Tattoo Host.com

TONY CIAVARRO 

INTERVIEW 3

Name Tony Ciavarro

Email: tony@stinkymonkeytattoos.com 

Age: 30

Location: Kingston, Massachusetts

Your Website &Url: www.stinkymonkeytattoos.com , www.stinkymonkeybrand.com

How many years in the biz: 7 years tattooing ten drawing flash

your shop website &Url: www.stinkymonkeytattoos.com

Hobbies &Interests: Drawing, snowboarding, and driving my car 

BAW: What made you want to become a Tattoo Artist? 

Artist: It kind of just happened, I was drawing flash for a couple years before I started tattooing and I guess it just went from there. I never said when I grow up I want to be a tattoo artist. I didn't start tattooing until I was 23. I just knew I like the art; it suits my style of drawing. 
BAW: Who are your influences?

Artist: Tattooing wise, Joe Capobianco, Eric Merrill, jime Litwalk, Gunnar, every time I see their work I say to my self I have alot of work to do. They push me and make me want to draw more. I can’t wait to look through their portfolios to see new stuff. Corey Kruger is incredible; I really like how everything he does is perfect. From outline to shading. I hope to get to that level some day. As far as other art, Joe chiodo is great his cartoony girls are awesome. Coop and Pizz are also really big influences on my work.

BAW: What is your favorite style of work? 

Artist: Well my favorite would have to be colorful cartoon style stuff, people use the term new school but I don’t think it all that different than old school, simple line work and clean color and shading. I really enjoy tattoos that make me laugh.

BAW: Tell us about your first Tattoo experience?

Artist: I went to green man studio in West Hartford CT. I met an artist named Jon Elliott, his work was the cleanest and best work I had seen so I said he was the one to do my first tattoo, I drew a couple different ideas but I ended up getting an evil looking snowman, I got it because I love the winter time and at that point snowboarding was a big part of my life.

BAW: What is your favorite piece you own?

Artist: It would have to be the half sleeve done by Joe Capobianco, he is one of my favorite artists and to have the chance to sit with him for long periods of time and pick his brain, as a person who was new to the business this was a huge deal to me. Back to the tattoo, it is a hula girl sitting on a tiki mask with a really nice sunset behind her. And there is also a monkey hanging from my armpit. The whole stinky monkey thing.

BAW: Is there a part of the body you won't Tattoo and why?

Artist: I wouldn't tattoo someone’s face. I don’t really know why, it just seems too crazy for me.

BAW: How do you feel about female Tattoo Artists?

Artist: I think its great, I know a couple of female artists, and they are incredible. Sarah Peacock and Hannah Atchinson are amazing. I think it would make women more comfortable as well.

BAW: Do you support supply co. that sells to the public?

Artist: I am not really sure how I feel about it. I don’t think just because you have a studio with a tax id number that you know what your doing. There is really no way to tell if some one knows what they are doing. The only thing is that they are clean. I know of people who tattoo out of there house and they are way cleaner than some of the shops I have been in, and they also do better work.

BAW: Do you feel there now should be mandatory schooling for soon to be tattoo artists?

Artist: NO, I think that there really is no right or wrong way to do it. For instance I help in teaching Andy who works with me, and now he tattoos totally different than me, who’s to say which way is right. I think that apprenticeships are the way to go as long as people don't take advantage of those that want to learn, doing stuff around the studio only trains them in what they will be doing eventually for a living, to have an apprentice milking the cows on your farm is totally ridiculous. A school would just be too structured I think.

BAW: Do you feel Tattooing has changed over the years, and if so why?

Artist: I think it has, just in the 10 years I have been around it. The artwork is amazing I think its cool how tattoo artists are concentrating more on art than just mass-producing the same shit over and over again. Also the people, it seems that people are getting in to it younger and younger. I think it is great it gives a young kid a chance to make a really good living while enjoying what they love to do. Like me for instance.

BAW: Do you think it is important to do as many conventions and shows as possible?

Artist: I do, it gets you out there, but it’s not for everyone. I takes it toll, I just enjoy bringing my art to new people and places, it make me feel good when someone says they saw my flash on the walls of a studio in California or further. I enjoy messing with people at conventions and putting names with faces.

BAW: What advise can you give to someone who is starting or looking to get into the tattoo business?

Artist: Just Know it takes awhile to get good, and be patient. Tattoos don’t have to be done in one sitting. I think that was when my tattooing got much better when I slowed it way down.

BAW: What could you say to someone who has had a bad first expierence?

Artist: Keep on trucking' there are dicks in every profession. I have met the nicest people I know through tattooing, and as far a getting a tattoo laser removal is making leaps and bounds also cover-ups are really fun. (Just kidding) 

BAW: Since you have started what changes have you seen in the industry?

Artist: none it still sucks. It goes back to the whole art thing. People are way more creative with it.

BAW: Please share any other comments or views or questions to the public you might have.

Artist: no comment. There are just some things better left unsaid. Kidding again, thanks to everyone who has ever let me permanently mark their body.

BAggadonuts over

GALLERY

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