We asked the tattoo artists of Best Ink to tell us about their experience with body art. Here’s what Jon had to say.<br><br> Q: What initially attracted you to tattoo art?<br> A: Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I had never seen a tattoo other than on cable tv and movies. As a teenager I remember seeing rock stars and athletes with them and always thought they were cool.
Q: What is the difference between a "tattooist" and an "artist”?<br> A: Personally, I feel the term artist is thrown around too much and over used. When that happens it diminishes its worth. Artists work their asses off for years to develop a signature style that can be seen in their body of work. I consider myself a tattooist because I’ve learned to use my tools very well, but I continue to work on my versatility and trying different things in my tattoos to find my voice as a true artist.
Q: Is being a "tattooist" a job or a lifestyle? <br> A: For me is definitely a lifestyle, when you love to do something as much as I love to tattoo you immerse yourself in it completely. It's a love triangle between tattooing/art, having a social life and getting enough sleep.
Q: What is your ideal tattoo shop like? <br> A: I work there already! A custom tattoo shop and an art gallery in NYC. The artists who I work with are very talented and get along. Management is very professional and always supportive. It feels great to go to work every day.
Q: Who does your own tattoos? <br> A: I've been collecting tattoos from my heroes in the tattoo industry, but my main man is tattooer Seth Wood.
Q: What was your first tattoo and why did you get it? <br> A: My first tattoo on my shoulder and it was an angel helping a warrior hold its sword. I got it when I turned 18. I wanted a tattoo so bad. I knew my mom would find out and that I would get in trouble but I just had to.
Q: Do you think every tattoo has to have meaning? <br> A: I don't think every tattoo needs to have a meaning. A tattoo should be pleasing to the eye first, the meaning should be second. Many people have tattoos that might mean a lot to them but unfortunately are really poorly done.
Q: If you could do tattoo work for one celebrity who would it be? Why? <br> A: I would love to tattoo Josh Homme. I love his music and would love to talk to him about what inspired some of my favorite songs.
Q: What celebrity tattoo do you think is the best? <br> A: Sylvester Stallone's back tattoo by Jeff Gogue is my personal favorite.
Q: What makes a tattoo "great"? <br> A: A great tattoo should be visually interesting and fit the person wearing it, while also being executed in a way that it will age well so it can still look good over time.
