Q: When did you start doing tattoos? What made you to become a tattoo artist?
A: I started in 1996. I've always had an interest in tattoos, my dad had alot of ink and being around him an| d exposed to his friends with ink was what peaked my interest in the art form. As far as what made me become a tattoo artist, I guess I just saw it as an opportunity to avoid being a part of the rat race that I hated so much.

Q: What kind of art interested you at the time?
A: Tattoos obviously, and at the time the only other thing I was doing was drawing. I hadn't started painting yet or anything.

Q: Some people say that it is possible to be self though artist. What are your thoughts about this?
A: Well, I know it's possible to be a self taught artist because I am one. I never served a proper apprenticeship. Nobody has directly taught me anything. I learned from my own trial and error and watching the pros work early on. I don't recommend this road. It's long and hard and a lot of mistakes are made and time wasted.

              

Q: Would you connect your tattoo art with your personality? If so, in which style your find yourself the most?
A: I don't. I do what the client needs. The trick is to try to connect the tattoo to their personality.

Q: Colorful bright designs, fantasy mix with some realistic note in almost every tattoo. Can you tell me little about the making process?
A: Basically, once the client gives me an idea of what they want I take it from there and when designing the piece I always try to keep it in the style I like to do. I like realism, and any chance I get to put a realistic spin on something I do it.
                 

Q: Any strange requests, you would like to share with us? Or there is no a strange request for a tattoo?
A: Well, my other artist, Chris Chubbuck, and myself once did Fraggles from Fraggle Rock in a girls armpit. At the same time. That was pretty strange.

Q: Artists are constantly making some changes in their style, technically and artistically. How has your work developed over the years?
A: I think over time you just learn what works and what doesn't. When you do something every day for years you really have no choice but to get better at it. I'm not even sure if they are conscious changes. They just happen.

Q: Do you agree that the copy-cats are bad, or if someone copy your art that would be like a compliment? :)
A: I don't consider a compliment at all. Most of all I think it's unfair to the client who first got the original tattoo. Unfortunately is just something we have to live with. The only way it could be prevented is to not post finished works online to be stolen. Of course that makes it difficult to promote yourself and gain future clients.   

Q: You work on different mediums, such as canvas, air brush etc. What is your favorite medium?
A: Tattooing by far. I mostly work in oils outside of tattooing. I'm very new and awkward with it, but it's fun. I think the best part about painting is that I never have a deadline. I don't do commissioned stuff. I just paint when I feel like it and paint what I want, so that keeps it fresh.

Q: Is that a great way to escape the daily routine?
A: It is, though I don't get the chance to do it often enough.

 Q: Do you get caught up in the meaning of your paintings/tattoos, or do you keep that separate?
A: Not really, I get caught up in the challenge and tryig to push the envelope of what is expected out of a tattoo.

Q: Lots of awards and magazine covers. Do you consider those things as a great motivation to become even better?
A: I used to think it was all a big deal. At this point though it seems less important. Recognition for hard work is nice, but you can't let it go to your head. Honestly, I always feel like it's somewhat unearned. That I need to do better to deserve it.

  Q: Art could be a great influence on someone's personality. What is the best lesson that you've learned from your tattoo journey?
A: Your changing someone's life and appearance. Do your best. It's a powerful thing to alter someone forever. There's not many things you could do when you interact with someone to make them remember you for the rest of their life. Tattooing is one of them.

Q: In a few words, what are the most important things that every single artist should know in order to become successful and respected?
A: Work hard, be humble and never stop learning. There's always someone better than you.

Q: What are you feature plans? Please feel free to share your work info.
A: More of the same! Haha! I have a few shows lined up this year, though I do keep them to a minimum. Oregon in April, New Hampshire in July and South Dakota in September. Info is on my site at www.venomink.com. I also want to give a shout out to my sponsors Formula 51. They can be seen at www.formula51supply.com. Great company, great people and great products.
And thank you for the chance to be a part of your site and doing this interview with me!