Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Willingham.
Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since I can remember, there was always an interest in art, mainly drawing. In school, I would repeatedly get in trouble for doodling on my tests, so naturally, I developed a reputation as an artist early on. I remember one day in high school my sister told me one of her friends who owned a tattoo shop off of Bankhead Hwy. wanted to see my drawings, so after school, she drove me to the shop, this is the first time I had ever been in a tattoo shop, or ever even considered going in one, so I think I was pretty naive at the time. Anyway, I brought a couple of sketchbooks with me and before I knew it, I was tattooing. At the time, I had no direction and was a little too insecure in an industry that is known to be a bit rough around the edges. Luckily, at the time, I was going through my college application process and was accepted to SCAD promptly leaving it all behind to study film. While in college, I took away what I imagine are the most important lessons of the whole experience which is responsibility. Show up on time, work hard, and meet your deadline.
After college, I didn’t have much trouble finding work in my field. I worked on a few moves and tv shows as a set dresser, but the industry was pretty sparse back then and good jobs were hit or miss. So, I got the idea to get back into tattooing in order to steady my income. Little did I know at the time, that jumping into the tattoo world is a one-way ticket. Being honest with myself, I knew I needed to do this the right way, so I got a nice portfolio together and got an apprenticeship, worked hard and landed my first gig as an official tattoo artist. The tattoo industry is very much rough around the edges and I don’t feel like I’ve ever really fit in going shop to shop and seeing the good bad and ugly of how these shops are run. Each one was an important lesson and gave me the confidence to run my own shop the way I imagined it could be. So, here I am, owner of my own shop, I’ve got a great crew in a fantastic atmosphere doing things my own way. Life is sweet these days.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road was not smooth at all. It’s mostly been a constant struggle. Family life was dysfunctional, social life was strange, and each step took everything I had. I will admit I had some help from the family getting college secured, but there was a complete lack of emotional support to keep me going. In fact, every decision was met with scrutiny by my family, so every step was a struggle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Apocalypse Tattoo Co. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as and what sets you apart from others.
I am the owner of Apocalypse Tattoo Co. the shop is loosely based off the video game Fallout 3. The idea is that most comics, video games, anime has an apocalyptic scenario attached to it in some way so it’s a culmination of nerd culture. We specialize in a fandom based subject matter and each artist has there own unique style and interests associated with a specific genre. For example, I’m into American comic books and enjoy tattooing pretty much anything in that realm, but my wife likes anime. I think I’m most proud of the atmosphere we’ve created. It’s a really fun place to work as well as get work is done. Most shops are very tense, but we’ve mastered breaking the ice and making our clients feel at home. This is absolutely not a kid-friendly environment, but very much adult friendly. It’s a place where you can speak freely and be yourself, enjoy a movie, and leave with a great tattoo. We’re a family here and when you come in you become part of that, is really amazing how we can adopt just about anyone who walks through the door and make them feel like they are part of something unique.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Atlanta, I always have and always will. The diversity, the talent, it’s laid back as well. I don’t think anyone likes the traffic here, but if you know the backroads, it’s not that bad.
Contact Info:
- Address: Apocalypse Tattoo Co.
3115 Piedmont rd. Suite A201
Atlanta, GA 30168 - Website: www.apocalypsetattooco.com
- Phone: 404-842-0505
- Email: pwilli23@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/rwillinghamtattoos
Image Credit:
Tamie Acosta
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