Today we’d like to introduce you to Eddie MacIntosh.
Hi Eddie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My tattoo career started under the mentorship of my good friend Chris Lowe. He owns Naked Art tattoos in Odenton, Maryland where I have been now for just shy of two decades. Chris and I met when he was looking for a band to play his shop parties and he ended up liking us. At the time my day job was working as a behavioral resource worker for a special education high school and playing music on the nights and weekends with some commissioned visual art in my downtime. Over the years Chris and I became friends and he would give me tips on how to improve my art. I was lucky enough to have him take me on as an apprentice and it gave me a whole new life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Going from a steady paycheck job with security to one where you are completely reliant on your own skills is a terrifying leap. With tattooing there are no erasers and it can humble you quickly if you make a mistake so the goal is to treat every line like a life depends on it. Your reputation is the most important thing. Learning to expand your skillset while not attempting things beyond your ability is difficult to navigate so having a mentor is crucial. That’s why an apprenticeship is, in my opinion, the only way to go. Tattoo schools etc are not a direct link to the tradition and don’t have that sacred lineage. It is an honour to do what we do so that trust between customer and tattooer needs to be seen a bigger than anyone’s ego.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a tattoo artist who focuses in American traditional tattoos. . I’m not sure I can say what sets me apart from others but I can tell you that I am honoured to do what I do for a living . Im at a point in my career where I have tattooed multiple generations of the same families and it means the world to me. I would love to do a custom piece rooted in tradition for anyone who seeks me out.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be persistent. Be humble. Take advice but make sure that you don’t take crap.
Pricing:
- Depends on the piece
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.nakedartattoos.com
- Instagram: Eddiemacintoshtattoos
