interview with Carl Grace
Hello Carl Grace! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself, when did you start tattooing? I've been drawing my whole life, from cartooning classes at the age of 12 to college courses at 20. At the age of 18 I got into a little trouble which wound put me behind bars for a few years. As always I kept on my drawings. One day I was approached if I knew how to tattoo. My answer was no. He then continued to ask me if I would attempt something on him and so I did. With no knowledge of tattooing and using a homemade tattoo gun you can imagine how the tattoo came out. Once I was released I took on an apprenticeship in a small shop called Skin Graphics in Arcadia. Though I didn't learn much, I did learn how to solder needles day after day and the correct way to set up and break down a station.
Q: What is your biggest inspiration?
A: That depends on what designs you're talking about. My freehand
dark and demented style comes straight from the head. Half the time I
clear my mind until the client is right in front of me and I'm
gloved up with a sharpie. I ask him/her a couple of random questions
and from there I just go with whatever comes to mind.
Q: Creative freedom is important, even in this business.
A: Absolutely. I'm pretty known for my freehand macabre. In fact usually
the only question I ask that's going to make any decision on the
piece is what exactly do you not want (horns, blood, etc). The rest
of it is left up to me which pushes me even harder based on these
people giving me full reign to just do whatever I want and they have
to live with it forever.
Q: What is your advice when it comes to cover up
tattoos?
A: Black, blue, green, and purple. These colors will cover up almost
everything. The green, blue, and purple are cool colors which seem
to cover up exceptionally well while not looking patchy. If the
tattoo looks like a disaster and you don't know what to do then don't
attempt it. You'll just make it harder for the next artist to cover
up. Know your limits and you won't let people down.
Q: Tattooing is a very responsible work. What are the morals
set for one professional tattoo artist?
A: I feel the morals are set highly. Here in Tucson Arizona there
are 50 tattoo shops within a 15 mile vicinity. I'm no big name, I by
far do not have a big head in the industry. I do however know I can
create beautiful pieces. I still love the art. While most artists
are excited about the amount of money they make and all that, I
still find the excitement in doing a bad ass piece way more
thrilling than landing a thousand dollar pay check.
Collaboration with Paul Booth
Q: Are there any harsh law regulations about the tattoo
studios in your country?
A: You have to be 18. I don't feel there are too many laws in the
United States about tattooing. There are however guidelines set at
the shop as far as sanitary and certain expectations.
Q: What sets you apart from the other tattoo artists?
A: My love for the art. This isn't a simple job where I'm putting in
40 hours for a paycheck. This is what I love, if I'm not a
tattooing, I'm drawing. I always do my best, I never shortcut my
pieces. And I believe that my work reflects my attitude towards it.
Q: Your plans?
A: Progress.