Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey English.
Hi Trey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It was a fateful day walking home from my sophomore year of high school when I found my first copy of tattoo magazine on the side of the road. I was hooked immediately. As a millennial I was no stranger to seeing tattoos out in the world but I was absolutely star struck when I saw the capabilities of the published artist in that magazine. I think all children doodle and draw in their free time or when we are slacking off in a boring English class but this started a fire inside me to start attempting some of these art styles that I had never seen before. I officially started tattooing in 2006, saying that out loud instantly makes me feel my age now. Times were different, shops had a little more hustle and bustle going on every weekend night, especially in a college town. I was hooked immediately going through my apprenticeship and knew this is what I would dedicate my life to even though I was definitely no good in the beginning.
Being young and dumb I bounced from shop to shop. Sometimes seeking greener pastures, sometimes just getting out of shops with less than reputable practices. Although I’d like to think that each shop that I worked in instilled lessons within me. Sometimes the lessons were highly valuable artistic lesson and sometimes, well, they were very harsh lessons on how not to be.
When I was a younger artist I didn’t so much focus on art per se, I just wanted to tattoo. I enjoyed tattoos that looked like tattoos, but always dreamt of the next level and consistently worked towards hard goals such as color and black and grey realism. If I wasn’t tattooing you would often find me sitting at the light box or the drawing table working on a project of some sort. It wasn’t until about 15 years ago that I decided to even attempt my first painting.
It was slow season and I was working on a color pencil drawing of an angelic statue that is displayed i front of the Vatican. My goal was to capture the lighting of the photo and since I had nothing better to do I sat at the drawing table for hours hoping for a walk in while coloring. It was during that drawing that I felt a pop followed by pain in my hand. I rested it for the rest of that evening, however the next I stupidly pressed on and my hand has never been the same. To this day using color pencils causes serious discomfort. With a strong mindset of improvise adapt and overcome, I had to find a way to keep creating, that’s when I asked the other artist to help me learn how to paint. I’ll never forget that first painting lesson. I was simply told to gather my supplies, smear the paint around on the canvas, and when it looks good, that’s when you stop.
Since then I have learned so much about art through my practices in fine art. I started noticing other Tattooers who talked about painting. How they expressed that in painting they felt free to do what they wanted without restrictions from what our day to day clients place on us. Even more so how it allowed them to play with colors and lighting in their free time without putting any strain on their hands. Hurting my hand was no longer a detriment to learning and growing in my art work, it’s actually the catalyst that forced me to grow in a different direction.
Through painting I was able to also advance in tattooing. Several famous artist have said if you can paint it you can tattoo it and they were right. To this day my biggest recommendation to all young artist to start painting, It if my firm belief that this is the absolute quickest way to advance in your artistic abilities and how you see and plan upcoming future projects, wether that be in fine art or in the skin. To this day I try to set aside at least an hour a day to sit down and paint and plan to keep this practice for as my body will let me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Being an artist is a rough life especially in the beginning. I don’t even feel like I was any good at tattooing until I was at least five years into my career. During those early years you are often very broke as well. Trying to support yourself and others in those early years was definitely a struggle. As in any clientele profession, the more time you put into your craft, the more clients you have the earlier it will become to support yourself and your family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say I specialize in bright and colorful tattoos. I love black and grey but I am definitely more known for my color work. I love to travel and do conventions because of the competitions. When I compete at the conventions I feel like I get to push myself and show the world what I am capable of. In recent years my paintings have also been getting a lot more attention as well. I hope to keep pushing my limit is and to move into the fine art world as well.
What makes you happy?
My children, tattooing, and painting time is what makes me happy. Being able to provide for my kids and bringing smiles to my clients faces makes every day great.
Pricing:
- $200 hr
- $700 half day (5 Hours)
- $1200 full day (8 Hours)
- Commision paintings 16”x20” $400-$600
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TreyEnglish
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TreyEnglishtattoos/
