Ok, before we get into anything crazy at all. Top 3 albums to listen to while tattooing?

Starting off with the hard questions. You know this is a difficult call for me as it’s gonna change day to day, but I’d have to say:

1. The Replacements - Let It Be. Don’t have much to say other than it’s just one of the best albums ever recorded and appropriate for so many occasions.

2. Naked Raygun - Understand? I wouldn’t consider this the best NR album, but it was essentially the soundtrack to my apprenticeship. It was in constant rotation that year and it always takes me back.

3. Reigning Sound - Shattered. Greg Cartwright is one of my favorite song writers and I don’t think any album has gotten as many “Who is this?” questions from clients. It’s upbeat, soulful and has great production.

But, if I’m listening to these bands or Tom Waits or Nick Cave, I’m good to go.

Do you come from an artistic family? What was growing up in West Virginia like?

Growing up in West Virginia is interesting, I suppose. I wish I could deny some of the negative connotations that come along with it, but there’s plenty to be critical of. That said, it does have an interesting and unique culture. Good, hardworking people who are trying to make a living in one of the poorest states in the nation. The flip side of that is, I was pretty much on the border of other states and within a 2 hour drive of DC and Baltimore. So in late junior high, when we could drive, my friends and I could spend our time going to shows every weekend.

My father wasn’t an artist, but he did draw for me a good bit. I’m thankful that I kept most of those over the years, so I have a little catalog of his stuff. I suppose that was my earliest introduction to the art process. He also had some homemade tattoos that he received in the Mexican Army, and that was my first exposure to tattooing. One of my older sisters got into drawing as well and she became a really great cake decorator. I have a few of her early charcoal drawings, too. Guess I’m a sucker for keeping stuff like that.

Since you’re not vegan, but no stranger to vegan eats, who has better vegan food options, Portland or Austin? I know our time in both cities was limited, but we definitely ate some good stuff!

Ah yes, I do love vegan food though that’s not my diet. So, I hate waiting in line for anything but waiting for an Arlo’s Burger in Austin was worth it every time! That said, Sweatpea Baking Co in Portland had some of my favorite biscuits and gravy ever! Those were the two highlights, but overall, Portland takes that top spot for me.

What’s better: A tattoo convention, or a music festival?

Tattoo conventions or music festivals hold very similar places in my heart, for better or worse. As a anxious person, conventions always come with a lot of stress leading up to them. Once I’m there, I have a great time and most of them leave me with very memorable experiences. I avoid music festivals unless there are some pretty rare appearances. I caught the Jawbreaker reunion in Chicago at Riot Fest and The Mummies in Oakland at the now defunct Burger Boogaloo. Those were pretty extenuating circumstances, but felt like I had to see those two bands. You’ll never catch me at a music festival open to close. I’ll come see a few bands if the schedule allows, but I’m trying to get out before the masses.

Do you think you’ll tattoo for the remainder of your days?

I plan to tattoo until the wheels fall off. I just can’t see myself doing anything else. I love tattooing, but like anything, you get tired. You need to stretch. So, I take a break, take a trip and see some other cities or countries and I always find that I’m excited to come back. For the first 7 years or so that I tattooed, I didn’t really spend much time out of the shop. After that I learned the importance of time off to refresh your mind, your attitude, your body, whatever. Now, 14 years or so in, I think I’ve really figured out the work/life balance. I think finding that is what’ll give me the ability to go for as long as possible.