The WAVE: JUNE '17

Chris McPherson
@chrismcphersontattoo
What is the most bizzare tattoo you have ever put on
someone?
Spiderweb on the tongue from tip in
For a first timer, where should they not get a tattoo if
they do not like a lot of pain?
Inner wrist, ribs, sternum, or inner elbow
How long have you been a tattoo artist?
28 years
Do you remember the first tattoo that you ever done?
No honestly
How would you describe your tattooing style?
Black and grey realism
Where is the most difficult place for you to tattoo
someone?
Back of the upper arm by the armpit
Do you have any tats? If so, how many?
A ton, lost count years ago
Did you do any of them yourself?
Yes, any I could reach!
Do your friends let you tatt them up for practice?
Yeah if I wanna try something new!
What is your craziest story?
My best horror story is probably a lady that left a LOT
of info off the consent form in the “things your artist
should be aware of ” section. A little bit into the tattoo
she is flopping and climbing out of my chair, it was a
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lower back piece and I know its a sensitive area but
it was to the point of being ridiculous! At this point
nothing was accomplished and most of the time had
been spent correcting where she was moving so much!
I’m really really patient with my clients, and try to
accommodate them in any way I can. But this entire
session was a nightmare, on top of moving she was
yelling at me, threats, etc. Well a few minutes later her
boyfriend asks me if I smell popcorn?! I replied “yeah
a little?! Why?” And he tells me that popcorn makes
his girlfriend go into seizures!! I look at my client and
she was in a full blown one!! I stop, get her situated and
stop the session. I tattoo people with medical issues
everyday, but if I don’t know the issues are there I can’t
prepare!! Afterwards I found out her ex husband broke
her back and damaged her hip and spine from abuse!!
She was getting all sorts of shots that made the area
really hyper sensitive!!! And the seizures were caused
by a tumor in her spine/neck area. If I had known any
of that I would have opted for a different placement or
not get one!!! But I thought it was a regular session!
That was a long time ago do the numbing stuff that’s
out now wasn’t available. But since then I make sure
there’s not underlying issues with any clients! :)
Should drunk people get inked?
Oh hell no.
What tattoo artists, if any, do you draw inspiration
from?
A lot of guys in socal, I love the high contrast stuff
What’s the secret to being a great tattoo artist?
Stay humble, never stop learning and trying new
things
What is your favorite tattoo artist?
I'd probably say Brian Gonzalez with inkslingers in LA
Words of advice for anyone that wants to become a
tattoo artist?
Same as number 12, be patient! Find an artist you like
and talk to them. Don't jump the gun and start ordering
equipment without knowing how to use it!
Where can we get inked by you and see more of your
work?
Instagram @chrismcphersontattoo Facebook @Chris
McPherson Tattoo Or Gypsy Soul Tattoo
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