This week, we talk with Damon Myers, a tattoo artist from Gallery Tattoo Studio.
Was there a reason you decided to become a tattoo artist in the first place?
Art has always been a passion of mine. For three years, I had been doing portraits of pets and people in oil on canvas.
Because I am passionate about realism, and also have the ability to create other styles, my wife suggested it.
As well as the artistic side, there’s a pretty complicated machine used in the tattooing process. Please describe the process. Do you have a particular type of ink?
These days it’s all done with rotary machines, as they are quieter, adjustable and do less trauma to the skin, allowing faster, better healing.
Inks can vary to the artist preference, whether it’s grey wash or colour.
You only need to look around these days and there’s a lot of different tattoo styles out there. What would your personal style look like?
Although I offer a variety of styles, the most important would be realistic (greywash or coloured), since portraits as well as animals are my favorite subjects.
Are there any other styles you’re drawn to?
Other than realism and scripture, neo-traditional (illustrative design with high saturated colours), scripture, fine line work in grey wash/coloured are also examples of neo-traditional.
What other tattoo artists do you admire?
Alex De Pase, an Italian tattoo artist, is a footwear designer and shoe designer who specializes in realistic tattoos. David Corden, an artist based in Edinburgh, focuses on portraits, pinups, and wildlife. They are known for their authenticity and use colour to create the illusion of depth.
Teneile Napoli – renowned founder of the Gold Coast’s Garage Ink Tattoo – for grey wash and negative techniques.
Jamie Ris – Dutch tattoo artist known for bold, colourful and elaborate tattoos specialising in full sleeve pieces – for smooth colour blending and bold colouring.
Brazil’s Led Coult is a master at painting. I could go on forever…
Ink was once mainly viewed on sailors, bikies, and the Japanese sub-world. You wonder what is behind people inking more often.
You can now do more complex techniques with rotaries as well as use a larger variety of colours inks. This is the evolution of tattoo machines and inks. The possibilities for image expression and styles are expanded.
Are there any highlights from your career that you are proud of?
It is my passion, and I enjoy what I do. That’s why I come to work every day and do what I love.
The Gallery’s ability to interpret artists is another great highlight.
A common memory is when clients tell me they can’t do their job or go anywhere because people are pulling them up to talk or look at my work on them, or they notice people stare at them, so they do the slow turn around to show more of it off!
What has COVID meant for your practice? Are there small changes or significant effects?
It’s been challenging as isolations cause cancellations, then rescheduling becomes a Tetris game.
Is it possible for someone to look at your work, and most importantly make an appointment with you?
The best way to contact me is via Fb @damonmyerstattooart. You will find my work displayed on The Gallery Tattoo Studio page and Instagram @damonmyers_tattoo_artist
