Pikey Mikey

Traditional, Neo-Traditional and Photo Realism

My inspiration for my tattoo art is derived from the multitude of artists that I have tattooed with and those who have come before me in the American tattoo story. I have worked with artists like Keely Tackett, Joe Trowbridge, Dave Zappia. Some of my main influencers are Shahn Anderson, Ed Hardy, and Bert Grimm. I also have been following newer tattooers like Joel Honkala, Vasily Suvorov, and Steve Butcher. I love creating tattoos for the multitudes of clientele that come through the shop and who I meet at conventions. I am forever grateful for those who entrust me to design their ideas and to permanently tattoo them into their skin.

I am currently sharing time between my studio in Bemidji, Minnesota,and Long Beach, California.

I completed a four years apprenticeship with a professional tattooer named Dave Zappia, whose tattoo lineage includes Cap Coleman, Paul Rogers, Huck Spaulding and his son Jay Spaulding of upstate New York. I have worked at Tatts by Zapp, Swineline in Ireland, Anchors End, and Living Art in Duluth, Mn. As well as owned ateliers YMTA in Ivalo, Finland and Your Mom’s Tattoo Atelier in Bemidji Minnesota. I have won awards from tattoo competitions in the United States and Internationally. I enjoy attending tattoo seminars and conventions. I believe that I am never done learning and being inspired by my colleagues, clients and experiences.

The types and styles of tattoos that I personally enjoy creating are neo traditional, photo realism, black and grey work and traditional. I love to work with animal subject matter, floral, and female forms. I enjoy both black and grey work with heavy contrast, as well as, bold colors with smooth transitions and gradients. I am constantly being inspired by great pieces that imbue all these types of techniques.

Contact: pikeymike@papercranetattoo.com