Part two with Realism Artist Pepper
To read part one click the image below!
Earlier you mentioned you are inspired by the artists around you. Who do you look up to in particular? Who did you look up to when you first started?
When I first started, I always looked up to Bob Tyrrell. I can’t deny that. I love his work. I also look up to Joshua Carlton and Monty. Megan Hoogland. I love her stuff. Definitely Robert Hernandez.
Definitely as a painter Shawn Barber is my favorite.
Do you paint?
I do yes. Not as much as I know I should but, I definitely do.
What kind of mediums do you like to work with?
I really only use oil. I am not too persistent with acrylic or watercolor. I mean I’ve tried them, but it’s been a few years since I’ve given them a second go.
What do you think makes a good portrait tattoo?
Accuracy. [Laughs] I really feel that a good portrait tattoo doesn’t only capture the likeness it captures special characteristics of that person. There are different little nuances of the face that you really need to pay special attention to.
What do you think your biggest weakness is as a tattoo artist?
I’d say I am weak on versatility. I can do other things, other than black and grey realism but, it takes me a little longer.
What is your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?
That no day is exactly the same as another day. For example you might have a cross to do on Tuesday and another cross to do on Thursday but, the crosses are different and the people are entirely different and your experience is different.
What do you think of the current state of tattooing in terms of its popularity in reality TV shows and the internet?
It’s good and bad. It’s great because it brings people into the shops that wouldn’t have ever even thought of going into one because it was too intimidating. But, there are also cons. I feel like if you are going to do this you need to do it right and you need to dedicate your life to it in order to reach your fullest potential. It is a privilege to be able to tattoo and there are people that just do it without taking the time to really learn how.
Is there any tattoo that you haven’t done yet that you’d be really excited to do?
[Hysterical Laughter] You know one comes to mind that is really funny but, I really can’t say. Because it is pretty ridiculous. [More laughter] I really honestly truly cannot say. I don’t mean to ruin the interview but, I just can’t say.
Stay tuned as well be releasing the redesign of PepperTattoos.com in the next couple of weeks!!
Interview by Ian Winship