We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Ryan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first time I ever made money with my art was with my mom at the Jersey shore. I was probably around 6 or 7 years old. We used to collect seashells during the day and then we would paint palm trees, sailboats, and beach stuff on them. I’d sit outside with all of them on a table trying to sell them to anyone that walked by. I think I sold them for $3 each then spent it all on pizza and boardwalk games.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a tattoo artist based out of Brooklyn, New York. I’ve been tattooing for over 5 years and in the industry for 7. My first job in the industry was a shop manager in a tattoo shop in Miami. From there I learned the management side while I worked on my drawing. I finally found an apprenticeship under Chris Smades at All City Tattoo in Boca Raton, Florida. Chris helped me carve out my own style and gave me the tools I needed to grow as an artist. My style is a unique spin on American traditional themes, color and black and grey. I think beyond making a good tattoo it’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for your clients. Tattooing is about the whole experience from the time you walk in the door. Listening to what people want and accommodating them the best I can is always the goal.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I struggled with drug addiction in my early and mid 20s. My life was a mess and I was in and out of facilities for years and homeless in Florida at one point. It took me losing people closest to me for me to want a real change for the best. It was all the toughest thing I’ve ever been through but you find out who you are in those moments, looking in the mirror and making a decision to give yourself a life you’re proud of. That’s one reason I started drawing all the time, it was the escape from the chaos in a piece of paper. It felt like the one time I could take a deep breathe and create. Without art and tattooing, I don’t know where I’d be.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s such a privilege to decorate people’s bodies. My favorite and most rewarding part of it is when I’m finished tattooing and my client goes to look in the mirror. Seeing them smile and have a little extra pep in their step is euphoric. There’s a lot of power in choosing how you decide to decorate or not decorate your body and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @michaelryan_tattoo