Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalton Derks.
Hi Dalton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up my favorite class was always Art. I loved being able to take my time on projects and work at a slow pace on things. I had always been a pretty distracted student so core classes were something that I dreaded. Although, I was passionate about Art, I always knew deep down inside that it wouldn’t pay the bills. Long story short I turned out to be super wrong about that. I also had a strange interest in tattoos. A sign of permanence and commitment in the display of fleshly art. I loved the old school look of tattoos and the imagery they portrayed. Anchors, ships, eagles, swallows, etc. I knew if I was to ever continue making art it would be similar to those old school, American Traditional, style tattoos.
After a year in a half in college trying to get my basics done, a city firefighter came into one of our classes to mention joining fire academy. It immediately peaked my interest because my grandfather was a firefighter for 25+ years and retired Chaplain/Captain of the city he worked for. I’ve always been pretty chaotic with decision making so I talked to my parents about it and they thought it would be a good direction for me, especially because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. A year passed and I had successfully gotten my Structural Firefighting certification and EMT-B training done.
I then started applying and trying out for numerous entrance exams for cities. I wasn’t able to find a job and I was feeling a little discouraged. At this time, I started to get more tattoos amongst the frustration. I also started to get back into art again. I started to use the time that I had free to paint flash sheets. Flash sheets are a way to show off tattoo designs that are available to be tattooed. My tattoo artist at the time, Austin Allen, told me that my paintings showed promise and that I should pursue a tattoo apprenticeship. I started to paint old school imagery of lady heads, ships, anchors, and subject matter tied to that style. In doing this, I learned how to add elements of my own mind and incorporate them into these classic designs.
I started apprenticing at The Gallery Tattoo Studio in Burleson, Texas, under Luis Martinez. He equipped me with the skill set to be able to do what I do today and for that I am thankful. Also my coworkers at The Gallery, Lyndon Korcala, Josh Wilson, Mike Duncan, and Kevin Degracia spent ample time with me to help me with my art studies and my tattooing. I spent two tears apprenticing and then was promoted to an artist. I spent my time at The Gallery learning more about the style of art I wanted to pursue, which was Traditional. I was the only one at the shop who did this style so I always knew that I wanted to end up at a shop where everyone does Traditional. I soon began to look at more shops around the area and looked for the best shop to help me better pursue this style.
I have since then relocated to Crackerjack Tattoo Studio in Haltom City. It is owned by Austin Hansen and managed by his brother Carrington Hansen. I tattoo with many great artists who also pursue the same style of tattooing I prefer to do, which is American Traditional tattooing. I also tattoo with other artists who do different styles like Fine-Line and Black & Grey. All of us traditional tattooists who work at Crackerjack are soon going to be relocating to a new shop outside of Sundance Square, in Fort Worth. This shop will be called Pink Cobra Tattoo and will specialize in American Traditional and Japanese tattooing. It will be opening this year and we are all looking forward to bringing bold, classic, and sharp tattoos to downtown Fort Worth.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One significant struggle I had during my apprenticeship and the beginning of my career as a tattoo artist was managing my mental health. During the apprenticeship, I worked at a coffee shop in the morning managing. After my early morning shifts were through I would then spend the remainder of my day at the tattoo shop learning. This took a great toll on me and also affected other aspects of my life because of how much I was way from home.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist that specializes in American Traditional. What I love about my art is that I try to be as tasteful and well-rounded to help my client’s ideas come to life. I am known for being “wiser than my years”. As a 23-year-old who is just now starting a career, I feel like I am known for being hardworking and being hungry to perfect my craft.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Put yourself out there. Be confident and be humble. Life is a balancing act where you are destined to fall down. After you fall get back up and learn from every mistake. Be teachable and be willing to talk to people who have the skill set you need to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Email: daltonderks@gmail.com
- Website: worksofderks.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: worksofderks
- Facebook: Dalton Derks
Image Credits
Garrett Golightly
