Scott Olive!
We had previously done an interview with illustrative tattoo artist Scott Olive in the past which you can read about here. Just recently we chatted with Scott about his upcoming show, history and tattoos.
Check back later this week for part 2!
When did you first become interested in tattooing?
Probably around 2002. I was living in Tallahassee trying to figure out what to do for college and started becoming heavily tattooed and it sparked my interest. I started looking at tattoo magazines and tattoos online, going to tattoo conventions. It just became a natural progression for me. I like tattoos and I didnt know what I wanted to do and I decided I wanted to learn to tattoo.
Do you remember the first tattoo you saw or one that really impacted you?
I cant put a finger on it. Mostly I was exposed to shitty tattoos as a kid. During highschool it was just tattoos celebrities had, like crosses and tribal suns, that kinda stuff. I cant remember the first tattoo I saw that I liked but I remember my buddy Mike Tutten told me one of his favorite artists was Jime Litwalk, once I looked him up and I thought he did the coolest tattoos ever.
Which art styles influenced you early on?
Early pre tattoo life it was artists like Dali, Dr Seuss, Disney stuff. Looney Tunes, Ninja Turtles, Video game covers like Earth worm jim, Boogerman. When I first saw Greg "Craola" Simkins it was like the first time i had seen Jime Litwalks tattoos...like man this is the kind of art i really like. Its almost always been charachter driven art. That was probably around 2002.
Noticed you did a custom t-shirt, where can people find more clothing with your designs?
I did one t-shirt design and we sold it at Oddity here in Sarasota. We only made 50 and they sold out pretty quick. I have no immediate plans to make more shirts but if someone were to approach me about doing more and it was the right time/situation I would consider it.
Who got you started as a professional? Was there anyone who you can cite as helping you change? Do you have a secondary influence?
Travis Franklin at Oddity Tattoo apprenticed me in 2007. He has been my biggest influence/mentor. After that theres tons of major artists who have influenced me but the most directly has been Jesse Smith
More recently who or what has helped you progress?
I work with 8 other artists at oddity that are constantly pushing themselves so i have to try and keep up with them. also just looking at other artists instagram makes you realize how much you suck compared to other artists out there making mind blowing tattoos every day. I see people like Timmy B and Kelly Doty doing blends that are like uhhhhhhh how the hell did they make it so clean??
Are you able to do your style exclusively and if so do you?
yes i am able to do my own style exclusively and I'm thankful for that. If I get rescheduled I'll do walk ins I also enjoy doing a portrait, some lettering stuff like that but its usually few and far between. The projects make me fee fortunate to be doing my own style. I,. i actually really enjoy them when its not something i have to force between appointments.
Check back later for Part 2!