Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kris Kezar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to tattoo through an apprenticeship. I worked under another tattooer who showed me not only how to tattoo, but how to work with tattoo machines, how to run a tattoo shop, and how to conduct myself as a tattooer.

I think that if I had listened better in the beginning of my apprenticeship and not rushed to do bigger work, and worked more on my fundamentals I would have progressed more quickly.

I think learning how to deal with people was one of the most essential skills I learned in my apprenticeship. A lot of people think that a tattooer just has to make art, but it is a lot more than that.

When I started tattooing, there was an idea that tattoos had to be done in a certain style, and nothing else was a “real” tattoo. You still see that idea sometimes now, but it was very prevalent back then. I think that idea held me back as both a tattooer and an artist.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a tattooer and a fine artist. I have illustrated several books, and had some of my work displayed in art shows and publications, as well as doing a lot of private commissions. I used to work mostly with copic markers, and some oils, but now my fine art work is mostly digital.

The main thing I really want to capture when I make art is a sense of wonder. I grew up reading fantasy/sci-fi novels and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I loved how the artwork in those books could just put you in another magical place. When I make art I try to capture that feeling if I can.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m currently in the middle of a significant pivot, so this question is really meaningful to me right now! A couple of years ago I decided to go back to school for nursing. I will actually graduate from my program in December.

I love tattooing, and I love what I have been able to do as a full-time tattooer, but it has been extremely liberating to look forward to a future where I don’t have to do art to pay my bills, and to be able to take on projects solely because they inspire me. Don’t get me wrong, being able to pay my bills as an artist, especially in San Diego, has been amazing. But, I do feel that doing commissions because you need the money can be artistically stifling. There are a lot of times where I have to make changes I don’t want to make, or use colors I don’t wan’t to use because I’m making art for my client, and not for me.

I love making clients happy, and making art for people, but it will be nice to be more able to pick and choose which projects I want to take on, and be able to take more time for personal projects, where the only art director is myself.

Ironically, putting less time into making art for a living will give me more time to focus on my art. I’m also looking at possibly taking some classes at a local atelier once I am situated as a nurse, which I never felt like I had enough time for trying to hustle as a full time tattooer.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think for me as a creative, the thing people don’t understand is that all of the other stuff I do is part of what feeds my creativity. Creative people need time to do “nothing” or to go off and have adventures so that they can be creative! I have a lot of interests, and I never know what will inspire me and make me want to draw or paint.

People ask, where do you think of this stuff? I think of it by taking something from the tv show I saw, and putting it together with something from that book a read, and mixing it with some stuff I thought of while I was listening to that song I heard, during that trip I was on. The peripheral stuff around the art makes the art possible. For me, doing nothing but art 24/7 leads to creative burnout. But it’s a difficult balance because when the inspiration hits I need to just be able to chase it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Kriskezart.com
• Instagram: @kriskezartattoos
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/tattoo.kris