Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Nutting
Hi Shawn , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working in a tattoo shop in Tuscaloosa Alabama in 2005. After working in a couple shops I moved to Las Vegas in 2008. I worked in a few shops and learned to watercolor paint and hone my technical skills. In 2011 I moved to Cleveland and started working at Chronic Tattoo in Elyria Ohio. In 2019 I relocated to Los Angeles and started working at Boartooth Tattoo. I’m currently working at Oxford Circle Tattoo in Westwood and Ten Thousand Waves in Sherman Oaks.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting out I had to learn piercing before I could start my tattoo apprenticeship. I had to learn in under a month because the piercer was moving away. Needless to say I wasn’t properly trained and was thrown into being the only piercer in the shop and was terrified before each piercing! Luckily a girl came into the shop 6 months into my piercing career and took over while I focused on my tattoo apprenticeship.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always worked in walk in shops so I’ve learned to tattoo a variety of styles in a fast and efficient manner. After years of that I started to find my style and preferences. I currently enjoy making traditional American and Asian style tattoos. I like to get weird with an idea whenever possible but I also love the timeless look of a straight forward classic design.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve always found working tattoo conventions is the best way to get inspired and meet other like minded artists. It’s the best way to see what other tattooers are currently working on and talk with them about their processes.
Pricing:
- $150 minimum $200/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Chonta2.com
- Instagram: @chon_ta2
