Today we’d like to introduce you to Rooster
Hi Rooster, 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 started tattooing by which I call “the wrong way”. It was around May of ‘95 during my high school years. One of my friend’s little brothers made a homemade tattoo machine. Many know it as a “prison rig”. This thing consisted of a bent spoon, a rotary motor from a remote control car, a pen tube and guitar string as the needle. As any seventeen year old kid with access to tattoos I began chicken scratching designs into my friends and my skin. After about a year of that I was hired at a tattoo shop that just opened by the name of “Tattoo Asylum” near the library downtown in San Antonio. It was opened by someone who had just inherited some money and decided to open shop. It was my first experience with actual professional equipment. I had to learn a lot of things QUICK. Back then there was a book called “Tattooing A to Z” by Huck Spaulding. That book was like a bible to a lot of tattooers my age who got their start in the 90’s.
I furthered my education on the craft through various books and all the info, tips and techniques that I could gather through various experienced tattoo artists. Even thirty years later I’m still learning more and more. That’s one of the many things I love about this craft.
Since then I’ve worked in a few more shops. The last one being the longest was “Inception Tattoos” in San Antonio. Roughly around fifteen years I traveled with that crew to various tattoo conventions, did my own guest spots in various cities and took every similar I could afford.
Today as a seasoned “old head” I’m currently a traveling artist at various spots in San Antonio, New Braunfels and currently most notably at “Jerry’s Tattoos” in San Marcos. I’m finding it important to move around in order to get back in touch with the current social vibes as opposed to always working appointment only in a quiet spot. So nowadays I have a nice balance of that as well as being in busy shops with loud music, laughter and a new experience every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe one thing, especially these days, that people need to realize is that getting into the art of tattooing is never a smooth road. It’s not meant for the weak. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. It’s not a get rich quick thing either. It’s a craft. To most people on the outside of tattooing it’s a product. It’s a spur of the moment thing to do. It’s a “I’m gonna gather all my girls, drink mimosas and get matching tattoos! YAAAY!” thing. Also, to many it’s a therapeutic experience. It’s time away from work, spouse and the kids. It’s a form of self expression. It’s a new experience that forever changes a person in one way or another.
For the artist tattooing as a career though is often like chasing the dragon on a roller coaster that flows through a concrete jungle. There’s a lot of raw honesty from your peers, self doubt, times of struggle and the fact that there is a huge “customer service” aspect to it all. It can get rough and overwhelming especially in the beginning.
With all of that if you actually LOVE the craft and stick with it then it’s all worth it. As stressful as it can be at times I find it to be the most fulfilling form of art that I enjoy. It’s fun. It comes with a lot of freedom, travel and creativity. I’ve made great friendships throughout my career in tattooing and continue to have great experiences. I’m married to it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most known for tattooing. I enjoy various styles as long as it’s large and I can design it to fit and flow with the body.
Aside from tattooing I enjoy a lot of other means of artistic expression. Painting, drawing and digital art are things I’ll sit for hours doing. I also do body painting. I like to come up with a theme and design a series of photos of a painted model. For most of these shoots I also design a set.
Also, even though I’m not camera savvy I enjoy doing just about anything on a film set. Well, aside from actual acting. Anything from set design, writing, storyboarding, director’s assistant, make up effects, etc. I love it all.
Currently I’m learning leather crafting from Jennie Springer owner of Baffin Leathers in Adkins, Tx. I’m so very grateful to her for introducing me to a new art form! It’s become another thing that I crave to do and come up with new fun things to create.
As far as something I’m proud of I’d have to go with areola pigmentation. This is a service I provide for breast cancer survivors and victims of violence. I do this for tips only so that it’s affordable for anyone who needs it as opposed to them paying an average of $800 and sometimes per nipple. I’m proud of it because I know if my mom was alive today it’s something that would make her proud of me.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really believe in luck like I once used to. I’m not a religious person but the older I get the more I think life is all a game plan. Something created all of this and it has infinite ways of guiding us. Like a lot of other people I’m still trying to figure it out but I think if you allow yourself to tap into it then you’ll often find yourself at the right place at the right time. It can be very rewarding if you keep a positive mindset. And therein lies the battle…like a game.
Now, I’ve definitely had my share of positive and negative experiences in my life and career. Personal battles as far as past relationships, alcohol and loss of loved ones on one side of the coin. Then there’s personal growth, overcoming or controlling certain habits and meeting interesting people on the other side.
Pricing:
- As far as tattoos go I charge $800/$1200 per session. 4hrs on up.
- For other types of art prices vary.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1313rooster?igsh=MnVseTBsY2ZyZmtj&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18qADAbNUv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artbyrooster?si=q_KEbiTZ6DBbwO2T
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_rooster/profilecard/?igsh=cnFhYXU3YTAyYWlv
