Hey everyone, Ethan Gregory Dodge here with episode number 3 of Tattoo 408. We're moving on to a new artist. This week we have Scotty Weeks, founder of Marks of Art Tattoo. It's difficult to talk about San Jose tattooing and not bring up Marks of Art. It's been open on Union Avenue in the Cambrian neighborhood for 29 years. I paid the shop a visit back in April to ask Scotty all about his upbringing and career. I'm stoked to share it with you today.

Just a couple of notes before we dive in:

This was one of the first interviews that I did using these particular microphones. As a result, I didn't place them as well as I should have and there's a bit more background noise and mic bleed than I would like. I've done my best to minimize it while maintaining the shop's ambience. You will also hear some finger tapping close to the mic from Scotty.

If you've listened to our interview with Tattoo John, then Scotty's name may sound familiar. It's because Scotty got his start looking over John's shoulder, so I had to make sure I asked John about that. As such, Scotty talks about John fairly extensively. If you haven't listened to John's interview, it comprises our first two episodes. Go back and listen to them!

Scotty brings up an artist called Pinky. There is so much to be said about Pinky and he only really comes up in passing in this interview. But he had such an incredible impact on tattooing in San Jose and across the world. We will do an episode all about him in the near future, but if you want to learn more now, I wrote a 3,000 word article for Metro Silicon Valley on the life of Pinky. Shortly after that, I was asked to speak on a panel about Pinky at a Sacramento tattoo convention, Cap City Classic.

And lastly, Scotty mentions Chuck Marshal. I just wanted to remind listeners that Tattoo John told me he got his first tattoo from Chuck. Unfortunately he's no longer around, but if you knew him, I'd love to talk to you!

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