Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob TheTattooer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, tattoos were always tough looking to me, and I thought you had to be a “badass” to have them. Whether looking at my grandfather’s or random people’s, I always thought they were cool. Little did I know, that I would be the one making you look cool in the future.
I’ve always enjoyed art and drawing when I was growing up, I just never knew it would lead me to where I am today. I never took art seriously, not until I received my apprenticeship with Micheal Graves in South Houston at You Pick It, We Stick it. It didn’t take long to realize that this trade is sink or swim.
Although I didn’t graduate from high school and had no plans for college, I was intrigued by other carriers. After getting my G.E.D., I was stale in life. Shawn Will was a longtime friend and helped me get my foot in the door. I’m forever grateful to have him as a colleague and friend because this life wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for him.
Please tell us about your art.
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for tattoo history and any style that has influenced the tattoo culture that I grew up admiring. My styles are influenced by history. Whether it’s American folk art, ancient architectural designs from Thailand or Japanese woodblock prints, I love it all. I get all of my inspiration from tattoo related imagery. I do create original images for my clients, but it’s always referenced through historical imagery. This is what drives me, and makes me want to keep this imagery alive. I’ll always push myself to find new ways to design and recreate these images because they have such value and power when looking at them.
I don’t expect people to have the same infatuation as I do, but it makes my work easier to appreciate when you know your history. Working at Red Dagger has pushed me harder than ever before to devote myself to creating these new images from history. If you’re into history, I’m your guy.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Being an artist nowadays has gotten easier in some aspects but harder for recognition and respect in others. Social media has made it a lot easier to put yourself out there to be seen. But on that note, more people are trying to be seen. More people trying to be seen means there’s more competition. This is good. This creates friendly competition amongst us as we try to stay ahead of the curve.
The best thing people can do to support good art and tattooing is to do their research. Research is key to knowing what looks good in the skin and why tattoos are an investment. Art can be in the eye of the beholder, but amateur and professional works don’t always stand out from each other if there is no education. So please take the time to educate yourself on your lifelong tattoo investment. A picture on the wall isn’t as detrimental as your tattoo.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see my work walking around Houston on various peoples. I use Instagram @BobTheTattooer to display my portfolio and share some day to day life. Occasionally, I’ll participate in local art shows. I’m always looking to travel to make tattoos for people as guest spots at other tattoo studios and now work conventions worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Address: Red Dagger Downtown
2315 Commerce St.
Houston, TX 77003 - Email: BobTheTattooer@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobthetattooer/
Image Credit:
Bob The Tattooer
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