by Is there a part of the body you won’t tattoo and why?
I’m not down for tattooing genitals (and yes, I have been asked!) and I won’t tattoo hands/faces/throats on anyone without multiple tattoos and an understanding of what these tattoos could mean for possible employment. As much as people have become more accepting, visible tattoos can still cost you a lot of jobs.
Do you feel tattooing has changed over the years, and if so, why?
It definitely has. Old-school tattooing was thick outlines with one to three colors and heavy shading, and now, people are doing tattoos that look like photographs on the skin. There are no outlines, and tattoos look like watercolors. The talent levels are consistently climbing and it is fascinating to watch and be a part of.
What could you say to someone who has had a bad first experience?
Depends on why their experience was bad. If their bad experience is based on the tattoo being executed poorly/rude shop/etc, I would say to research both the shop and artist next time. Make sure the artist is capable of doing what you are asking — better yet, ask the front desk staff which artist they think would do the best job. A good front desk staff will know their artists’ strengths and weaknesses. And, in my experience, what we excel at is what we love to do, and vice versa.
Where do you think the tattoo industry is going today? Do you think it is getting better or worse?
I think the industry is amazing. The levels of creativity and boundary pushing is changing by the moment, health standards and methods of modification are advancing beautifully, and because of the hard work of some of our forerunners, body modification is quickly becoming more acceptable and appreciated.
Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon-to-be tattoo artists?
I think mandatory schooling is a great idea. It would cut down the number of scratchers who are doing damage to clients, as well as spreading disease and giving the rest of us a bad name.
Have you noticed a change in the types of images people have asked for over the years that you’ve been tattooing?
There is always the trend of the moment. In the last two years I have definitely noticed a shift towards the Modern Primitive movement that is most well known because of people like Fakir Musafar. Modification as ritual and spiritual growth seems to be more prevalent than getting flash images. People are yearning to express themselves, to make their outsides match their insides, and it is happening right in front of our eyes.
Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as possible?
I think conventions are a fabulous way to get your name out there and meet amazing artists. I personally prefer the slightly demure pace of being in a shop, but I am an introvert, so big crowds make me a little nervous.
Is there anything you’ve been wanting to tattoo, but haven’t gotten the chance?
I have some really incredible friends and customers, who are generous with their skin and let me try new ideas regularly.
What was the first tattoo you ever did? Have you always worked in the same general style?
The first tattoo I ever did… just a simple tribal cover up. I like to try a little bit of everything, keeping in mind my own artistic limitations, but I tend to always veer towards sacred geometry and neo-primitive tribal work.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
Oh yes.
What do you think makes a good tattoo? Alternatively, are there any tattoo styles/imagery that you loathe?
“Good tattoo” is such a subjective thing. Obviously there are technical variables that make a difference, poorly done lines and shading can make or break the final product, but really, art is a personal thing. I think if it looks good on a client’s body and makes them feel great about themselves, then you have successfully done your job.
What are you involved with aside from tattooing?
I’m an artist through and through. I paint, draw portraits, help my filmmaker wife with set design, and hang out with our French bulldog and friends.
Describe your ideal tattoo client. Ever had the pleasure of tattooing a client like this?
The client who’s skin loves ink, which can sit for a long time and not move or complain. And yes I have.
Are there any artists out there you’d like to be tattooed by, space and time permitting of course?
Little Swastika, Corey Ferguson, Gerard Weisbeck, Xed the Head, Tomas Tomas, Marco Galdo, Michael E. Bennett (Childthepeacemaker), Dillon Forte. They are the best of the best.
You can keep up with Crystal Osaurus on Facebook, and you can check out her online portfolio here.
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