Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Bunker.
Austin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Austin Bunker, child of God, Saint, and disciple of Jesus Christ. I’m happily married to my wife of 9 years, Sara, and we have one amazing son, Maverick. I primarily work in ministry as Worship Pastor, but I have also been tattooing for 11 years now.
I started as an apprentice in 2012 and quickly had to pay my dues in an industry that still operates in respect of tradition and hard work. In no time, I was tattooing at night while finishing my college degree during the days, a lot of long hours and even more work. Just as in my pursuits in the fine arts (Bachelors of Studio Arts from University of North Texas), I focused on color theories and the relationships between line weights and like colors. I did my due diligence and learned the foundations of the craft first and I believe that helped be become the tattooer I am today. I strongly feel it’s important to continue to grow in knowledge and application.
All of this has lead me to be known for bright, bold colorful tattoos or smooth black and grey realism. I’m best known for both my traditional and neo-traditional styles and love for pop culture subject matter and comic characters. But it is not uncommon for me to take on black and grey realism every now and then because of my love of pencil drawing in charcoals that I have developed since high school.
I aim to use all of my talents to help people feel like they’ve received the best custom tattoo for themselves as well as provide an atmosphere for the process that is quite different than majority of the industry, fully embracing the love of Christ. It is not uncommon for me to help people by forgetting their pasts, covering mistakes, remembering loved ones, and giving them encouraging pieces to help them meet their goals. I believe God directed me into tattooing as just another way to minister to people’s hearts and meet them where they are on their own journeys all while getting to use the creative giftings He has blessed me with.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel just like any other direction or opportunity; every path has its bumps, sharp turns, and other difficulties. There’s been of course, slow seasons of work but also times when tough decisions had to be made, either to leave a shop because of opportunities or in search of a healthier atmosphere. Not to mention when having to stop during a global pandemic and then figure out how to work during that season. But I think some of the bigger struggles sometimes relate to just me being so outspoken about my faith. I’ve been a believer almost my entire life, and the tattoo industry can have its opposing viewpoints. Sometimes, I’ve had to be a light in some darkness. Sure, there’s plenty of conversations to be had by different minds, but I’m not ashamed to stand firm and continue to show the love of Christ in humbleness and patience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Like I said earlier, I’m a tattoo artist. But I’m also a Worship Pastor. A lot of people see that combo and think it’s pretty cool and sometimes ironic. But hey, I like it that way! My tattoo work, I specialize in mostly traditional and neo-traditional styles with heavy focus on color and pop culture subject matter. I like to tattoo almost everything, but my love does focus on pieces that showcase Comic heroes/villains, cartoon characters, movie fun, anime, really anything that’s people just find fun and makes them happy. I love bright and bold! But I can do pretty much all styles of tattooing, and I’m highly capable in smooth black and grey just as much as my color work. So, it’s not uncommon for me to do realism and portraiture sometimes. I think one session with me, and you’d quickly realize I’m not like most tattooers. I’m very chill and enjoy nice genuine conversations. I try to take care of anyone that comes in or gets a tattoo, I believe most of my clients that are loyal aren’t so just because of good tattoos, and I hope that speak of my character.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s probably Saturday morning cartoons and all things superhero. I loved drawing it all and “coloring.” Animated Batman, Spider-Man, X-men, you name it, and all other fun cartoons and toys. I remember playing with action figures and letting imagination run wild a lot, especially with my best bud, Tyler. I wanted to “draw for Disney” as a kid. I think kids can learn a lot of good life lessons from heroes and their stories.
Pricing:
- Tattoos are an hourly rate of $150 an hr. with a $100 deposit to book an appointment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livingshadowstattoos.square.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/livingshadowstattoos
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/livingshadowstattoos
Image Credits
Jordan Willet
