Tattoo Artist Spotlight / Q&A
What’s your name, and how long have you been tattooing?
Bryant Howerton, those closest to me just call me B. Currently, I work out of a private studio in Westminster, CA, called Day One Ink and have been tattooing there since I began this journey 4 years ago.
What got you into tattooing?
I had just quit my job as a quality assurance analyst for an engineering company called Eaton. I've done art my whole life and never really considered tattooing as my artistic venue; however, I had enough money to cover bills for a year so I figured I'd take a chance on myself and try to pursue art full-time. Simultaneously, a good childhood friend of mine was starting his own journey, opening his own studio and looking for an apprentice. The stars just aligned perfectly at that time.
Did you start off as an apprentice? If so, what was that like?
I did; however it wasn't your most conventional apprenticeship. My friend and mentor showed me the basics for getting started on some fake skin, and just let me discover this new medium. I picked it up fairly quickly and began tattooing people within a month.
When you were starting out, were you inspired by other artists?
How could I not be? The levels in this game just continue to inspire me and make me want to improve my skillsets in every facet possible. Major credit goes to the artists that were present at the shop during my first few years. The best part about it? There was no gatekeeping, it was all a brotherhood that pushed each other to better our skills as tattoo artists.
Did you work in other mediums first or go straight to tattoos?
Prior to tattooing, I was doing graphic/web design and commission drawings. Some notable clients I've had were Marvel and the Upper Deck company, where I did a handful of projects in which I hand drew over 100 custom drawn trading cards to be assorted in random packs across the world. Definitely one of my favorite accomplishments, a childhood dream checked off.
Do you work in other mediums now?
I still do commission work and logos upon request here and there, just no longer market these things. But I definitely feel I made a decent name for myself locally and people continue to come to me for these types of requests. I'll never turn down artistic work :)
Do you have a specific niche or style that you specialize in?
I would say my go-to style is Surrealistic/Illustrative. Specializing in Black and Gray Realism. I pride myself on linework, smooth shading, and texture.
How do you handle the pressure of knowing that when tattooing, it’s permanent…there’s no “undo” button.
I often relate it to the feeling I'd get on the bus going to an away game for football or basketball in high school. The butterflies begin to build, and my focus narrows to the task at hand. I put on a playlist that will get me game-mode ready and help me lock in.
Some tattoo styles seem to come and go, is there one style that’s gone away that you miss?
Honestly no, I see beauty and inspiration in all styles and try to draw from them all. From my standpoint, it all seems cyclical. Styles that go out tend to make their way back in new and expressive forms. My goal has just been to always ignore what's trending and make my own path.
Do you prefer clients who come with a finished idea, or ones who give you a vague concept and let you run with it? Do most clients give you freedom to be creative?
Both are nice. Sometimes it's nice to not think so hard lol. However I love a challenge, and my best work tends to emerge when my clients give me freedom to be creative. Most of my clients let me do my thing, which I'm always so appreciative of. But it's always nice when people have a good idea of the direction they'd like of course.
You’ve probably heard a lot of back-stories “behind the tattoo”, is there one story about a tattoo that you’ve done that’s stuck with you?
Nothing particular is jumping out to me in the moment, but the tattoo stories that have stuck with me involve tattoos for loved ones who passed away, where some of their ashes were mixed with the ink. These types of tattoos, along with handwritten notes from loved ones who have passed away, always feel much more heartfelt and important. My client opened up to me and shared stories, which really makes you appreciate life and strive to be the best version of yourself, taking advantage of the life we have and living in honor of those who have passed. These are the tattoos that stick with me.
Aside from that story, do you have a favorite tattoo that you’ve done?
Aside from sentimental pieces, honestly anything that has flowers in it. I had never drawn flowers before tattooing, and since then I've become such a fan of them. Anything floral, send it my way!
Aside from the actual drawing, what’s a skill a tattoo artist needs that people don't realize? What challenges do tattoo artists face?
Having steady hands, and patience for sure. Slow and steady wins the race. I credit my 2 years as a dental technician for giving me a steady hand and great dexterity. And understanding human anatomy. You can press a certain amount of pressure on the arm in one spot, and an inch or two away the muscle is much thinner, requiring you to adapt your pressure. Knowing where you're at is pretty key too.
- Bryant Howerton, Day One Ink, Westminster, CA.
Check out more of Bryant’s work at BryantTattoos.com
