there’s a pretty accurate stereotype of tattooers being hard to get along with or being a**holes and unfortunately that is mostly true. another part of standing out I guess just goes to my ability to get along with people and not put myself on a pedestal. a big part of it comes from my background as an artist outside of tattooing and understanding the principles of art. I feel like as a tattooer I do a really good job at standing out and setting myself apart from all the nonsense. so the challenges to set yourself apart have grown tenfold. so now my job has become not only a tattooer but in some capacities a teacher as well because as a tattooer its my job to make sure people know what they’re getting into, and the responsibilities and realities that come with getting a tattoo. there are so many shows that make a false or inaccurate portrayal of the tattoo industry and in turn sets unrealistic expectations for clients. TV hasn’t done tattooing any favors as an industry either. people are becoming tattooers now because they think it will make them famous, or because they think it will get them women, or even because they think its an easy job and they just get to dick around all day. and as the demand for tattoos rise the demand for tattooers rises as well, and unfortunately its attracted a lot of people who aren’t in it for the art or the passion. tattooing has become so common and so many people want one. ![]() now there or a lot more tattooed people than there was ten or even 20 years ago. in the 21st century there is a tattoo shop on every corner, everyone knows a tattoo artist. it helped me understand the harsh reality of tattooing in the 21st century and the struggles and truths that come with it. I feel like if it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t be as motivated and determined as I am today. I probably stuck around there longer than I should have but it definitely was a learning experience and taught me what I didn’t want as an artist. boring mundane stuff, and it didn’t allow me to grow or learn as an artist. lots of stars, little palm tree silhouettes. most of what I did as an artist there was not very artistic at all. I definitely stayed busy but it was absolutely mind numbing. and right when I started tattooing I was working in such a busy area in Los Angeles and because of that I thought id automatically be busy and happy, and while that was somewhat true it wasn’t what I expected. I was kind of randomly thrown into tattooing, but it was never something I intended to do, it was the result of right place, right time, right people. most of the biggest lessons I’ve learned have come as a result of “learning the hard way”. ![]() I just recently hit my ten year anniversary as a tattooer and it has been a long and complicated journey to get to where I am now. if I start losing motivation then I start losing clients.Īlright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? I have to stay motivated to do the best I can whether is drawing or doing the actual tattoo for a client, every step of the process is just as important as the others and sometimes it’s easy to forget that so it’s important to remain focused and motivated for the entire process without losing sight of the end goal. I’m answering calls, texts, emails… every hour of the day. to own your own brand and ensure its success is more than a full-time job, it’s a constant day and night endeavor. I don’t have a boss making my schedule or making sure I get things done, it’s all me, and it’s definitely a lot easier to relax and not do as much as I could than it is to stay motivated. in any art industry self-sufficiency and motivation are definitely important. I’d say the biggest and most important factor behind my success as a tattoo artist is motivation and drive. ![]() Hi Travis, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success? We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis “Jucebox” Meisenzahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.
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