Interview with tattoo artist Rocket
Hello Rocket! Thank you for taking the time
to answer some questions for our readers. Please start by telling us
something about yourself and your background. My name is Jonathan
Rodriguez but I’m known as “Rocket”. The nickname was given to me by my
mentor and it stuck. I’m 32 years old and I live in Milwaukee WI Im
originally from Berlin WI a small town. I’ve been into art my whole
life. I currently working at Sanctuary Tattoo Gallery.
Q: How long have you been tattooing? How it all started?
A: In March 2023 it will be nine years, not including
my apprenticeship. It all started when I was 23 and started getting a lot of
tattoos. My artist who I later ended up working with
encouraged me to make a portfolio because the designs that were
being tattooed on me were my own drawings I brought to him.
- What type of tattoos you use to do as a beginner?
Before tattooing I was a black and white charcoal realism artist so
when I finished my apprenticeship I was aiming to be a black and
gray realism artist. I did that for about 3 years.
Q: How long it took you gain confidence? Was it
hard to learn the basics?
A: It took me a while honestly. Pulling lines, becoming comfortable
with my equipment and application I think was the hardest for me.
Q: Why neo traditional? What do you like about this style?
A: In my apprenticeship I was taught to do traditional and with my
realism background my brain couldn’t do traditional style. When I
graduated I was put in a shop with a new school artist and I think I
was really influenced by him so with the combination of traditional,
realism and new school I somehow ended up with my neo traditional.
After year 3 or 4 I started doing more color and more neo and I
couldn’t believe I wasn’t doing that any sooner. I just really like
how creative I can get with that style vs realism I started to feel
like I was tattooing the same rose and lions.
Q: I see neo traditional as a beautiful update of the old
school tattoo style. Definitely more creative. I like the colors and the unique backgrounds. Do you
draw for each client before the session?
A: Exactly and as much as I appreciate traditional I think there’s
too many rules my brain can’t follow. With neo traditional there’s a
lot rules that can be broken and because of that, there is more
creative freedom. Both! At this point
most clients will contact me with ideas that definitely land in the
realm of subject matter I am interested in. I will also draw
something for fun and put it on the internet and will have clients
pick them to be tattooed so I'm definitely fortunate enough to be
able to do it both ways.
Q: The portraits are amazing! How long does it take to finish a
portrait tattoo?
A: Going back to the realism subject I think is why the faces I
tattoo have a little more refined aspects about them giving them
more expression. As always it depends on the client, placement and
size. However I’ve gotten to a point where I’m able to aways finish my tattoos in one sitting
of about 6-8 hours.
Q: Each tattoo has its own story and meaning. As an artist
myself, I like your digital illustrations too. I think you should
consider doing like a comic book with some crazy characters and cool
story lines. You're very talented.
A: I’ve definitely thought of that! Ive always been into magical
worlds of kings, queens, demons, vampires, elves, wizards just as
much as I’ve always loved anime. I once had an idea to make a story
of a lady of the woods theme but I’ve never taken the time to
actually write it down. Someday hopefully!
Q:
Would you try something else
in the feature?
A: I’ve always loved new school because I think it gives just as
much freedom if not more. Maybe if I do neo traditional long enough
where I think it’s time for a change but I love neo so much I don’t
see that happening anytime soon. Maybe tackle color realism someday
as a challenge but never so much to claim that I specialize in it.
Q: Tattoo conventions are a great opportunity to meet new
people and learn from others. How ofter do you visit tattoo
conventions?
A: I’ve been doing conventions since 2018 but realistically
did one
or two a year whereas 2021 and 2022 I’ve done at least one
convention a month sometimes two a month. I definitely did the most
this year so I may dial it back next year with one convention every
two months just so I don’t burn myself out.
Q: As an artist, what you have learned from your tattoo
journey? What do you cherish the most?
A: “You get back exactly what you put in” that we are never done
learning and that there is always room for improvement. I cherish
everyone that’s always been in my corner because without the support
and clients I couldn’t do what I do. I cherish tattooing in general,
it saved my life.
Q: Any advice for the new artists?
A: Tattooing is the best job in the world if you treat it
right it will treat you right. As long as you put in the work and
respect tattooing, your peers and clients, you’ll do great.