After nearly 2 decades in the tattoo industry, why change trajectory? That's the big question, right? Despite all the accolades, the extensive awards, and the stellar reputation for fixing subpar artwork, why walk away from it all? There are several reasons, some of which I'm still grappling with. Let's say the simplest answer is "so I can leave at the top." I've reached my peak, and while I could stick to the same old routine, it's become stale. The excitement I once felt going to work, driven by a desire to prove myself, has faded. Instead of creating the art I'm passionate about, I find myself covering up others' mistakes, a great skill to possess but one that ultimately makes me feel like an afterthought. Do you know what it's like being the go-to person for every problem that arises? I've become an artistic handyman, dealing with issues like a faulty light, a noisy fridge, or a clogged toilet. I no longer want to fix appliances... unclog your own damn toilet. The tattoos I do have to be dark and somewhat realistic to hide the original artwork, which is the opposite of what I want to be doing. I want to create my own art, something bright and fun, something that tells a story. That's why I want to make cartoons.
I have many stories to tell, with a large number focusing on the shortcomings of the tattoo industry. That's why my first project will focus on woodland creatures running a tattoo studio. I have created characters that I believe resonate with specific types of tattoo artists: the egotistical, the passive, the sexual predator, the drugged-up loser who is willing to make a client wait in the chair while they go get high, etc. Oh yes, I've got them all covered because I've worked with every single one of them. The tattoo industry is a dumpster fire, and I've watched it burn for just shy of 20 years. It makes for great content, but living in it has been daunting. That's another great reason to leave it behind.
I've always wanted to be an animator. Getting money for college was the whole point of joining the Army, but weeks before the end of my contract, I was offered an apprenticeship with a tattoo artist I respected, so obviously I went with that instead. I don't regret that decision, but I always felt like something was missing and now, I'm going to school for computer animation. With college focusing on animating in 3D, I will be creating a few projects in 2D initially.