A Tattooing Dad - Interview with Kenneth Chope

Tattoo Artist - Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

A Tattooing Dad- Interview with Kenneth Chope

Ricky - Hey Kenneth, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to talk to you abit at our shoot. Give us a little introduction to our readers and tell them a little bit about who you are in a few sentences.

Kenneth - My name is Kenneth Chope. I’m 38 and i reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I currently work as a tattooist at White Wizard and have been doing it 3 years. I’m a full time artist as well as a full time father. My love of comic books is what made me go after becoming an artist and also the reason i got into the tattoo chair.

Ricky - Hell yeah man! I didn't realize comics was one of the things that inspired you. Are you a DC or Marvel man?

Kenneth - Honestly a DC fan. The heroes seem more normal and less powers. But I lived vicariously through them as a kid and found my place as a young artist trying to recreate them on paper and failed time after time miserably. My favorite comic book character today is Tattoo. a marvel character who can make their tattoos come to life and such.

Ricky - That's awesome! I'm more a DC dude myself. I don't think I've heard of Tattoo. Reminds me of a dude that showed up on Arrow at one time that he could use his tattoos as weapons to assassinate people. Are you stoked to see Endgame?

Kenneth - I am. I’m ready for it as we all been waiting what feels like an eternity for its release. I’m just hoping for a fight between Thanos and Hulk. Although, I have been thinking Hulk is actually Loki or another character that may have assumed Hulk’s form. But then again I tend to go down the rabbit hole thinking of plots and where the franchise will go in the future.

Tattoo Artist - Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

Ricky - That sounds alot like my oldest daughter reading up on all the theories about what's happening and why Hulk wouldn't come out in Infinity War. You mentioned fatherhood. How many kids do you have? Are they into comics as well?

Kenneth - I only have one child currently and she’s just starting her comic book collection and she collects walking dead comics. My daughter is my life though and as a single dad I try my best to teach her about everything I can. We both share quite a passion for the arts and she’s just starting her first attempts at trying to draw her own comic book artwork.

Ricky - That is awesome that you guys are able to connect with art and comics. We talked a little bit about it at the shop, but being a single dad and a tattoo artist, how has that been?

Kenneth - Well both of them separately would be great but its a struggle to juggle them both. I love what i do but i work a lot of nights so we tend to see each other every moment I get. My daughter., Acia tends to come to the shop and spend the evenings with me. She will draw while i lay down some lines. These days its much easier but I didn’t have her full time while i was going through my apprenticeship. This last year I got full custody and have been making an effort to teach her in my downtime how to do different styles of art. She says she wants to learn to tattoo in the future and honestly I would love her to learn and be able to do so but as a career I would like her to find something more stable. It’s not that we don’t make a decent living but its hard work. Every hour we work we have three hours of drawing time that week. Every artist is different but I hardly am seen without my iPad drawing or sketching away trying to come up with my next piece to show off. The artist market is competitive and there are quite a few tattooists but people forget that we all have our own styles. The hardest part though of the job is the other artists, we all have to get along but yet were all so different. In many studios artists can build each other up and help each other but some studios they just break each other down and try to scare each other off. But its like any job these days where the competition will try to take down those they feel are a threat. Honestly i try my best to stay out of it all but the shop gossip happens everywhere.

Ricky - I can totally get that. With our kids we want them to achieve great things and let's face it, sometimes people look at some careers and see the glamour and not the hard work and bullshit that goes on behind the scenes at times. We talked a little about art and the competition. It would be a lot more pleasant if we could help change the mentality that we all compete. Art is subjective to the viewer. If we could all push each other to be the best we can be, they'll be a market of people that like what we can offer. How has tattooing changed your life?

Kenneth - Interesting question!!! I used to wake up and put on a shirt and a tie and go to work 12 hours a day as a restaurant manager trying to make ends meet. Now iIm 7 to 8 hours a day or more in the shop and able to just be myself. Sure we still have to censor ourselves and remember we run a business but now my suit is my skin and i’m out here bearing it all to see and putting my skills on the line to see if i can make it in the competitive art field. I love waking every day and creating. At first it was hard but these days it gets easier and easier and i’m developing my style. Looking back i was too afraid to be myself and open up in the restaurant world trying to be a corporate puppet. But now it doesn’t matter. I just kinda do as I please with respect to others and create what I want. Though there are still stigmas when I draw dark art. People are starting to break down the stereotypes that went with tattoos we all saw when we were children.

Tattoo Artist Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

Ricky - It's such a feeling getting to create and be yourself. What are some of the stereotypes you've encountered with being a single dad that's a tattooer? What about some of the ones based off the kind of art you create?

Kenneth - People think of us as unemployed and feeding off the government while its honestly the opposite. We work hard and enjoy the art. I have had someone ask my daughter who I was and why she was hanging out with a delinquent. We get stares when we are out in public. But i also get praise these days from a lot of mothers telling me its really cool i raise my child to be without bias or stereotypes. I want her to have an open mind and not fight her teachings from when she grew up.

As for my artwork i love to draw the dark side quite a bit and would love to send you a few reference pictures but because i drew a ram skull or rams head. I’m automatically considered satanic when its just another image. Honestly i think people put to much stock in images and beliefs but that’s my opinion. As an artist i’m just trying to move forward and draw a bit of everything.

Ricky - That's really cool man! I think it's important to raise our kids to be open minded and to really evaluate and think things through to know what they believe. These days so many believe what they are told and those telling it take advantage of that. Where would you like to see our society be in the next five years?

Kenneth - I would like to see society accept the people they see around them. Stop holding beliefs before people and to start recognizing the fact we can all learn from each other. Its time we as people help each other out weather it be an ear to listen a shoulder to cry on or even just a simple hello. People need to stop being afraid of others so much and start getting to know each other. I’m part of a beard group called The Bearded Villains and our local chapter the Smokey Mountain Bearded Villains and our goal is to break down the stereotypes of bearded and or tattooed men and to show what kind of great things we can do through charity and brotherhood. Its really a great group of guys but because how we choose to look others judge us and treat us differently. So the founder Von Knox set out to do just that and break the stereotype.

I would like to see equality for all though and to see a barrier against negativity. Maybe see this country united instead of divided.

Ricky - I think that is really cool man! That is definitely a noble goal! I want to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. Where can people find you online to check out your work?

Kenneth - Thank you so much for your time as well. It was honestly great meeting you and i cant wait to watch this grow and become something amazing for you. I have watched your work for years and I support other artists in their endeavor.

My work can be found on instagram or facebook @tattoosbythecaptain or tattoos by the captain at white wizard. You can always call me as well or come by the shop my number is listed on the sites.

Thank you again and man your work is truly badass, Keep up the work and i hope to see it evolve into an amazing project. See ya along the way!!

Tattoo Artist Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this interview and story. This project is especially dear to me as I love sharing people’s stories. My goal with this project is for it to be more documentary in nature. So as a disclaimer, the words and ideas that some of the people I interview may not always reflect my views and takes on things. I feel we can learn a lot from people if we open our minds to different views and takes. I hope that will come across in these stories and profiles.

With interviewing various tattoo artists, as this project is documentary in nature, I have many friends in the tattooing field but in picking out an artist, do your homework. Check out the shops, check out the portfolios, and find an artist that is right for you. Thanks for reading guys!

Photo of the Day - Leighann Word & TRD Photography

Photo of the Day - 6/9/2014

Apparently, it's gotten to the point that I'm only gonna be able to share a few of my photos on Facebook going forward, as anything with shadows gets pixelated beyond recognition. So good news, it means I'll be sharing more here on my blog, which in reality I should be doing anyway.

Here's a sneak peek from a set I did recently with my pal Leighann Word. This set is going to be insane! This is a raw image, no photoshop except for b&w conversion.

As always, to book me, just shoot me an email to trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.

Chattanooga Tattoo Convention - TRD Photography

Tattoo Artist  Dietsch of Blackbeard Tattoo - TRD Photography

Chattanooga Tattoo Convention

Today starts the third annual Chattanooga Tattoo Convention at 2pm. Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Enthusiasts will be gathered at the Chattanooga Trade Center and I'm stoked to be a part of it this year. My friends, Tim Harden and Kellie Ruthless have invited me to hang out with them at the Revolution Tattoos booth. The convention has some amazing artists and a lot of cool shows planned. So if you have some time this weekend, come check it out. 

As for me, I'll have prints on hand, many of which have never been in print form before, and I'm offering a huge print sale. 

8x10's are $10 each or 2 for $15. 

11x14's are $20 each or 2 for $30. 

I'll also be booking shoots for June 2014, so come put down a deposit on that shoot you know you've been wanting to do! 

Below are some more photos I took at last years convention.

Tattoo Model - Photo of the Day - Raven Lee - TRD Photography

Tattoo Model Raven Lee

Raven has become one of my best friends over the years. She's such a sweet, authentic person and that's pretty hard to find. This set we shot in North Georgia. The above photo I wanted to keep a real, natural feel to it. The only photoshop work done on this was adjusting the colors. No airbrushing/liquifying type stuff at all. I hope you dig it.

Ricky - TRD Photography 

Chattanooga, TN - www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography

FInd me on Twitter/IG/Snapchat/Pinterest - @trd_photography

Behind the Scenes at a TRD Photography Event

BTS at the Feb 22nd Blowout...

On February 22nd we offered a special event at the TRD Photography studio. We'd done some renovating and decided to celebrate by offering a big discount day. We had a great day with seven ladies booking slots. It got extremely hectic and I didn't get to video as much as I had planned, but we put together some short clips as well as some of the edited images from several of the ladies to kinda give a glimpse into the day.

I wanna thank my pal, Raven Lee, for assisting me that day. She was a huge help. Raven and I have a special video project of our own that'll be debuting here in the near future. Check out some of the final product below of several of the amazing ladies I got to work with that day!

much love and thanks for all the continued support,

Ricky

www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography

IG - Twiiter - Pinterest - @trd_photography - Chattanooga, TN

Throwback Thursday - Hotels Project with Raven Lee

Photo of the Day - 2/19/2015 - Throwback Thursday - The Hotel Series with Raven Lee

One of my absolute favorite people in the world happens to be Ms. Raven Lee. I met her back in early 2012 and have had so many amazing, artistic shoots with this lady. She's been one of the sweetest, most genuine souls I've ever met! One thing about Raven that I've not ever seen at her level is how prepared she always is. Her specialty is really in nailing artistic shoot and she goes above and beyond in planning. I've never seen anyone else like her! 

I chose this photo to share with you guys today because this one came from one of my projects! It's a project that I've not really worked on since 2013 and I'd like to get it rolling again this year. It's what I called the Hotel Project. The basis of it came from the idea of working towards a book project featuring more character driven b&w shots done at hotels. Different places with different vibes. 

Even though this was one of our lesser planned out sets, it's still one of my absolute fav sets. We went for more of the old Hollywood starlet feel, with her look and with the edit. 

Be sure to go check her out on Facebook below.

www.facebook.com/theravenlee 

Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as I have a video project coming up with her VERY soon. :)

You can check out more of my work at....

www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography 

Email - trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com

I'm Ricky Davis and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. .

Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks

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Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks

I first ran into JD way back in 2012 when I just started hitting the alternative market hard. We connected through some models that were modeling his work. JD has shown me a lot of support in various ventures since, and I've really enjoyed seeing his vision for PWC expand. Recently I had a conversation with JD about where his vision is going. I'm also going to share some various photos I've taken for PWC. 

 Ricky - JD, what's new with PWC? 

JD -We just closed out on another very productive year. Being a small clothing line out of Eastern Kentucky and making the progress that we have made in a few short years is unbelievable. And we owe it all to the people who support us day in and day out. The Puncture Wounds Clothing family continues to grow daily. We are in the process of dropping a few new designs and looking into setting up a few events in the new year.

Ricky - Tell us how PWC got started man.

JD - It started out as an outlet for me to help display some artwork by a couple of my extremely talented friends who own tattoo shops and for me to start up a fun little hobby. The very first item for sale from Puncture Wounds Clothing was customized canvas shoes that were decorated with sharpies. 

Ricky - Very cool! I didn't realize that about the shoes. You guys have really done a lot of work with bands and in the music industry. Who have you guys sponsored as well as what, if any plans do you guys have in 2015 in the music scene?

JD - We've had the opportunity to clothe the backs of so many musicians and bands. Or family of bands consists of Another Lost Year from Charlotte, Elisium from Virginia, Almost Kings from Atlanta, Shallow Side from Cullman Alabama, Screaming for Silence out of Nebraska, Artifas out of Memphis, Crashing Broadway, Zero Dark Thirty, Royal Bliss, and Uncrowned.

We've also had the pleasure of Clothing national acts such as The Butcher Babies, Devour the Day, Pop Evil, Gemini Syndrome, and the Almighty Sevendust! We also met up with Marilyn Manson at a show in Columbus to deliver some gear to him.

We will be working with some more bands heading into the new year! May even see us set up a festival or two slinging some shirts

Ricky - There are so many clothing companies out there in the alt scene, what makes PWC different?

JD - PWC isn't just a clothing company man. We are a family. Our goal is to bring as many talented people together as possible. We are looking to take over the world together.

Ricky - There's definitely no better goal than world domination brother! Where can people find links to check out PWC and pick up some gear?

JD - You can find us on 

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pwc23 

Instagram - @puncturewounds

Twitter - @pwounds

Website - http://www.pwclothing.com 

Hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about Puncture Wounds Clothing. Be sure to check them out and support small businesses! 

If you'd like to book a session with me, I've only got a couple slots left open for February, and I'm beginning to book for March. I'm based in Chattanooga TN but I travel when I have enough clients in an area. Find my work at the following links.

www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography - instagram @trd_photography - Twitter - @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com