Villain Arts Tattoo Magazine Issue 2 vol. 2

TATTOOS, NEWS, INTERVIEWS, ARTWORK, MODELS & MORE!

INKMASTER’S STAR GENTLE JAY BLONDEL SPEAKS OUT

issue 2 vol 2 2021

What Jay Learned From Competing on InkMaster

SHOTSIE GORMAN Stories From the Tattoo Legend

PAUL BOOTH Exclusive Interview with the Macabre’ Master of Art

TATTOO CONVENTIONS ARE BACK 2021 Convention Schedule and Convention Reviews

PUSHING PAINT Featuring Legendary Artist Judy Parker and Biomech Wizard Adam France

TATTOOING IN THE PHILLIPINES Marshall Bennet Shares His Experience Tattooing and Exploring the Phillipines DIGITAL & PRINT PUBLICATION

TOP ARTISTS & WRITERS

Troy Timpel Marshall Bennett Dana Brunson Syxx O’Brien Geena Marie Russo Robbie Ripoll Jake Karamol Jordi Pla Justin Coppolino Renee Little Bryn Beer Cody Reed Frank DeMao

issue 2

on the cover Gentle Jay Blondel speaks about what he learned from Inkmaster.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

8 FEATURE STORY

16

22

66

CONTENTS Tattoo News 61.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Editor’s Page Jersey Nicolardi

8 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Boss Talk Troy Timpel

10...................... Mental

Wellness thru Pandemic Robbie Ripol

121.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Tattooing in Thailand Marshall Bennet 16...............................What

I Learned on Inkmaster Gentle Jay Blondel

Tattoo Artist Features

221.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Jake Karamol Interviewed by Jersey Nicolardi 241.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Shotsie Gorman Interviewed by Jersey Nicolardi

34 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Paul Booth Interviewed by Geena Marie Russo

34

Model Features 421.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. McKenzie Wilson Photography by Richard Taylor 481.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.Stephanie Vixen Photography by Ernie Bustamante

54 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Vaughn Ara Photography by Ernie Bustamante

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

24

10

48

54

66

42

84

72

90

80

62

Convention Review 621.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Oklahoma

City Review

Syxx O’Brien

Tattoo Contest Highlights 661.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Atlanta Highlights Photots by Rob Smith 681.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1Houston Highlights Photots by Rob Smith 701.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Nashville Highlights Photots by Rob Smith

Know your History 72.....................1st

International Tattoo Con.

761.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Carol

Dana Brunson

Nightingale Mike Skiver Sr.

Pushing Paint 801.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Adam France Painting with Science and Energy 84 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Judy Parker Old School Master

Tattoo Gallery 901.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Tattoo Gallery Amazing Tattoos from Top Artists

12

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

V

illain Arts Tattoo News Magazine. Issue 2.

I am happy to report that the magazine is being read and enjoyed by thousands of tattoo enthusiasts and fellow artists around the world. Many aspects of tattooing and getting tattooed have changed since we launched Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine in November of last year.

Changes that vary from state to state and country to country.

A majority of states were shut down from the end of March 2020 till May 2020 and after. California tattoo studios were closed, reopened for a short time and then shut down again before finally reopening.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada just recently were permitted to return to tattooing in June 2021, after being shut down since March of 2020.

This pandemic has affected so many people in so many ways.

Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals have been in full swing and many states are now mask free for those who are vaccinated.

Seeing smiling faces, and life returning to normal has been a long time coming. Attendance at Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals have been gaining momentum as more people come out at the cities we have been to and most importantly are getting tattooed and enjoying themselves. Artists have all reported staying busy and that the Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals have been very lucrative since reopening despite attendance being lower than pre-covid numbers.

I am excited to bring to you, this Issue #2 of Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine with some heavy hitters and amazing artists, Master of the Macabre Paul Booth, Tattoo Ambassador and legendary artist Shotsie Gorman, and TikTok star Jake Karamol, a young tattoo artist who has gained attention on the social media app. @jerseynicolarditattoo Along with three beautiful layouts of tattooed women, one being a tattoo artist herself; we have packed this issue with great content that’s sure to please! Our Pushing Paint section has art from Tattoo Legend Judy Parker as well as Painting Wizard Adam France.

EDITOR’S

The moment they reopened the tattoo studios, tattoo studios have been extremely busy since.

People love getting tattooed, and we as artists, are more than happy to oblige! It’s a lot like when they abolished prohibition years ago and the bars and saloons exploded with business. When you take something away from people for a while, they want it even more. Studios around the world are reporting long wait lists and fully booked calendars for the near future.

When the magazine launched last year we still hadn’t had a vaccine and now over 60% of the country has been vaccinated; which has resulted in many events, including tattoo conventions, to resume across the country. This has been exciting after so many events were postponed and many artists and attendees got cabin fever after being “cooped up” for so long. It has been a welcome change for many of us who are used to traveling and have missed it for so long. The

6 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

PAGE

with Jersey Nicolardi

Two Tattoo History Articles, including great pictures from Dana Brunson’s collection documenting the 1st International Tattoo Convention, held in Sandusky, Ohio. The convention consisted of a handful of dedicated Tattoo Artists, looking to advance tattooing. Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals have continued to advance tattooing by gathering some of the best artists in the world, bringing them together in cities across the country, to share their art and work alongside other artists from around the world or around the corner. Each Festival has artists from all over as well as many local artists. And we are there covering each event. Showcasing artists, tattoos, clients, side show

acts, and more in our glossy pages.

Now available in print at each Villain Arts Tattoo Festival and free to view digital copy online!

Marshall Bennet talks about traveling to the Philippines to tattoo, enjoy himself and checked out the country while he was there. This is so important. Many artists find themselves traveling from city to city and never taking any time to enjoy what each city has to offer. Local flavors, music, art, and landmarks can all be great to experience in each city.

Attending Artists should stay a day or 2 before or after the festivals to enjoy themselves. There is a lot more to see than the inside of a convention hall and your hotel room.

Gentle Jay Blondel blows the lid off the behind the scenes of the now cancelled InkMaster TV show. This is a no holds barred article that we are excited to share with the world. Written in a Gonzo Journalism style, I am sure you will enjoy reading this article and learn things you may not have known about the show, which has recently hit NetFlix and has gained many new viewers and fans.

Another InkMaster Star has also joined our staff. We would like to welcome Rad Movement’s Robbie Ripoll to the magazine and share with our readers his story on how to get through these difficult times while maintaining mental wellness. Sage advice for many of us and we look forward to reading more advice articles from him.

Villain Arts Founder Troy TImpel writes his 1st installment of “Tales from the VIllain Arts Archives” and tells a hilarious story that happened while working at Philadelphia Eddies 621.

This story will have you rolling and captures how nothing can prepare you for what you may encounter while tattooing. Troy will be sharing more stories in the future. We are looking forward to reading more!

We would also like to welcome Geena Marie Russo to the crew! Many of you have read Geena’s Interviews she has written for Tattoo publications in the past and we are stoked to feature her exclusive Paul Booth interview in this issue. Expect more amazing interviews

from her with world class artists in future issues.

Syxx O’brien gives an honest review of the Oklahoma City Villain Arts 2020 Convention. This was held in the midst of the pandemic and went above and beyond requirements and regulations to provide attendees with a safe and fun experience. Syxx gives a look behind the scenes on decisions made that impacted the rest of the tour. We also included another 3 Highlight articles on Atlanta, Houston, and Nashville for those missing the conventions.

We would like to congratulate the tattoo community for being strong, resilient and overcoming the difficult times we have been through and made to conduct business under. The road back to normal is underway, and we will continue to bring to you more top shelf tattoos by amazing artists from around the world.

We must continue to overcome our obstacles together, supporting one another and to offer up a hand in support or help a sick tattooer in their time of need. These are the times which we should rise to the occasion. Enjoy this Issue, it is filled with the best of the best.

Written by Tattoo Artists, published by Tattoo Artists, and distributed by Tattoo Artists. Produced in the DIY tradition many of us have been a part of since our days in the Hardcore scene, Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine is comprised of Artists that are giving back to tattooing what tattooing has given us and sharing with the world stories, information, and beautiful artwork from all over the globe.

Thanks to everyone who contributed in making this second issue amazing!! I am looking forward to bringing our readers more of the good stuff in upcoming issues! Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Jersey Nicolardi 7-13-2021

ABOUT THE WRITER Jersey is the owner of ArchAngel Tattoo & Art Gallery, and frequently tattoos at Villain Arts Conventions.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

BOSS TALK

with Promoter Troy Timpel Stories from the Villain Arts Archive

S

o, I have a ton of crazy stories in my going on 30 years of tattooing at Philadelphia Eddies. Here is one I think you would enjoy. Hopefully I make this a regular thing.

In 1996ish I had a guy walk in holding a piece of what looked like part of a computer circuit board with wires hanging down. He looked a little crazy, and maybe had a drink or two judging by the paper bag around the can of beer he was holding. Back then we didn’t have to be everyone’s mother. If we could handle, stomach ‘em and they had cash, they walked out with a bandage.

We kindly asked him to toss the beer in the trash can before entering. He slammed a bit and then complied and apologized saying he was having a rough day. He wanted a tattoo to commemorate it.

He went on to explain that his boss of 20 years had fired him and replaced him with a computer. (Through

@troytimpel

the rest of the story imagine every 5 minutes he would say 20 fucking years I worked for that asshole at random)... So he said this morning he got fired after 20 years and replaced his job position with a computer.

He then smashed the computer and punched his boss and ran. This was the only part of the computer he was able to to walk away with. He wanted it tattooed on the back of his neck with the cord parts wrapping around his neck strangling him.

“He went on to explain that his boss of 20 years had fired him and replaced him with a computer.”

I suggested since he was recently unemployed that a neck tattoo might inhibit his future job prospects, and maybe we should do it at the back of his neck, and cords wrapping around below a collar line. He said good idea. I quoted $450 or so, and we were in agreement(Tattoos were a bit cheaper 25 years ago on a south street street shop). I drew it up and then got to work.

A bit into tattooing him he starts up a bit. I anticipated this would be a handful and priced accordingly. So he said I saw another design on the wall while I was drawing, and he would probably get that also. I thought, lets get through this part first as he is a bit more wound up than I am used to dealing with. So the rest of the tattoo he was mostly fine, and then came tattoo #2. He picked out a shrunken head poorly drawn flash piece. I said $200 and I can toss it right on you. We get halfway through the outline and he continued on next page

8 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

says can you write “Fucking George” underneath it? I said ok, Just tip me good on the end. We are service people like a waiter so tip me good and I’ll take care of the added script.

He said ok, thanks, and aren’t you gonna ask why Im getting fucking George written on me? I said nope, dont care, I just tattoo here.

He said I’ll tell you anyway- So my best friend George died last year, and

I really loved him. When he was in the coffin at the funeral, I tried to kiss him, but fucking George got me in the end. I tried to stick my tongue in his mouth when I kissed him, and it was stitched shut. So fucking George got me in the end. The rest of the tattoo (And shop listening) was mostly silent for the rest of the tattoo. It was my first homoerotic necrophilia homage tribute

in a tattoo. My tattoo apprenticeship should have prepared me for this type of lifestyle, but sometimes something a bit extra gets thrown your way.

Sometimes you eat the Bear sometimes the Bear eats you. Hope you guys enjoyed this true story.

Happy tattooing, and remember when your having a bad Tatty-Zapper day, at least we paved the way for you to not make your money like this. Given I made

$650 plus a $100 tip(with the guys phone number written on it in case we wanna hang out) so life wasn’t worth punching my boss in the face and wrapping my clipcord around my neck....

Troy Timpel founder Villain Arts

ABOUT THE WRITER Troy is the promoter of Villain Arts Tattoo Conventions, and co-owner of Philadelphia Eddie’s 621, Floating World, and owner of Hunter Gatherer.

Tattoos.

Mental Wellness Tips for Artists to

GET THRU THIS PANDEMIC

by Robbie Ripoll

@robbieripoll

I

t’s no secret that the last year was one for the history books in a multitude of ways. COVID!!!! Toilet paper and paper towel shortages.

Rubbing Alcohol shortages. Mask up.

Dont take my rights. Social distancing.

Mass hysteria. Media frenzies. The price of gloves fucking skyrocketing.

At some point I know we’ve all found ourselves saying WTF?!?!?

What do we do with this? How do we overcome this? How do we comeback from this? With questions this heavy, we have to take a step back and breathe. One of the things that kept me sane (as I could be) during these times was the knowing that I wasn’t alone. I was like “I can’t pay rent....no big. Most motherfuckers can’t pay their bills.”

Sure, I had fears and frustrations. We all do...without this pile of extra shit laid in our lap. But I did my best to not let the daily issues or the extra pile of shit weigh me down.

Even if the bottom fell out of your life during these times you still have opportunity to grow, progress, and become the next evolution of Self.

How many times has something unbelievably debilitating happened to you, only to later realize it was THE catalyst for some of the most beautiful change? Change that was maybe unexpected, or expected, but overall some amazing change that you underwent due to that dumpsterfirefuckass circumstance.

and there is a pungent odor of excrement, remember that you are basking in the glorious stench of the fertilizer for GROWTH!!!!

I know all this stuff is WAYYYYYYY easier said than done. But if you don’t get your ass in gear and take the steps to make your life better, you will never achieve your hopes and

dreams. So don’t let the hard times be an excuse to give up. Whether it’s That’s the beautiful thing about the being successful in business, love, tough times. The miserable times. The life....or just something super simple times that we didn’t think we were like inner peace, you’ve got to take strong enough to make it through. charge and take care of yourself. Be These times are like fertilizer. They honest with yourself, love yourself, smell like poop but help produce some have grace and compassion for really phenomenal results. So next yourself, just don’t fucking stop!!! time you look around at your circumstance continued on next page

10 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

ABOUT THE WRITER Robbie Ripoll is a dude who’s done some real cool stuff, and been through some real ruff stuff. And due to all of his life experiences, he shares his heart and mind with things like motivational speaking, coaching, and the occasional writing. So hopefully his words will inspire, encourage, or just make you feel plain good. But maybe they’ll make you think. Either enjoy his writings and rantings...or don’t. Either way He’s RAD and so are YOU. Don’t forget that shit.

Photo by Shannon Chenowith Photgraphy

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

PULL UP A CHAIR with Marshall Bennett @marshallbennett

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWN BENNETT @thrudawnseye

N

ormally, I may have had this edition’s installment written and ready to submit with time to spare ... but since I got a heads up reminder one week before the deadline date, I decided to jump into one of my most memorable tattoo travel experiences.

I’ve been fortunate to travel a bit to conventions . Earlier in my career I was so honored and hungry to work these expos that I rarely saw much more than the convention floor , my room and of course the hotel bar. I missed out on a lot in those days. But As I got more experienced I realized there was so much more than just tattooing and working long ass days into early morning at these shows. I realized that seeing and experiencing a bit of the areas surrounding each Convention is well worth staying extra days to enjoy.

This being said, I’m often asked “what was your favorite show or place I have visited. “ Actually there are so many to speak of but one of the most memorable places that I’ve been was “ Party in Paradise Tattoo Expo” on an island in the Philippines ,

12 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

City of Cebu, organized by my friend Greg Taylor.

I could go on and on about the people of the Philippines!

Everyone we passed were kind and smiling. Many families were squatters often living and working out of hand made stores and homes the size of an average

“I realized that seeing and experiencing a bit of the areas surrounding each Convention is well worth staying extra days to enjoy.” tattoo booth! The natives are very grateful people yet have virtually little(compared to what Americans take for granted.)it made me of how fortunate we are at home .

I have never seen such religious faith in my life, It was humbling..Though I am somwhat agnostic with little education of religion, there were many times I felt moved continued on next page

and curious about the love and happiness most the natives of Cebu possess. But let’s not digress.

The expo was packed with many international artists. I must say the talent was surprisingly overwhelming and everyone stayed busy. I met many Filipino artists and they are amazing! I feel if any of them had the opportunity and exposure we are blessed with in the U.S., all the artists at this convention would be considered world class.

elderly tattooed natives with many years collecting ink on them. Most wore spiritual and holy art and of course many batok tattoos. However they were quite adamant about not taking their photo and of course I respected this. Not sure why.

Oddly, I tattooed people from other countries such as Australia and England. Except i did tattoo one Filipino. An artist working the show and he explained why that was, but can’t get into that here.

After the expo, while exploring the island, I got to meet some

Cebu is truly paradise, year round. We spent 2 weeks traveling, hiking and adventuring all over the island and the ocean. We hiked through jungle what seemed like miles to a secluded hotel,, no roads. Rather simple rooms built into the side of a foliage covered cliff surrounded by waterfalls that converged literally feet outside our room. I think maybe 10 of us occupied this lost paradise- all friends continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

from the convention. No room service, lol.

My wife and I hired a guide for the week , Jun-Jun ( for virtually pennies American) to show us all over the island and share his vast knowledge of the history and beautiful sites of Cebu. A group of us swam with whale sharks in open water. These magestic creatures are the size of a

by using their gills as a suction filer.

However , it was hard to see very far underwater that day ... so I was paranoid thinking that other shark species may be hanging around lol ....The ones with large teeth.. But such an unforgettable and amazing adventure to say the least.

bus yet gentle and seem to enjoy our presence . It was a choppy day in the ocean so it was hard to see or get great photos, but such an exhilarating experience! Though the whale sharks mouth can expand more than 4 feet across, they have tiny teeth that only eat small shrimp, fish and plankton

We visited so many historic and fascinating places. We Viewed uncountable sculptures - many centuries old and visited historic and relatively unknown architectural masterpieces in Cebu. I Took So many photos but of course can only share a few here .

I have to mention ya could go down on the waterfront and get a fresh (I mean live fresh) lobster, crab leg or any other seafood dinner with all the sides for like $10-15 American currency. Oh yeah! I will go back despite the 20+ hour flight. Also I heard something special is being planned for the next Party in Paradise!

Hopefully it’s soon.

Oh and btw, I probably wouldn’t have been anymore prepared even if I had a months notice for the article deadline .. stay well and see y’all!

14 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

ABOUT THE WRITER Marshall tattoos at Eternal Tattoos and is a regular at Villain Arts Shows. He can be reached at marshalltattoo@aol.com and @marshallbennet

WHAT I LEARNED ON INKMASTER

S

o it’s over. 13 seasons, hundreds of millions of dollars generated and approximately 200 artists who decided it was a good idea to put a gun to the head of their career in front of the whole world. I am one of those artists who “competed” on Inkmaster and I have seen what happens behind the camera. You want to know about the reality of reality TV? Ok. I’ll tell you. I’ve been waiting....

Y

es being on TV has certain perks. You see your face on billboards and advertisements all over the place. People recognize you and ask to take pics with you and for you to sign stuff, brag that they

met you, hold doors open for you and buy you drinks. It’s like having nice tits. But the novelty of that wears off really fast. Then you start to notice other things like people being fake nice to you, like REALLY fake nice, to an embarrassing level. And not just strangers, but also some of the people that you’ve known for years or even decades start acting weird around you, like if you’re with them in public when someone notices

you and makes a big deal; they get all stressed out and start huffing and shit, like it’s your fault. Try going to the midwest or anywhere in rural America.

I walked into a little diner somewhere in Illinois with my friend Amy Nicoletto (if you don’t know her she was on L.A.Ink and looks like the type of chick that would be married to Dracula) and the whole place just stopped.

Everyone just stared straight at us like we couldn’t see them or something.

“I make more in one full day session than I made the entire 2 months on Inkmaster.”

We got seated awkwardly and no one stopped staring. They just pulled out their phones and started googling.

When they figured out who we were they sent a little girl over to ask us to take pictures with them, probably figuring we wouldn’t yell at a little kid on the off chance we were dicks about it.

16 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Then there are the people who assume that I was on TV so I’m rich now. Well guess what, we get minimum wage while filming. I make more in one full day session than I made the entire 2 months on Inkmaster. Actors are rich because of something called royalty checks which are issued to the person in the show every single time that show is aired. BUT, the cunts at Inkmaster make you sign away your right to continued on next page

royalties before you ever even get on the show (otherwise you don’t get on the show), and also the rights to our own artwork that we do whilst on the show which is how they put out books with our artwork in it and they NEVER have to pay us. And they can run that fucking show on a loop for 5 years and I wont see one thin dime.

None of us artists will. But Dave will get paid, and so will the other 2 monkeys that sat next to him flinging shit. Yes, even the racist one.

Mad yet? Don’t worry I’m not done.

Now let’s get to the bullshit of the actual show. Actually, when you are there they NEVER let you call it a show. You have to refer to the show as “the competition”. They make you re-film whatever you just said if you refer to it as a “show” because they have to push the idea that it’s a competition, get it yet?

To get on the show in the first place is a pain in the ass. I’ll speed through and hit the important points as best I can. First step is the casting call which is (no exaggeration) thousands of tattoo people from all over the place standing on a gigantic line all day with portfolios and the line wraps around city blocks several times. This process is controlled by casting agents from an outside casting company only, no producers, no one from the actual show at all. If these people (who have no tattoo background whatsoever from what was evident to me) select you, you then go on to the on-camera interview. This step is also done by the outside casting company and then the footage is sent to the producers who narrow it down and make the final selections.

When you are chosen from there it’s not just “oh hey, you’re on the show!

Congrats! See you there!” Nah. There is a confidentiality agreement (can’t tell anyone about any of this while it is happening) and a FULL background check first. Then a

medical exam and a full psych profile.

Yea, you read that right. If you get past that it is then mountains of paperwork and (approximately) a 30 page contract telling you everything you are NOT allowed to do. Without being too specific nor quoting exactly, it says things like ‘From the time you arrive until the time you leave you should have NO EXPECTATION of privacy’ and ‘Royalties! Nah Fuck you!! That money goes to people much better than you. Now go put your career and what little you have in this world on the line in front of everyone for our profit you bitch’. Again, I am paraphrasing.

Gentle Jay Blondel tattooing fellow Season 4 contestant and friend King Ruck at Ruck’s studio in Las Vegas.

While that is going on, other people from the show are calling asking odd questions like “Hey, so… can you go home tonight and take pictures of every article of clothing you own laid out on the bed so we can get an idea of your look? Like shoes, jackets, hats.. all of it. Omg thanks so much. I’m excited!

Are you excited?? Ok talk later” No shit, that really happened.

that you aren’t actually chosen yet because there is still a chance you can be cut. So you did all that, now you’re just waiting to hear. Fun so far, right? Like being audited. So I don’t remember exactly how long they made me wait, I think it was close to a week. I will say, getting that call is exciting. So they tell you that you have to have all your shit packed up and ready to go by this time on this day. You can’t tell anyone where you are going. You just have to disappear from your life.

Ok here we go, right? Nope, not yet.

A car service picks you up and takes you to the Doubletree hotel where you are greeted by producers you haven’t met or heard of before. They are all very positive and enthusiastic as they check you in and walk you to your room. Then, they have you sign like 5 more things and then they take your money, ID, credit cards and room key. Now you do not have the power to leave or even wander around the hotel. It felt exactly like jail just with better beds and bathrooms.

They tell you that you are now waiting for a call from the producers and they will let you know when we will begin. They do not tell you how long you will be waiting. To keep this from going on too long, I wound up waiting 3 days in that room with random people coming by every 6 hours or so to go over details of wardrobe or whatever reason they made up to hide the fact that they are fucking with me and checking on me here and there.

So finally I get the call that I have to be camera ready by 8 am tomorrow.

I get a good nights sleep, get picked up at my room by producers and brought to the lobby where most of the others are already sitting there in total silence with like 6 people with headsets standing around like When all the paperwork is done they detention monitors in school making tell you that you have to wait for them sure no one talks to each other. They to go through it all and make their final sit me down and tell me “You’re on decision. So at this point, you realize Ice. This means you don’t talk to continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

anyone, you save it all for filming.” I didn’t know it yet, but there would be a lot of this. Code for “shut the fuck up”. Then they get us all into 2 vans and take us to the location where we will be filming the first thing. We sat in a room in an abandoned factory “on Ice” for over 2 hours. Every time you ask how much longer, the answer is either “soon” or “15 minutes” no matter what. So sitting around doing nothing, not being able to talk to each other you get bored and restless.

Then out of nowhere a producer appears and starts trying to quickly get everyone up and going right now this very second, demanding energy from you. It goes on this way all day.

The house we all stay at is connected to the studio where we film. It’s in Newark, NJ. They want you to think it’s NYC but if you’re from here you know that most of their shots of the city come from the Jersey side. We do go there and film things on location, but its just get in the van, get there, film it, get back in the van and go right back to the studio with no time for fucking around. I did talk one of the low level producer people into buying me a hot dog from the cart when we were in the city one day because they take away our money and ID and everything. I think they do that so you feel powerless, like you cant go anywhere and you have no resources, just them. Like a little

kid they want you to need them. The whole thing is a giant mind fuck from start to finish.

It takes 3 days to film an episode that

they want you to think all happened in one day. The first day is the challenge.

You film “reality” when you’re not doing the actual challenge which is when you see us all sitting around arguing, that’s what they call “reality”. If we are all sitting there and getting along the producers get pissed off and tell the camera men to “shoulder down” which

“The truth is, there are certain people that they will never make look bad no matter what they do.” is them putting the camera down and not recording. Then the producers will talk at us saying things like “oh, you’re all friends now? Gonna split the prize money and start a commune? You’re competing for $100,000 guys lets hear what you didn’t like about Jay’s tattoo, GO! Let’s have some fucking energy guys come on!!” When you aren’t filming at all, they split you all into smaller groups and let you see them whispering with the others. Then they come over to you and whisper shit like “yo Scott hates your tattoo bro, he’s putting you up for Elimination, I think i overheard him say he hates you! That’s

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

crazy right? Doesn’t that piss you off?” Or they have 3 or 4 people go into another room and film for like 20 minutes and then come back and they’re like “oh man they were rough on you in there.”

The second day is the Elimination tattoo. I always get asked about the time limit. The time limit is the realest thin about that show. You have 6 hours exactly. They are very rigid about that one thing. The rest, well the magic of TV and so on... you film “reality” in the morning, tattoo from about noon to six, then film a little more “reality”. Quick aside about tha word; they call it “reality TV” because it is based on the reality that they create for you while you’re there. That’s why it isn’t Real-life TV or Documentary TV, because they edit the fuck out of it and make it whatever they want.That’s why every time you see me I seem aggravated.

That’s what they want from me.

They never show the times I have everyone cracking up laughing or just chillin not bothered by shit.

They also don’t show the associate producers passive aggressively winding me up all day, quite on purpose mind you. Or how they set the carbon monoxide alarm off in the middle of the night all the time and have us standing outside in our continued on next page

pajamas in freezing cold weather while the fire dept goes through and scans to make sure its safe to go back in (which it always is because they set the alarm off just to fuck with our sleep).

Day 3 is critiques and elimination.

This one is a bitch. We all line up and stand there waiting to be called.

When it’s your turn you go up there and stand in front of the “judges” and you and your tattoo get ripped apart for 20 minutes or so. On TV you only get to see one or 2 comments of that.

We get a full dose every time and it goes on all day long. The producers always try to talk you into arguing back and “fighting for your piece” but whenever you do they just make you look ridiculous. Then we film more “reality” after getting ripped on then it’s elimination and someone goes home.

I remember the geometry challenge, I had a crazy client who didn’t even let me do geometry but I somehow talked my way out of that one.

Scott Marshall who was declared the “winner” of our season by the “judges” did this thing with cubes and triangles that looked like a dollar store Christmas tree star. Not only was it a flash design that was in his portfolio like 3 times, but he blew out just about every line in the tattoo.

You could see it as clear as day up on that giant monitor in the studio and the “judges” didn’t say one fucking word about it (for those who don’t know, a blow out is when you go way too deep with the needle and the ink bleeds under the skin. It looks like someone held a sharpie on a napkin

and it WILL cause a scar, which is a DEFINITE TATTOO FAIL). He was just given some generic praise and then they gave us all that “why can’t you all be more like Scott’’ look. You see, the “judges” say it all the time when you’re there, “Our job is not to focus on what you did right, but what you did wrong. We don’t highlight the good, we highlight the bad’’ but of course that is not true. It’s like everything else on the show, edited. The truth is, there are certain people that they will never make look bad no matter what they do. And the rest are there to make the “chosen ones’’ look even better, even if the producers have to trash their career to do it, those people don’t really matter to them anyway. Disposable people.

They can take them from wherever and make them feel like they’re doing something special for a little while, then when they crush their hopes they never have to pay them anything again and

“They edited it, cut it all apart and made it what they wanted.” can use the footage as much as they want to make millions. Reality TV has actual formulas for this kind of stuff, what personality types to put with what to get the most explosive results, how to fuck with people to get them to crack and so on, it’s psychological warfare when you live in that house. It’s actually crazy, not like the expression but true insanity. Which leads me to the part I think everyone wants to know... What the hell happened when I called out Scott for cheating? “I’ll sum it up as succinctly as I can so here goes” I wasn’t even the one looking for shit on Scott, that’s number one. All I said was that the tattoo he did looked familiar, because it did. I had definitely seen it done before. I didn’t dig through his shit or ask anyone else to, I’m not a fucking cop. But someone definitely did. I was just sitting around in the morning before filming started one day and I was approached by people saying they had proof that Scott was cheating.

Apparently they went to Scott’s tattoo room and saw his references sitting

on the chair. They picked them up to look and saw that every single one was printed from google (they show the actual references I am talking about on screen) This is significant because before every single tattoo we do on the show we have to sign a new contract that says we will obey these specific rules during

this challenge or whatever we are doing. The first rule is ALWAYS the same. Always. It says that the only search engine we are permitted to use is Getty images because it is the only one guaranteed to have no copy written images, which we are not allowed to use because we are on TV and there are 5 million rules about shit like that, and the legal department are BEASTS. So the people who found this evidence did not have the balls to say anything, so of course they come to me. I won’t say the names but you know who you are. They are the same people who didn’t have the balls to speak up when Dave asked if anyone else knew about this. You didn’t want credit then, you don’t get it now. So the point is this; I didn’t call Scott out for tracing. i called him out for breaking the contract by using an “illegal” search engine, which was supposed to result in automatic dismissal from the show. I proved it.

And they couldn’t have given a fuck less. They immediately told me that I wasn’t allowed to say any of that on TV because of all the rules we can’t say the name Google or anything else and can’t even say what actually happened. I did anyway, but they did what they do. They edited it, cut it all continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magaz2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

apart and made it what they wanted.

All I can say is that it was one of the biggest lessons I have ever received in how the world really works.

I was in that place for 2 months. They take your phone away first thing in the morning and give it back last thing at night. No TV (ironic right?) no going out at night, they tell you exactly what to wear every day and because it takes 3 days to film an episode you have to wear the same clothes for 3 days straight. Also, the editing. They can take something you said on day 1 and splice it into a conversation someone else was having on day 3 just to make it look like you said something fucked up or to start shit (this one does wonders for the reputation). You are NEVER unsupervised the entire time you are there, it’s exactly like minimum security prison except for the glaring

fact that we all asked to be there. It changed me and the way I have seen things since then, and I stand behind every single thing I did and said. When I came home, I stayed in my house for about 5 days and didn’t call anyone or tell anyone I was back not even my closest people. I had not been my true self for so long that i needed to remember who that was. I don’t know any other way to explain how I felt. I stopped caring about winning the show the first day that we were there, everyone knew who was going to win the “judges” were all buddy buddy right out of the gate kissing his ass.

The rest of us were like “do you see this shit?”

That’s why I was so proud of how i left the show, Dave said his little line and before he was even finished saying it I gave Scott the finger and said “Fuck You Scott” and walked out. That was my way of saying “I know who’s going

to “win” this bullshit and you can shove your “competition” straight up your ass.”

So that’s the truth. Is there more?

You bet your sweet ass there is, but this is the shortest version of it I could write without making it into a book. The reality of reality TV is that they take you out of your reality and drop you into a new one that is completely contrived and controlled.

ABOUT THE WRITER Gently Jay has been on the TV show InkMaster. He owns Kinetic Body Art in NY and tattoos frequently at many Villain Arts Conventions among others worldwide.

JAKE

KARAMOL Tattooing with TikTok

Inter viewed by Jersey Nicolardi

@jerseynicolarditattoo

22 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

J

What are your plans for the future?

ake Karamol, a tattoo artist originally from Toledo, Ohio is one of the biggest tattoo creators on TikTok with over a million+ followers and 55 million overall likes. He averages between 300k-800K views on each video he posts and recently, LADBible has licensing agreement to post his videos on their social platforms (FB: 37.4 Million, IG: 8.4 Million).

He started a TikTok account February of 2019 because he enjoyed making videos with friends about the shenanigans that go on between coworkers and clients inside the tattoo shop. Only a few months later he has grown his followers exponentially. Jake believes that TikTok offers a chance to get in front of younger users, around the ages of 15-18, he says, “they will be the next generation of tattoo clients.”

He has been tattooing since 2011 where he moved to Texas and apprenticed for a year and a half before settling into Timeless Body Arts in North East Maryland. He started off as a traditional tattoo

I’m working on a TV pilot and pitching it around. I eventually plan on having my own shop where my coworkers and I will be tattooing and making social media content daily.

artist but now considers himself a neotraditional artist. He is inspired by the works of Timmy b, Devin Coley, Elijah Nguyen and others.

Currently Jake shot a comedy-based tattoo TV series pilot based on the success of his skits titled ‘Business As Usual’ based on actual events that happen in a tattoo studio along with live tattooing.

How long have you been tattooing?

A.This year will be my 10th year of tattooing.

Where do you tattoo?

ALL social media links: https://beacons.ai/jakekaramol https://www.tiktok.com/@ jakekaramol https://www.instagram.com/ jakekaramol/ https://www.facebook.com/ jakekaramoltattoos/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC5rqi1gVKz6DglmA-2Fl-fw TV Show: https://www.instagram. com/businessasusualshow/ PROMO: https://vimeo. com/478730423/30a17ba7a3

I tattoo at timeless body arts in north east Maryland!

How long have you been on tik tok?

I’ve been doing tiktok for two years now

Advantages of using tik tok for social media?

It’s a great platform to showcase your skills as an artist, sense of humor and creativity. It’s also good to build your other social media platforms .

Most memorable tik tok posted?

I made a tiktok about being told I would never make it in the industry when I starting.. and how I didn’t let that stop me from achieving what I wanted.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Shotsie

GORMAN

Talking with An Ambassador of Tattooing par t 1

Inter viewed by Jersey Nicolardi

@jerseynicolarditattoo

24 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

G

rowing up in New Jersey I have known the name Shotsie Gorman to be synonymous with amazing tattoo work since I was a kid. This master of tattooing has been honing his skills for over 40 years. He began his journey in New York City admiring tattoos he had seen and later tattooing at Spider Webb’s while he was a part of the New York art scene. He then moved back to the state he grew up in New Jersey and opened the world renowned studio Shotsies Tattoo?

In the 80’s, while implementing safe tattooing practices at his own studio, he began working with the state of New Jersey on writing their tattooing laws. This came with rejection from a lot of old timers and other tattooers not wanting the state to regulate them. Shotsie then explained to them that it was in their best interest to work with them and not let the state handle the entire process. This is the norm in writing new tattooing laws today, where many tattoo artists insist on being a part of the discussions and law making process.

Shotsie and Bob Shaw Shotsie has also been pushing the artistic envelop his entire career, showing that tattoos didn’t have to be limited to flash designs, but could be fine art in the skin.

Looking at his large body of work, one can truly see the artistry he injects into each design he creates. Those who appreciate this personal artistic touch, travel to great lengths to wear his art on their skin. From sculpture to painting, or even painting a body suit on a model for an Absolute Vodka ad, Shotsie has always put his heart and soul into all of his art.

We are dedicating 2 issues to hear Shotsies stories and showcase his amazing tattoo work and other art work he has created. He has done so much over the years to help bring Tattooing to where it is today, it is the least we can do to show him the respect he deserves. This Ambassador of Tattooing has gone on talk shows back in the day, defending tattooing, at a time it was looked at as only fit for bikers and outsiders.

He published and edited Tattoo Advocate, a tattoo magazine with a scholarly journal approach when continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

magazines with tattoos were viewed as pornographic. This same ground breaking magazine also won awards in the design world for its efforts and is collected by tattoo enthusiasts.

Tattooing is now a respected art form, that is admired by critics and created by some of the most talented artists of our time. Even people who are not fans of tattoos can still appreciate the artistry that is involved in these masterpieces of our time. We can all thank Shotsie for paving the way for coming generations of tattoo artists that enjoy this new found validity and legitimacy in the art world. Without his efforts and persistence in representing tattooing in a positive light, we may all still be tattooing mostly bikers and outsiders. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Haha

If you could introduce yourself and tell us how long that you’ve been tattooing.

I’m Shotsie Gorman, originally from Paterson, New Jersey and I’ve been tattooing now for 43 years.

Wow. what first got you interested in tattooing?

That’s kind of an odd thing because tattooing was around my family, my dad had tattoos, he was a cop in Paterson, actually, but he got tattoos when he was in the Navy. He was on a destroyer, which is a small battleship that travels with the big battleship, it’s quicker, faster, with big guns on it, and he got some Navy tattoos.

My grandfather, who came from Italy, he had 2 tattoos. Some of my Uncles had tattoos, so it was all around me.

It wasn’t something I thought was odd or weird and when I was a kid we used to get together, we’d pay a local wino to buy us a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 and we’d buy him a bottle and then us kids, we were 10 or 11, we’d sit around drinking getting a little drunk and then we took 3 needles in the end of a pencil and wrapped it with thread. Tick tick tick.. you know, I tattooed a little spider on myself which has disappeared, my father whipped my ass for that, even though he had tattoos. But the thought of being a tattoo artist really wasn’t in my mind. I wanted to be a fine artist. I was making sculpture and painting at 19 going on 20. I moved to New York City and became friends with this guy Mike Bakaty, Mike and I we worked the way things work in New York City was if you were sculptor you got work doing dry wall, sheet rocking, and taping, that sort of thing, contracting and if you are an actor, you became a bartender or waiter because that’s the way

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Shotsie & Mike Bakaty

things went. So that way you could take time off to go do rehearsals. So I went down to the local artist bar, a place called Fanelli’s, and I started

asking; I said, “I’m an artist, where can I find some kinda work. I was fucking broke and I sold my car to get enough money just to move to New York City and I was living in the sub basement apartment on East 7th street. Do you know NY at all? continued on next page

Yes, absolutely.

2 blocks down from the McSorley’s Ale House, but it was in the Puerto Rican community. It was really a ghetto, right next to the projects at the end of East 7th street and Avenue D. It was between C and D.

Alphabet City.

Yeah, and I’m looking out at the ankles going by.

So I ended up working with Mike and we started doing carpentry jobs together and Mike kind of adopted me. Mike and his family ,he had 2 young boys Quinn and Mehai, and his wife was from down South and after we started working together I’d go home to my little crappy apartment, I didn’t even really have a stove. I had a countertop cook thing. He’d call me on the phone and say, “What are you doing?” I’m like I’m home from work, I took a shower. He says, “Well come over the house”, he lives on the Bowery about a block and a half from CBGB’s, OK. Well on Houston and Bowery, the building’s been knocked down now, but anyway, they kind of adopted me, even if I, you know, wasn’t working with him at the time. They would call me and say, come to the house and hang out and I’d be there with his kids. He had a bunch of tattoos, some of them were pretty vulgar, from when he was in the Navy. Women with their legs spread, saying, “Here’s Mine, Where’s Yours?” That kinda shit.

So he decided he wanted to get tattooed and I started going with him to these different tattoo shops and started getting

interested. So I went to NY public library and I look for books on tattooing and there was only one. It was by a Dr. Albert Perry, it was called The Strange Practice of Tattooing Amongst American Natives, and it was a 19th century piece of shit that basically said that getting tattooed was like a predisposition to being a sociopath, to being a criminal. So anyway, I was happy that actually there were no books, that meant that this thing hadn’t been codified, so you can do whatever you wanted. This is what I thought anyway. So Mike started tattooing me, he got information about collecting tattoos. we were going to Spider Webb’s and Big Joe’s (Kaplan) where he met Tom Slick and decided to have him do his sleeves. He ended up getting tattooed by, I can’t remember the guys name, but he decided he wanted to do tattooing, so he got somebody to give the skinny on where to get Spaulding Rogers equipment and some pigment, stuff like that and he was a great draftsman himself so I said I want to get tattooed. So he did this Japanese, you know upper body tattoo of the 2 oni that create storms, oni of the wind and oni of the thunder and it goes onto the chest panel and halfway through he said, “Do you want to learn to tattoo?” So I said, “ Yes, of course!”

continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Right!!

So u know, we were supposed to do this kind of apprenticeship thing and we were going to open up a business together and his wife got really pissed. She didn’t want him tattooing for a living, she’s like, I think she wanted the cache’ of him being a fine artist. He was teaching at LaGuardia Community College; he was an adjunct professor but he was headed toward becoming full time.

Anyway, I had taken what little bit of money I had stashed and I bought a sterilizer, it was a dry heat sterilizer and then I bought a little toaster oven or whatever the hell it was. I got myself 2 Spaulding and Rogers Supremes and some tubes and I was ready, you know? But, the deal fell through; we got kind of a falling out, so I thought well, fuck this. I’m gonna do my own thing, so I moved to 26th street at that time, I had a loft there.

So at the front part of my loft, I built a little shoebox sized tattoo station. I just started advertising in the back of the Village Voice, that’s how I really got started and pissed off Spider Webb, because he of course fired me and I couldn’t find work in Jersey in a place I thought was safe. So I started advertising in the back of the Village Voice, and one of my advertisements said, “Caught in the Webb.” W-EB-B, you know for Spider. “Come see me for your next tattoo.” Spider was so fucking angry man! HAHA He was like livid! You know? Hey! You fired my ass, you could have had me

got a lot of balls, you’re hired! So I started working for Spider. I have stories that will make your hair stand on end, He was building a house in Woodstock, New York. So he gave me the keys and there’s this girl Ellen, she never did a tattoo before, even though he posted photographs in his book Pushing Ink, credited to her. She had actually never done a tattoo. He said I am going to be going to Woodstock, you come in, open up, you work and then you give her the money, and she’ll cut your vig or your percentage and that’s what we’ll do. OK, well how long you gonna be? I’m not sure. So a month he’s gone right

there.

When I first started tattooing, I was tattooing illegally in New York City, living on 26th street and 7th Avenue. I had a loft there, I was actually tattooing illegally because tattooing was barred in New York City, that was in 77 and 78 and then when I moved to Jersey, I started looking for…. Well I was working for Spider Webb before I actually opened my first professional shop.

Quite the character there!

Yeah man! I traveled to California and

went to Cliff Raven’s Studio, Sunset Strip Tattoo (Lyle Tuttle originally opened) and got tattooed. As I was getting tattooed he said I could ask him any questions since I also tattooed and admired his work. So I asked, Can I work here? It was a beautiful studio and professionally set up. He said they were fully staffed but since I was in NY he would make a call for me.

He immediately called Spider Webb and said, “I have a guy here who’s good and serious about tattooing and you’re gonna hire him.” So I went back to NY and was interviewed

by Spider and he called the next day and said, You

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Every day opening up and people are coming in saying I want to get tattooed by Spider Webb well, Spider’s not here but I can take care of you. They’re like “Yeah right, fuck that!” and walk out the door. So after 3 weeks of that, sitting there on my ass I said, this isn’t gonna work out, you know, so the next person to come thru door , they’re like I wanna get a tattoo by Spider Webb. I’m like, “How are you doing, I’m Spider Webb, sit down!” HAHAHAHA So I tattooed for the next couple of months as Spider Webb, Spider finally comes back (audio trouble) hes got this like 17th century velvet frock coat on, wrap-around sunglasses, you know, lipstick, and this guy comes in with 2 friends and are like “Hey how you doing, we want to get a tattoo from Spider.” Spider stands up, he goes, “How ya doing? I’m Spider.”

They go, “No, we want that Spider.” pointing to me. (Laughter) He says what do you mean that Spider? He says that guy tattooed me last time, I want my friends to get tattooed by him he says he’s Spider Webb. Well Spider got as red as his frock coat and he fired me! I said, “What do you mean? You know that bag of money you got when you came back. If I didn’t say I was Spider Webb you wouldn’t have that money, you know what I mean? He said you’re finished kid! OK great. Thanks! But continued on next page

thats my start, totally didn’t look for tattooing, didn’t think about being a tattoo artist. But it chose me. when I decided to do my own thing.

Sure. I think that’s true with a lot of people with this artform, and the ones that seem to stick with it and become something in it are the ones that…really it almost takes over your life it seems.

It really consumes you.

Whether it’s the tattooing or the art, the painting, at least with myself, it seems to be a constant, of course we have other things in our lives, but it’s a constant priority.

Oh it will suck up all your time, that’s for sure.

Yes! It’s way more consuming than any other profession. A guy who is a roofer doesn’t come home and practice roofing. But we’ll come home and we’ll do a painting. Or we will...

Draw or get ready.

slathers it on, you know, goes to work, wipes it off with a rag, not a paper towel.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, so I thought, oh yeah I can tattoo and it will help me generate enough money, where I don’t have to do sheetrock anymore, and, I can do sculpture from the money I make tattooing. Yeah..All I did was tattoo, and practice, draw, and get ready for the next tattoo It’s a crazy thing.

Turn out you know searching around for a place to work because it was just before Christmas and I’m pretty broke, I’m still living in New York City so I was taking the train over to Jersey and I went to a couple of guys, I went to this one guy that will go unnamed, I knock on the door, I come into the shop, and he’s tattooing somebody in Harrison, New Jersey. So he’s tattooing somebody, all of a sudden, he went into a nod and fell out of the fucking chair Onto the floor! So his customer got up all nonchalant, lit up a cigarette and went outside. I’m like, “What the fuck’s going on? You know? Did he have a seizure?” He’s like, “No, he’s fucking high. So I help them get up off the floor into the chair, I’m like this guys totally a fucking junkie, you know, like in the nod.

So I said, “Thank you, nice meeting you” and out the door!

Hes got a bucket of water to the left of him, he puts his hand in that fucking Vaseline jar again, the guy’s bleeding like crazy. I look in there and there’s a pool of blood in that Vaseline jar and I said, “Dude!

Do you realize what you’re doing there, that’s hepatitis soup! You don’t know what that guys got!” “Oh you’re gonna come in here and tell me how to tattoo? Fuck off!

Get outta here!” “OK! There’s no fucking way I would ever work in your shop! You’re gonna kill somebody!”

No doubt!

Then I went to Captain Jack up on Route 23 in Butler and told him I was tattooing and I want to find a place where I could work, you know and he opens up his jacket and he has a .38 in a shoulder holster, thing must have weighed like 20 lbs . “Better not be tattooing around here kid.” “OK thanks, catch ya later.” (Laughter) This is my introduction to tattoo shops in New Jersey.

A gruff breed it sounds like. I’d

be going to places and guys would be tattooing with a granny ash hanging off their cigarette, you know, and their glasses held together with duct tape, no shoes on.

I got tattooed by Tony the pirate back when I was a kid Then you know what I’m talking

about!

continued on next page

Thanks but no thanks!

Next shop I went to, the guy was working, he had no gloves of course, and like a 5 gallon container of Vaseline OK? He’s working on this guy, the guy sits down, he lays out the stencil, he put his hand in the Vaseline like that,

Shotsies Tattoo?

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Yeah! Right from their skin to yours!

talking about.

Crazy!

I see you guys reopened!

Yeah Finally! Jesus Christ, it was

come through the door, I test their temperature, make them wash their hands, sanitize them and asking all these questions. I don’t know that people would be honest anyway. Let’s see, have you been around anybody that has had Covid? There’s so many cases of Covid, I think it’s impossible not to be around somebody who’s had Covid.

Yup!

like the epic shut down, you know.

They shut us down last March, let us open up in July for 2 weeks and shut us down again until just a few days ago. It’s like fucking 9 months of being closed. They’re really on people to catch people, fining people. People in the neighborhood, ratting people out for being open during the shutdown. It was pretty weird.

Yeah! I got a bunch of outlines from him when he was in Keansburg, he had 2 pairs of glasses, I swear to God, that were taped together!

Thats who I’m talking about!

And he’d have the cigarette with the ash hanging off, and the place just looked like a shithole, there were boxes of flash just laying around, to go to the bathroom, you had to navigate through where he did his silk screening and all this, to this weird fucking room in the back. I swear you were afraid you’re gonna get murdered because it was like every horror film you’ve ever seen.

That was typical of New Jersey. I remember Elio Espana when he came to work for me. Stories about sitting there while Tony P is tattooing him with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s on the counter. “Hey kid you want a shot of Jack Daniel’s? Stick around” , and the glasses, just dirty, finger nails, their hands, you know the old guys used to test machine out on their hand.

You know they set it up and they’d run it on the palm of their hand to make sure it was working and then start working on you.

Yeah almost reminds me of Nazi Germany or something.

Yeah, right, the East Germans you

know the Stasi, those guys, you know about those guys, they busted open the wall, people went in they went to the Stasi headquarters later found out that 90% of the population were on the books for ratting out somebody else

No kidding, what a horrible world that would be..

Growing up in New Jersey I’ve been seeing your work for years and years.

Yeah, fucking forever man! People

Definitely!

It’s a different situation. They

I agree!

Well there is a lot of insane shit

on the California requirement. The new body art act that went through a couple of years ago, I have to tell people that tattoos, in the consent form, they have to be informed that tattoos are permanent. Like, umm what? OK so don’t go and play with any farm animals after you get a tattoo, that’s on there. OK some bureaucrats sitting there, got nothing better to do, don’t play with farm animals after you get a tattoo. OK, thank you.

When does it end? You gotta hold their hand through everything now.

I was right there at the beginning

say, how long you been tattooing?

42 years and I’m like I don’t know whether to be proud of that or to be embarrassed. (Laughing)

Definitely something to be proud of. You have quite the longevity, not just doing it but still staying on it.

Yeah you know I tattoo because

I love to tattoo, it’s not like, oh shit, I gotta go to work today, I’m happy to be there. This shutdown put so much pressure on me psychologically, because, I mean, all those years of having that interaction with customers, it really shocked me and I went like a whole month without sitting down, telling a story to a client, you know, you’re a tattoo artist, you know what I’m

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

continued on next page

continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

web in New Jersey. I was one of the guys who initiated the changes in the law in the State of New Jersey and that.

I was actually working along with the guy who owned the big Kosco Harley dealership. He was the senior state senator and worked on the environmental health commission you know. Like I started that stuff and so I was thinking well because

I had some asswipe open up across the street from me on 23 highway in Wayne. Throw up some 2x4’s you know, like saw horses and put a plank of plywood across and start tattooing, right. I was like wait a minute, I just spent like $10,000 renovating, you know, the foot pedal sinks, I had all the newest requirements, way above the newest requirements and this guy just opened up with a piece of plywood and some saw horses. So I said, look, this can’t go on, you know what I mean? So I started pushing, we finally put together a steering committee. It took 2 fucking years to develop because initially the health department was talking about we have to wear gowns and face mask, put a drain in the middle of the floor and the whole place has to be tiled, and hose the whole thing down after.

You should have seen some of the stuff. So during that time, I started getting all these death threats. Tattoo artists, all over, fuck you, who the fuck you think you are? You think you’re gonna tell me how to run my tattoo shop and all I would say would be, look here’s the deal, they’re going to

come down on you with the craziest shit. That’s coming, you know there’s no way to avoid it so let’s be in there, as professionals in this, and a lot of the old timers were like , “We’re going to burn your fucking shop to the ground.”

Where have you owned studios and also tattooed at?

I owned studios in Jersey and NY.

Then I moved for a short time to Sedona, Arizona. I had a private studio there before I came to California.

People say, “What’s it like living in Unreal! It’s far better with Arizona?” I tell them everything regulation to be a part of it and help has prickers, stickers, and fangs. them out with it, at least they have (laughter) and that includes the an idea what they’re doing, then to people that live there. (laughter) So we came west and settled into let them entirely control it.

Sonoma. I thought we’d end up in San After that business, I had the head of Francisco but when I saw the derilect the health department in Trenton ask nature of the community there, a lot would you mind if we sent a cluster of of street people and junkies, human health officials to your studio to watch feces on the sidewalk, and even you to do a tattoo. So I had like 20 though San Francisco has a lot of people sitting there, while I explain the charm for adults, I thought I don’t process. None of them knew anything wanna raise my kid here. about tattooing, most of them thought we were injecting ink with hypodermic So I ended up living in Sonoma and needles. This is some of the stories I I worked at Moms Tattoo in San was getting, so I actually educated the Francisco and Karen Roze’s Sacred health department, at least half of it, in Rose in Berkely before opening Tarot the State of New Jersey.

Art & Tattoo Gallery 7 yrs ago. but I’ve worked at shops all around the That’s awesome, very cool! world. All over Europe, except for Not for the other tattoo artists at the Spain, I’ve worked in Soviet Union, time tho!

Scandanavia, pretty much across the globe. I’ve never been in China, and Right! But where are they now?

I’ve never been to Japan.

That’s one of Are they still tattooing and staying my regrets.

relevant?

I sent you the birdman story right?

Yes!

Those are the kind of things that happen to you, when you tattoo. I came to this realization that this trade, this is it, this is gonna transform my life, this trade. I’m gonna meet up with a lot of outsiders, a lot of people that live on the outside edge of the culture. That was exciting, and here I am 42 years later, tattooing’s gone totally industry, commercial, everyday, kinda thing. You know?

Very mainstream.

Yeah, used to be if I saw a guy with sleeves, I’d be like, are you in the business? They’d be like ya! Now, it’s like everyones got sleeves, they have their faces tattooed, and they work in some cafe’ slinging coffee.

This concludes our 1st part of our interview with Shotsie. Check out next issue for Part 2 of our interview, when he talks about his magazine, living in wine country, his love of poetry, creating art and much more! Thanks to Shotsie for taking time out of his day to talk with us! We look forward to sharing more stories from our talk as well as including more clips on our youtube channel.

Shotsie Gorman IG/FB/twitter: @shotsiegorman website: www.tarotarttattoo.com email: shotsiegorman@gmail.com #shotsiegorman Shotsie works at Tarot Art and Tattoo Gallery 17977 Sonoma Hwy/Route 12 Sonoma, California Studio -707-938-3000

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

PAUL BOOTH Inter viewed by Geena Marie Russo @GeenaRusso

ABOUT THE WRITER Geena Marie Russo is coowner of 570 Tattoo Company in Wilkes Barre, PA and has written for several tattoo publications.

34 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

photo by Paola Duran

P

aul Booth has been a household name for longer than I can remember. When I first met him years ago I was terrified to even speak in his presence. If we’ve ever met, you can imagine this is a very unheard of situation. After getting to know Paul I realized there is much more to him that meets the eye. His exterior screams I want to eat baby fetuses in tea while visiting China, but his interior is an absolute sweet teddy bear. He despises when I say this, and has on more than one occasion threatened to sacrifice me to Satan. I’ll continue to take my chances on this one. Paul has single handedly changed the face of the tattoo industry numerous times because he is forever evolving. Now let’s get down to business and see what the king of evil himself has been up too lately.

GR~ Tell me how you feel this fucking world pandemic has affected you personally, and the impact you feel it has had on the tattoo industry as a whole?

PB~ The irony of it is as Covid so graciously relieved me of all my business stress, I have now been able to focus on my art on many levels and I am feeling a much greater degree of peace as a result. The next phase of Last Rites for me is for one, a secluded Victorian horror weekend

retreat, as well as a NYC studio consisting of a Last Rites Museum and a chair in back for myself and a guest artist. And that is it. I think one of the good things that Covid did for the tattoo industry is that is has weeded out the wigglies. Most of the “tattoo artists” and riffraff are fading away. Its like anything in nature only the strong survive. Natural selection if you will. I think as we get through this age of Hell, we will see a new tattoo renaissance. This is me being hopeful of course. My friends call me Positive Pauly. continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

your shoulders?

PB~ see question 1

GR~Do you see another gallery in your future ?

GR~We discussed you are awaiting an upcoming surgery.

Tell me about it ?

PB~ I got a neck injury that did some nerve damage and partially paralyzed my shoulder. After a few months of downtime, it finally improved on its own enough for me to work again, but I still need the surgery none the less, which is probably coming in about a month.

They want to put a metal plate in my neck, so to me its sort of like I am going to be decapitated and reattached. Kind of fun to think about

PB~ I think if I were to open a gallery again it would likely be in VR. I’m kind of waiting to see what our new social hybrid will be dredged out of the muck of current affairs. At least as far as a physical space goes, I have not really decided yet. What I really enjoyed about the physical space was watching the people admire the art on the walls and appreciate it. As a gallery owner, that is one thing VR lacks for me. But the idea of sharing my curated art with the world is always exciting.

GR~ Rumor has it you’ve opened a private studio. What do you see the future holds for you now that you won’t have the responsibility of Last Rites on

really based on collaboration with other musicians. All the songs have guest musicians featured, so all the songs change dramatically depending on who we work with. I’m super excited to be collaborating in music as I’ve done in visual art for so many years. We have a few singles coming out in the near future. My solo stuff forthcoming is going to be much darker ambient hellscapes and dark meditations.

GR~Tell us about your lovely lady Paola ?

PB~ No words could describe the devotion and love Paola and I have for each other. One day I hope to wear her skin beneath the pale moonlight as I frolic in the fields of death. She is a muse like no other. If that’s not true love I don’t know what is!

She is a director/producer at a very reputable strategic advertising agency in New York City. So happy to see her being creative every day.

GR~ We know music is one of your biggest passions. Do you have anything in the works as of now?

PB~ As I work in several mediums at any given time, music seems to be the one that is always there. It seems all my paintings have a song attached to them as they are created at the same time. A song is like a painting. Working with sound textures and interacting effects lets me create an abundance of layers the same way I tattoo and paint. I’m still not much of a musician but I am a decent engineer, but I know I’m getting there slowly but surely. As long as I see an improvement overall, I’m fairly content. I started a new music project with my bud Eve Minor called CorpseFlower. The whole project is

GR~ I know you are a big advocate for across the board legalization of marijuana. What’s your take on this ?

PB~ I am not a big fan of government in general, and we all know the illegalization of weed had nothing to do with its effects. I was always raised continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2020 Issue 2

to question authority and being an old school punk rocker, I have always had a difficult time being able to obey the rules. I am very happy that science has proven that weed should be legalized because of all of its benefits.

I smoke it medicinally. Let us just say it turns the voices to whispers. And believe me when I tell you…society prefers me being high.

GR~You recently mention getting more involved in writing. We would love details on what you have up your sleeve ?

PB~ This past year I finished a horror movie script with my friend and cowriter Colin McCracken called “Permanence”. As you could guess, it is tattoo related… but not at all in the way you would expect. Ill leave it at that for now. Covid has really slowed

down the process of getting industry support on such a project, I guess its just a matter of patience. I am also working on a horror short not yet titled. I have always been fairly decent at writing out a scene and creative writing in general. However, I still have

much to learn on actual story writing and structure. The process is very intriguing and enjoyable.

GR~I have heard a few of your daughter Tabitha’s tracks. continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Have you done any music collaborating with her ?

PB~ Yes, her voice is out of this world, very proud of her. Other

than producing some of her music in the past, I have not successfully collaborated with her in music as of yet. To be honest the problem is that I’m an evil old bastard and she is a new age hippie. We have yet to find the sweet spot! You can find her videos on YouTube as Tabitha Booth.

GR~What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to all things tattooing ?

PB~ Tattoo Artists.

I guess I should elaborate on that answer this time! haha I can tell you that I no longer allow myself to rely on the unreliable nor force myself to trust the untrustable solely because of their talent. It brings on way too much stress that poisons your own art and outlook on life in general. This is one of the most difficult and frustrating things I have found in tattooing. The egos.

GR~I am probably going to regret even asking this question but here we are. You have one wish. What is it ?

PB~ I wish to manipulate matter at a subatomic level with my sheer will. That and to witness the fall of the catholic religion. Other than that, being abducted by aliens and surfing the cosmos for the rest of my life sounds quite appealing as well. Anything to get off this planet.

Hows that?

Paul I can not thank you enough for sitting down with me. If someone told me years ago we’d strike up the most unlikely friendship I would have laughed in their face. ~Geena

Marie Russo

instagram: @PaulBooth facebook: @PaulBoothTattoo LastRites.tv LastRitesTattoo.tv LastRitesGallery.com PaulBoothGallery.com PaulBoothBrand.com

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

It’s my goal to get tattooed by every tattoo artist I admire or befriend along the way!

McKenzie Wilson PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD TAYLOR @rf_taylor richardftaylor.com

42 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Where did you grow up?

Who has done your tattoos?

What city do you live in?

Man, where to start! It’s my goal to get tattooed by every tattoo artist I admire or befriend along the way!

What’s your occupation?

My legs are done by Steve De Los Reyes (@stevedelosreyes), Matt

I grew up in Marshfield, WI

I currently live in Minneapolis,MN! I’m a tattoo artist, going on my third year and working in Minneapolis, MN! You can follow me at @ mwilson_tattoo

How do you spend your free time?

I love to spend my free time drawing, painting, modeling, and going camping with my dog; Beyoncé. I always love to adventure and travel so I do a lot of conventions or guest spots!

What was your 1st tattoo?

My first tattoo was when I was 18.

It’s baroque filigree on the arch of my left foot by Morgan Burke in Marshfield, WI.

Stolzenburg (@mattydarkside), Lord Gregory Emerson (@lord_ gregory_emerson), Mo Puron (@ missmoniquetattoos), Mike Bean (@ mikebean_tattoo), Morgan Burke, Erik Inclan (@beatnikvonzipper), Myself, Scotty Munster (@scottymunster), Garret Rautio (@garrettrautio), Eric Burger (@ericburgertattooer), Adam Underwood (@tatzbyadam), Randy Randerson (@randy_r), Ryan C. Wilkinson (@ryancwilkinson), and Jesse James Skaggs (@ skaggstattooer). Many more to come, I’m sure!

Future tattoo plans?

My next project is a larger piece! I’m getting my back from the shoulders to upper thighs by Mike Bean!

Describe your 1st Villain Arts show.

My first Villain Arts Show was in 2011 in Minneapolis where I met some of my first and longest friends in the industry. I also got my first large tattoo on my right thigh by Ryan C. Wilkinson; now at Southern Bridge Tattoo in Minneapolis. continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

McKenzie Wilson Modeling @Fatalia_feral Tattooing @mwilson_tattoo

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 1

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

I’m a tattoo artist, going on my third year and working in Minneapolis, MN!

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Stephanie Vixen

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERNIE BUSTAMANTE @inked_photography

48 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Dallas, Texas and have lived here my whole life

What city do you live in?

I live in Plano which is the suburbs of Dallas

What’s your occupation?

I am a cosmetic tattoo artist located inside Artistic Encounter Tattoo which my husband Billyjack Gunter and I own.

Describe your 1st Villain Arts show.

Denver was the first Villains Arts show my husband and I went to and we met so many amazing artists and had so much fun hanging out and exploring the city of Denver. Since then we have been to many other Villain Arts shows and have had the best time attending them and they really make you feel like you are part of a tattoo family.

Stephanie Vixen Instagram: @stephanievixen @vixencosmetictattoos Website: www.aetattoo.com

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time I love spending time with my husband and our 10 year old son and our three French bulldogs.

What was your 1st tattoo?

My first tattoo was a cross above my butt crack that ended up later getting covered up with my full buddhism backpiece.

Who has done your tattoos?

My Husband Billyjack Gunter has done 75% of my tattoos on my body.

All other tattoos have been done by amazing artist who are our really good friends in the industry such as Liz Cook, Timmy B, Zack Singer, Zack Ross, Jamy Cannreno est.

Future tattoo plans?

Future tattoo plans are to get the tattoos I have already started and finish them.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Future tattoo plans are to get the tattoos I have already started and finish them.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

My Husband Billyjack Gunter has done 75% of my tattoos on my body.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Vaughn Ara PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERNIE BUSTAMANTE @inked_photography

54 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Where did you grow up?

I grew up a bit of a traveler... born in Kansas City and moved to Colorado Springs at 12, then began traveling around the southwest from 15-20 before landing back here in KC to settle down.

inspiration.

What was your 1st tattoo?

My first tattoo was a Kanji ( so I believed at the time )... check your sources friends.

Though, in my defense I was 15 my tattoo

What city do you live in now?

I’m currently living KC and I must say I absolutely love this city! Between the amazing food, outdoor getaways, and an entire city that seems to really appreciate the arts, what’s not to love.

What’s your occupation?

I am the Owner and Creator of two (for now) businesses Tattoo Salve by Vaughn Ara and Vaughn Ara Cosmetics... and more in the works. I simply don’t know how to sit still. I also do freelance modeling, and love to create dark art and fringe photography images.

How do you spend your free time?

My free time is always consumed with creating, whether it be formulating new products, or putting

was done in a trailer, in the middle of an Arizona desert, by a carny named Jory... makes for a good story but a terrible tattoo ( with no meaning ). We just won’t mention this one again, ha.

Who does your tattoos?

together collaborative projects with photographers which I also use as photo reference on my Patreon for fellow artists. There is never a lack of

Majority of my tattoos were done by the amazing Bob Bitner of Catalyst Arts Collective!

I’ve also been fortunate enough to be tattooed by Heather B., Jason P. Phillips, Julio Morales.

Future tattoo plans? continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

As a collector I am very much looking forward to getting work done by Gabe Londis, Alan Barbosa, and Carlos Ransom. Dark art, occult, skulls, things of that nature are my jam and all of my tattoos reflect that to some extent.

Describe your 1st Villain Arts show.

Im pretty sure my first Villain Arts show was right here in KC! I’ve even had the pleasure of having one of pieces done by Bob Bitner take 1st Best in show and 2nd Tattoo of the day ( color ) in 2018!

Vaughn Ara @vaughnara33 vaughnara@yahoo.com vaughnara.com

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Dark art, occult, skulls, things of that nature are my jam and all of my tattoos reflect that to some extent.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

My free time is always consumed with creating.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Oklahoma City TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION

2020

by The Synstr Mr Syxx @thesynstrmrsyxx

J

uly 10th in Oklahoma City was a litmus test for the tattoo tour industry. Covid was (and as of this writing still is) racing across the country. The lockdowns were in full effect in most states so to have this show actually happening was a big deal to both the state, Villian Arts, and the tattoo tour industry in general.

A few weeks before the convention was slated to open there was a gun show in Oklahoma City. Not anything special, other than it was one of the first “public” shows in the country.

I called Troy and said “Cross your fingers brother. If this show goes well then you might get a shot at the July event.”

Troy Timpel is no stranger to adversity, (those of us that were at the Baltimore con in 2011 know) and he recognized that win, lose, or draw, the show must go on.

“Villian Art’s conventions already operate above and beyond the requirements of any state they travel to...”

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

62 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

All Villian Art’s conventions already operate above and beyond the requirements of any state they travel to, but the added requirements of social distancing, (how do you tattoo a person from 6 feet away?) masks, temperature checks, and limited capacity in the buildings, seemed to make the prospect of the show nearly an impossible task...nearly. continued on next page

public response to avoiding large gatherings than anything done wrong on the part of the show) To their credit all the Entertainment sold their shows like they were playing Madison Square Garden.

For some this was going to be the last show of the year and indeed, possibly the following year as well.

Photo by Ernie Bustamante Remember the gun show? We watched the results of that show (and the public response to being allowed to have a sense of normalcy in an otherwise insane world) and with it’s successful conclusion it proved the concept of a “safe public gathering” even amid a pandemic.

Regrettably I was only able to attend the final day of the show as I had just relocated to the Oklahoma City area so I was still “in boxes” thus could not actually work the show, however I did have the good fortune of getting to speak to Troy and Carl (Dr. Blasphemy) near the end of the day. We talked about how the show (even with the limited turn-out) had been successful in proving “it could be done” but that going forward under these restrictions was untenable.

The decision was made then and there to cancel the remaining tour dates and a few days later Troy made the announcement public.

(Authors note) As of this writing the 2021 Villan Arts tour is set to kick off on Atlanta GA. and as there have been a few smaller shows that have operated safely, we are confident that we can provide a safe and fun environment for the coming tour season.

ABOUT THE WRITER The Synstr Mr Syxx has been a Tattoo Artist for 30 yrs, is a regular at Villain Arts Shows and Tattoos at Ink Envy in Oklahoma. continued on next page

July 10th Troy worked with the venue and health department to comply with the requirements they set out to allow the show to proceed: • Half the booth count, spread out to alow 10 feet between booths.

• Only the client and the Artist allowed in the booths.

• Clients and artists must be temperature checked apon entry and re-entry.

• And finally, only 25% capacity in the building.

The turn out was better than expected however certainly not the attendance that the previous shows had been. (More a testament to the Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Oklahoma City TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION

2020

Regan Bugmuncher Photo @jontuazon Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Oklahoma City TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION

2020

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Photo by Ernie Bustamante

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

ATLANTA TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION 2021

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

66 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

ATLANTA TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION 2021

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

HOUSTON TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

68 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

HOUSTON TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION 2021

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

NASHVILLE TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

70 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

NASHVILLE TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION 2021

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

“They take us back to 1956 and a glimpse of the first important organized meeting of artists, to exchange information, and leading to today’s megainternational conventions.”

D.C. PAUL’S

PICTURES

1st International Tattoo Convention

by:Dana Brunson

Tattoo Artist & Historian

@danabrunson Above: D.C. Paul on right 72 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Les Skuse in Sandusky Ohio

P

hotos can be a very important part of any collection . We can use them for research of people, as well as them giving you hidden information from the backgrounds, discovering flash, signs and clues to our past. These photos are from my mentor D.C. Paul. He gifted them to me the last time that I saw him , many years ago, while visiting him in North Carolina. They take us back to 1956 and a glimpse of the first important organized meeting of artists , to exchange information, and leading to todays mega-international conventions. Famous English tattooist Les Skuse had formed the BTC Bristol Tattoo Club in 1953.

This early tattoo club led to an exchange of ideas and designs and a promotion of the art of tattooing.

Les skuse on right ,next D.C. Paul , 3 unidentified

D.C. Paul’s back piece

Huck Spaulding tattooing Al Shiefley

During this period , Les Skuse also exchanged ideas and information with artist of the United States including Al Schiefley, Huck Spaulding, Paul Rogers and Milton Zeis. The early pioneers saw a need to share information to advance tattooing. In 1956 Les flew to Al Schiefley’s in Sandusky, Ohio to meet and share ideas with various artist. It was a small group of important artist of the day including my mentor D. C. Paul. Seeing these old photos in 1971 while apprenticing, I never imagined the importance they continued on next page

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Al Schiefley

Paul Rogers tattooing Al

would have in my career years later.

I would never dream that I would meet Huck Spaulding, or become great friends with Paul Rogers, a true honor. Fast forward to the computer age, I happened to see an ad for the Bristol Tattoo Club.

Amazed it still existed, I applied to become a member and became a friend with Les Skuse’s grandson Jimmie Skuse. As a collector this was a major turning point , Jimmie is an authority on English tattoo history and has a great collection of his own. After many visits with Jimmie in the UK and here in the states, I was introduced to a whole new group of British collectors

Paul , Les, and Huck

continued on next page

Al Schiefley in front of his tattoo shed

Milton Zeis

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Al Shiefley

Paul Rogers and Huck Spaulding

D.C. Paul’s Back piece done by Spaulding and Rogers

and friends. We travel and visit each other often as well as visiting collections all over the world together. I would never have dreamed a few photos that I saw for the first time in 1971 would have such an impact on me and my family. It’s a great journey to

be continued and shared to those interested. It’s all about the people you meet along the way.

See ya in the funny papers, keep your hat on so I’ll know ya’ , -Dana

ABOUT THE WRITER Dana Brunson apprenticed with D.C. Paul at Spaulding & Rogers old shop in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1971, after returning from Vietnam. D.C. Paul had learned to tattoo from Huck and Paul Rogers in the 1950’s when he returned from the Korean War. Being surrounded by all of their old flash and photos had a great influence on Dana to collect the history of tattooing. He loves tattooing, and his family has collected vintage tattoo memoralbilia for over 40 years. Their shop is filled with vintage items which they share with anyone interested in tattoo history. He will share some of his favorites with you here and hope to inspire you to keep traditition alive. He is currently working on a book of his families collection so that future tattoo artists can enjoy and draw inspiration from the past.

Dana is always in the market for vintage tattoo items, feel free to conact him.

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

CAROL NIGHTINGALE

From The Collection of :Mike Skiver

Tattoo Artist & Historian

@mikeskiversr

76 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Carol Nightingale “Prototype” Machines

Flash by Ace Harlan

T

hanks to Mike Skiver for sharing his Carol Nightingale’s Tattoo Collection with us.

We will be publishing items from Mike’s Traveling Tattoo Museum that is featured at many Villain Arts Tattoo Conventions in upcoming issues. So keep your eyes open for the “Raffle Wizard” and his amazing historical tattoo gems.

-Editor

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Acetate by Nightingale

Acetate by Nightingale Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Acetate by Nightingale

Acetate by Nightingale

Flash by Nightingale

Sign by Nightingale

Nightingale Business Card

Nightingale Business Card

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Adam

France

Artwork by Adam France 80 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

“I think every day, damn, I’m not going to have enough time in my life to get all these ideas out. I have to paint.” ~Adam France

Cloud Creator by Adam France

Saviors by Adam France Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

“I have a deep interest in science and energy. The bright paintings that I prefer to create, reflect this fascination and are most often representations of profound psychedelic journeys I’ve been on.” ~Adam France

Artificial Intelligence by Adam France

Invictus by Adam France

Adam works at Sweetwater Collective in Medford, Oregon USA Instagram: @adamfrance @atomicearthling www.AdamChristopherart.com adam_christopher@att.net Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Flying Beetle-360 by Adam France

High-Gravitrax by Adam France

$50 ADS HERE

Mushroon Wizard by Adam France Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Judy

Parker

“I’ve only seriously been painting about 5 years as the tattoo world left me hanging, lol. But I’m happy for the gift I’ve been given in the tattoo world and the great artists I’ve known and customers that loved me. Thank you world, been blessed” -Judy Parker 84 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

$50 ADS HERE

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Judy works at and owns Judy Parker’s Pacific Tattoo at 3478 Main Street, San Diego, CA and can be reached at Tattoojudis@yahoo.com

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

FUL

L pg

ad

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine Fall 2020 Issue 1 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine Fall 2020 Issue 1

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Cody Reed

90 Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Cody Reed

Tattoo by Cody Reed

Tattoo by Ryan Tiezen

Tattoo by Cody Reed

Tattoo by Adam Romano

Tattoo by Darin Newhouse

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Jordi Pla

Tattoo by Jordi Pla

Tattoo by Jordi Pla

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Jordi Pla

Tattoo by Jordi Pla

Tattoo by Tyler Bloomingdale

Tattoo by Randy Solis

Tattoo by Randy Solis

Tattoo by Ryan Tiezen

Tattoo by Ryan Tiezen

Tattoo by Pierre Bustos

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Bee Saunde

Tattoo by Bee Saunde

Tattoo by Bee Saunde

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Bee Saunde

Tattoo by Bryn Beer

Tattoo by Bryn Beer

Tattoo by Bryn Beer

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Rachel Klein Devault

Tattoo by Rachel Klein Devault

Tattoo by Rachel Klein Devault

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Rachel Klein Devault

Tattoo by Frank DeMao

Tattoo by Frank DeMao

Tattoo by Frank DeMao

Tattoo by Frank DeMao

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Elise Allen

Tattoo by Pete Carreno

Tattoo by Elise Allen

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Justin Coppolino

Tattoo by Justin Coppolino

Tattoo by Justin Coppolino

Tattoo by Justin Coppolino

Tattoo by Justin Coppolino

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Joe Capone

Tattoo by Jordan Jones

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Tattoo by Jordan Jones

Tattoo by Joe Capone

Tattoo by Jordan Jones

Tattoo by Jordan Jones

Tattoo by Mike Bean

Tattoo by Lunchbox

Tattoo by Lunchbox

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Renee Little

Tattoo by Renee Little

Tattoo by Renee Little

Tattoo by Renee Little

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Photo by Jersey Nicolardi

COMING NEXT ISSUE

O

ur 3rd Issue continues to bring you Amazing Tattoos and Art from the Best Artists in the World. Convention Reviews and Highlights, 3 Tattoo Artist Features, 3 Model Features, Tattoo Gallery, Tattoo History, and 3 Artists in our Pushing Paint Section. We will also continue to bring you Tattoo News and Informative Articles from our staff of writers that are among the most talented in our craft. So look for our Issue 3, due out in a few months with more of the good stuff for our readers.

Ryan Ashley Malarkey

Shotsie Gorman

Cody Reed Tattoo by Ryan Ashley Malarkey

Tattoo by Shotsie Gorman

TAT TOO GALLERY

Tattoo by Cody Reed

@VillainArtsMagazine Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine 2021 Issue 2

Villain Arts Tattoo News Magazine Fall 2020 Issue 1