Today we’d like to introduce you to Mason (SISU).
Hi Mason (SISU), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I spent years doing freelance illustration work before covid shifted things. I apprenticed under Daniel Howland at platinum ink, where i spent about 6-7 years piercing at a high volume. That really built my confidence working closely with clients and earning their trust.
Since I was a little boy I’ve always wanted to be a tattoo artist but had always seen it as something that was unattainable for me. Being in the tattoo shop truly built my confidence as an artist to finally make that step into learning the craft of tattooing.
At the same time, people around me kept noticing that I was always drawing, and tattooing felt like a natural next step. For the past few years, I’ve been learning and growing as a tattooer. Now I’m at Dovetail tattoo, focused on doing the kind of work that feels like me and making sure client’s get something they genuinely love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I was piercing at a very busy shop, and tattooing wasn’t my main focus. Making that transition meant spending my weekends tattooing for free and working on my craft instead of actually taking time off.
It could be exhausting, but I knew that if I wanted to get better, I needed to put the time in. Moving to Dovetail has given me the opportunity to really focus on tattooing, find my own voice as an artist, and keep pushing myself forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Im a tattooer focused on black and grey work. Although I am drawn to dark imagery and love the idea of doing pumpkins, witches and skulls, I’m also a softy at heart. I love lettering, doing portraits, and lots and lots of flowers. I also love taking clients ideas and finding a way to bring my style into it.
Right now I’m focused on building a larger portfolio and developing a recognizable voice in my work while continuing to stay true to the fundamentals and traditions of tattooing.
What matters most to you? Why?
To me, what matters the most is doing tattoos that people are proud to wear. It could be the smallest piece or the biggest. It might have a really deep meaning to that person, or it might just be something they think looks really cool. Either way, I want them to genuinely love having it on them.
It also matter to me to respect the tradition of tattooing and the people I’ve learned from and worked around. I want to keep improving and doing work that earns the respect of the community around me.
Pricing:
- $100 minimum
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myinklink.io/artist/sisudraws
- Instagram: @sisu_art
