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

Donald, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time i knew i wanted to pursue an artistic path was when I was 14. I was always drawing as a kid, in school, at home, but when i was 14 my life changed a little bit. I got my first tattoo. I was so excited. The process of it, the smell, everything about it intrigued me. But what really had me hooked was the fact my artist left his mark on me. I’ll forever carry his work on my skin. It doesn’t matter if it’s 50 years down the road, you’ll always remember that person, the place it was done, the vibe. It was so cool to me back then, and now, it’s even better.

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

My name is Donnie Reynolds and this is me…

I began tattooing in Dexter Missouri when i was 16. I was a scratcher. Tattooing my friends in my little shed behind my house. Tearing them up, but knowing that tattooing is what i was meant to do. I had a passion early on in life and continued to follow my dreams. I had no guidance, no idea what I was doing at all.

I ended up moving to Colorado in late 2007s and continued tattooing people, still not knowing what i was doing. My brother was my main canvas and i cant tell you how many tattoos i did on him, all of them have since been covered haha.

I didn’t get my first break until 2019 when i was pulled into this little smoke shop/tattoo shop and learned some things. I learned some do’s and don’ts, but not enough. I felt there was more to learn, and there was. There always is. I got my second, and best big break going to a shop in Lakewood Colorado called Nocturnal Tattoo 2.

There I was surrounded by some truly amazing artists and people. I learned to pack colors the correct way, run straight lines. I learned i had a knack for watercolor. The first one I ever did was alright but i continued to grow off of that. The next piece was better, then the next..etc. i know specialize in illustrative watercolor and color.

My good friend, Nicholas Haney, who owns Golden Sheep Tattoo and is a phenomenal Black and grey artist, introduced me to some amazing people, the owners of PureNumb and RxTattooCare, and i knew being surrounded by those people, that i had to improve, i had to be better each tattoo I would do.

In May of 2022 we went to a Tattoo Convention in Loveland. My first one ever. My first piece i did was waaaaay out of my comfort zone but i killed it! I had other artist from all over coming by to check it out and give me props. The second day i did a chest piece on the same guy i tattooed the first day, same thing: everyone came by and checked it out and gave me props.

I entered both of the tattoos i did and ended up winning 1st and 2nd place in watercolor. Never in my life did I ever think I would win anything of this nature. I was astounded.

It goes to show that, hard work and dedication pays off. I strive to be, and do better than the person I was yesterday, I have fun creating art for people. I learned new things and always remember where i came from. My career isn’t something you can get good at overnight, it takes long sleepless nights, persistence and a dream. The fact that people pay for me to put art on their body, means ive succeeded in leaving my mark on them.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is simple; i get to leave my mark on someone. I get to see their dreams of tattoo work be fulfilled. I created their vision and turned it into something that they’ll have forever knowing that they got exactly what they wanted.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson of all time for those who want to tattoo or be an artist period, is that you have to be humble. Never forget where you came from because you never know when your talent can be ripped away.

I used to think that because i was a tattoo artist, people should respect me or that i belonged in the industry. I was a fool for thinking that and still laugh at myself for ever believing such a thing.

The industry isnt for the weak or the arrogant. You’ll get sat on your pockets quick. Chewed up and spit out. Always remain humble in what you do and you’ll go further. I thought i knew it all and soon realized I didn’t know all i thought i knew. I was humbled early on in my career and i remain humble now, knowing that there’s always someone out there better than you, hungrier than you, and willing to take your place to learn.
You never stop learning

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tattoos_by_donald
• Facebook: Donnie Tats

Image Credits
All photos were taken by myself