My name is Dewey Smith, at the age of 17 I found myself entering the world of tattooing, unaware of the ways in which it would change my life. As I sat for my very first tattoo, I began to study every step of the process. My intrigue peaked as I realized the permanence as well as immortality of the art itself. The ways in which tattooing managed to extend art to the human canvas and display it to the world forever changed my passion for the art form. From that moment, I was hooked. At the age of 18, I set out on my journey, hitting random tattoo shops, begging for a chance to learn and observe, all while focusing on drawing and painting in my spare time.
I had many doors slammed in my face, but I still could not shake my desire for all things tattoo. Finally, in 2002 I met two willing artists, Harry Lawrence and James Livingston, who agreed to take me on, only if I promised to remain humble and forget what I thought I had already known. I scrubbed many tubes and made a lot of needles, but a glimpse into the professional world of tattooing was priceless. It has been a long climb up the ladder with my artistry and love for tattooing motivated my next adventure into tattoo machine building in 2008 as I began hand forging tattoo machines in a small garage behind my house.
Currently, I am the proud owner of Eclectic Tattoo Company, established in 2010 and Orphan Irons Magnetics in North Ridgeville, Ohio where I reside with my wife and children. Tattooing has given me many things in my life and in turn, I strive to improve myself as an artist and machine builder daily so that I am able to give back to the art that I love. I am grateful for the connections and friendships that I have formed with many fellow artists and am very appreciative of the knowledge that has been shared with me as a result of my perseverance.
- Dewey Smith