Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Whittenberger.
Hi Steve, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always made art of some kind as long as I can remember. Growing up I was very into punk and skating. There were always plenty of tattoos around and it intrigued me. After making several designs for friends to get tattooed, one of the local tattooers named Buz Bailey noticed and asked if I had any interest in learning to tattoo. It seemed like the coolest opportunity ever and so I jumped at it. Tattooing has taken me many places and given me many opportunities and twenty years later I find myself working in Boca Raton at Black Pelican Tattoo.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I kind of feel like if it’s too smooth of a road, you’re not really pushing yourself. Growth is always going to be uncomfortable and a challenge. It can also be very difficult to live as an artist when you have to commodify yourself basically in order to survive and try to find the balance of what you feel passionate about versus what’s going to put food on the table.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a tattooer and artist. I try to do all styles of tattooing well. I came up in shops where you had to know how to do everything. I’m probably known mostly for Japanese, realism, and geometric styles of tattooing. I really just try to do very clean well-executed tattoos that will make clients’ friends jealous, and try to make the experience enjoyable. I’m fortunate to have a great clientele that really lets me get to do very fun tattoos.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I have definitely taken many risks. I think it’s important to take risks and live your life while you’re able to. It’s led to some of the best experiences of my life, getting to meet and work with heroes of mine, travel, see and experience opportunities that not everyone gets to do. Whether it’s in business, life, or love, you gotta jump in with both feet. Smooth seas never made for a skilled sailor is what they say after all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/stevewhittenberger
- Instagram: @stevewhittenberger
