Name: Zachary Jeffers
Age: 24
Location: Las Vegas NV
Age: 24
Location: Las Vegas NV
What attracted you to tattooing?
The look, the style, the culture, just everything, I remember when I was about 6 or 7 and my dad came home with a bad ass wizard tattoo. I was hooked from then on.
How did you get into the industry?
I did a report for my careers class in 7th grade of what I wanted to be when I grew up, I chose tattoo artist. My teacher was pissed and called my parents, my parents however were thrilled and took me to a local shop. Then years later my dad landed me an apprenticeship from an old ex hells angel, and so it began.
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
Yes, more finding a legit shop and someone I could learn from. I apprenticed for 3 years before i began to tattoo. I also apprenticed at 3 different shops. My biggest influence was my 2nd apprenticeship and that was under Ryan Downie and Shannon Bundy. My 3rd was basically just someone to sign me off, but each one played its roll and i was able to learn from each experience.
How many years have you been tattooing?
I'm 2 years in.
What inspires you?
Everything, just being able to wake up and do what I love is enough for me.
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
Grez, Koeplinger, Shammah, Uzi, Bundy... so many more, I could go on for days.
How would you describe your tattoo style?
I'm still trying to figure out my style, I tend to stay along the lines of traditional. I'm all about bold lines and heavy black whip shading and bright colors, the rest depends on the day and the mood.
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
To never get mixed up in the 'he said she said' politics of the game, and to focus on your work and not give a fuck about joe blow down the roads tattoos whether they be good or horrible.
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
Don't do it! The industry is so over populated at the moment that I think we need to let a few die off before more start sprouting up.
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
Meeting people, traveling, and just having the best job one could ask for!
Where do you currently tattoo?
I work at Massive Tattoo in Las Vegas.
