Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Wright.
Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started experimenting with tattoos in 2003, tattooing myself, friends, anyone who would let me, to be honest. I can’t say that my early works were the best, but building blocks to where I am now, for sure. I was quickly offered a job at a local shop in Stockton, CA. I worked there for just under a year before finding a new home at Canvas Tattoo. I worked there from 2006 until a few months ago when myself and my family made the cross-country move from California all the way here to Georgia! We love it, the area is beautiful. I am now working at Blind Faith Tattoo in Dawsonville.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am no stranger to struggle. I have seen the rise and fall of the economy, the coming and going of various trends, I’ve experienced burnout. Tons of learning experiences over my nearly 20 years of tattooing. I would say that burnout would be the biggest hurdle I faced over the years in relation to tattooing; this due to a couple of reasons, one being my lack of focus in regards to the style/subject matter of the pieces I was taking in, not really specializing or focusing on the style of my choosing. I spent many years taking in basically whatever would come through the door. Financially, great; fulfillment-wise, not so great. I have been focusing on black and grey realism for the past year and a half, only accepting pieces that I feel a connection to or that speak to me in some way. Huge emphasis on originality and artist’s discretion. This decision, I feel, has really propelled me as an artist and has allowed me to really unlock my potential.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in black and grey realism tattoos. I love dark, obscure artwork, pieces with a deeper meaning. Art/concept style pieces, original ideas. I am most likely known for these characteristics, and I am proud to be doing things a bit outside of the box. Outside of the standard norm of tattoos, the “pick it off the wall and stick it on you” type thing. I create original pieces for people, paying close attention to detail and gathered information via consultation/correspondence; truly custom, one-off artwork.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Best decision I’ve made as an artist was to focus on and specialize in the style that really speaks to me. No offense to people I’ve tattooed in the past, but I feel I’ve really opened up as an artist, doing probably the best work of my career since making this shift.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikewrighttattoos
