We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chance Quinn. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Chance , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Several Times and it will happen again, and again. I am a man of principles, and character is a big thing for me. I will always stand up for what I believe to be right. Ive spent my entire life hungry, Im not to miss out on that hunger for anyone who wants to throw someone’s name under the bus, and I don’t like bullies. I’d rather walk alone, then next to questionable morals. I have lost friends, jobs and opportunities standing up for people who I felt were being abused, mistreated or bullied. I don’t condone violence, but it has also gone there. Integrity is a requirement. Probably even a skill.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Tattooman. I Tattoo for a living, and a way of life.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Great questions. There are several parts of me that I have released, am releasing, and need to release. First was my renegade, punk, rebel, don’t care about anything mentality. I definitely benefit from my impulsive chaotic way of existing, but i also suffer as a result. Taking risks is a good trait, but being risky, not quite the same. The drug and alcohol versions of me definitely created the man I am, both in good and bad ways, but I had to stop partying. Maintaining my mind is vital. Man this is a great question, letting go of trying to control how I am perceived, is a struggle. I don’t have family or anything, so they way people view me often feels like life or death, but at the end of the day I’m the one cooking my meals, so that’s an area I’m working on. I needed to conform in society to survive, but I also have to stand out to thrive. Im delusional when it comes to believing in myself, but I also try to maintain a humble mindset, and fail a lot, those are challenging parts of myself to exist with.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
On life itself, all the time. Alllllll the time. Life is so hard, mine has definitely had unusual challenges, not to diminish anyone’s struggles, but I definitely had some textbook struggles. I grew up poor and hungry, went through foster care, and juvenile detention centers, I never felt like anyone wanted me. As a result giving up has always seemed like an option, when it comes to life. But I will never give up on my dreams. Ever. I love the Arts. They saved my life, they gave me life. My cold Starving Artist body will be found in front of my easel before you ever find me quitting. It isn’t an option, it never has been. I create. There’s nothing that can be done about it, it’s a part of my existence. I am a conduit for Art, I don’t really understand it, but my best works, always involve me “turning off my brain.” When I truly create I am not really there, I’m holding the pencil, machine, or brush, but I’m just guiding it. Gods definitely involved, or the Universe or something, but I have to rid myself of ego, to create Great Art. That isn’t something I believe I can “give up” its just my way of life. My Portraits keep me company, my still life’s help me escape, the Tattoos are like battle grounds of grit, my drawings are my home. Giving up on Art, would be giving up on life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My relationship. My Girllfriend has been the greatest part of my life. She’s more beautiful to me than a Sargent painting, or any sunset, or anything. I believe in the team that two people create together, the bond. Im not necessarily the easiest guy to date, I’m an Artist. Im rather chaotic, emotional, ADHD, often depressed, self destructive, all the usual Art nonsense. But she has roughed it out with me for almost a decade. We’ve cried together, laughed together, suffered together and celebrated together. It hasn’t always been easy, but one things that’s always been easy for me, is knowing that no matter how tough it gets, how messy it gets, I’m committed to her. Before I had a good relationship, everything was harder, everything. Knowing I have her in my corner, spending time with her, and trying to be a good partner has been the smartest investment I’ve ever made. We’ve had a tough year, so hopefully next year Ill still get to see her after the long days, but either way, I am absolutely committed to my relationship.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they tell people that I believed in people, and because of that belief I pushed myself. Growing up I was surrounded by people who gave up on themselves, and I spent a lot of time with other kids whose families abandoned them. My driving force is giving back, I’ve spent my life studying, so I can share it with the homies. Yes, I want my own success, I want money, but I really want to share the knowledge with those who struggle to obtain it. I’ve heard a lot that people can’t do what I’ve done with my life, whether that’s true or not, you don’t have to, I already did it, here’s the cheats. I suffer for the greater good, not only for myself. That’s what I would like to be remembered for, I am always down to take one for the team. Because I know I will get back up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chancequinnart
