Everyone who has a tattoo—a growing number these days—has reasons for the image on their wrist, back, or thigh, whether it’s an incredibly meaningful gesture of remembrance, a daily reminder of something important, or a simple funny image that speaks to one’s personality.
Tattoos based on cartoons contain all of those reasons and more. Hoping to learn more intimately about the process of tattooing based on animated scenes and characters, The Dot and Line caught up with Edmonton, Alberta–based tattoo artist Steve Sklepic, of tattoo parlor Atomic Zombie, on his cartoon-based work and the reasons that compel us to get inked.
How did you initially become interested in animation, cartoons, and comic books?
My dad actually taught both my brother and me how to read using Spider-Man. Every night before bed he would want to read us something, and he didn’t want to do the typical Dr. Seuss thing so he would put on a big show about reading us Spider-Man comics using funny voices.
When I was seven years old, Spawn came out, and my friend bought me the original action figure. I guess it all started from there.
You’ve been tattooing since 2007. At what age did you realize that becoming a tattoo artist was not only something you could do but also make a living doing? Are you the only creative in the family?
It definitely runs in the family. My brother and I have always been creative. After high school, I was working odd jobs and then I went to school for graphic design. I loved the schooling, but couldn’t do the 9–5 industry work that usually comes with a graphic design job. I had a job color correcting things and working on a computer for hours.
My brother had a shop then on the south side of Edmonton, and I started working there from the ground up. That’s probably the way to go, I think. These days, a lot of apprentices have it easy. They don’t have to scrub tubes, sterilize needles, etc. Gone are the days of scrubbing things with a toothbrush.
What was it like beginning as a tattoo artist back then? How did your childhood influence you?
Most people—and I’m no exception—just kind of take the work that comes when you’re starting out. I knew from the get go that I didn’t want to be doing the usual faith-on-the-wrist type of work. I always just drew from my own inspiration as a kid. My walls are filled with comic book art, and I knew that that’s where I wanted to be as an artist. I wanted to dive into cartoons and comic book art.
It was an interesting time, to be a child of the 1980s and ‘90s, because everything coming out was a new concept. It’s not like today where everything feels like a reboot, remake, or sequel. Everything coming out was brand new. A lot of people around that time had crappy parents as well. They kind of just sat their kids down in front of the television and, hell, Optimus Prime became like a father figure for some. We’re a generation that didn’t go outside and play.
It feels like that time period has influenced us in greater ways. More and more, people I know who are in their 20s or 30s are still watching—or starting to watch—animated shows.
Yeah, it’s really cool that in Western society, people are now a little more receptive to a grown adult watching cartoons. It’s a bit more socially acceptable to continue watching things like BoJack Horseman. People aren’t rushing to grow up these days, I guess.
What do you think about the current offerings for kids when it comes to cartoons, animated shows, and comics?
I think it’s definitely harder to find really good educational or entertaining animation now. I love Trollhunters on Netflix, though. With the advent of the internet and Netflix, it’s gotten harder for kids to find the best out there. They kind of have to fend for themselves. There’s definitely good programming out there, but I feel like they’re missing out on originality in animation.
Tattoos are very personal and can have an incredibly deep meaning for people. Do you sense that meaning in your work while creating a piece?
Some people don’t take their tattoos that seriously and they want something goofy or fun. For others, it’s a pretty profound thing. If someone grew up watching The Muppet Show with their parents and their dad passes, it’s not unreasonable for that person to tear up when getting a Muppet tattoo. I prefer it that way. You’re getting to know someone on a personal level when doing the work on them. Makes my day go by much quicker. We tattoo artists can definitely moonlight as psychiatrists.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get their first tattoo?
Stop looking at Pinterest. Stop looking online. Really dig deep into yourself and find what you want your tattoo to say and what you’re about. We try really hard to escape the stereotypical flaming skulls at our shop. In Alberta, it’s a big trend to get a mountain range. You can put whatever you want on your skin, why limit it to what 100 other people already have? You have to think a little and be weird when you’re getting a tattoo. When you go to work or you’re out in public, you have to behave. Tattoos are a place for you to have some fun and be yourself.
I’d rather innovate than emulate. Not everyone will get it, but I’m not one to care. They watch one episode of, say, L.A. Ink, and then they try to encompass their whole person in a single tattoo. But it’s all about pleasing the person in the chair.
Did you watch any of those tattoo shows?
I watched L.A. Ink and Miami Ink early on. Since then, I’ve come to realize how much bullshit those shows are. I’m not a fan. I don’t even have cable these days, to be honest, and can’t really be bothered with those shows. The competitions are just silly. At no point has a client come to me and said, “You only have three hours to do this.” I tell my clients how long it will take. I can definitely see why artists would do it for publicity and business, though.
What animated shows are you watching currently?
These days, I’ve been loving Trollhunters on Netflix. Love my Rick and Morty. It’s a perfect show as far as I’m concerned. I love Studio Ghibli’s work and I love Pixar’s whole aesthetic of wrapping realistic textures around cartoonish frames. I love that dichotomy. Mr. Incredible looks so real despite his exaggerated physical build. Cowboy Bepop is a favorite as well, and I’ll be a fan of South Park forever.
Thanks for reading The Dot and Line, where we talk about animation of all kinds. Don’t forget to ❤ this article and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
