Interview with: Carter Moore
Immortal CanvasTattoo & Piercing Studios
5573 Eureka Drive
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513 863 I N K S [4657]
myspace.com/immortalcanvas
How Long have you been tattooing?
I’ve been tattooing for three years now. I spent 15 years working in advertising as an Art Director and Creative Director, I finally grew tired of lying to people to get them to buy things they don’t need. I have a degree in Art so I feel like that has helped me as a tattoo artist. Having a fine art background definitely has and effect on how I approach a tattoo.
Who did you apprenticed for
Honestly, my apprenticeship was pretty shoddy so I’d rather not give credit to that guy. The guy that was supposed to teach me was never around, and I ended up learning mostly from the other artists in the shop. I was fortunate enough to make friends with some really great artists that have shown me some things along the way.
Type of tattoos you enjoy doing
Portraits, and anything realistic. I also love to do tattoos that appear as though you were born with it, as opposed to having it stuck on you.
Tell us a Funny/Interesting story related to tattooing
I had a lady come in one time wanting someone’s initials tattooed on her, but wanted them masked within the tattoo. I’m assuming, it’s a boyfriend and she’s thinking ahead so that if it doesn’t work out she’s not stuck with some guys initials on her. It turns out, I’m half right. It is a boyfriend, and she wants it masked so that her husband doesn’t notice them! Hahaha What a trip!
I also had someone come up to me at a convention in Arkansas ask if I would do a tattoo of the Nazi SS symbol. Of course I refuse to do it and tell her I do not do anything even close to racist tattoos. The funny thing is, this girl was Native American! I try to explain to her that Hitler wouldn’t have favored her very well, but she was adamant about wanting it done. Pure ignorance! haha
Do you take more walk ins or appointments
I rarely take walk-ins, my shop definitely welcomes walk-ins, but I’m usually booked out about two months in advance. So the only time I get to do a walk-in is when I have a cancellation, or it’s a small piece and I have a small pocket of time.
Who is your typical customer?
I actually tend to have more female than male customers, and a lot of people that are new to tattoos. Most likely because I’m not as heavily tattooed as some artists, I think my appearance seems a bit more approachable than perhaps the “typical” tattoo artist.
Your thoughts on the state of tattoo culture
I love that tattoos are becoming more acceptable, I’m seeing people coming in to get tattooed that I never would have expected. People are seeing that tattoos are art, and can compliment the body. So we’re seeing brilliant and beautiful art being applied to the skin. Of course this is a double-edged sword because then tattoo isn’t as much of a sub-culture as it once was, which can dilute some of the “coolness” factor. I do know that I love being a part of the tattoo culture, I love the people involved more than anything.
The people who live the tattoo culture seem more genuine, they’re comfortable in their own skin, and they really don’t care what other people might think of them. I think that’s what appeals to me the most. The people that are entrenched in tattoo have outgrown consumerism and being overly concerned about keeping up with the Jones’. They just want to be themselves, I like that.
Your thoughts on Miami Ink & Inked… and other tattoo tv
The tv shows have definitely opened the aperture for a lot of people of what can be done with a tattoo, as well as the type of person that gets tattooed. You have people that would never have considered getting a tattoo, watching those shows every week now, and getting to know the stories and the reasons behind why someone might want a tattoo. It also helps to discourage the stereotype that only convicts and bikers get tattooed.
The negative side is that people think they can walk right in and get work done by the lead artist in the shop. The get frustrated when they have to make an appointment. They don’t realize that the clients on tv, have been through casting calls, and interviews and have already done a consultation before they ever make it on air. They also think you can do a full sleeve in an hour! Haha Then there’s also the bad things that get on air….
In the end, the shows have done a good job of showcasing tattoo in a positive light so I’d say at the end of the day, they’re a good thing for the industry.
Tell us who you want to be tattooed by:
I’ve been lucky enough to get tattooed by several greats, such as Joshua Carlton, John Montgomery, Bob Tyrrell and Kyle Cotterman. I’d love to be tattooed by Guy Aitchison, Robert Hernandez, Paul Acker, Megan Hoogland, Nikko Hurtado, Mike DeVries and many others.