Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Gamel.
Hi Cameron, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I’m 43, so I’ve been drawing since I can remember, my interest in tattooing started in the early 90s when I accompanied my older brother to get his first tattoo. It must’ve left quite the impression because I never shook the possibility that one day I could make a living doing art and tattoos. After a few failed attempts at finding an apprenticeship fresh out of high school, I joined the US Army, after serving 4yrs, with a new found appreciation for “life is short”, I decided I’d put all my effort into finding an apprenticeship, so since 2007 this is me, and I am this!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in life is a smooth road, in my experience, and that definitely goes for anything worth doing. I’d say some of my personal challenges have been being a single father while starting out and trying to balance/budget that with the lifestyle that accompanies being a tattoo artist. Sometimes it’s feast or famine, There have been times where I have to side hustle, society doesn’t label us “starving artists” for no reason. You just have to get things shaking when you’re stagnant.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tattooer, sometimes I get to be an artist. I say that because I work with people, I provide a service, and most of the time it is within the boundaries of what they want, or their vision. As I’ve progressed I find people are much more willing to take my advice though. If I were to specialize in anything it’d be traditional style tattoos, black lines, bold color, peppery shading. I also really love doing black and grey and fine-line type tattoos as well. Honestly, I’m very eclectic, I love a wide spectrum of music, and the same goes for styles of tattoos, I’m most proud of the fact I’ve never given up, I’m 19yrs in, not everyone last that long in this business. I take just as much pride in the small tattoos as I do in the full sleeves, and that’s what sets me apart, I give everyone all I have to give day after day.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Man, that’s a tough one, all the tattooers I’ve worked with over the years have offered something, good or bad. If I had to pinpoint someone with the biggest impact on my work, it’d be my late friend Jamie English. He was a well renowned tattooer in DFW, we worked together over the course of many years, at 6 different locations! He taught/influenced me more in tattooing than anyone else. There’s too many others to mention without leaving someone out, just know if we ever crossed paths in the tattoo world, I appreciate your contribution rather it was tattooing me, encouragement, critique, or sharing a technique with me, hopefully yall can all say the same about me. Shout out to my dude Jeremiah Havok! As far as supporters, my family and friends have always been pretty good about that, they buy art, offer up skin, and send referrals .
Pricing:
- $100 minimum
- $200/hr
- $700/half day sessions
- I also price by the piece, not just hourly
Contact Info:
