Photo by Nicole Reed |
Name: MITCH13 (aka Mitchell Stiefler)
Age: 23
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Age: 23
Location: Melbourne, Australia
What attracted you to tattooing?
"I was first attracted to tattoos through my father who had several on his arms, once I received my first tattoo at the age of almost 16 I set my mind on becoming a tattooer."
How did you get into the industry?
"It took me a couple of years of harassing several studios until I finally got my break cleaning and being a slave which then lead into teaching myself to tattoo."
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
"Finding an apprenticeship was extremely hard as there was a minimal amount of studios in my neighbourhood growing up."
How many years have you been tattooing?
"I have been tattooing for almost 5 1/2 years now."
What inspires you?
"I take inspiration from a lot of different things, mainly I just to strive to become a better artist. I believe you can never stop learning or developing your skills."
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
"It's hard for me to say that I have a favourite artist/s. I've met so many in my time in the industry, I guess my favourites would be those who have helped me along the way."
How would you describe your tattoo style?
"My style of tattooing would be best summed up as "new traditional" although I take alot of inspirations from classic traditional art and tattoos."
What have you learned in your 5 & half years in the industry?
"I've learnt alot in my time as a tattooer, you've gotta work extremely hard, always push your boundaries, try different things and most of all be thankful for the industry I'm a part of."
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
"The best advice I can give is if you really want to be a tattooer you'll do whatever it takes no matter how hard the circumstances may be. Always draw and push your artistic talents as far as you can."
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
"I've experienced many great things in my time as a tattooer, from meeting great people, travelling to different countries, working with a lot of great people and seeing how humble tattooers can be."
Where do you currently tattoo?
"I currently tattoo from GREEN LOTUS TATTOO in Brunswick VIC Australia."
"Thanks to anyone who has supported myself and my art in anyway, its does not go unappreciated and I wish I could thank you all individually."
"Thanks to anyone who has supported myself and my art in anyway, its does not go unappreciated and I wish I could thank you all individually."