This one goes out to all my artist friends that have to work day jobs but would rather being creating art.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Yet again another piece of Flash
This one goes out to all my artist friends that have to work day jobs but would rather being creating art.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Rebel Scum....now with more ink!
I am rebel scum. :D
Omar Hernandez at Los Muertos tattoo in Houston, Texas did the work. He is very professional and a great tattoo artist. If you check out a few post back you can see where I came up with the concept. I told Omar that he could do what ever he wanted. He decided to change up the flowers and a few other things, but hell it looks tons better than what ever I could have hoped for!
Colors will come in about 3wks.
If you are in Houston and want serious ink, hit up Omar at Los Muertos Tattoo. Tell him Anthony sent you. :P
Omar Hernandez at Los Muertos tattoo in Houston, Texas did the work. He is very professional and a great tattoo artist. If you check out a few post back you can see where I came up with the concept. I told Omar that he could do what ever he wanted. He decided to change up the flowers and a few other things, but hell it looks tons better than what ever I could have hoped for!
Colors will come in about 3wks.
If you are in Houston and want serious ink, hit up Omar at Los Muertos Tattoo. Tell him Anthony sent you. :P
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Round 7 Flash Randomizer
Round 7 “Flash” Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental “Flash”. is of the following:
29. Swallows
33. Cherubs
I had fun with this one. I call it "Love is War" I don't know where it came from but it spoke to me. I still need to finish it up, but I am loving it, I hope you all will as well.
29. Swallows
33. Cherubs
I had fun with this one. I call it "Love is War" I don't know where it came from but it spoke to me. I still need to finish it up, but I am loving it, I hope you all will as well.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Just another piece of flash to add to my works.
I had to say this one was fun to draw. It just came out of all the traditional tattoos that I have been looking at. Its a mixture of both my style and neo-tradtional work....now if I can just find someone to take me on and train me.
Round 6 “Flash” Randomizer!
Round 6 “Flash” Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental “Flash”. is of the following:
6. Maori
24. Anchor 
So here it is... I hope someone likes it.
6. Maori
24. Anchor So here it is... I hope someone likes it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My next tattoo, my new design!
Well, I caught the itch just like everyone else that has a tattoo. You get your 1st one and your ready for your next one.
I have been laboring over something that is "me" and at the same time exploring the tattoo culture. While I have found that neo-traditional tattoo design is classic, I have also felt the burning need to merge it with something that defines me. So here it is.
Han shot first..... if you have to ask....I am sorry....
I have been laboring over something that is "me" and at the same time exploring the tattoo culture. While I have found that neo-traditional tattoo design is classic, I have also felt the burning need to merge it with something that defines me. So here it is.
Han shot first..... if you have to ask....I am sorry....
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Round 5 “Flash” Randomizer
Round 5 “Flash” Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental “Flash”. is of the following:
13. OM
34. Luck / Clover 
This one took a bit of time due to the fact that I had to understand Indian symbols for luck. The Elephant is a symbol for luck along with bells.
The pencil work is mostly done, I just need to ink and color it.
I hope you all like it
13. OM
34. Luck / Clover This one took a bit of time due to the fact that I had to understand Indian symbols for luck. The Elephant is a symbol for luck along with bells.
The pencil work is mostly done, I just need to ink and color it.
I hope you all like it
Progress on finding an apprenticeship.
So after a month or so I figured I would lay it down with how my progress is going on finding someone that will apprentice me. I have made some mental notes along the way, and I would hope that you all take to heart some of the things that I have to say.
First off, I still don't have an apprenticeship. I know that it sucks, but hey you have to keep at your goals if you really want to make it. I have been drawing, trying to study different styles of tattoos, and educating myself to the meaning of them. It is important to embrace the culture if your going to truly be apart of the industry. Keep yourself busy, and keep yourself focused.
Some of the pointers below are in direct relation to the hits and misses that I have been though already. I have been to 3 different shops with largely different results, the only thing that they share is the that fact that they all said no....at least after the 1st few tires.
1.)Be yourself, look for someone that you can get along with.
I have already been told that it is very important to find someone to apprentice you that you can get along with, and that the two of you all mesh. After all, your going to be around this person alot. You have to be able to respect them and at the same time trust them enough to really take to heart what they are teaching you. Not only is it important that they know there stuff but you also have to been able to hang out with them. Don't try to be someone your not, because then your not going to be comfortable. Don't make excuses for who you are. Tattoo culture has alot to do with being able to express yourself and not give a crap about what other people think of you. I know who I am, and I don't give a flying rat's ass if someone else wants to judge me because of it. When you talk to another artist make sure that the two of you could hang out. Make sure that you all have somethings in common. Not everything, but just a few things that you all can talk about. If you could see yourself having a beer with this person and you already respect the way they work then the fit might be a good one.
2.)Educate yourself.
Your teacher is going to be showing you the tools of the trade, you need to show respect for the trade by educating yourself. Hell the entire reason for this blog is to help not only myself but other newbies just like me understand what we have to educate ourselves in. GET SERIOUS, DO WORK, SON! Tattoos have been around for a long time, so there is plenty of info. Not to mention you need to begin to understand the importance of a tattoo machine "hitting hard" and the differences of a coil vs. rotary machine. You also have blood born pathogens education, and sterilization education that is VERY IMPORTANT to learn, so help yourself out.
3.) Portfolio, Portfolio, Portfolio...
I can not stress this enough. Your trying to get into an industry full of posers, don't start yourself off on the wrong foot. Build yourself a strong portfolio, have color work, design work, work in different tattoo styles, show that you have good color theory skills, and that you know how to draw. Your an artist learning a trade that is not just another medium but a culture and a way of life. When you start out your going to be doing alot of flash designs for walk-ins. Your not going to be able to express yourself until you know what you are doing. So embrace that fact, own it, understand the differences in "American Traditional", "Japanese Traditional", and all the differences in lettering styles.
4.) Persistence
Your going to get turned down... your not going to mesh with one artist or the next, but keep at it. Don't give up, and don't cut corners. You will find someone that will give you a chance. When reaching out to a potential teacher make sure you get some work done by them, you need to show them that you want to learn and that you need to get to know them. what better way to do that then by getting ink done by them. Its a captive situation...lol. Go to the tattoo shop for random things, hang out, ask if you can be of help in anything. BE HUMBLE! Your not God's gift, even if your momma says so! Your a newbie only a step above every other Tom, Dick, and Harry with ink.
Keep your chin up! Follow your goals! And like my hommie, Commander Mark, says "Draw, Draw, Draw about 30 mins a day!"
First off, I still don't have an apprenticeship. I know that it sucks, but hey you have to keep at your goals if you really want to make it. I have been drawing, trying to study different styles of tattoos, and educating myself to the meaning of them. It is important to embrace the culture if your going to truly be apart of the industry. Keep yourself busy, and keep yourself focused.
Some of the pointers below are in direct relation to the hits and misses that I have been though already. I have been to 3 different shops with largely different results, the only thing that they share is the that fact that they all said no....at least after the 1st few tires.
1.)Be yourself, look for someone that you can get along with.
I have already been told that it is very important to find someone to apprentice you that you can get along with, and that the two of you all mesh. After all, your going to be around this person alot. You have to be able to respect them and at the same time trust them enough to really take to heart what they are teaching you. Not only is it important that they know there stuff but you also have to been able to hang out with them. Don't try to be someone your not, because then your not going to be comfortable. Don't make excuses for who you are. Tattoo culture has alot to do with being able to express yourself and not give a crap about what other people think of you. I know who I am, and I don't give a flying rat's ass if someone else wants to judge me because of it. When you talk to another artist make sure that the two of you could hang out. Make sure that you all have somethings in common. Not everything, but just a few things that you all can talk about. If you could see yourself having a beer with this person and you already respect the way they work then the fit might be a good one.
2.)Educate yourself.
Your teacher is going to be showing you the tools of the trade, you need to show respect for the trade by educating yourself. Hell the entire reason for this blog is to help not only myself but other newbies just like me understand what we have to educate ourselves in. GET SERIOUS, DO WORK, SON! Tattoos have been around for a long time, so there is plenty of info. Not to mention you need to begin to understand the importance of a tattoo machine "hitting hard" and the differences of a coil vs. rotary machine. You also have blood born pathogens education, and sterilization education that is VERY IMPORTANT to learn, so help yourself out.
3.) Portfolio, Portfolio, Portfolio...
I can not stress this enough. Your trying to get into an industry full of posers, don't start yourself off on the wrong foot. Build yourself a strong portfolio, have color work, design work, work in different tattoo styles, show that you have good color theory skills, and that you know how to draw. Your an artist learning a trade that is not just another medium but a culture and a way of life. When you start out your going to be doing alot of flash designs for walk-ins. Your not going to be able to express yourself until you know what you are doing. So embrace that fact, own it, understand the differences in "American Traditional", "Japanese Traditional", and all the differences in lettering styles.
4.) Persistence
Your going to get turned down... your not going to mesh with one artist or the next, but keep at it. Don't give up, and don't cut corners. You will find someone that will give you a chance. When reaching out to a potential teacher make sure you get some work done by them, you need to show them that you want to learn and that you need to get to know them. what better way to do that then by getting ink done by them. Its a captive situation...lol. Go to the tattoo shop for random things, hang out, ask if you can be of help in anything. BE HUMBLE! Your not God's gift, even if your momma says so! Your a newbie only a step above every other Tom, Dick, and Harry with ink.
Keep your chin up! Follow your goals! And like my hommie, Commander Mark, says "Draw, Draw, Draw about 30 mins a day!"
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Something Geek: Numot, The Devastator Proxy MTG card
After all, its all about being who you are.....
Here is a proxy card that I drew up for a card game called Magic the Gathering.
Here is the original card:
And here is my Proxy. I will be coloring it soon.
Here is a proxy card that I drew up for a card game called Magic the Gathering.
Here is the original card:
And here is my Proxy. I will be coloring it soon.
Friday, May 13, 2011
One day the passion will be sedated...
I have been so busy the past couple of weeks. Where does the time go? Trying to stay focused is hard, but the passion to draw never leaves. Why is it that when I can’t spend time drawing do I get the most itch for it? I have all of these ideas in my head, all of this need to draw. Sometimes I wish I was just alone so I can just draw to my heart’s content. Real life has a way of making it hard to be an artist. The term starving artist is so true. You have to be willing to starve just to be able to create. Passion never sleeps, never eats, yet constantly craves. Even while at work my mind races with thoughts of what I could be doing. The things that I could be learning.
Its hard to be pulled in different directions but I have to stay true to what I want to do… I have to be willing to sacrifice things so that my passion can have an outlet. I have to keep moving forward.
One day……
Its hard to be pulled in different directions but I have to stay true to what I want to do… I have to be willing to sacrifice things so that my passion can have an outlet. I have to keep moving forward.
One day……
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Round 4 "Flash" Randomizer
Round 4 "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". is of the following:
13. Kanji
34. Snake 
This one came out really cool, or at least I think so. I went with the Kanji for Loyalty, and decided to go with a Japanese style. The flowers are Zinnias a traditional Japanese flower that represents loyalty. The Snake in Asian cultures is not as negative as in European cultures so I wanted to go with more peaceful look to the snake both to represent wisdom, and the year of the snake.
So here you go.
13. Kanji
34. Snake This one came out really cool, or at least I think so. I went with the Kanji for Loyalty, and decided to go with a Japanese style. The flowers are Zinnias a traditional Japanese flower that represents loyalty. The Snake in Asian cultures is not as negative as in European cultures so I wanted to go with more peaceful look to the snake both to represent wisdom, and the year of the snake.
So here you go.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The "Flash" Randomizer! Round 3
Round 3 "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". is of the following:
4. Angel
20. Pin Up Girl
It was also excuse to try out some traditional lettering styles.
The scan is not that good so please excuse the messy pic.
4. Angel
20. Pin Up GirlIt was also excuse to try out some traditional lettering styles.
The scan is not that good so please excuse the messy pic.
May the Fourth Be With You........tattoo style
In honor of the May 4th (the Star Wars Day) I gathered up a few images from around the net that honors both Star Wars and tattoos. Not to mention some really great people put together a book called "the Force in Flesh" Check it out if you get a chance.
So without any further delay.....I present to you all "May the 4th be with you"
This one is very special to me because I helped design it. Its Yoda's lightsaber(yes, yes, I know his blade is green). The love of my life had just finished her cancer treatment and she wanted something that is remembrance of her struggle with it and how she over came it. The pink colored blade is a traditional color for Cancer awareness. Instead of getting a ribbon, she got her lightsaber. While I wished I was the one to tattoo it...I was happy that I got to design it.
Justice!!!! True fans will know what I am talking about.
So without any further delay.....I present to you all "May the 4th be with you"
This one is very special to me because I helped design it. Its Yoda's lightsaber(yes, yes, I know his blade is green). The love of my life had just finished her cancer treatment and she wanted something that is remembrance of her struggle with it and how she over came it. The pink colored blade is a traditional color for Cancer awareness. Instead of getting a ribbon, she got her lightsaber. While I wished I was the one to tattoo it...I was happy that I got to design it.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Get to know Grymjack's work.
I figured that I might as well lay down a bit of back story on myself so that you will know where I am coming from when I say a geek's adventure into tattooing.
I have a ton of influences, starting when I was young and full of Marvel Comic madness, to today where I can list of artists like Diego Rivera, Frank Frazetta, Joe Capobianco, Udon crew, Fritzz(aka Basiltoons), Raul Fernandez, Hayao Miyazaki, Ralph McQuarrie, Doug Chiang, and many many more, Wayne Reynolds, Steven Prescott, Tony Diterlizzi, Shirow Masamune, Production I.G..
So with that being said here is a selection of some of my traditional work.
Sorry I don't have a bigger image of this one. Its was a self portrait of myself that got stolen.
Magic the Gathering Commissioned Playmat. 22" x14" Copics.
Magic the Gathering Commissioned Playmat. 22" x14" Copics.
Oekaki BSS applet. Full digital with small bit map graphics
Tattoo Design, Pen, ink, colored in adobe photoshop
Oekaki BSS applet. Full digital with small bit map graphics
Oekaki BSS applet. Full digital with small bit map graphics
Pencil work.
I have a ton of influences, starting when I was young and full of Marvel Comic madness, to today where I can list of artists like Diego Rivera, Frank Frazetta, Joe Capobianco, Udon crew, Fritzz(aka Basiltoons), Raul Fernandez, Hayao Miyazaki, Ralph McQuarrie, Doug Chiang, and many many more, Wayne Reynolds, Steven Prescott, Tony Diterlizzi, Shirow Masamune, Production I.G..
So with that being said here is a selection of some of my traditional work.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". Round 2
Round 2 "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". is of the following:
11. Lion
26. Barbwire![Barbwire flash](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAClDrKPO3I/TcFxBKy6sCI/AAAAAAAAACo/I94kRj13My0/s400/barb%2Bwire%2Btattoo.jpg")
Seeking to combine the two was a bit odd, but then I started to think about the expression of my desire to be a tattoo artist. And the situations that I have already had to deal with in my journey. All of the sudden this came out. I hope you all like it.
11. Lion
26. BarbwireSeeking to combine the two was a bit odd, but then I started to think about the expression of my desire to be a tattoo artist. And the situations that I have already had to deal with in my journey. All of the sudden this came out. I hope you all like it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tattoo Artists to study: Joe Capobianco
Everyone has a favorite local tattoo artist, and we all can search the internet for the "greatest" tattoo artists but ultimately its our own sense of appeal that allows the individual to select his/her influences.
Joe Capobianco is one of those influences for me. Coined "The Godfather of Pin Up" by BIZARRE mag Jan. 2011, Mr. Capobianco is a great artist. I mean come on, the man has his own tattoo machine the "Brickhouse", and even published illustration books. A talented artist, Joe, has a style that makes a man all fuzzy in his no-no spots, in respects to his art of course.
His line work is completely awesome. The stroke, and even the line weight is flawless. While his style is not for some, I can assure you that it matters not to both him and his fans(me included)! Joe Capobianco's body of work show an understanding of both composition and knack for what a sexy rock pin-up girl is. Color or black and white he can handle it.
I could keep on going on and on, but you can check it out for yourself.
Joe Capobianco's Gallery
If you want to contact Mr. Capobianco, and you know you want too! You can at the following:
Hope Gallery Tattoo
835 Woodward Ave. New Haven, CT 06512
203-467-1622
Joe Capobianco is one of those influences for me. Coined "The Godfather of Pin Up" by BIZARRE mag Jan. 2011, Mr. Capobianco is a great artist. I mean come on, the man has his own tattoo machine the "Brickhouse", and even published illustration books. A talented artist, Joe, has a style that makes a man all fuzzy in his no-no spots, in respects to his art of course.
His line work is completely awesome. The stroke, and even the line weight is flawless. While his style is not for some, I can assure you that it matters not to both him and his fans(me included)! Joe Capobianco's body of work show an understanding of both composition and knack for what a sexy rock pin-up girl is. Color or black and white he can handle it.
I could keep on going on and on, but you can check it out for yourself.
Joe Capobianco's Gallery
If you want to contact Mr. Capobianco, and you know you want too! You can at the following:
Hope Gallery Tattoo
835 Woodward Ave. New Haven, CT 06512
203-467-1622
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". Round 1
So the first "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash". is of the following:
7. Dragon
40. Fish 
I used an online randomizer to get the numbers to focus on and this is what I have come up with. Its a Dragon Koi. Done in a pseudo-Japanese style which is very popular right now. I even added in a "wave" theme behind it. Let me know what you all think.
7. Dragon
40. Fish I used an online randomizer to get the numbers to focus on and this is what I have come up with. Its a Dragon Koi. Done in a pseudo-Japanese style which is very popular right now. I even added in a "wave" theme behind it. Let me know what you all think.
Prologue: The "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash".
Main Entry: random
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: haphazard, chance
Synonyms: accidental, adventitious, aimless, arbitrary, casual, contingent, designless, desultory, driftless, fluky, fortuitous, hit-or-miss, incidental, indiscriminate, irregular, objectless, odd, promiscuous, purposeless, slapdash, spot, stray, unaimed, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated
Key onto hit-or-miss, unplanned, unpremeditated. we will talk about it later.
To start off lets talk about Flash. Flash is usually several designs that are placed on a sheet. These sheets are displayed in tattoo studios on the walls, on racks or in books. Customers can browse through these pictures to choose a tattoo or to get ideas as to what they want. It is also one of the reasons why certain styles of tattoos are more common then others. Flash is apart of every tattoo studio, its "whats on the menu" if you will. Every tattoo artist has done straight flash work on someone. While the don't like they understand that some times its whats people want. To me selecting flash without modification is akin to going into a McDonald's and ordering a #1 as the last meal you will ever eat! Sure it will feed you, but do you really want McDonald's as your last meal? Its the same way with unmodified Flash. Sure someone drew it, so its art, but think about how many times some else has; seen, bought, re-printed, re-used, recycled, and tattooed it. Its going on your skin and its going to be apart of you...make it worth while!
This brings us up to the topic at hand. The "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash"! Remember how I told you to key on to the words above will here is where is comes into play. In my research into tattoos I found a common theme to tattoos in general. A listing of 50 to be exact, each one in order of "commonness"
What I am going to do is try to take 2 entries at random and combine them to make something that is both recognizable as both entries and at the same time something different. Something that appeals to the person looking for something creative but with the same theme. I am going to be blogging this as the line work is done, then updating as I color them.
Here is the list.
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: haphazard, chance
Synonyms: accidental, adventitious, aimless, arbitrary, casual, contingent, designless, desultory, driftless, fluky, fortuitous, hit-or-miss, incidental, indiscriminate, irregular, objectless, odd, promiscuous, purposeless, slapdash, spot, stray, unaimed, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated
Key onto hit-or-miss, unplanned, unpremeditated. we will talk about it later.
To start off lets talk about Flash. Flash is usually several designs that are placed on a sheet. These sheets are displayed in tattoo studios on the walls, on racks or in books. Customers can browse through these pictures to choose a tattoo or to get ideas as to what they want. It is also one of the reasons why certain styles of tattoos are more common then others. Flash is apart of every tattoo studio, its "whats on the menu" if you will. Every tattoo artist has done straight flash work on someone. While the don't like they understand that some times its whats people want. To me selecting flash without modification is akin to going into a McDonald's and ordering a #1 as the last meal you will ever eat! Sure it will feed you, but do you really want McDonald's as your last meal? Its the same way with unmodified Flash. Sure someone drew it, so its art, but think about how many times some else has; seen, bought, re-printed, re-used, recycled, and tattooed it. Its going on your skin and its going to be apart of you...make it worth while!
This brings us up to the topic at hand. The "Flash" Randomizer! 25 drawings of Accidental "Flash"! Remember how I told you to key on to the words above will here is where is comes into play. In my research into tattoos I found a common theme to tattoos in general. A listing of 50 to be exact, each one in order of "commonness"
What I am going to do is try to take 2 entries at random and combine them to make something that is both recognizable as both entries and at the same time something different. Something that appeals to the person looking for something creative but with the same theme. I am going to be blogging this as the line work is done, then updating as I color them.
Here is the list.
| 1. Tribal | 2. Star / Nautical Star | 3. Cross | 4. Angel | 5. Wings |
| 6. Maori | 7. Dragon | 8. Phoenix | 9. Butterfly | 10. Fairy |
| 11. Lion | 12. Celtic Knot | 13. Kanji | 14. Tiger | 15. Rose |
| 16. Heart | 17. Zodiac | 18. Skull | 19. Flowers | 20. Pin-up Girl |
| 21. Eagle | 22. Crown | 23. Sun | 24. Anchor | 25. Ankh |
| 26. Barbwire | 27. Om | 28. Bat | 29. Swallow | 30. Spider |
| 31. Compass | 32. Cupid | 33. Cherubs | 34. Snake | 35. Fleur de Lis |
| 36. Haida | 37. Sword | 38. Dolphins | 39. Dragonfly | 40. Fish |
| 41. Flames / Fire | 42. Gun / Pistol | 43. Harley Davidson / Motorcycle | 44. Lotus | 45. Luck / Clover |
| 46. Musical Notes | 47. Scorpion | 48. Yin-Yang | 49. Dagger | 50. Love / Pierced Heart |
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Grymjack's Manifest Destiny into Tattooing
What makes someone want to become a tattoo artist? One would say it's a drive to do something counter-culture, some would say just to be able to do something "kewl", while others would say to get "chics/dudes". My drive stands alone from these pursuits, and no I am not going to deny the benefits of the previous drives. I see my pursuit into tattooing as a progression as an artist. It is a Manifest Destiny of sorts, an expansion that is not only wise but that it is readily apparent (manifest) and inexorable (destiny). Grymjack's Manifest Destiny.
My goal as a tattoo artist is to be able to draw, paint, and use my gifts as a way to express both my feelings, and the feelings of the person who I tattoo. I realize that not all tats have a deep meaning but that does not mean that the person in question does not want/deserve good workmanship. I don't want to get into the industry to become rich, but it would be nice. I just want to draw! To create!
My readers, if your pursuit is pure then you will find your drive. The road ahead is not an easy one as I am finding out, but my drive.....my end goal moves me forward. If your trying, like I am, to find someone to apprentice you then you will need that drive when your sitting in a tattoo shop like the odd man/woman out, trying to find a way to break the ice so you can get other people to open up and talk to you. Spending your evening drawing "flash". Drive, intent, forward progress....they will be my friends.
My goal as a tattoo artist is to be able to draw, paint, and use my gifts as a way to express both my feelings, and the feelings of the person who I tattoo. I realize that not all tats have a deep meaning but that does not mean that the person in question does not want/deserve good workmanship. I don't want to get into the industry to become rich, but it would be nice. I just want to draw! To create!
My readers, if your pursuit is pure then you will find your drive. The road ahead is not an easy one as I am finding out, but my drive.....my end goal moves me forward. If your trying, like I am, to find someone to apprentice you then you will need that drive when your sitting in a tattoo shop like the odd man/woman out, trying to find a way to break the ice so you can get other people to open up and talk to you. Spending your evening drawing "flash". Drive, intent, forward progress....they will be my friends.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Back Story.... Welcome to the Ride.
Welcome would be tattoo artist, fledgling apprentices, and tattoo artists' bitches. Welcome to my journey into the wonderful world to tattooing. My path will be blogged so that those on the unique path such as my own can learn a few things about the wonderful culture of Tattoo Artists. And learn something about themselves in the process.
Now, mind you my perspective is wholly my own, subject to the mental issues that I have about being who I am. So please understand that while my journey is being shown to those that would wish to gain some insight it might not go the same way for everyone else.
So on with the story:
My name is Anthony Gay, (yea fuck you.....I'm one of few people that can marry a woman and turn her gay.....legally. Now that, that is out of the way) I am a father to two great children, a 14 yr old, and 7 year old. I went to school at the Joe Kurbert School for Graphic Illustration, in Dover, N.J. I have been drawing, painting, and even doing metal work for the past 15 years. I have a common, every weekday, wage slave kind of job. You know the white collar 8-5 kind of life. I have a professional career, only that affords me a comfortable lifestyle and which has gotten to a point that I am now able to start pursuing the things that I truly love. I have a great friend / lover that has pushed me back into that things that truly make me happy, and for that I will never forget her, Cathelene Dominguez.
With her prodding and support I have allowed myself to embrace the things that have always been the core of who I am. Look people, I am a Geek. A Starwars loving, Magic the Gathering playing, Comic book collecting, art creating, D&D Dungeon Master with an style. Its taken a great woman to help me realize that I should never be ashamed of who I am. To not make excuses for who I am.
All of this brings me to the topic of this Blog. Grym Ink: A Geek Trying to Become A Tattoo Artist. I have always loved tattoos, the culture behind it, the commitment to art, the punk-metal-counter culture flare that makes the tattoo community what it is. From mags like "Inked", "Tattoo", "Prick", and even "Low-rider" a culture of art springs from the pages.....a dark often misunderstood art. Like all artist, some tattoo artist are also subject of misunderstanding due to there choice of profession. Especially in like this where shows like L.A. Ink almost make it "movie star" to be a tattoo artist, which I am sure many scratchers (self trained tattoo artist, the names arrives from the amount of people that they have scarred teaching themselves) have come from just watching the show instead of take the better path. So this is me....... a artist that is ready to stake his claim in the tattoo world. Cataloging his progress as a means to have a 1st person perspective of how to become a tattoo artist, and how hard/easy it is to break into it.
So sit back in the chair while I mix up your ink, and get your transfer ready......
Now, mind you my perspective is wholly my own, subject to the mental issues that I have about being who I am. So please understand that while my journey is being shown to those that would wish to gain some insight it might not go the same way for everyone else.
So on with the story:
My name is Anthony Gay, (yea fuck you.....I'm one of few people that can marry a woman and turn her gay.....legally. Now that, that is out of the way) I am a father to two great children, a 14 yr old, and 7 year old. I went to school at the Joe Kurbert School for Graphic Illustration, in Dover, N.J. I have been drawing, painting, and even doing metal work for the past 15 years. I have a common, every weekday, wage slave kind of job. You know the white collar 8-5 kind of life. I have a professional career, only that affords me a comfortable lifestyle and which has gotten to a point that I am now able to start pursuing the things that I truly love. I have a great friend / lover that has pushed me back into that things that truly make me happy, and for that I will never forget her, Cathelene Dominguez.
With her prodding and support I have allowed myself to embrace the things that have always been the core of who I am. Look people, I am a Geek. A Starwars loving, Magic the Gathering playing, Comic book collecting, art creating, D&D Dungeon Master with an style. Its taken a great woman to help me realize that I should never be ashamed of who I am. To not make excuses for who I am.
All of this brings me to the topic of this Blog. Grym Ink: A Geek Trying to Become A Tattoo Artist. I have always loved tattoos, the culture behind it, the commitment to art, the punk-metal-counter culture flare that makes the tattoo community what it is. From mags like "Inked", "Tattoo", "Prick", and even "Low-rider" a culture of art springs from the pages.....a dark often misunderstood art. Like all artist, some tattoo artist are also subject of misunderstanding due to there choice of profession. Especially in like this where shows like L.A. Ink almost make it "movie star" to be a tattoo artist, which I am sure many scratchers (self trained tattoo artist, the names arrives from the amount of people that they have scarred teaching themselves) have come from just watching the show instead of take the better path. So this is me....... a artist that is ready to stake his claim in the tattoo world. Cataloging his progress as a means to have a 1st person perspective of how to become a tattoo artist, and how hard/easy it is to break into it.
So sit back in the chair while I mix up your ink, and get your transfer ready......
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