One of many largest methods a tattoo artist can construct their model is by tattooing an A-list celeb. This helps to place you on the worldwide map and if the expertise goes properly, you’ll have a revolving door of Hollywood heavyweights. Toronto’s Scoot Mason had his celeb tattoo cherry popped by Johnny Depp and this led the tattooer to adorn the our bodies of NBA legends, music icons and Emmy nominees. Now, he’s some of the sought-after artists in The 6. Subsequent cease: world domination.
When did you get your first tattoo and what’s the story behind it?
I acquired my first tattoo once I was 17. I used to be truly on trip visiting my brother in Whistler, British Columbia. We have been initially alleged to get matching tattoos, nevertheless, the artist stated what we needed wouldn’t match on our backs, so I ended up getting my final title on my again.
When did you begin tattooing? Do you keep in mind the primary tattoo you probably did on a shopper?
I first began tattooing once I was 25. The primary tattoo that I truly did on a shopper was a cover-up, consider it or not. I tattooed his final title over a sketchy cross tattoo he had.
What drew you to black-and-grey and who impressed you? Due to my background in drawing, I’ve at all times shaded with black-and-grey. I’ve at all times appreciated the depth you will get with black-and-grey over shade. A few of my inspirations early in my profession have been Daniel Rocha, Sergey Shanko, Q Tattoos and Bob Tyrrell.
Who was the primary celeb you keep in mind being closely tattooed? What was your impression of them on the time?
The primary celeb I seen being closely tattooed was 50 Cent and different rappers I’d see in music movies. I favored that artists have been discovering different methods to precise themselves exterior of the music they make.
Take us by means of a number of the celebrities you’ve tattooed and what these experiences have been like.
I’ve labored with a variety of celebrities from many various industries together with LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, Tory Lanez and lots of extra. One of many extra significant experiences was with the ability to tattoo Johnny Depp early in my profession. It felt like something however work, his power was gravitational, and we ended up hanging out and enjoying guitars after he acquired inked.
What do you wish to take heed to whilst you tattoo? In the event you may solely tattoo whereas listening to 1 artist, who would it not be?
I actually wish to bump 50 Cent’s “Get Wealthy or Die Attempting” album on repeat, nevertheless, from a customer support standpoint, I often go away the playlist as much as my shopper and what’s appropriate for them in the course of the session.
In the event you may tattoo one individual, alive or useless, who would it not be and why?
So far as somebody who’s alive, I’m undoubtedly interested by tattooing Drake. We each symbolize The 6 and I sit up for the chance of doubtless collaborating on a bit with him. With that being stated, I misplaced my dad at a younger age and he was my largest inspiration relating to artwork. He was an artist his complete life and I’d have liked the chance to not solely present him the abilities he helped me attain, but in addition have the prospect to tattoo a bit on him.
Along with tattooing, we are able to see that you simply’re captivated with your canine. Inform us about them and do you may have them tattooed on you?
I’ve at all times believed in dog-like loyalty over god-like royalty. We will study lots from how a canine lives life. I’ve three canine and all of them are tattooed on me—Boston, Philly Cheese Steak and Stackz are with me for all times.
When did you determine to open your individual store and what has that have been like?
My foremost goal from day one was to at all times have my title alone store—Scoot Ink. It’s extra about leaving a legacy for me than being my very own boss. I discovered lots from the opposite retailers I used to be fortunately in a position to work at. I used to be in between retailers when it slowly grew to become a actuality. I used to be tattooing out of a personal condominium and saving up whereas acquiring the required gear to open up. I plan to open many extra studios to have the ability to serve shoppers from everywhere in the world.