I began my tattoo journey pretty much on my 25th birthday—August 1, 1999—shortly after a quad trip with my best friend, Rob Komick, and his family.
When I returned to Saskatoon, I had a ton of messages from people wondering where I was. I called one of them back and learned that everyone was getting together at a buddy’s place, and that I had to come by for a couple of drinks. When I got there, it turned out to be a full-blown surprise birthday party, and pretty much the whole crew was there.
It was a great party—one of those with plenty of highs and even a few shocking lows (ask me about it sometime). Out behind our buddy’s house was a built-on sunroom, fully furnished—a perfect spot for a gathering like this. In the middle of the room sat a picnic table covered with paper, so if people wanted to draw or write messages, they could. There were tons of markers and pencil crayons laid out.
Sitting at this table was a guy I had met before but didn’t know very well. After a while of hanging out, he started challenging me to draw all sorts of things—skulls, tigers, flames, dragons—just a bunch of stuff. While the drawings weren’t anything special or very detailed, he seemed interested enough to offer me an apprenticeship at his tattoo studio.
I’ll never forget that night for several reasons. You’re welcome to ask me about one of the craziest—albeit dangerous, but sort of funny—things that took place. But the main thing was that this guy made it clear to me that nothing can be mastered unless a commitment of 25 years was made. So I said, “Done. I’ll do 25 years.” I basically promised. He basically laughed, presumably because he already knew I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
But here I am, 25 years later, starting a brand-new chapter. Interestingly, when I received an invitation from Alfred Delgado Lopez to join his team, I was in Thompson, Manitoba, with my longtime friend Dave Thompson. We were on a quad trip. Can you believe it? What started 25 years prior with a quad trip in northern Saskatchewan came full circle two and a half decades later with another quading adventure in northern Manitoba.
I plan to return to Thompson twice a year for tattooing and adventure. Joining the team at Yellowjacket Tattoo Inc. is perhaps my greatest accomplishment as an artist—world-class in every respect. Come say hi!
I specialize in various styles, with an emphasis on blending each one with specific intention and detailing historic and cultural relevance. Anything goes. However, I focus on Aptitude, not Attitude—no drama, no abuse, and everyone is included.
