We were lucky to catch up with Bryan Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bryan, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Tattooing was always something I’d wanted to be apart of. When it was offered to me I was 25 years old, fresh out of college and ready to start a career & family. So I was very eager to learn. At the beginning of my apprenticeship I was given the opportunity to start tattooing right away. Looking back 20 years later I think it would have been helpful if I had spent a lot more time getting tattooed by people I looked up to for more insight and inspiration. The most essential skill for a tattooer in my opinion is their ability to draw.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been tattooing professionally for 20 years, primarily in the St. Louis area. I specialize in fine-line, custom or traditional styles. I enjoy doing American traditional, Japanese, black-work, black and grey, ornamental and tribal. But strive to be as versatile as possible. I am most proud of the shop I helped build with my 2 business partners at Howdy Tattoo. We offer a safe, friendly environment for our artists and clients. Located at 2654 Locust St. Saint Louis, MO 63103.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Besides my own artistic aspirations of making something fun or cool looking. I love how it makes the client feel once they’ve made it through the process. I think getting a tattoo is empowering, it is overcoming something traumatic and can make you stronger mentally. And you carry that with you permanently. I don’t think every tattoo has to carry a meaning but the ones that do really change people’s lives in a positive way. I’m happy to be a part of that.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I’m just trying to give clients the best tattoo that I can each time. I am trying to draw more and be a bit looser with my designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bryandavistattoo.com
- Instagram: Bryandavistattoo
Image Credits
Personal photo credit:
Felisha Davis
Additional photo credit:
Myself