Artist Spotlight "Michael Bowen" Part 1
We recently talked with Pro-Team Artist Michael Bowen. Michael is currently at “A Wicked Sensation” in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In part one we discuss his tattooing philosophy. In part two we talk about what customers should consider when tattooing.
ID: How long have you been tattooing?
MB: Since I was a kid but professionally 5 years in a shop setting.
ID: Why did you start tattooing?
MB: My older brother, Gilbert, was an artist and a great influence on me. He did it all; airbrushing, murals, car painting, tattooing. I would watch him, just sit and watch him. He was an amazing artist. He showed me all kinds of things like colors and shading.
I started with t-shirts and airbrushing. I wanted to start tattooing but my brother was picky and would not let me borrow his equipment. So I got an old walkman and I built my own tattoo machine. Then I started tattooing my friends.
Gilbert asked me what was I going to do with my life? I told him I was going to be a tattoo artist. Before he passed, he was able to see me tattooing.
ID: What is your favorite style of tattooing and why?
MB: My favorite is black and grey. I love it. I have always been into that. I grew up with it.
ID: What has been your most interesting/unique tattooing experience as an artist?
MB: This is hard to describe but to me it is when people love getting their tattoos. I mean I feel great when people say “I love it” or “thank you so much.”
Another interesting thing to me is everything that is coming out new in the industry, new styles, new art; for example; Trash Polka, Watercolor, how there is more and more realistic art and realism. I mean there are some talented artists out there. I am amazed how the tattoo industry advances every day, every moment, even as we are speaking.
Michael Bowen is the first pro-team member with Ink Defense. He promotes his craft by volunteering with local schools to help teach about art and tattooing as a career. He enjoys spending free time going to the mountains, fishing and hiking with his wife Sarah and daughter Bianca. He also has 3 adult step-children that live in California. He enjoys music, road trips and traveling to new places.
