TATTOO ARTIST
Terry Marks
Info
Shop: Cherry Bomb Tattoo, Brooklyn, New York
Shop Website: http://www.cherrybombtattoo.com/
Personal Website: http://www.artgalny.com/
Contact: terry@artgalny.com
How long have you been a tattoo artist?
Terry: 3 years
Why did you get into the industry?
Terry: I’ve been an artist & painter for many years & have always loved tattoos. Once I thought of it I lucked into an apprenticeship almost right away.
What was the first tattoo you got yourself? Is there any meaning behind it?
Terry: My first tattoo was of some curling leaves from a 15th century engraving. I’ve always been attracted to illuminated manuscripts and that kind of imagery.
What was the first ink you did on someone?
Terry: The first tattoo I did on skin was on myself, on my own ankle of a swallow. After that I did a Sailor Jerry pirate on a friend, it came out really well, I’m still proud of that one. The first tattoo I ever did that I got paid for was on a crazy drunk who came in the shop, and the owner saved him especially for me. He wanted slashes across his chest like Bruce Lee from Enter the Dragon.
Describe the experience of giving your first tattoo?
Terry: That first one I did on myself, I was so excited that I didn’t feel a thing. I was just thrilled to be tattooing.
What kind of style do you have?
Terry: I don’t know that I have a style, but others have sought me out for a supposedly traditional, old-school, look to my work. Someone else described my style as Byzantine. I have no idea if either is true.
What has been your favorite tattoo you have done?
Terry: I have no idea how to choose. In general my favorites are large, custom pieces that are totally unique and each is interesting for different reasons.
How do you feel about tattoo “artists” who don’t do any original artwork of their own?
Terry: There’s room enough for all kinds. People who like my original work will come specifically to me for it. People who want something traced off a flash sheet can have that done anywhere.
Are there any kinds of tattoos you refuse to do?
Terry: Swastikas. Plus I try and talk clients out of getting their boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s name, especially if they’re very young.
What parts of the body do you like doing ink on the best? The least?
Terry: It’s all good and each presents a different challenge. It helps if the person took a shower in the recent past.
What do you like best about your profession?
Terry: I like that I get to draw for people who love my work and I get to hear why certain imagery has important meaning for someone. It’s also very gratifying to get paid for making art.
What do you believe is the biggest myth or misunderstanding about the industry of tattooing or the culture of tattoos?
Terry: That nice girls don’t get tattoos. I’m a nice girl, and I have tattoos. There are more girls getting tattooed than in previous years and there are more girl tattooists, like me, although we are still definitely in the minority. Nowadays, so many different kinds of people get tattoos, you really can never tell who has one or who is going to want one.
If you could get ink done by anybody, who would it be and why?
Terry: There are many very talented tattoo artists around, I really couldn’t pick just one.
Is there any truth behind tattoos becoming an addiction?
Terry: Well, I hear they get lonely.
Describe tattooing in one word?
Terry: fabulishous
Any additional comments?
Terry: See www.artgalny.com for everything you always wanted to know about Terry Marks but were afraid to ask.
Tattoo Artists