Interview with Chad Chase | Venom Ink | Sanford, USA 26/03/2012
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!