#19: On this episode, Chris and I talked about his journey as a tattoo artist, tracing his growth from experimenting with various styles to specializing in realism. Initially drawn to near-traditional styles with heavy outlines and basic concepts, his artistic direction gradually shifted towards realism as he delved deeper into his craft. He highlights the scarcity of colors available in earlier years, contrasting it with the abundance of options today, which facilitates his realism work.

With dedication to detail, Chris now commits himself to larger pieces, often spanning multiple sessions, sometimes being over 8 hours at once. He explains his deliberate shift towards realism as a strategic decision for time management, allowing him to focus more on tattooing rather than spending hours on drawing designs. By leveraging realistic imagery as references, Chris optimizes his workflow, using his time efficiently, and leaving ample room for getting his hands dirty during his free time. Whether it’s building a home music studio, reassembling cars, or just focusing on things that aren’t art-related, Chris has found the life hack to keep his creative side honed in.

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