The Tattooers Podcast Ep 8: Ron Meyers from Lowlock Tattoo

One of my all time favorite pieces that Ron has made. Everyone knows I love MASH
Another great piece by Ron. We actually talk about this piece a bit in the interview.

 

In this episode I was able to talk with one of my favorite black and gray realism tattoo artists out there, Ron Meyers. Ron is the owner of Lowlock Tattoo in St. Clairesville Oh. Ive known of Rons work for alot of years and it was really great to finally have a chance to chat with him. You’ve no doubt seen his work if you’ve been to any tattoo conventions near or around Ohio. From Hell City ,to Motor City, to Pittsburgh. Or you’ve seen his Ron Meyers Graywash being used all around the world by some serious bad asses.I’ve used and loved his greywash system and am blown away by the work that he puts into both his tattoos and his pigment. We touch on many more tangents along the way during our chat so enjoy!

You can follow Ron on Instagram @RonMeyersTattoos or his shop @lowlocktatto or on Facebook.com/lowlocktattoo

You can also follow the show on Instagram @thetattooerspodcast or on Facebook.com/thetattooerspodcastt. If you haven’t already please subscribe to the show on iTunes or on google play. It only takes a second and helps the show so much. 

Be sure to visit www.Electrumsupply.com to recieve the free bottle of stencil primer when you spend $50 or more only for the listeners of the podcast. Use the code PODCAST at check out! This isnt an offer for everyone. Which is why its my way of saying thank you for all the comments, downloads and feedback. 

thanks

Dave

www.davidmeektattoos.com

music by www.bensound.com

The Tattooers Podcast Ep 7: Alex Empty

 

In this episode, I was able to make a special trip up to Phoenix AZ to interview Alex Empty, owner of Copperstate Tattoo. This was really cool for me, due to the fact that Alex was able to squeeze me in for a tattoo as well as the interview. I jumped at the chance given that Alex has recently been tattooing and learning the tebori style of tattooing, which was done in Japan. Alex is one of the most down to earth tattooers I’ve met and his outlook and attitude are completely unique to him. I really enjoyed our chat even if we both got lost in whatever we were talking about. Its easy to zone out when you’re tattooing and when you’re getting tattooed. So please enjoy our rants and tangents as 2 tattooers hang out in the studio.

Tebori back piece by the one and only Alex Empty out of Copperstate Tattoo in Phoenix Az.

 

You can also follow Alex on Instagram @alexempty and his shop @copperstatetattoo as well as the show on IG @thetattooerspodcast or on Facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Itunes and Google Play. It only takes a moment and it helps the show out so much. 

 

And be sure to head over to ElectrumSupply.com to recieve the free bottle of stencil primer only for the listeners of the podcast. If you spend $50 bucks at electrum supply and use code PODCAST at checkout they’ll gently remove the bottle of stencil primer from its armored, guarded vault. And with white satin gloves they will gently place it on a red satin pillow and lower it into your order. After which the police escort will hurry to the airport where it will board the private jet. Once arriving in your current city, the local package deliverer will take it from there and we have no idea how they operate….

 

thanks again for all the listens and downloads!

 

Dave

www.davidmeektattoos.com

Episode 6: Tattoo Expo Titan Tim Azinger

 

Tim has been putting on tattoo expos for 25 years which says a lot about his dedication to tattooing. And thats on top of running his own shop Pinnacle Tattoo in Pittsburgh. His flagship show, The Meeting of the Marked is the second longest running tattoo expo in the country right now. Thats no small feat in a time where there are 4 tattoo shows going on damn near every weekend. Tims shows are like family reunions bringing together artists year after year. And while the venue may have changed a few times over the years, the quality and the caliber remain a constant. It was my pleasure to spend some time chatting with my dear friend and my hope is that after you hear this you’ll feel the same way I do about my friend Tim. He is a friend of tattooing and tattooings history.  I could go on and on about the guy but you’ll just have to work one of his shows to see what I’m talking about. Congrats on 25 years Tim. heres to 25 more convetions years!

Be sure to follow Tim on Instagram @tattootim or any of the shows hes putting on. @meetingofthemarked  @ladylucktattooexpo @pnwtattooexpo @chchtattooexpo or directly on the web at www.pinnacletattoo.com

and don’t forget to follow the show on instagram  @thetattooerspodcast or me @davidmeektattoos or on www.facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast  and subscribe to the show on itunes and google play. It only takes a second but really helps the show a bunch. I really do appreciate it. 

feel free to leave me any comments you may have about the show on your favorie social media..

thanks everyone.

David Meek

www.davidmeektattoos.com

music by www.bensound.com

Episode 5: Tattoo School Scam pt2 with Chad Knight

 


Chad Knight is a 20+ year tattoo veteran from Philadelphia. He is one of the tattoo artists spear heading the fight against the scam tattoo schools. He is helping to rally tattoo artists to stand up and come together to protect the trade. I’ll let the episode speak for itself, as we discuss whats going on with the so called tattoo schools. 

Chad Knight Philadelphia tattoo artist
www.notattooschool.com

If you’d like to learn more about whats going on and how you can help please go to www.notattooschool.com 

You can also follow Chad on Instagram @mr_nicenasty

 

Dont forget to subrscribe to the show on itunes or google play if you havent already. It only takes a second and it helps the show so much.

also follow me on instagram @thetattooerspodcast @davidmeektattoos or www.facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast

Thanks again everyone for listening. Please share the episode and the message!

 

Dave Meek

www.davidmeektattoos.com 

music by www.bensound.com 

The Tattooers Podcast Ep 4 pt 1: Phillies finest tatttoers protect the trade w/ Eric Perfect

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES

Eric is a tattooer of 27 years and has seen his fair share of bullshit when it comes to tattooing. And the recent uprising of  Tattoo Schools is no exception. There have always been people trying to make a buck off of tattooing especially since the rise of its popularity in todays culture. Tattoos are fashionable but that comes with some drawbacks as well as some benefits. 

In the beginning of this episode we will hear from the tattoo school man himself. Expaining that he was failing at the job he is trying to teach people….That blows my mind…

Eric Perfect with Philadelphia tattooers protesting tattoo schools

The tattoo school drawback is that now, in a few short months and thousands of dollars later, a young naive person can become a “tattoo artist”. [I use quotations and the term tattoo artist very loosely here] All at the expense of the genreal public. Its the customers and clients that we have worked so hard to give the best of oursleves and give the best possible tattoos we can. Mind you there are always crappy tattoo artists doing tattoos they shouldn’t be doing and Im probably one of them.  But to set this as the standard is not only decienving the would be  tattoo artists but the general public into thinking that these tattoos are ok. I have my own opinions of whats right and wrong about this but ill let Eric Perfect, Chad Knight and Myke Chambers explain the situation in Philly. So stay tuned for the upcoming episodes with those fellas. Til then please enjoy Eric Perfect.

 

For more info on what is going on please visit www.notattooschool.com or follow Eric on Instagram and Facebook

 

Dave

follow the show on Instagram and facebook.com/thetattooerspodcast

 

 

music by bensound.com

The Tattooers Podcast Ep 3: Joey Knuckles

Joey Knuckles tattooing in Columbus Ohio at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society
Joey Knuckles doin what he does at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society in Columbus Ohio
Best tattoos in columbus ohio by Joey knuckles of sacred hand tattoo society
Rad Tattoos of Gods Monsters Myths and Mutants by Joey Knuckles of Sacred Hand Tattoo Society in Columbus Ohio

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES

 

Its hard not to walk away from a conversation with Joey Knuckles and not want to set the world on fire and tattoo your face off! 

After our conversation it was all I could do to hold still and not try to tattoo anything that moved. 

In his words [tattooing] is “easy to love” and he is so right. He infected me even more than I already was. It was like getting a second zombie bite. 

Tattooing is hard, and getting good is harder, and staying humble when you are good is harder than that. And then being good but still thinking you have a lot to learn… that is tattoo enlightenment.

I see Joey Knuckles as the whole enchilada. Tattoo histoy collector. Tattooer of the people. Roll your sleeves up and tattoo some mother fuckers. Tattoo style that flows and is truly built to last. 

I hope you enjoy my chat with Joey Knuckles!

 

Follow him 

www.joeyknucklestattoo.com

www.highstreettattoo.com

www.bodylanguagetattoo.com

www.sacredhandtattoo.com

 

 

Go get a tattoo from him or any of his rad shops!

 

 

 

-Dave

Music by www.bensound.com

The Tattooers Podcast Episode 2: Tattooing and More with Cori James

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I had so much fun talking with Cori James. Its amazing how easy you can relate to your fellow tattooers. She is so inspiring for many many reasons. 

Her traditional tattoos are setting Atlanta on fire ever since she started tattooing. If you think you need a tattoo from I highly recommend it. You can find her at Live Free Tattoo in Atlanta Ga or various guest spots throughout the country. 

But thats not all. While dealing with an eating disorder she was gifted the book that changer her life.. A life without limits… and thus began her amazing triathalon journey. 

Now, Im no slouch. I participate in 5ks pretty regularly and have put down a few half marathons… but the thought of miles and miles of cycling swimming and running make me want to cry and other fluid discharges I shouldnt talk about. 

Again she is an incredible lady and I am so lucky she agreed to be on the podcast. 

Be sure to check her out on Instagram (even though she doesnt care. hahaha)

@corijamestattoo

@colorful_tri_cori

 

and hey while youre at it follow me and all of my wacky endeavors on Instagram Twitter and Facebook too. 

@davidmeektattoos

@thetattooerspodcast

 

Adios Muchachos Enjoy my conversation with Cori James

Dave

 

image1.JPG
And here is a recent pic of Beni in his favorite spot hahaha

 

 

Music by www.bensound.com

The Tattooers Podcast Episode 1: What to expect from the show

Well its finally here. My first episode of the tattooers podcast. Gonna be posting them all here for now while I create a new site for the show. I’ve been so lucky to have a ton of support during this process and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Hope you all enjoy this project!

 

 

audio by www.bensound.com

Tucson 4th Ave Street Fair and Oh yeah Im moving

This past weekend the family and I went down to one of Tucsons best traditions. The 4th Avenue Street Fair. I have been going to this event on and off for the last decade or so and it never dissapoints. Well maybe because I never have any real agenda other than to see the community come hang out in the streets for a few days. Beers in hand, roasted corn in the air and all the classic pop up carnival food tents in the background. And at center stage you have vendors and vendors and vendors galore. All hoping to share their unique little gifts on to the world. From homemade to repurposed and even some thoughtfully manufactured items can be found. Local artists in varying mediums from paints to yarn to sealife… Its so cool to look at. 

I found myself enjoying a pineapple cocktail for most of the day. and Yes, it was an actual pineapple that I continued to refill with only adult libations. And with that pineapple I discovered a really cool fact. If you want to make friends, carry around a pineapple with a straw and some garnish. Everybody wants to know the guy with a pineapple drink. If only for the moment they need to ask him where he got it… Instant ice breaker. People seem to lower their guard when talking to a man holding a pineapple drink. Im going to continue this experiment and carry a pineapple around wherever I go. Just to see if my hypothesis holds true. 

So considering all the cool stuff I got to see and the people I got to watch. This year was just as good as any other year. We also brought home some new friends. 4 new red little shrimp that contain themselves in their own ecosystem. SO meditative to watch these little creatures swim and eat and eat and swim.  They are a welcome addition to our home and we all love towatch them just be. 

And Oh yes lets not forget the title of this little bloggy thing. Im moving… DUN DUN DUUUUUN.  haha . Not to worry, Im just experiencing a little domestic relocation. The stresses that go along with a move are quite unique and tiresome and to be honest, I wish I was a minimalist everytime. But we will overcome. 

So no need to worry I was just sharing some life happenings. 

Its hard to do but its such a healthy neceesity to shed the past from your present. Going through ol boxes, being reminded of some great memories. And other items you come across may have now meaning at all. So why the hell do I have this…. Donate. Moving gives us an opportuninty to purge our collections that we seem to cherish until its time to relocate them. 

That actually might be my new mantra when buying something. Do I want to pack this up and move this?  Instead of this is so cool  I need this so bad…

Well thatll do for now. What do you think of community street fairs and moving? Leave a comment 

 

and if you are interested in any of my tattoo work fear not I  will still be working at Fast Lane Tattoo on Oracele Rd in Tucson.

David-meek-tucson-tattoo-artist-sailor-jerry-acetate-stencil-tucson-arizona-fast-lane-tattoo-best-tattooartist-traditional
Heres a pic of me tattooing an original sailor jerry acetate stencil of a rose.

Tucson Tattoos and Phoenix Marathons

Its been a crazy couple of weeks finishing up february and beginning March. Crazy in its type of activities rather than crazy in volume of activities, which is usually the case.

 

But maybe I should back up.

The last 8 months or so I’ve found myself being more deliberate with my time. My one most valuable asset. I’ve spent way more time being with my family rather than away and the feeling of gratitude is surging!

Ill have to post about my new adventures in meditation, running, reading(usually disney bio related or self educations.), floating, music, art and even hang gliding!

 

So back to my deliberate use of time.

I have spent years trading time for money. And I’ve learned that that is not a bad thing. It was the precise thing I needed to be doing. Especially since have a family that I am most certainly a part of. And part of those responsibilities include financial contributions. So work work work. Well maybe more tattoo tattoo tattoo. 

And if you think for a second I don’t love what I do, you’re crazy. I’m a punk rock kid at heart. I had a mohawk at my daughters first birthday. I’ve had jobs before tattooing. I made damn good money.  But being able to do things the way I want has always been part of the plan. Want a mohawk? Wear one. Want to be tattooed? Be tattooed. 

So as fate would have it, Tattooing showed it lovely face in my life. 

Now, the mantra of MY WAY has been poking around again. I’ve put my pole in the pond from sunup to sundown and sometimes longer to make tattoos on some of the raddest people I could ever expect to meet. And as I  grow skill, they grow in styles and size!

 

My appointment book has been steadily filling with more and more tattoos that really are some incredibly fun pieces. And I have been been practicing how to deliberately use my time.

I also gave myself the most enduring test of physical stress and mental stress by signing up to do a Half Maration (13.1 miles) in Mesa Arizona. I gave myself an official training season of 6 days. Now I clearly would never recommend that to anyone, and I know I’ll never ask that of me again. But the commitiment to participate for 5 years and I can’t fail myself. So this year, six days it was, and next year at least 3 months.

 It’s late. I dont care why I’m writing. All I know is Im enjoying it. I think I need to do a few more posts to get used to the directio of this. I wonder if I really show how the sausage is made, in my shop anyways,   there could be some small benefit to the tattoo world or the world in general. 

I kind of feel like these article s need to be longer. Or maybe I should ramble more, or no. Thats a bad idea. They will be as long as they need to be and nothing more. 

I am looking forward to this being my personal account of life as an evergrowing artist of life, tattooing, and creation be it art, memories, humans, and anything that Isn’t already here. 

 

I look forward to hearing from anyone that has some good books films unrelated reccomendations, comments, feedback, encouragement, or usable criticsims!