Wednesday  Nov 23, 2005

INKEDblog Interviews Aspiring Tattoo Artist Rob Marston

Where do young artists go to find tattoo apprenticeships? How does the industry get out of its own way and insure that aspiring ink slingers -- the ones with great respect for tattooing; the one’s who are truly willing to put in the hours, months, years of learning required – find generous and knowledgeable tat mentors? They’re good questions. And Rob here would kinda like some answers. He’s got the drive and the skills. All he’s looking for now is someone to take him under his/her wing and push him to be the best tat artist he can possibly be. Sounds like a pretty reasonable request to me.

-- Justin Pelegano

INKEDblog: Let's start with, where are you from?

Rob: I am originally from Maine. More specifically a little mill-town called Rumford. I moved to San Francisco for art school and am currently "taking a semester off," which I'm sure will undoubtedly turn into not returning.

INKEDblog: When did you realize you had something artistic in ya that you really wanted to get out there?

Rob: Both my twin brother and I have always been artists, whether it be web-design, painting, animation, automotive, music, etc. When I was young I was selected to be in an advanced, "gifted & talented" art class, and have taken special advanced classes ever since. In high school I skipped ahead three art courses and excelled in both photography and graphic arts. I scored a 3 out of a possible 5 on an advanced placement studio art college exam my junior year, the best grade of the entire school matched only by my brother. Since about the age of 16 I was constantly being told I had a more design-oriented style, proficient with lettering and shading. Eventually my style was interpreted as a sort of "tattoo style" illustration. I began than designing tattoos for friends, yet, due to my age, I was still unable to get any of my own - let alone create them! It was then my thirst to eliminate that middle-man (the tattoo artists) and get it all done myself began!

INKEDblog: Why tattoos? What about the form speaks to you?

Rob: Tattoos aren't really huge where I'm from, which is strange. There were and still [are] a lot of skulls, American flags, and tribal arm-bands (no offense anyone!) in my area, not a lot of great artwork and color. It wasn't until old-school sleeves and tradition Japanese boy-suits became more popular in the Northeast that tattoos really excited me! Seeing portraits you swear were done with chalk & charcoal, or vibrant colors and photo-realistic drop shadows! After I turned 18 I was able to get some ink of my own! I instantly fell in love with the feeling, the "tattoo shop" atmosphere, the entire process! It looked as complex as surgery but as intense as anything I had ever seen! I could go on and on about why I love it, but I'd be writing forever!

INKEDblog: You've been inking on melons and friends...but you really want an apprenticeship to take your art to the next level? You say you sense resistance from those you've approached [about a tat apprenticeship]. Any sense as to why?

Rob: I've been inking for about five months now, and I think I've been making some great progress. I still remember obliterating that practice skin! Cutting melon after melon until I got a hang of holding that thing steady. Since than I've been offered quite a lot of money, from people who actually know what I can do - which is nice. Good to know people like my stuff! I want an apprenticeship because I want to learn more. I want to clean, organize, trace flash, get lunch, walk the dogs, etc. I think shops are awesome and fun to be in -- that’s a small part of why too. Really I just wanna learn more about technique, answer some un-answered questions, put in the time and pay my dues! I think I draw good now, but I wanna draw better - always improve. Plus, I think someone who's been on the job for a while can streamline my process, show me how to do things better and faster! I'm still very humble. I've produced some pretty good work thus far, but I don't call myself a tattoo artist and I rarely seek clients. I'm already turning people down who just want some work for the sake of getting some work. I wanna make art I'm proud to say is mine, ya know. I think the resistance I've encountered is because I am not taken seriously. They're probably approached everyday by some kid who thinks it would be cool to "work there." I've tried every approach, asking while being tattooed, calling, even mailing letters! Nothing seems to work! I also think it may have something to do with flooding the pool. By taking on an apprentice they’re only creating an artist who will eventually take away from their business, their paycheck! Nobody wants that. But, instead I look at it as creating an artist who might be able to offer a style or influence they cannot [and] and insuring that the future of tattoo will be in the hands of great artists who share their beliefs.

INKEDblog: What are the main things you're looking for in a tattoo mentor?

Rob: I want someone who produces good work, that's definitely a start. Someone who's maybe been around, worked a few places, knows what it takes. Someone who's friendly and still likes the "working with people" part of the job. I want someone who isn't going to take me for granted, someone who will help me refine my skills so I can say, yah - he/she taught me everything I know! I want someone who will tell me how it is and not mess around. I understand that this takes time, lots of time, but I still wanna get down to business. If an artist tells me to put down the machine until he sees fit, then that's how it's going to be. I'm a very hard worker, and having me around, even if it's to answer the phones, wouldn't be a bad thing. Basically to me, it's about the art. I want to do this the right way. I think when a master tattooer takes on an apprentice he/she is saying, "Hey, I want to make sure the future of tattoo art is secure, it’s always done with precision and attention to detail. I want to keep this thing going, the right way."

INKEDblog: Where do you want to ultimately take your art? How far?

Rob: I would eventually like to own a shop. Hand-pick some really great artists and open a nice place! I'd love to travel too, do some work in Europe or Asia, and get some good work done too! Just be known, ya know. And, who knows...maybe some day take on an apprentice of my own.

If you’d like to contact Rob, he can be reached at robmarston@hotmail.com

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Posted by: Sean Clark at February 10, 2006 2:56 AM

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