Chauncey Kochel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Chauncey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is what I like to call organized chaos. I usually start by getting ready for work and heading to my studio, where I prepare for my client and manage the daily responsibilities of running a business. Most of my days are dedicated to working closely with one client for 6–8 hours. After I leave the studio, I shift gears and focus on creative projects. I work as a concept artist and packaging designer for the pop culture fashion company BullAirs, design apparel for my brand Grind Lifestyle, and create album art, tour posters, and t-shirt designs for prominent rock bands and musicians. My days are full, they often start early and run late (most nights I’m working until about 1 a.m.)
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chauncey Kochel (C.K.), and I am a tattoo artist/owner of Von Striga in Galveston, TX. My studio focuses on creating custom, detailed tattoo work, with most of my days dedicated to working one on one with clients for 6 to 8 hours at a time. In addition to running my studio, I am also a concept artist and packaging designer for BullAirs, Head of Design for our apparel brand Grind Lifestyle, and I collaborate with prominent rock bands and musicians on album artwork, tour posters, and merchandise. My work is unique in that it spans multiple creative industries, from permanent body art to fashion and music. I believe this cross disciplinary approach allows me to bring a fresh perspective to every project.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I recently turned 40, and I’ve realized that many of the things that used to feel so important to me no longer carry the same weight. For the past 20 years I’ve been grinding nonstop, and when I finally looked up, I noticed how much time had passed. My family has grown older, my nieces and nephews are practically grown. It feels like it all went by in the blink of an eye. What I need to release is young me with that constant chase and the idea that success only comes from working. As busy as I still am, I’m learning to step back and prioritize what truly matters.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me perspective in a way success never could. Success can make you feel unstoppable, but suffering strips everything down and forces you to see what really matters. It taught me patience, resilience, and empathy, things you cannot learn when everything is going right.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Generally yes. I try to show up honestly in public because authenticity matters to me, both as an artist and a business owner. That does not mean I am perfect or always on point, but the core of who I am stays consistent whether I am with clients, working on designs, or at home with family.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I feel like my tolerance for nonsense has gotten much shorter as I have gotten older. I used to be the life of the party, always outgoing and social, but over time I have become more introverted. I have been dimming that part of me that used to thrive on social energy, choosing instead to focus on what really matters to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vonstriga.com
- Instagram: cktattoo
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/crkochel
