Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cockrill
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been passionate about art and drawing for as long as I can remember. From a young age I was always doodling and sketching. In my teens I started getting into tattoo culture and collecting flash sheets of traditional designs as well as getting tattooed .I was fascinated by the art form and knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist.
After high school, I started my formal training by taking art classes at the local collage. This gave me a strong foundation in drawing, composition, color theory and art history. During this time, I also started apprenticing at a local tattoo shop, Fine Line Tattoo in Houston TX. I would spend my off days taking art classes and the rest of the time at the shop, learning about tattooing under the guidance of an experienced artist, Boots Fulton .
It was a long and intensive apprenticeship, around 2 years in total. I learned about proper tattoo techniques, safety and sanitation, using tattoo machines, building tattoo machine, mixing inks, making needles, and how to properly design an image for a tattoo. . I would practice my designs on myself and several friends for months before being allowed to tattoo actual clients. It was so rewarding when I finally completed my apprenticeship and had the basics under my belt. It’s one of those crafts that you continue to learn and grow your whole career.
I’ve now been at Remington Tattoo in North Park San Diego, for over 9 years. In that time, I’ve been able to hone my skills and develop my own unique style. I specialize in American traditional and Japanese tattoo styles, but am well versed and enjoy several other styles as well after tattooing for 25 years. I love working with clients to create meaningful, custom tattoos. My goal is to always exceed their expectations and create art they will cherish for a lifetime.
In addition to my work as a tattooer, I’m passionate about constructing custom tattoo machines. Early on in my apprenticeship, I became fascinated with how tattoo machines work and the mechanics involved. I started tinkering around, taking apart old machines and modifying components. Now, I offer fully customized machines for fellow tattooers looking for high-performance equipment built to their specifications.
I take pride in running a professional shop and providing excellent customer service. I’m grateful to be able to make a career out of my creative passion. It’s extremely fulfilling. I’m excited to continue evolving as an artist and inspiring others to express themselves through this incredible artform.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming a successful tattoo artist has certainly had its challenges and struggles. It’s never easy starting out as an apprentice. Here are a few of the obstacles I faced over the years:
One of the biggest early challenges was actually finding a shop willing to take me on as an apprentice. I couldn’t just watch some videos and call myself a tattoo artist – proper training under an experienced mentor was essential. But most established artists are very selective about who they’ll invest that time and energy into training.
I spent months putting together a serious portfolio, working on my drawings and designs nonstop. I must’ve visited every tattoo shop in town asking if they were looking for an apprentice. Despite getting rejected over and over, I persisted and kept improving my skills.
Finally, one shop took a chance on me because they saw real potential and passion in my work. I made sure to express how committed I was to fully devoting myself to learning the craft. Getting my foot in the door as an apprentice was a huge hurdle in starting out. It taught me dedication and resilience.
Making a sustainable living from tattooing alone was nearly impossible at first. Managing a fluctuating income as a self employed person can be a bit of a learning curve, you’re responsible for everything including health insurance, rent, tax’s and other business expenses.
At the end of the day, being a tattoo artist requires just as much buisness savvy as it does artistic talent. I’m proud to have developed both skill sets to thrive as a well-rounded professional tattooer for over 25 years.
But despite all the struggles starting out, the reward of seeing my perseverance pay off made it all worthwhile. The challenges only pushed me to become the seasoned artist I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Firstly, I specialize in American traditional and Japanese tattooing. My American traditional designs are known for their crisp, bold lines and vibrant color palettes using iconic motifs like roses, ships, snakes, and nautical stars. I also excel at intricate Japanese bodysuits, creating flowing compositions with background elements like waves, clouds and flowers.
In addition to these two main styles, I have over 25 years experience in a wide range of tattooing. This allows me to create fully customized pieces, tailored exactly to each client’s vision. I work closely through consultations to design one-of-a-kind tattoos with personal symbolic meaning.
Attention to detail is what I’m known for. I take great pride in my linework and shading techniques to make every facet of the design come to life on the skin. Smooth gradients, precise outlines, and layers of depth and texture are hallmarks of my work.
I’m also passionate about the craft itself. I hand-build custom tattoo machines optimized for control and versatility. And I take time to educate clients on proper aftercare and preservation of their tattoos.
My dedication and devotion to excelling at this art form sets me apart. I’m not just looking to churn out as many designs as possible, but rather to create lasting pieces my clients will cherish. Helping them express themselves through thoughtfully crafted tattoos is what drives
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something most clients would probably be surprised to learn that when I’m not in the tattoo studio, I love surfing and gardening.
Spending time in the ocean surfing helps clear my mind and get into that creative flow state. I’m out there at sunrise almost every morning that I can. There’s no better way to start the day.
Also., gardening is a passion of mine .I’m always tending to the plants and succulents in my backyard oasis that I share with my wife of 26 years and our 2 dogs.. Our little urban jungle has many different species that I’ve collected and propagated over the years. It’s a peaceful escape where I can get my hands dirty experimenting with landscaping designs
So while I’m known for tattooing, growing up I was just a surf/skater with a green thumb! Those hobbies provide the perfect balance to my artistic career and keep me grounded. I think most clients would be surprised to peek into my life outside the studio. But it all feeds back into cultivating creativity in the end.
Pricing:
- Consultation are free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tattoo-maker.com
- Instagram: @chriscockadoodledo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tattoomaker1/
- Youtube: @chriscockrilltattoo
Image Credits
Chris cockrill
