Tattoo Artists: Masters of the Living Canvas By: Genevieve Wronski

Tattoo Artists:
Masters of the Living Canvas
By: Genevieve Wronski
12/17/2010
Introduction
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with tattoos. I always thought that it
was amazing how flesh could be used as a canvas for beautiful works of art that one could keep
and look at for the rest of their days. I got my first tattoo when I was nineteen years old. My
tattoo artist had great artistic talent, great taste in music, and was very easy on the eyes. I always
wondered how he became such a wonderful tattoo artist and why he chose to do so, but I was
always too shy to ask.
I have grown up a lot since then. I am no longer the shy girl who was fleetingly enamored
with her tattoo artist. I am a woman who is studying anthropology at Western Kentucky
University. In taking a class on field methods in ethnography, I find myself with a fantastic
opportunity to research a subculture of my choosing. I decided that this would be a great time to
satisfy my curiosity and learn more about the men and women who have chosen to make a career
out of tattooing others.
In this study, I have composed a brief history of tattooing followed by a description of the
modern equipment used and some technical aspects. I will then describe the work environment
of three local tattoo artists who served as my informants: Zach Burcham, Sammy Jo Freeman,
and Brooke Hume. I will talk about their decision to become tattoo artists, the learning process,
and their preferred styles. I will conclude by discussing their favorite parts about being skin
artists and what I have learned during my fieldwork experience.
A History of Tattooing
The tradition of tattooing predates written history. The oldest dated tattoos were found on
a 5,000 year old frozen man that was discovered in the mountains between Austria and Italy. The
body had several tattoos that consisted of a series of parallel lines around the ankles and the
lower back. These tattoos were believed to have therapeutic purposes.1
Evidence of ancient tattooing has also been found in the artifacts and writings of Egypt,
Peru, northern Asia, and throughout Europe.2 In 787 AD, Pope Hadrian I outlawed tattooing of
any kind. Because of this, the practice was almost unheard of until the 19th century.3
Tattooing was rediscovered by the western world when Captain James Cook first came to
the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific in 1769. The natives, who were highly skilled in arts
and crafts, were covered with intricate tattoos.4 As a souvenir of their travels, Cook and several
members of the crew decided to get tattooed. This fad caught on quickly. Sailors learned
tattooing techniques and practiced them onboard ship. Many of these sailors retired to open
tattoo parlors in European port cities.5 In the late 1800s, early tattoo artists were heavily
influenced by the tattoo masters of Japan.6
The tattooing trend spread to the New World in the mid 1800s. In 1870, a German
immigrant by the name of Martin Hildebrandt established the first known American tattoo studio
1
Steve Gilbert, Tattoo History: A Source Book (USA: Juno Books, LLC, 2000), 11.
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 11-16.
3
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 17.
4
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 21.
5
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 23.
6
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 103.
2
in New York City. In 1891, tattooing was revolutionized when another New York tattoo artist,
Samuel O’Reilly, invented the first electric tattoo machine which was based on an engraving
machine patented by Thomas Edison. By 1900, there were tattoo studios in every major
American city.7
Over the last century, tattoo artists have improved on the old machines, developed new
inks in a variety of colors, and have created an infinite number of designs. In the late 20th
century, tattoo artists began sharing ideas at conventions, publishing magazines and books, and
coming up with countless innovative techniques for achieving different looks.8
Tools of the Trade and Technical Aspects
Up until the invention of the tattoo machine, modern tattooing was done by hand in the
United States, Europe, and Asia with a set of needles attached to a wooden handle. With the new
mechanical device, a once tedious and time consuming process was made nearly as fast as the
artists could draw.9
According to Zach, the mechanism that makes the modern tattoo machine work is similar
to the circuit found in older models of the household doorbell. Electricity flows through two coils
of copper wire creating an electromagnet. The needle, which is attached to the armature bar, is
drawn up and down through the sanitary tube when the circuit opens and closes, turning the
magnet on and off. This process happens over and over and very quickly. The sharp end of the
needle is dipped in an ink which is made from pigment particles held in a carrier solution that
allows fluid application. The carrier solution found in premixed tattoo ink is a combination of
7
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 126-127.
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 197-206.
9
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 128-127.
8
distilled water, alcohol, and glycerin. As the needle punctures the skin, the permanent marks of
the tattoo are left behind. Tattoo needles come in several different configurations. Different
needle configurations are needed for different parts of the tattoo. Outlining is done with round
needle configurations, while shading and color are done with flat needle configurations.
Several tattoo machines and a variety of premixed inks.
One of Zach’s tattoo machines set atop a pencil drawing.
Different tattoo needle configurations.
Even though the machinery is fairly simplistic, there are many different variables
involved in doing a tattoo. My informants have told me that working with the tattoo machine is
hard to get used to. Zach says that using a tattoo machine is like drawing with an engine that
must be constantly adjusted. If the artist bumps the machine in a certain way, it completely
changes the way it runs. Brooke says that there’s a huge learning curve. The artist must balance
out the vibrations of the machine, the tension of the skin, and the penetration of the needle.
Tattooing requires close attention to the task at hand in order to foresee the different areas of the
skin that may cause any little jumps or tugs.
Zach and Sammy Jo told me that there are things that the tattoo artist must take into
consideration when doing a tattoo. Every person takes tattoo ink differently and tattoos don’t
always come out the same way on everybody. The kind of skin people have makes a big
difference. Black skin can be very sensitive. The tattoo process can cause swelling and even
scarring if the artist is too rough. Some really fair skin can be so sensitive that the ink spreads out
in little veins from the line being tattooed. This effect, sometimes called “lightning,” can happen
if the machine is running too fast or if the needle is hitting the skin too hard. The tattoo artist can
change the settings of the machine, but sometimes the skin is just too sensitive regardless of the
setting. A similar effect, called a “blowout,” can occur with any skin type if the needle goes too
deeply into the skin. This causes the ink to spread outward under the skin, leaving a permanent
blue haze around the tattoo. Tattoo artists must also be wary of any markings on the skin. Dark
freckles and moles cannot be tattooed, so the artist must find a way to work around them or pick
a new area for the tattoo entirely. Scar tissue can be finicky; sometimes it takes the ink and other
times it does not. Because of this, heavy scar tissue is usually best left alone.
In today’s world, there are many blood borne diseases that people must worry about
when the skin is broken. Sammy Jo says that because of these health concerns, tattoo artists must
make sure that their equipment is sterilized. To avoid cross contamination, every needle used
comes prepackaged in sterile plastic. Before and after every tattoo, the sanitary tube is removed,
cleaned, and placed into an autoclave where it is sterilized with extreme heat and steam.
The World of the Tattoo Artist
In doing my research, I felt that it was important for me to visit the tattoo shops where
my informants work in order to get a feel for the environment in which they spend most of their
days. The first shop that I visited was West Main Street Tattoos, which is owned and run by
Zach. He is currently the only artist working there. As I entered the shop, I was greeted by Kevin
Vanduyn, who has been apprenticing there for a little over a year. The shop is separated into two
rooms. The front room of the shop could be considered a reception/waiting room. Everywhere I
look on the goldenrod yellow walls, I see various pieces of Zach’s art. There are several
paintings, some wood carvings, and a wall full of framed photographs of tattoo pieces.
West Main Street’s Front Sign.
Some of Zach’s wood carvings that decorate West Main
One of Zach’s many paintings.
Main Street Tattoos.
After taking in all of the artwork in the front room, I find my attention being drawn to a
curtained doorway with a sign just above it that reads, “MENTAL WARD.” I get my chance to
take a peek when a customer comes in to have some final work done on her back piece. Today,
Zach will be completing the tattoo by adding some clouds.
The tattoo room is very clean. I notice several different tattoo machines and countless
bottles of tattoo ink in all different colors. With the heavy bass of Rage Against the Machine in
my ears, I watch with awe as Zach commences the shading on his customer’s back and wispy
clouds begin to take form.
The next day, I visited Soul Stained Tattoo, where Sammy Jo and Brooke work alongside
Brian Kirby, Bo Jesse, and Bobby Sneed. The first thing that I noticed about the shop was how
crowded it was. Along with the five artists, there was one apprentice, Will Brown, who has been
with them for a little over a month, at least three customers, and several of their friends who were
there for moral support. The bright yellow walls are covered with pages upon pages of tattoo
flash art that the customers may choose from. The shop is separated into two sections. On the
side near the entrance, there is a back area with a light table for making tattoo stencils along with
Brian and Bo’s work stations.
Soul Stained’s front sign.
Some of the pages of tattoo flash art that decorate the walls
A close-up of one of the pages of tattoo flash art.
of Soul Stained Tattoo.
After taking in everything on this side of the shop, I move on to the other side where the
two women are hard at work tattooing their customers. On this side of the shop, there is an
“employee’s only” section with a small sink and sterilization equipment along with Brooke and
Sammy Jo’s work stations. Brooke’s station is painted a deep burgundy. There are a couple of
sketches that she has done hanging on the wall. Across from Brooke’s work station, there is a
black and white painting of classic Hollywood starlets that she had painted in high school.
Brooke’s painting with a “Classic Hollywood” theme.
Sammy Jo’s work station is highly customized with a beautiful wall mural on which she
has painted a Japanese Hannya mask and a black koi fish with some orange flowers. On her
cabinet, she has painted a purple lotus blossom. Even though Brooke and Sammy Jo’s styles are
different form each other’s, they are both very talented in their own unique ways.
Sammy Jo’s work station mural with a Japanese theme.
The contrasting differences between West Main Street and Soul Stained say a lot about
the work preferences of the artists. Zach is a one man show. In my interview with him, he told
me that he prefers to work alone. Therefore, his shop is an organized gallery of his own artistic
endeavors. Sammy Jo and Brooke feel a great kinship with the other artists that work at Soul
Stained. There is a sense of family within the walls of their shop and each artist has added little
pieces of their own to the collective décor. Despite the environmental differences, both shops are
thriving, and each puts out some truly amazing tattoos.
The Artist’s Path
I wanted to know how my informants decided to become tattoo artists. A common thread
that I found among all three of them is a great passion for the arts. Tattooing is an extension of
their talents. Skin offers a canvas that will never burn or get lost and will remain on the bodies of
their proud clients for the rest of their lives. The love that Zach, Sammy Jo, and Brooke have for
art has led them down their own paths to becoming professional tattoo artists.
For Zach, tattooing is what he was always told that he should do. Friends had all told him
that his artistic skills would make him a great tattoo artist. The more he learned about tattooing,
the more his interest in the art grew. When Zach was twenty-two years old, he went up to West
Main Street Tattoos, which was then known as Dragon Masters, to get his first tattoo. He brought
some of his drawings with him and the artists were impressed. Zach began working as an
apprentice shortly thereafter. After about three months, three of the four artists quit. Zach was
“thrown into the chair” and began tattooing. Even though he had gleaned a little bit from the
other working artists at the shop, Zach basically taught himself the art of tattooing. It was a
constant struggle, but he never gave up and continued to perfect his technique. He is now one of
the finest tattoo artists that Glasgow has to offer. Zach has been tattooing now for eight and a
half years. About six years ago, the remaining artist left the business, and Zach took over the
shop where he has been working on his own and making a good living.10
Zach Burcham completing his client, Chastity’s, back piece by adding some final shading
in the form of some wispy clouds.
Up until her ninth grade year in high school, Sammy Jo wanted to be a veterinarian.
When she found out that she would have to go through twelve years of schooling, she decided
that the career was not for her. Sammy Jo fell in love with tattooing while watching her
boyfriend get his first tattoo. When she told him that she would like to become a tattoo artist, he
was very supportive and went with her to check out some of the local shops. When she was
nineteen, Sammy Jo got to Soul Stained where Brian Kirby taught her everything he knew about
tattooing. She worked hard at learning the trade and after apprenticing for a few months, Sammy
10
Zach Burcham, Interview by Genevieve Wronski, 24 November 2010.
Jo did her first tattoo. After that, she knew she would be tattooing for the rest of her life. Sammy
Jo tattooed for three years at Soul Stained before going on a year hiatus. During that time, she
tattooed in Georgia, Lexington, and Bowling Green. After a while, Sammy Jo realized how much
she missed her family at Soul Stained and returned to work there this past August. She has been
enjoying her career and creating beautiful tattoos ever since.11
Sammy Jo Freeman tattooing some stars and music notes on her client, Mariah’s, lower back.
Brooke has always been fascinated with the art of tattooing. She liked the idea that people
could wear pictures on the outside that reflects who they are on the inside. In high school,
everyone knew her as “the art student.” When Brooke was nineteen, Sammy Jo came into the gas
station, where she worked as a cashier, to pick up a few supplies for the shop. Sammy Jo had
gone to school with Brooke and knew of her artistic abilities. She told Brooke that Brian wanted
to hire another artist and that she should give it a shot. Brooke was hesitant at first, but Sammy
11
Sammy Jo Freeman, Interview by Genevieve Wronski, 30 November 2010.
Jo was persistent. Finally, Brooke gave in and brought a few drawings up to Soul Stained. Brian
told her to come back the next day to start her apprenticeship. Brooke apprenticed for four
months. After leaving for a year, she went back to Soul Stained and immediately began tattooing.
Brooke learned quickly by reading books, talking to other artists on internet message boards, and
asking Brian any questions that she could possibly think of about the art of tattooing. She
continues to work hard to perfect her technique. Even though she has only been tattooing for two
years, Brooke has produced some great work and has many satisfied customers.12
Brooke Hume tattooing a leprechaun on her client, Cameron, who was
born on Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Learning Process
According to Zach, the best way to learn how to become a tattoo artist is to find an artist
whose work completely amazes you and convince them to take you under his wing. Sammy Jo
12
Brooke Hume, Interview by Genevieve Wronski, 1 December 2010.
says that it’s important to find a shop where the artists won’t take advantage of the fact that
you’ll be working as an apprentice. Brooke says that you have to dive head first into the art, and
absorb everything that you possibly can. When an aspiring tattoo artist gets into a shop, they
typically spend their time practicing their drawing, observing the tattoo artist’s technique, and
learning the necessary sterilization methods. In turn for learning the trade, the apprentice will
keep the shop clean, attend to the tattoo artist’s needs, and deal with the customers. If the
apprentice is an especially good artist, he or she may draw up tattoo designs. When it comes time
to practice, they must find volunteers who are willing to be tattooed. There is no other material
quite like human skin and the only way that an artist can learn is through hands-on experience.13
I was surprised to hear that Zach, Sammy Jo, and Brooke all had such short-term
apprenticeships. I’ve heard of many shops in which an apprentice must train for at least a year
before doing their first tattoo. My informants have told me that the amount of time that an artist
spends as an apprentice usually depends on the level of dedication and individual ability.
However, a busy season or other circumstances may have an artist in training tattooing their own
clients much sooner than expected.
Different Artists, Different Styles
Every artist has a preferred style. Tattooing has come a long way from the simplistic
designs found on the arms of American sailors over a century ago. Contemporary tattoo artists do
everything from old school flash designs, to tribal pieces, to realism and portrait work. Some like
to work with only black and grey ink, while others prefer to work with a full color pallet.
13
Zach Burcham, Sammy Jo Freeman, and Brooke Hume, Interviews by Genevieve Wronski.
Zach has always liked doing portrait work and realism. He doesn’t care much for color.
Zach prefers working with black and grey because it takes some of the technical aspect out
tattooing making it more like drawing with a pencil. He gets to focus more on the artwork
instead of thinking how he needs to put colors together to achieve a certain look.14
A memorial portrait piece done by Zach of his friend
Joey’s brother. (Photo by Zach Burcham)
Different views of his client Tyler’s vampire tattoo; one of
Zach’s personal favorites. (Photos by Zach Burcham)
A realistic rose tattoo done on a client’s shoulder.
(Photo by Zach Burcham)
14
Zach Burcham, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
A portrait sun and moon. (Photo by Zach Burcham)
Sammy Jo, on the other hand, really enjoys doing color work. Even though she admires
grey wash, she has always been more of a color oriented person. Sammy Jo feels that her
preference for doing large, colorful pieces stems from her love of painting. She never really got
into using only black and grey. Sammy Jo likes working with the bright and bold colors that
reflect her personality.15
15
Jessica Rabbit tattoo done by Sammy Jo.
Blue frog tattoo done by Sammy Jo.
(Photo by Sammy Jo Freeman)
(Photo by Sammy Jo Freeman)
Lily tattoo by Sammy Jo.
Rose tattoo done by Sammy Jo.
(Photo by Sammy Jo Freeman)
(Photo by Sammy Jo Freeman)
Sammy Jo Freeman, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
Even though Brooke is known for her realism, she enjoys doing a traditional Sailor Jerry
piece just as much. Sailor Jerry Collins was a popular tattoo artist in the late 1960s and early
1970s who integrated the exotic styles of Asian art with contemporary western designs.16 These
days, his designs are considered traditional or old school pieces. Brooke finds it refreshing to
work with the hard outlines and simple colors that are associated with this style. The simplicity
of these designs allows her to focus more on her technique instead of worrying about where she
needs to lay certain colors. Brooke likes doing all different kinds of tattoos. No matter which
kind of design her customer chooses, she always does her best to make the wearer proud.17
A Nightmare Before Christmas back piece
A Virgin Mary chest piece done by Brooke.
that Brooke has created for her client Amber.
(Photo by Brooke Hume)
(Photo by Brooke Hume)
16
17
Gilbert, Tattoo History, 197.
Brooke Hume, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
A King Kong tattoo done by Brooke.
(Photo by Brooke Hume)
A memorial portrait piece done by Brooke.
(Photo by Brooke Hume)
The Best Parts About Being a Tattoo Artist
My informants are very happy with their chosen careers. For Zach, tattooing is the best
job he’s ever had. He enjoys meeting interesting people and looks forward to all of the tattoos
he’ll get to do next. The only stress in the job comes from clients who aren’t always the most
pleasant people to deal with, but for the most part, Zach gets some great customers that make up
for that. He says that there’s a primal bond between tattoo artists and their clients. A strange
connection forms when a customer sits down and lets him hurt them for an hour or two at a time
so they may walk away with a piece of his artwork on their skin. After that, they will remember
each other for the rest of their lives.18
For Sammy Jo, tattooing allows her to make a living out of doing something that she
truly loves. She likes how every day is different from the last. Sammy Jo enjoys getting to meet
18
Zach Burcham, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
new people and hearing all of their stories. If not for the common ground of tattoos, she probably
would have never had the chance to meet them.19
For Brooke, tattooing is an honor. It flatters her to know that people seek out her abilities
so that they may wear a piece of her artwork on their bodies and share it with their families and
friends. Brooke is grateful for her God-given talent and the opportunity that allows her to share
piece of herself with her clients. Brooke feels everyone deserves a good tattoo experience, and
she tries to make that happen by doing the best work that she can.20
Conclusion
During this study, I feel that I have learned a lot about the people who have chosen
tattooing as their profession. I’ve always had a great amount of respect for these artists, but I
never realized just how much goes into the art of tattooing. Even if the tattooist has a natural
artistic talent, it takes hard work and dedication to master the mechanics of the tattoo machine
and develop their technique. Tattooing is an art form that can only be perfected over time. Even
though all of my informants are proficient in the art and very good at what they do, they still feel
that they have a lot to learn. The amount of effort and skill involved in the art of tattooing is truly
something to be admired.
Tattoo artists must also have skills in public relations in order to fully understand what
the customer wants and communicate ideas back and forth until a final decision is made. Not all
customers are willing to compromise and some can be completely obnoxious. The tattoo artist
must keep their cool and deal with these clients accordingly. Because of the permanent nature of
tattoos, there is a tremendous amount of pressure on the artist to make their customers happy.
19
20
Sammy Jo Freeman, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
Brooke Hume, Interview by Genevieve Wronski.
Even though tattooing has become very popular and is more readily accepted in today’s
world, there are still a lot of people out there who have some horrible misconceptions about
tattoo artists and other people who have tattoos. Many people see tattoos as a mark of social
deviance and mental depravity. Some even go so far as to pull their children away from tattooed
individuals in public. There are all different kinds of people in the world. Tattoo artists are no
different. There may be a bad egg or two in the bunch, but for the most part, tattoo artists are
genuinely good people who lead perfectly normal lives. These artists work hard for a living just
like anybody else, and I feel that they deserve a lot of respect. In this fieldwork experience, my
goal was to gain information for a project. I didn’t know that I would leave it with three new
friends.
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