Here is the part where I tell everyone about my endless hours of advanced instruction in art technique, multiple art degrees from accredited Universities around the globe, and how I am revolutionizing the industry with groundbreaking advances that are on the cutting edge of technology…just kidding. I actually am a moderately normal guy who is lucky enough to be one of the people in life who is getting to live their dream. I do not exactly know how to write this without sounding self-absorbed, so we are going to try a little experiment in a “self-interview” covering a few simple questions that someone is likely to ask their tattoo artist.

Where was your first exposure to tattoos?
I have no idea. I am originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey; a nice town in Northern Jersey but definitely NOT the type of town where you are likely to see people with visible tattoos. Come to think of it, it is more of the type of town where I learned just how judgmental people can be in regards to tattoos. No one in my family has any, nor did any of my friend’s parents. When I was in middle school I started listening to hard rock & heavy metal music. That is probably where I first saw heavily tattooed people.

When did you decide to become a tattoo artist?
I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I always loved drawing very detailed technical things; planes, cars, helicopters, etc. The challenge of getting each drawing as “real” as I could make it was much more interesting to me then the abstract, impressionistic or surrealistic paintings that I saw in museums. Tattooing is a very delicate balance between the artistic/creative side and the technical precise application of each piece. I also loved how that every tattoo is different on each person and how each one means something different to both the wearer and the people looking at it. I started buying tattoo magazines and became more enthralled with each page I turned. I moved to Vacaville, California when I was sixteen and started hanging around the tattoo shop in town. The more I saw about the art and the life the more I knew that this is where I belonged.

Do you have any formal art background?
Not anything more than most kids. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a nice town with a good school system that offered varied art classes. I had the artistic encouragement from my family and friends my whole life. I attended a few college art classes and I started my tattoo apprenticeship when I was 21. The training and education in tattooing continues every day of my life. Each tattoo offers new challenges and you learn something from each and every one you do. I do not believe that anyone ever truly perfects this medium or can “know it all”.

What is the hardest part of doing a tattoo?
All of it…Imagine drawing a picture with a pen that weighs about a half pound, vibrates and you cannot see the tip through a puddle of ink. Now add the fact that your paper or “canvas” is three-dimensional, multi-textured, a different consistency every time, slippery and usually moving. Finally add the magic three words of the tattoo realm…YOU CANNOT ERASE.  These are several of the factors that make each piece a challenge.

What are your favorite types of tattoos?
The permanent ones. Just kidding…seriously, I love all types of tattoos. I love studying all of the different styles from all over the world. The history behind tattooing is just as interesting to me as the actual artwork. Human beings have been marking their bodies since the fur came off. I think that each style offers another level of tradition and creativity to the art.

Do you have any preferences or specializations?
For as much as I try not to limit myself, I prefer black and gray and photo-realistic tattooing. I enjoy doing custom work the best. What this means that I prefer to create custom tattoo designs, through client consultation, to create a tattoo that is one of a kind. Some of my favorite times in the studio are the hours spent with clients where I can customize their tattoo as well as their overall tattoo experience. I believe that each tattoo should demand equal attention, planning and care from both the artist and the client.

What was your first tattoo?
My first “ink-in-skin” experience was when I did the words “Blind Faith” & my initials in my ankle when I was in seventh grade with the India ink/sewing needle combo. My first real tattoo was a sword with roses on my leg during my apprenticeship in 1996. I figured that I was going to do this to myself before I did it to anyone else. My first clients were my friends…thanks guys!

How did you get into body piercing?
I worked in a shop called Highway Tattoo in Tallman, NY from 1997-1999. I learned to pierce while I was there working with a friend named Will Ennis. I never intended to be a “piercer” it just kind of happened.

Any plans for the future?
Who doesn’t? I would like to have my own shop someday.  I am always working to improve and learn new techniques; fortunately this is a career where you can learn and have a great time in the process. I have a great lady in my life and better friends than anyone could ask for. I’d like to say what the future will bring but we all know how that works. For now I just want to learn more, get better, have fun and live this life for however much longer I’m here

Closing words?
What more can I say… Thanks for checking out the site! Feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas.  I’ve gotta return some videotapes

***Matt Graham