensive list of military clientele, who by the way also travel. So I find that I have to travel to meet with my loyal clientele to do my job. My mentor, Milford Barnes travels a lot as well, and not just for tattooing. He’s an avid surfer. Something which I also do whenever possible, and frankly Chief, I just love to surf. And lately, I’ve been helping my son learn about surfing. It seems he’s enjoying it just as much as I do. Chief, since Military INK is a column specifically referencing Military INK - both the History & present, I believe the person who has made the biggest single impact on Military Ink would have to be...Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. He was a military man, patriot, artist, tattooer, and traveler. He worked hard, and his work/art has made quite a significant impact in the world. Such an impact in fact, it’s really hard to imagine/understand. Sailor Jerry He knew the importance of quality tattoos and art, and never compromised. He also knew the military men he tattooed, and their many sacrifices for our freedoms. Being former Military, many of my Bro’s are still Active Duty Military, thus a good number of my clientele are Military, and many of them want Military style or related Ink. Most often, they give me the freedom to design, and apply their requested Ink, and to date I’ve never had a complaint. “Meat tags” – that’s a good question Chief, ‘Meat Tags’ are personal information tattooed on the rib cage of a soldier, for the purpose of identification, (I D) if he becomes deceased in battle. A lot of military men have their religious faith, family, or anything that gives them strength in combat/battle. Currently, within the military hierarchy this is being infringed upon, along with many of the other “rights” Americans are given freely, which I think is discriminatory, and oppressive given the nature of the military member’s occupation. Seriously, if a guy or gal are going to be in a foreign country, in a longterm combat status, as a volunteer in the American Military Forces, not knowing day to day if they’re going to have to engage the enemy, if one of their pals/ fellow military members is not going to return home form the deployment, they deserve to have whatever they want tattooed across their arm, leg, ass or wherever! To the NON INK fans, I believe art liberates the individuals mind, and I mean think about it; Art has been with us since the beginning of time, and is representative of our cultural accomplishments. Ink on a person is just another means of representing those accomplishments; personal or otherwise, while becoming a means by
which to share & display that Art. If you are against that, then there is no hope for humanity.” Chief in closing, let me Thank You, and Twisted Ink for allowing me a few minutes to share with you just a bit of my story, some of my Ink, and Yes – barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be in Hampton Roads for the Hampton Roads Tattoo Arts Festival, and plan on having a table! Your readers can contact me directly by e-mail; jasonink13@yahoo.com Military Ink is a new column, one that will bring a new venue to these pages each and every issue. From individual Military artists to the history and story behind Military Ink, to interesting and unique Military Tattoos from across the country & globe as we travel in an effort to share with you some of the rich history of Military Ink Until next time, Fair Winds & Following Seas – Respectfully submitted, Chief Bronson
Custom Tattooing by: Tyrell, Chris and Rico
2012poster.indd 1
10/30/11 10:25 AM
geenafknrusso@tattoofreakz.com
Liz Cook in my opinion is a tattoo prodigy. She has been tattooing a mere three years. She surpassed most up and comers in her first 14 months of tattooing leaving them in a state of confusion, and what I would like to think feeling like a jealous school girl. Liz considers herself the off spring of an idiot savant, child super nerd, and grew up poor as dirt. None of these things held her back from becoming one of our industry’s future biggest, and most hard core female tattooer. Liz Cook is about to kick some serious tattoo ass, and if you are lucky she may take your name later.
GFR: Tell me exactly why you chose a career as a tattooist? LIZ: I could die my hair blue and not have some fuck head middle management telling me that wearing a graphic t to work is inappropriate. I feel like I have more control, even if it is an illusion. I never sought out tattooing as a career, it found me. I think not wanting to be like my parents working for other people and still not really getting ahead made me jump when the opportunities were there. It›s always been scary though, and I feel like the opportunities to tattoo were roads less traveled and I›d be taking a shortcut in life if I didn›t take those roads. With every tattoo new opportunities keep happening and I feel like I›m just catching up on a place in life I›ve wanting to be for a long time.
GFR: You had mentioned your husband Cookie acts almost like he is your mother, why? LIZ: He does everything for me when I am overwhelmed with tattoo stuff. The are weeks at a time where I live, eat, breath and sleep tattoo and without him, I simply fall apart. I wouldn›t want to do any of this without him. There are days when he cooks and cleans and emails and runs my errands while still making time for squeezing in his tattoos and paintings. I›m amazed at how psycho I can be and he still keeps his cool. A typical day would be wake up and start getting ready...I take about an hour on a good day, him about 10 minutes. He gets breakfast ready, lunches, waters for the day, packs laptop (which is so big it only fits in a carry on suite case) to do lists for the day, cameras, etc. all while I›m putting on makeup. And when something is overlooked he even takes the heat for it so I can be less stressed while tattooing. The man bends over backwards for me a daily bases and with a smile. He›s nothing short of a bad ass team mate, friend, and lover. GFR: Tell me about the machines , and inks you use? LIZ: I›ve recently starting using the Inkjecta by Byron Drechsler and Chris Cashmore from South Australia and the Dragonfly by Christian Johansson and the rest of the Dragonfly Crew in Sweden. It›s so different at first to coils but the difference it makes in skin trauma is really noticeable in that I can get the results I want a little quicker and with much less immediate trauma to the skin which definitely is allowing for more accurate color, faster. The weight difference is just crazy. For a while everyone›s been at me to switch to rotaries. I felt it was good to wait so I could truly learn how to use and understand a coil machine and get to a certain level in my work before I made the switch. But with the rotaries, I›m so relieved at the variety of saturation that can be achieved through more controllable hand movement. For me, it really feels more natural. As for inks, I consider myself a diehard fan of Eternal. I love the different levels of viscosity that can easily be achieved with these inks while still maintaining amazing luminosity in healed skin. I love that there are so many available and that they are so consistent time and time again. I›m totally addicted to them! They are really inks for the artist.
GFR: How do you feel being in an abusive relationship can change a women’s life? LIZ: It›s always with you. It›s an ongoing battle of the self as much as the relationship. There›s a voice in your head that›s asking why you couldn›t stop it or change it and even when you do get strong enough to break the cycle, why did it fucking take so long and how could you have been so stupid to let it happen in the first place and will you ever let it happen again. It makes you either run away or face it head on. There›s no in between. When you do wake up and get out, most days you are positive that you are a stronger person because of it and now you can be there for others that are going through it or have come back from it. But there are days still when it hurts, not matter how much time has passed and no matter how wonderful your new hubby is. GFR: Tell someone to fuck off, go ahead I dare you? LIZ: Oh you funny girl...I already have, with two fingers in the air. GFR: You are an amazing tatooer. How do you feel you›ve come into the style of tattooing you do? LIZ: It›s always the kind of art I›ve been into. When I was super nerd, I used to replicate bad ass comic artists like J. Scott Campbell, Michael Turner, Boris Valejo and Julie Bell. When I got to college, and realized I could paint, I started doing portraits ( a lot of myself much to my teachers› dissatisfaction). After seeing a Mike Devries piece for the first time I knew that, that was the direction I wanted to go with tattoos. I wanted to apply everything I had learned about art already where as before tattoos, I don›t think I really got it. The want to do better just wasn›t there yet but tattooing really lit the fire. Tattoos allowed me to combine the theories and really work with a modern medium that didn›t have to be so exclusive to the art elite. GFR: If you could say anything to your father what would it be? LIZ: I love you but sometimes you›re a stubborn prick and it pisses me off. How can you be so bloody brilliant and amazing and be such a terd other times. I feel like there›s a you I don›t know and am too afraid to ask and I›m disappointed with some of the lessons you›ve taught me but you never seemed to learn them yourself. And why do you never call first? Regardless, I still love you and always will. We need to have a heart to heart, it›s been too long, again. And for fuck sake, start writing again.
GFR: You just moved from Miami back to Texas, did you not like living there? LIZ: No, we didn›t really like South Beach as a full time home. Even though we met some amazing people and found some crazy and funny characters and really wanted to make it work, it just felt pretend and never real. I always felt like a, tourist getting ripped off for overprice food that wasn›t really that good. We started to feel claustrophobic and after being back and forth from Australia for the last few years, we just wanted to come back home to Texas where it still is very similar to the way Western Australia feels, but with the variety and opportunities the States have to offer. Cookie and I have been together for over 4 years and we›re just ready to settle. We feel like this is another beginning that we›ve been waiting for. GFR: Where do you see yourself in five years? LIZ: I›m hoping to do more paintings, be in my own studio, have some published works, and really just do better tattoos than now. I›d love to see tattoos be taken more seriously in terms of art and hope to help close the gap in addition to having as much affect on other tattooers as they›ve had on me. GFR: Your husband just left you, and he left you for another tattooer. What hurts more the fact that she›s fucking your husband, or she›s a better tattooer? LIZ: Hahahahahaha, that›s a fucked up scenario. Both suck. I think my hubby fucking her would hurt more as I couldn›t change that but I think I would hate the bitch so much I would die before I let her be a better tattooer for long. GFR: That was my fuck with your day question. Did it? LIZ: No of course not....I’ll just go to bed now and dream of my husband having sex with another women... GFR: What is the one thing you love, or hate about the tattoo industry? LIZ: That it›s an industry and part of the machine, so sad. Liz I want to thank you for your time. I have watched, and cheered you on since day one. I love girl power, so I like to consider myself your number one fan. I wish you nothing but more success, and many more «tattoos of the day» . Remember me when you hit the big time. The next time I see you. You best be holding a Corona Light , hold the lime in your hand for me. ~Geena Fkn Russo
A tattooing experience with Ron570 W
hile working at the” Inkin The Valley” tattoo convention in Wilkes Barre, PA, I came across what I would consider a once in a lifetime opportunity. Saturday morning Ron Russo invited me to join him for a motorcycle ride. As we were gearing up to roll Ron received a message that he had acancellation cancelation that day. I expressed to Ron how I would never pass on that opportunity and would love to have the chance to be tattooed by him. He looked up at me and replied, “I’ll tattoo you right now man.” I immediately started to pull up images I already had an interest in having tattooed. The first image I showed him was of an innocent blue faced monkey. Ron said “Hell yeah, but we are going to do one that’s screaming. That will be way more bad ass!”
Although I already had sat for over 20 hours of tattoo work, I was the first to admit I am a sissy about getting tattooed. I was more nervous about this tattoo in particular because it was going on my inner bicep. I hate to admit it, but you might say I was freaking out! While Ron was setting up, I expressed my nerves about the area several times. Ron explained with confidence “I guarantee this will be the easiest tattoo you will ever sit for, I’m light as a feather bro.” At that point, all I could think was “I hope you are right!”
“Progression is everything. I work as hard as I can everyday towards improvement.”
As the tattoo process began he looked up at me and said “How’s that? That is as bad as it will get.” I replied with a sigh of relief because that was not bad at all. While under Ron’s machine he harassed me a bit, shared some of his insights about the industry with me, and even threw me a compliment or two about TattooFreakz.com. I’ll be damned if he wasn’t light as a feather! Hands down the easiest tattoo I have sat for to date.
www.TATTOOFREAKZ.COM
Two weeks later, while representing TattooFreakz.com at InkFest Live Tattoo Convention in Washington DC, I won a trophy for Ron in the small color category! I am not only proud to have received a high quality piece by one the best artists in the nation, I am also proud to have award winning art work on my personal canvas!
Ron Russo, 570 Tattooing Co. Wilkes Barre, PA 570-825-7270 www.ron570.com Written by Paul Ferdinando. Photos by MelVa Studios.
The second annual Northern Lights Tattoo custom car and bike show. Benefiting the following charities, Aryn’s Helping Hands for Childhood Cancer, Dominic’s Heroes and Autism awareness. Sponsored by: TattooFreakz.com, Northern Lights Tattoo, carshowteam.com, Aston beverage and Campanella Auto and Tire “This year the event raised over $1,200.00 for charity. We had about 60 cars this year and 300 bikes and we are confident it will be bigger and better in the years to come,” said event organizers.
Hundreds of years ago, in the midst of the bloody feudal wars of Japan, a boy was born under a hallowed red moon. Left to fend for himself by his half-wolven parents, the boy was taken in by a band of traveling Ronin and was taught in the ways of the Iron Brush. On a diet of fish heads and rice, he wielded the iron brush with grit and determination; all the while experimenting in various techniques and forbidden styles. This boy was working his way into becoming a man... A man who would come to be known as... Cliff Evans.
Inevitably, the implementation of automated weapons forced Cliff to venture westward to a new destination. His travels brought him to the East Coast of America, where he crafted a modest lodging in the far outskirts of Virginia Beach. He has been spreading the artwork of the Iron Brush on clients for 14 years and continues to hone and improve his craft, despite being decrepitly ancient. He currently practices his art form in Norfolk , Virginia at Fuzion Ink Tattoo Studio and is currently accepting challengers to his test his Iron Brush technique for themselves. All challenges require a fifty dollar deposit, which is applied to the final cost of the tattoo. Konichiwa, bitches.
by Paul Sorrels info@razorbladeproducts.com
Almost every tattooer will agree that the tattoo industry has had an explosive presence in mainstream culture for the first time in the last 10 years. We are in the middle of a tattoo renaissance. We see tattoo reality shows on television, more studios opening every month, tattoo conventions that are crossing multiple genres and more media coverage on our industry. I have been served by waitresses with visibly hand tattoos, cashiers with neck tattoos and facial piercings… even my mother is considering a tattoo! 15 years ago finding a mainstream job with ink that cannot be covered was nearly impossible. Long sleeves, retainers and band aids to hide piercings were commonplace. Now we see all walks of life coming through the studio door, and wanting tattoos were they CAN be seen. While the exposure and presence of tattoos in mainstream culture certainly helps to keep our businesses thriving, we are also experiencing new headaches and obstacles. Many of us hold tattooing to be sacred. Has this new exposure helped or hindered our craft? Miami Ink, one of the first shows to bring the world of tattooing into the living room of anyone with cable television, first aired in July of 2005. When I first saw the show, I experienced a mix of emotions. I was glad to see that the featured artists were somewhat talented. I was also excited at the idea that the show may help to remove some of the antiquated stigma tattoo studios face in the modern day. Contrary to popular belief, we are not all bikers, sailors, and whores. I was bummed pricing was not discussed, only that it would help to educate the viewer. I appreciated that the supplies, techniques, and procedures were not a topic…the last thing we need is a “how to tattoo” reality show. Miami Ink gave way to LA Ink, London Ink, Inked, and many other spinoff shows. Any media presence is good for an industry. The more exposure the general public has to tattooing, the more likely we will see them coming in our doors for a new tattoo. However, our studio has certainly experienced some misinformed clients as a result of the reality shows, for example – Back pieces tend to take longer than 30 minutes with commercial breaks. We cannot drop everything we are doing to sketch your flower. Yes, we require a deposit. Yes, tattoos are expensive. While the television shows have certainly helped to bring our industry into the homes of millions of people around the globe, there has also been a ripple effect. Heightened awareness and acceptance of tattooing has caused an increased interest in learning how to tattoo. We have seen this on both a local and a national level. The television shows present an appealing lifestyle, especially to those who want to be a rockstar but cannot play an instrument. You rarely see anyone scrubbing tubes or prepping stations on these shows. Beneath the picture on Wikipedia of the Miami Ink artists is the phrase “Cast of Miami Ink The caption should read “Tattoo Artists of Miami Ink”. Television has given these artists such an iconic status in the eye of the average viewer that the reality of the tattoo studio has been lost. I have often been approached by individuals interested in tattooing who claim it “doesn’t look too hard”. I can only assume this attitude comes from watching a few episodes and getting a couple tattoos. Many have no interest in legitimate apprenticeships or training, but rather want to jump right in and get scratching. Now I certainly do not blame the viewer, as they are only getting a glimpse into the industry. I do blame these shows, as little is mentioned on them about the dedication it takes to become truly successful at the craft. The lifestyle presented is one of glamour, money, and drama. The increased interest in tattooing can also be noted at the manufacturer and supplier level. New products are being promoted every month. Some of these products are helping to make the tattoo procedure more efficient and safe. Other products are simply gimmicks looking to turn a buck. As fast as quality products are being designed, Chinese manufacturers are knocking them off. Brand name knockoffs of tattoo inks, power supplies, machine designs and more are quite common. Heightened tattoo acceptance has brought more clients, which brings more money, which creates more product demand, which has broadened the supply market. At our supply company, we field test all of our products in our own tattoo studio. We are bombarded by email correspondence from Chinese suppliers looking to sell their wares. I have seen complete tattoo machines from Chinese suppliers available as cheap as $3 per piece. Granted they are not even worth the $3, but suppliers who do not care about anything but profit and buyers who are uneducated and have limited resources will purchase this type of gear. This is a
horrifying revelation, as the problem of low quality supplies will most likely only get worse before it improves. Increased interest at the studio and supplier level has given way to bigger (but not always better) tattoo conventions and expos. Convention presence and attendance has grown tremendously over the last five years, and many conventions are crossing new boundaries, melding tattoo culture with a variety of other sub-cultures. From graffiti artists, to monstrous musical events, to bmx and skateboards demos, fashion shows, break dancing, dj’s, midget wrestling, MMA exhibitions, car and motorcycle displays and stunt shows…and the list can go on and on. Everything on the aforementioned list I have personally seen at a tattoo convention in the last few years. One of the amazing aspects of this industry is the ability it has to cross so many boundaries, and bring so many different types of people together. Smart convention and expo organizers know this, hence the almost circus like appeal we have seen in the ad campaigns for some of these tattoo shows. Crossing platforms certainly helps bring a new kind of exposure to tattooing as well as new types of potential clients into our world. In 2002 I read a statistic stating 1 out of 4 Americans over the age of 18 had at least 1 tattoo. Recently I read that number has jumped to 1 in 3. 30-35% of Americans are sporting tattoos. This to me is a staggering number. My job allows me to take the presence of tattoos for granted. I recently took my 8 year old to an amusement park, and intentionally scoped the crowds for ink. I was quite surprised at how many tattoos I noted. I did the same on a recent beach vacation, and saw the same thing….tattoos are everywhere. This really should not be shocking, but I often take tattoos for granted, as almost everyone I associate with is moderately to heavily tattooed. 33% of the country is an impressive figure, and I think it is safe to say that this number will only grow. Hand, neck, and facial tattooing are becoming more and more common. As tattoos become more common, most job markets will be forced to rethink hiring practices. With a more heavily tattooed hiring pool, not hiring the visibly tattooed becomes more limiting and costly to the employer than the return of having a clean cut looking workforce. This is bound to become more evident, as the tattooed populace is guaranteed to grow. According to an article on CNN.com earlier this month, 9% of parents surveyed were willing to pay for tattoos for their children as part of a “back to school” expense. This kind of tattoo acceptance has obvious frightening implications, specifically the disregard for the sanctity of the art. The BBC published an article about a 14 year old British girl whose parents allowed her to have her eyebrows, lips, and eye liner tattooed cosmetically. Tattoo acceptance, especially in underage culture, is a touchy issue. As professionals, we not only have our state laws to uphold, but also have a moral obligation to our client. While the parents of these children may have no concerns about the new body mod, I think we are obligated to educate our underage clients about the risks, concerns, and stigma associated with a tattoo. The decision may seem light at the time for the newly tattooed, but if you care about your art, you have to care about the person carrying it. What does the future hold? When an industry experiences a boom as we have, the inevitable result is a plateau. We are sure to see the interest, awareness, and acceptance of tattooing lose its luster in the public eye. Tattooing will become more and more commonplace, and the general public will turn its attention to something it finds more taboo. The viewing public will be more interested in a different reality show, the television networks are only concerned about keeping the viewers watching. The acceptance of tattooing in the mainstream has given way to more fringe groups, sub-subcultures, and organizations that target specific industry concerns. The Church of Body Modification, PPIB, ATOPP, and Health Educators, Inc to name a few, are all good examples of niche needs being fulfilled in the tattoo community. These needs were largely creating by the tattoo boom of the last 10 years. This renaissance is far from over, and I think it is an exciting time to be a part of the tattoo industry.
Infamous Tattoo Willow Grove, PA
Age: 31 Style: Realsim Philosophy: “If you get a job doing what you love best, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Infamous Tattoo Willow Grove, PA
Years tatto oing: 13 Age: 32 Preferred s tyle: New schoo l and cover ups Art Machin e Producti ons 1345 Frank ford Ave Philadelph ia, PA 1912 5 www.timp angburn.co m
Artist: Mike Cann
Artist: Rob Castaldo
Artist: Eddie Bonacore
Artist: Nate Hudson
Artist: Robert “pup� Byington
Artist: Scottie Ross
I have always loved the art of tattooing ever since I was a little boy my dad would take me with him to get his tattoos, I was the kid leaving the tattoo shop with stencils all over me. I went through a dark period of time in my life and had to pay for it with losing years of my life, so while I was gone took my art ability and taught myself to tattoo, I know not the greatest way to start, but that’s all I had. When I got home I found a street shop that let me tattoo though my apprenticeship, and have never looked back. I strive everyday to learn more and more about this great art of tattooing. I have to many artist that I look up to, to even name. I have been tattooing for 4 years now and do conventions all over the country to learn new and different ways to better my art. I have meet a lot of great tattooers that helped me get to where I am today and want to say thank you to all. Now I am a custom tattooer, from portraits, to realism, to traditional, I want to be an all around great tattooer, and have worked to get to where I am with hard work and the drive to be the best, I still have a lot to learn, and will do so.
Find Jamie at: Titan Tattoo 2720 Old Lebanon Rd Nashville, TN 37214 (615) 873-1098