Tommy Michael

 

In 2005 after a months of inquiring, and looking back now probably being an annoyance to the person who would become my first mentor, I landed a piercing apprenticeship. Though I enjoyed piercing at the beginning, it wasn’t what I was there for. I mustered up the courage and asked to begin a tattoo apprenticeship within a few months. After completing a few assignments, I was given the opportunity. Completely naive for what was in store for me, I dedicated my life to the craft of tattooing from that point forward. The early years were chaotic and incredibly difficult but exciting all at the same time. Through sheer determination, growing passion and fear, a lot of fear, I made it through. Originally from Wyoming, I moved to Colorado in 2011. There came a shift, the fear slowly melted away when I started working with other artists that just loved tattooing and wanted to help me grow as an artist. I spent several years traveling the U.S. (2014–2017), tattooing and learning alongside artists from all walks of life. From 2021 to 2024, I lived and worked in Los Angeles, where I continued to grow through collaboration with some of the industry’s most talented artists.

The exposure and privilege of working with so many artists over the past two decades has shaped both my knowledge and passion for tattooing. I can’t single out just one or two who’ve inspired me most, every artist I’ve crossed paths with has influenced me in one way or another.

I strive to stay true to my old-school roots while embracing the ever-evolving technologies and techniques that push tattooing forward. Though I’m well-versed in many styles, my heart leans toward large-scale black and grey illustrative-realism inspired by the natural world. When given creative freedom, I prefer to let the process unfold naturally, approaching each piece as I would an oil painting allows for nearly unlimited change throughout the tattoo. It also pushes the experience of the process to be as important and exciting as the end result. Trust the process.

I don’t believe in masters in this craft. I see myself, and all those who honor tattooing’s traditions, as lifelong apprentices to this sacred trade. Tattooing is a culture built on grit, respect, and dedication, it’s something that must be earned, not given.

What I value most are the relationships built through this work. Every client who trusts me to be part of their personal expression gives me the opportunity to connect, create, and contribute to something meaningful. Whether it’s a deeply personal piece or a funny, spontaneous tattoo that captures a fleeting moment, I believe tattooing can be healing, expressive, and should be profoundly human