In case you missed it, Kevin spent the weekend at Ink N Iron in Long Beach. I knew he had spoken with Julian Murray about shooting for the Tattoos & Tentacles project, but wasn’t expecting to see the results so soon.
So here you go ladies, a picture of my best friend without pants on. Because that’s not awkward, or anything…
Pictured: Kevin
Photo by: Julian Murray
Since Kevin decided to play 20 questions with me for the sake of TattooSnob, I figured it was only fair I do the same to him.
If any of you have a amazing tiny dog like the one pictured below (or can show Kevin how to grow a real mustache) please let me know.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a pretty normal guy. I work a regular job, and try to keep busy in my off time. Between the site, hanging out with friends, riding my bike, and playing on the internet I usually manage to stay out of trouble. I try to go on a road trip every month or two to keep my sanity. The midwest can be a bear sometimes…
Most heavily tattooed people have at least one tattoo they’re embarrassed of – what’s yours?
Thankfully I didn’t get any of the tattoo’s that I wanted when I was 18, otherwise I would have my last name across my back, a pile of kanji crap on my arm, or some toxic UV ink on my hands. Instead, I did the college thing and didn’t get tattooed until I was 23 or so. By that time I was smart enough to really think about what I was getting, and whom was going to do it. While I might have a piece or two that I would do differently – overall, I’m extremely happy with what I have.
Tell us about your best & worst tattoo sessions . Naming names is not necessary, as I’d rather we not get blacklisted just yet.
My worst tattoo sessions are nothing horrid – they’re just convention stories. Laying across uncomfortable chairs, putting my tough guy face on, and swearing I’ll never get tattooed at a convention again. In hindsight, none of them were all that bad.
My best sessions have been due to the people around. Long sessions at Ink and Dagger Tattoo are always a good time, and it’s always good to catch up with old friends at Mothers Tattoo.
Biggest pet peeve in the tattoo world?
I think it’s the random guy that approaches me and says “Ahh, nice work man,” and then awkwardly waits for me to ask him about his work. A close second is the person who asks where they should go, and they then proceed to tell you how their tattoo best is so good… if they only want to get tattooed by him, why did they waste my time asking where they should go?
Who is the last person to tattoo you, and what was it?
At the Detroit Motor City Expo this year, Myke Chambers did this “Mom” tattoo on the my calf.
You seem pretty sure you won’t be tattooing your hands and neck for professional reasons. How do you feel about that?
I’m good with it. The ability to cover everything up is really important to be – even outside of work. It’s nice to avoid those “Oh, sick tats dude!” conversations and choose when and where people see what I’m sporting.
How do you think being visibly tattooed has effected you on a professional level?
I think it puts me two steps back. People see my work, and they assume the worst. They assume I’m irresponsible, unreliable, a possible drug addict, and I won’t bring any value to the table. In the long run, it ends up working out for me because I’m none of those things, so people are impressed.
Most people at my real job don’t understand the tattoo thing, and most people that live in the tattoo world don’t fully understand the real job thing. I try my best to keep them separated.
You still have some space to cover – anyone of note you plan to be tattooed by?
I have some appointments scheduled with Craig Moore of Mothers Tattoo later this year. He’s a low key guy that doesn’t get much exposure, but he kills it.
Any last words?
I just want to thank everyone for the support and help with the site. I never thought it would become what it has in a mere few months.