Archive for 'Tattoo Artists'
Speck Osterhout – Tattoo Artist- Illinois, Chicago
January 30, 2011 by admin, under Tattoo Artists.
Speck Osterhout draws inspirations for her tattoo designs from the people she meets and from the city itself where she lives – Chicago. Working at a tat shop called MasterMind Ink, she is surrounded by her co workers and anything she could possibly need (including music, a very loud music) to express her creativity and transform her artistry onto the skin. Check out our interview with her and some samples of her artistic works.
1)When did you start tattooing? How did you become a tattoo artist? I started tattooing the summer i graduated high school. I had a full ride to Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, but I decided to stay in my hometown of Torrington, Connecticut and tattoo instead. I figured i was already doing what i wanted to do for the rest of my life, so why waste four years? I had a friend who worked at the local tattoo shop, and he let me tattoo myself one night. He said it came out good, and I started tattooing customers the next day. I didn’t have an apprenticeship.
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2)How would you describe your style of tattooing? Is there a particular genre that you specialize in?I enjoy doing neo traditional designs. I like to take a classic theme, and bring in some new elements. I pride myself on being able to do any kind of style. Of course I have my favorites, but it’s not really about what I want to do. Its what my clients want. Unless I’m doing it for free.
3)Based on your experience, what is the latest tattoo trend nowadays? Is there a particular design or tat theme that people are mostly going for these days?Well, I try to stay away from trends. If a client of mine wants a very trendy tattoo, i try to talk them out of it. you should never put something on your body just because everyone else is doing it. I think the coolest “ideas” right now have to do with placement. I like quirky, small tattoos in unusual areas. It’s badass.
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4)When people ask you for advice on what designs to go for, what do you usually tell them.Something that will make you happy for the rest of your life. You never want to pick something that makes you feel uneasy. I think if it doesnt make you happy, its not worth it.
5)Which body part is be your favorite spot to ink on and why?I love forearms. The surface area of a forearm is really big when you think about it, and I think anyone who gets a large forearm tattoo is making a huge decision to be a heavily tattooed person. I think when someone gets tattooed there, it can change there life.
6)What are your three most favorite tattoo works? Can you tell us something about them. My favorite designs that I have done are hard to pick, but there are some that stand out. More recently, the Band of Horses inspired half sleeve I did on my friend Adam is my favorite right now. I drew an piece of artwork and he loved it so much we put it right on his arm, almost without any changes. I have since sold that piece of artwork so its nice to see something I created on my friend forever. My friend Jordan’s hand are also awesome. She has a dead bird tattooed on her palms. Its her only tattoo. And i cant really think of a third favorite, because everyone’s tattoo I’ve done is my favorite!!!
7) For those who are interested in working with you, where can they contact you?Right now, I work at Mastermind Ink in Chicago. We are located at 4407 north Clark street. Our number is 1-773-754-0842. We are also on facebook. Our website is www.mastermindink.net You can also contact me at www.facebook.com/speck.osterhout