Archive for 'Tattoo Artists'
Travis Harper – Tattoo Artist – Boise, Idaho
January 18, 2011 by admin, under Tattoo Artists.
Travis Harper was offered a tattoo apprenticeship five years ago but he had to turn it down because he was in the middle of certifying as a sous chef with the American Culinary Federation that time. It was only last year, March 2009 that he decided to accept the apprenticeship to pursue tattooing and he has been honing his craft since then. Though it might only be just 22 months, he has already shown dedication and passion for the art, reflecting style and skill in the beautiful tattoo works that he has done. That is why, he is our featured tattoo artist for week, check out our short chat with him.
1) Where do you draw inspirations for your designs? When I draw I am usually sitting around the shop bored and in a neutral mood stuck between today and tomorrow. I draw with the most important part of the tattoo in mind….. the lines taught by my boss Rocky. This sort of comes to me by feel and flow from my graffiti style background as a late teen “writing” and drawing all day in class.
2)How would you describe your style of tattooing? When I started tattooing I had to re-teach myself how to draw to apply it to tattooing and have the tattoo style also. I really enjoy Tattooing bold, bright colors with a touch of randomness from graff backgrounds and cartoons etc.
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I am inspired by my boss and best friend Rocky Arellano, Nick Baxter and Sean Herman if that explains it. I try to stay away from faces and some realism because I feel I am just not ready yet. I think the trend today with men is color portraits and traditional which will always be big.
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3)Based on your experience, what is the latest tattoo trend nowadays? Is there a particular design or tattoo theme that people are mostly going for these days? The trend with most women seems to be flowers. Most people that seek an artist aren’t looking for the trend but something original. Kyle Cotterman once told me at a seminar that I use alot is when a client comes to me, I celebrate their Ideas and put my touch into their Tattoo. There will always be Do’s and Don’ts.
4)Which body part is your favorite spot to tattoo on and why? My favorite parts of the body to tattoo arm arms and legs because there is a good amount of space to work with and the application tattoos really well. I have enjoyed tattooing all of my clients because I have learned something from every tattoo. I don’t have any specific favorites but the one that stands out to me the most is the Bald Eagle with the American flag in its feathers. I had a lot of fun with this one, it was done on a solider a week before he was deployed to Iraq and besides whats more symbolic than the Bald eagle. “Anything for our troops who risk their lives for us every day!”
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5)For those who are interested, where can they contact you?
The shop I work at is Side Show Tattoo in Boise, ID. 83709. Phone (208)344-5860 or I can be reached by email. sideshowtattootravis@yahoo.com