Name: Geoff Horn
Age: 31
Location: Woodland Park, New Jersey
What attracted you to tattooing?
"I would have to say the hardcore scene. I was 15 and i started going to shows, all the guys in bands were tattooed and i thought it was awesome. Then when I was 18 I got a skin and ink magazine and I saw a article on Josh Brown from Richmond, VA. His tattoos changed my life, even though I had no idea what I was looking at. I just loved the look of them."
How did you get into the industry?
"Well I moved down to go to college at Montclair State University. My roommate Joey was working at a tattoo shop and when I lost my job at home as a waiter he said I could take his position as the shop boy."
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
"Well not really, I apprenticed where I was working. At that time I was there maybe 5 years before I started apprenticing. But i do know I was scared to death to ask my boss if I can learn. I did a few tattoos on myself in my bedroom before I asked him as well. They were horrid!"
How many years have you been tattooing?
"I started in April of 2005 so 6 years."
What inspires you?
"Man its hard. my tastes are always changing. When I first started I was obsessed with the weird American stuff. I did that for years. But as of late I have been into Japanese tattoos. So i guess what inspires me are old prints, monsters, cultures, meanings, and music."
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
"This is a hard question. First and foremost I would say that Zam is the most important person to my tattoo career. He did my back, so we spent lots of time together. We talked about tons of different things and I cherish all the stories he told me. Jason Mcafee was also a major part to my tattoo life as well. He was one of the first tattooers who was really nice to me. His tattoos changed my life. but my faves right now are Rodrigo Melo, Rico, Sam Rickets, all my the soos guys, Jonathan Penchoff."
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
"The tattoo industry is a lot like high school. "he said, she said". "if you are not cool with him then I wont talk to you". Its sad to say, but I was very concerned with being friends with all the "cool guys" in the industry. You see who the real people/friends are when you really need someone."
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
"Well, maybe wait a few years, it is over saturated. But, if you are way into it get tattooed. Get tattooed a lot. It is very important."
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
"Man. So many things. First of all i have seen the world. that is such a big part of my life. the experiences will last a life time. Also I have met some of my best friends. not to sound corny but tattooing is my life. Everything I have is because of it....good and bad. "
Where do you currently tattoo?
"I am currently tattooing in Linden, NJ at Physical Graffiti. I will be leaving here to open up my own shop in woodland park , NJ called Hole in the Sky Tattoo Parlor."
"I would like to thank all my friends and clients. without all of you I would not have anything. many people are coming out of the woodwork to help me with my shop, i could not be more thankful for this, and to you Renee....thanks for thinking of me for the site."
