In the summer of 1995, my journey into the world of tattoos began, fueled by the raw energy of youth and a desire to break free. At the age of 15, I found myself immersed in the tattoo culture through my dad’s shop in Marietta, GA. It was a space buzzing with the rumble of motorcycles from the shop downstairs and the youthful exuberance of high school students from next door – a place I frequented less for academics and more for the rebellious spirit it offered. I spent my days there crafting needles and sketching tattoo designs for my dad’s clients, absorbing the atmosphere until he finally entrusted me to ink my friends.
Initially, tattooing was pure rebellion, a loud statement of punk rock ethos and anti-establishment sentiment. It was about pushing boundaries and inking that defiance onto skin. But as I delved deeper, I encountered tattoo artistry that transcended mere rebellion. Magazines showcased tattoos that were breathtaking works of art, intricate and profound. This revelation ignited a new ambition within me. I wanted to explore my potential, to create tattoos that were not just symbols of youthful revolt but meaningful art etched onto skin. Driven by this artistic yearning, I stepped away from my dad’s studio to seek broader horizons, mentorship, and inspiration.
Years have passed, filled with experiences gained from working in diverse shops across Atlanta. I’ve embraced countless guest spots and conventions, traversing cities throughout the U.S. and even parts of Europe. This journey has gifted me with a vibrant community of fellow tattoo artists and a diverse clientele, a tapestry of individuals from every walk of life. Each person brings a unique story and vision to the tattoo chair.
I value the personal connection with each client. Every tattoo request is an opportunity to collaborate, to translate their vision into a design that resonates deeply and that I can be genuinely proud to create. My approach is rooted in versatility, embracing the spectrum of ideas that clients bring. If a concept falls outside my expertise, I believe in honest guidance, respectfully referring clients to another talented local artist who might be a more fitting match for their specific needs. This commitment ensures every client receives the best possible tattoo experience, even if it means guiding them to another artist.
My artistic heart beats for traditional Americana tattooing. I am drawn to the power of symbolism and the artistry of lettering. I find particular resonance in designs that challenge mainstream trends, those images that speak to the soul of tattooed individuals across generations. The iconic imagery of roses, daggers, eagles, pin-ups, and panthers, the romantic allure of tall ships and mermaids, the primal call of wolves howling at the moon, the poignant symbolism of arrows piercing hearts alongside a lover’s name – these are the images imbued with stories, secrets, and enduring meaning.
Ultimately, regardless of the chosen design, your tattoos become chapters in your life story, etched onto your skin as a personal timeline. A tattoo from a decade ago speaks volumes about who you were and where you stood at that moment in time. And to those critics who question tattoos in old age, consider this: an 80-year-old adorned with tattoos carries a rich tapestry of experiences, a visual memoir of adventures and milestones. For me, tattooing and being tattooed remains the ultimate expression of personal freedom, a timeless act of rebellion, and a profound form of self-declaration.
