TATTOO ARTIST
Marty Abrams
Info
Shop: Body Temple, Cardiff, California
Shop's Website: www.bodytempletattoo.com
Personal Website: www.losttattoo.com
Contact: losttattoo@netzero.com
How long have you been a tattoo artist?
Marty: About 4 years professionally
Why did you get into the industry?
Marty: I’ve always loved tattoos since I was a little kid. My dad had a black widow on his forearm that was pretty tough. Back then it seemed like all the people I looked up to had them and I’ve always loved to draw and hated to work at a 9-5 so I guess it just happened
What was the first tattoo you got yourself? Is there any meaning behind it?
Marty: Is there any meaning behind it? It was just a little design I drew when I was like 14 my friend made a tattoo machine out of a guitar string and an RC car motor … .u probably could have used it to cut wood
What was the first ink you did on someone?
Marty: I can’t say for sure probably a homemade tattoo on my brother. But my first professional paid tattoo was on some guy’s ass, kind of an initiation from the other people that brought me in the business. I really didn’t care though I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to tattoo I was happy!
Describe the experience of giving your first tattoo?
Marty: I was nervous until I found my groove.
What kind of style do you have?
Marty: I don’t know look at my pictures and you tell me. I really don’t specialize in one particular thing but I try to do everything from my own drawing. I really like drawing for people
What has been your favorite tattoo you have done?
Marty: I hate that question. It’s usually followed by what’s the weirdest place you’ve tattooed someone. I can never think of a good answer.
How do you feel about tattoo “artists” who don’t do any original artwork of their own?
Marty: It depends if they are nice guys or not. I say whatever you do original or not just do it clean and solid as possible
Are there any kinds of tattoos you refuse to do?
Marty: Penis tattoos, unless we are friends
What parts of the body do you like doing ink on the best? The least?
Marty: The least? I like tattooing arms legs backs. The stomach always seems to be a challenge but I am up for whatever.
What do you like best about your profession?
Marty: Making people happy and that I can start tattooing and forget about all my troubles and totally escape everything. Works for both of us
What do you believe is the biggest myth or misunderstanding about the industry of tattooing or the culture of tattoos?
Marty: That we are making tons of money, we work our asses off to get by.
If you could get ink done by anybody, who would it be and why?
Marty: I definitely don’t want to pick one person because there too many great artists out there, I have some work from Uncle Tim, Mike Boshart, Chris Yvon, they are all real good and friends of mine.
Is there any truth behind tattoos becoming an addiction?
Marty: I don’t think so, I just think once people get the first one people just get more comfortable with getting another one, ya know. It’s not like crack or something
Describe tattooing in one word?
Marty: GRRRRREAT!
Any additional comments?
Marty: Just have fun with it.
Tattoo Artists