Name: Destroy Troy
Age: 1978
Location: Kansas City, Missouri USA
What attracted you to tattooing?
I've always done art. I remember back in Kindergarten drawing tanks and guns. haha In middle school, about 7th grade I tattooed my name across my knuckles...luckily it didn't get infected...the lettering turned green and all dropped out in a few weeks. I just always thought tattoos where cool, after I got my first one I was hooked.
I've always done art. I remember back in Kindergarten drawing tanks and guns. haha In middle school, about 7th grade I tattooed my name across my knuckles...luckily it didn't get infected...the lettering turned green and all dropped out in a few weeks. I just always thought tattoos where cool, after I got my first one I was hooked.
How did you get into the industry?
I worked at a local shop in Kansas City as front counter help. After a few years there I got an apprenticeship, however, I'd say I learned the most about tattooing when I moved to Perth Australia in 2007.
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
Very. As it should be. I doubt it is that hard these days. We got jokers opening tattoo schools which is a total scam. Then we got dick head shop owners cranking out apprentices left and right. Sometimes more then one apprentice.
Very. As it should be. I doubt it is that hard these days. We got jokers opening tattoo schools which is a total scam. Then we got dick head shop owners cranking out apprentices left and right. Sometimes more then one apprentice.
How many years have you been tattooing?
Almost 6 years. full time.
Almost 6 years. full time.
What inspires you?
I used to be inspired a lot by other tattooers, but lately it's been the travels that inspire me. I try to seek out reference and images that are not tattoos. Also, smoking DMT.
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
They are all on Instagram -
@DustyNeal @Peppermintjones @SamRulz @AdamCraft to name a few.
They are all on Instagram -
@DustyNeal @Peppermintjones @SamRulz @AdamCraft to name a few.
How would you describe your tattoo style?
super bold
super bold
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
I spent nearly 4 years traveling on the road. Bouncing between Australia, New Zealand, Istanbul and several parts of Europe, over 30+ shops, there was tons of knowledge to absorb. Maybe the most important thing I've learned is hot to tell people there tattoo idea sucks, but in a nice way, and turn the ideas around into a nice tattoo. People should get what they want tattooed on them, but as a artist, i feel it is my job to help guide them out of "a small rose with 5 names hidden in the pedals with all the birthdays hidden in the stem" hahaha
I spent nearly 4 years traveling on the road. Bouncing between Australia, New Zealand, Istanbul and several parts of Europe, over 30+ shops, there was tons of knowledge to absorb. Maybe the most important thing I've learned is hot to tell people there tattoo idea sucks, but in a nice way, and turn the ideas around into a nice tattoo. People should get what they want tattooed on them, but as a artist, i feel it is my job to help guide them out of "a small rose with 5 names hidden in the pedals with all the birthdays hidden in the stem" hahaha
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
Don't do it. Honestly.
Don't do it. Honestly.
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
The traveling and making new friends.
Where do you currently tattoo?
Kansas City at Timeless Tattoo.
Kansas City at Timeless Tattoo.
Instagram @DestroyTroy
