This time around a different kind of Tattoo Profile. Today we talk to a tattoo artist! Meet your friendly ink slinger, Randy Evans!
Tell us about yourself?
I am a husband to a wonderful wife and a father of 2 kids…They are my world. I love this career because I can come and go as I please and when I’m not tattooing I am home with my family. I collect G.I. JOES from the 80’s (in fact I have a full G.I. JOE/COBRA tattoo sleeve). I also love collecting older comic books. It’s fun for me to collect the types of things I loved as a kid in the 80’s.
How did you get into the tattoo biz?
I’ve been an artist since I was a little kid..I used to draw for days and nights on end. I started drawing every little thing I saw in my house, to pictures in books. I had a really great support system -my mom’s side of the family is very artistic and always offered good constructive criticism. Growing up I knew I wanted to find a way to turn my talent into making money and when the opportunity to begin tattooing presented its self, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.
Were you nervous your first time tattooing?
I guess I was a bit nervous, but even at the beginning I felt very confident because tattooing for me feels just an extension of my drawing pencil. Of course I’m always learning and trying new things because I want to be the best of the best, but the tattoo basics came pretty easy for me, so it wasn’t too nerve racking.
How would you describe your style?
I love to be challenged and so far there hasn’t been a tattoo presented to me that I didn’t feel I couldn’t do and make it look good, so I don’t like to box myself off and choose one way to describe my style. I really enjoy Japanese style work (I have 2 full back pieces and full sleeve in the works, but not finished yet). Doing pirate pieces and realistic flowers are fun for me too, but some of my favorite work is when people come to me with an idea of any sort and let me run with it. I think I do my best work when I can do custom work and add a little bit of my own touch.
What images would you say make up the most common place tattoos?
I have done several repeat ideas (fairies, butterflies, stars, skulls, tribal, koi fish…etc) but I do my best to always make them unique and original so that when I work on someone, it is never “flash” (unless that’s what they insist on).
Ever had to do a piece you advised the cilent against?
YES! There have been SO many and it’s mainly when they come in with their own “art”. I don’t mind when people want to draw their own work, but typically there are parts that would just make the artwork look more “tattoo friendly” if they let me change a few things, but some people are so set on their work the way it is, that it doesn’t turn out like they had hoped -once it’s on their skin. I can do cover-ups, but it’s just disappointing that some people won’t listen to me, as their artist and let me help them make it look good BEFORE we have to work on a cover-up. Also, names of boyfriends/girlfriends are very common and I always try to help people think of a different idea they can run with instead of doing a name because as almost every tattoo artist will tell you it’s just a bad idea…Nobody wants to plan on relationship failure, but when you are putting something permanent on your body you need to think about the future too.
Favorite tattoo you’ve ever done?
I honestly don’t know…I’ve done a lot that I am proud of, but none that I would say stand apart as my absolute favorite. I really am excited to fininsh those large Japanese themed pieces (that I mentioned before) because I think they show a lot more of my artistic talent, but since they aren’t done I cant say they are my favorite, yet.
Where do you sling ink?
I’m in Las Vegas, NV I just recently moved to a new shop so I am now at STEDFAST Tattoo Parlor – 3340 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89121 (Cross Streets: Tropicana and Pecos) It’s a great place with a traditional tattoo parlor feel -with barber chairs and Sailor Jerry flash art on the walls. Check out some of my work at: RandysTattoos.blogspot.com and if you come to visit Vegas (or you live here) and you want to set an appointment -the best way to make sure I’m available when you’re ready to get work done- please call: 702-556-0691 All consultations are FREE. My prices are low because this is the way I feed my family, so if I price too high people will have trouble coming up with the money. But if I price low, I stay pretty steady with business and it helps customers to be repeat customers, it also gives another reason for people to refer me to their friends.
Advice you’d like to give to people wanting a tattoo?
If you are wanting a new tattoo, be sure to meet the artist in person. Get a feel for them and look at their work. If you are uncomfortable in the shop, with your artist or aren’t sure about their artistic value, don’t do it. There are so many shops out there. Don’t be impulsive. Also, don’t forget to tip your artist. Even a couple extra dollars is always appreciated to every artist.
If you know of somebody tattooing out of their home…It is illegal for them to tattoo out of their home. It’s for good reason it’s illegal. It’s a scary risk you are taking -hoping to not get diseases in a place that can’t be sterilized and in a place that the equipment isn’t sterilized properly. It makes me cringe just thinking about it all. And, I can’t tell you how many fixes and cover-ups I’ve had to do on tattoos people have gotten out of somebody’s garage or kitchen. If somebody is tattooing in their home they aren’t licensed and you may even get “ruined” because they did something wrong and now you have scars instead of a tattoo. Don’t chance it…Find a reputable shop and get your work done there.
