So after an absolutely insane year… I was able to come into a situation where I could buy out my long time business partner, and friend Matt. So as of January 24th, I became the single owner of Stay True! This has been a life long dream of mine I have built and developed since I started apprenticing in ’02. My goal and mission was always to have a shop that is more than the typical tattoo shop. A classy, artistic environment, where there is constant inspiration. Where clients can go to expect more from their artists.
Stay True is that shop, we are covered in art literally from floor to ceiling…from toes to foreheads. Stay True is my home away from home where I can eat breath and live art. What you have always gotten at Stay True and can continue to expect is the best custom tattoo process in the valley. We are the best at what we do bar none. I ‘ll tell you why. Its all collaboration. Its about having an open minded client, and a patient, humble, talented artist. The best tattoo artist in the world is nothing without some skin!! The best tattoo idea is useless, unless you can find an artist you can connect with and have as your guide through this process. Collaboration!
Our artists are trained under me specifically and have years of experience in working with me and knowing what I expect. We take your idea and we guide you through the process, from thumbnail sketches, to the final wipe down of your piece. We bounce ideas back and forth and we help you to take your idea and make it the best possible tattoo. We won’t accept anything less than great…great now and great 30 years from now!! I feel that it’s imperative for my guys and myself to above all things to remain HUMBLE. We are blessed to have the support of our clients, the freedom to explore and push the envelop on each tattoo, and the ability to actually make a good living doing what we love. Buddha said that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life! It’s amazing and a reality I have the honor of living with.
Rolling into 2011 I have been on a mission to improve the environment in the shop, for my clients and employees alike. We have been continuing to paint and have the shop grow with a lot of remodelling. I have recently designed tons of swag, new stickers and vinyl windshield cutouts, to t shirts and canvas prints. Our clients love Stay True and I think its been important to our shop family to be able to fly our merch and support us!
Our official grand reopening was in May Friday the 13th, and it was amazing. We managed to bust out 135 thirteens! Dropped our new swag and just had an all around great time. If you have never been to Stay True on a Friday the 13th, try and make it out on the next one…you wont be disappointed. Also so far this year I’m 3 conventions in with at least 3 to 4 more on the way!! Dates to be announced!
We have said goodbye to Mark James, my 3rd apprentice…due to a conflict of interest, we were able to move on on good terms. The crew and I wish mark well as he hopefully finds what he’s looking for. I would also like to announce and welcome 2 new guys Rob and Dan. Both talented artists, Im excited to see them grow and evolve as they work with us. As always we have a ton of guest artists, our regulars are Oz from Vegas doin his evil monster stuff, Tony from Hold fast in Prescott rockin out his neo traditional and portraits, Big Lou from Chrome Gypsy in Vegas who is a badass all around artist, and of course Matt Geiogamah, formerly of Club Tattoo who brings an amazing painterly style of soft portraiture into the shop.
So as I’m rounding the corner to turning 30 (July 13th) I feel no regret in my life. I look to the future with excitement! There are great things to come and as a man and shop owner I feel amazing about what I have built and where I am. Stay True is one of the best shops in the state, and I say so proudly with no ego! I have a beautiful family, my art is growing piece by piece, and my crew of guys are talented and have my back! I have seen each grow so much as people and artists. This is our year! We have shot and been interviewed for a ton of magazines already that havent hit the shelves yet! So stay tuned for those announcements as well as shop functions coming up!
To wrap it up man, none of this could be done without the support of our clients. You guys make this dream doable, and from me and my crew we would like to give you our most sincere thank you!! Stay True clients are tough as nails and loyal to a fault and we love you for it!!