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Interview With David Gray

Some would say that art had two aspects: what makes it onto the canvas, and why the artist put it there. Getting to know your tattoo artist can be the final decision maker in the process, so it’s important to get a feel of what his or her personality is like. So David. What inspires you to tattoo, and what inspires your art?

I would say my biggest inspiration is in the ability to take ideas from clients, make my own images from their ideas, and getting a positive reaction. I like knowing that they have something in mind; they just need the tools [me] to bring it to fruition.  It’s even better when it’s my own idea and design because then I really get the creative freedom to build on the original concept and get s my imagination going.  Finalizing the piece on skin just solidifies that satisfaction I get from great art and encourages me to always think bigger and better.

They say “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” Where do you hail from and which shops have had the pleasure of your skills along the way?

I was born in Japan, but I’ve spent significant time living in New Jersey, Massachusetts, all over Texas, Great Lakes Illinois, and Norfolk VA. I actually worked at my first shop, Slamm Dragon Tattoos in Hampton VA. I moved back to Texas, and have worked with:

And now working at Demon Ink. I’ve also been overseas, traveled all over Europe… It’s a lot to recall, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has all inspired me to be who I am and contribute to my abilities today. Everybody I've ever tattooed with had/has something to do with the path I’ve been walking. Still, great to call Texas home at the end of the day

What is your favorite type of tattoo to work on? Anything you don’t like?

I like doing a variety of styles, mainly black and grey, black and grey portraits, realism. I’m also fond of designs with a lot of depth, and good composition. Color is a great way to stretch my brain because it keeps me diversified, and who doesn’t love that? The only tattoo's I don’t really like doing are the too-small or regrettable tattoos that are likely to end up covered in the future. It’s better to invest time and cost like you would any other big decision.

What advice would you give to someone who has had a bad tattoo experience? What about to someone considering their first piece?

Unfortunately, “lesson learned”. A lot of people have had a bad experience, or a bad tattoo, it’s no secret. It teaches us to research and do our homework before we go out on an impulse tattoo. This is why it’s great to really connect with your artist, take the time to discuss your idea, and a good artist will make sure your concept is well thought out. We do this for a living. Do your homework, research the shop and artists, look at portfolio's, be judgmental of the quality of work, it is your body, and a tattoo is sometimes the first permanent thing people change about themselves.

What wisdom could you give to someone considering being a tattoo artist for a career?

Good Luck. It’s very hard to get an apprenticeship from anybody now days. Ever since the TV shows came out, everybody thinks they can do it. Just like any reality TV, they leave out all the difficult, mundane, hard work that goes into making the magic happen. It takes lots of time, practice, guidance, dedication and sacrifice.

Oooh! Apprenticeship you say?

Nope. Not at the moment. But I’m flattered.

Thanks to David Gray for letting me interview him with our burning questions for a successful artist! - Jakie Lopez.

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