erin_broadley

First introduced to tattoos at the age of 18, Rich White was hooked. Soon he started drawing his friends tattoos for them and after a few years getting tattooed and observing from the outside, eventually Rich decided to try it himself.

Tattooing for over 13 years now, Rich is the owner of Action Tattoo, located in Auburn, Washington. Specializing in photorealism, Rich does a lot of portrait work but loves to freehand tattoo as much as possible.

Married and with his first child on the way, Rich spends most of his time at home with family, leaving himself a little time to enjoy his favorite pastime -- poker.

As a member of the tattoo syndicate "The Dirty Dozen", Rich does a lot to further the education of proper tattooing ethics. Along with his co-members, Rich can be found at conventions across the country proudly displaying their call letters "DDFL". But if you want to find out what he's up to all you have to do is check out his profile on InkedNation.com and I'm sure you'll find him involved in some type of debate. Known for his witty sarcasm and "call it like he sees it" mentality as well as his lifelike tattooing, Mr. White is truly an asset to the tattoo community.

The following interview consists of InkedNation user submitted questions...


Rusty Gordon: Who and what was your BIGGEST influence?

Rich White: When I was young and first getting tattooed. I was in a shop and looking at all the flash. There was nothing but junk. All of it sucked except for one sheet by Kari Barba. It was two lions fighting and it was the first glimpse of realism in tattooing that I had seen. So I guess you can say that Kari Barba was my biggest influence.

Sledge84: What was the first tattoo you ever did and were you happy with it?

Rich White: Hell no! It was a tribal sun and it sucked!

Sherlockholmes: What's it like having such a famous sister?

Rich White: It's kinda hard because the Paparazzi never give us any privacy.

Cocob420: How do you feel about the state of tattooing today?

Rich White: It's totally over-saturated with sub-par artists and exploited to the point of [being] disgusted. But once you scrape past that part, it's the greatest job there is.

Cocob420: What is your biggest "Ah-Ha" moment in you tattoo career?

Rich White: Probably the first time I saw the "Take On Me" video.

1dharma: If TLC contacted you about doing a one-month long reality bit about your shop, what would you say?

Rich White: Honestly, I would say no.

cocob420: How do cope with being a tattoo artist and a family man? Long hours, art to create, family, etc. can be grueling. How do you find balance?

Rich White: It's hard. My wife works regular hours and we only have one day off together each week. Plus we are due to have our first child in March. I basically spend as much quality time as possible at home. It helps when you have a wife thats as incredible as mine.

fgiovannitti: It seems you showcase a lot of reproduction work... Do you prefer that to your own artwork?

Rich White: I do a lot of original work, also. I freehand tattoo as much as I do portraits. I actually prefer it to be honest. But I don't post a lot of it online because I'm slightly insecure about my own stuff. With reproduction it's easy; You just recreate what you see. Here's a freehand piece I did.

cuisinarte: Well, in that case, can you tell us what your favorite subject matter is to tattoo and what is the longest sitting that you and a client have done, non-stop?

Rich White: I love pin-ups. Particularly Gil Elvgren pin-ups. I worked on a guy for almost eight hours once. But I've heard of people sitting much longer.

littlebastard: If you could have the power of the tattoo gods, what would you do to change the business and face of tattooing?

Rich White: I would strike the Tweekers down with a mighty thunderbolt. (That should do wonders for tattooing.)

cocob420: How do you feel about apprentices? With people now having such free access to tattoo "equipment" these days, does this help the industry?

Rich White: They suck! Except for Emily of course.

cocob420: Who are your mentors? What dues did you have to pay to learn your craft?

Rich White: My "mentors" were those that I got tattooed by. I was never an apprentice. After a few years on my own, I started working at a street shop. I.e. Shawn Warcott, Benjamin Moss, Bryan Childs My dues were paid there. But I truly started learning my craft when I branched out on my own.

macstats: When did you come into your own style?

Rich White: I don't know that I have a "style". I feel like I'm sort of the "white t-shirt" of tattooing.

slutfairy: Who are your favorite tattoo artists?

Rich White: Here's a few in no particular order: Robert Hernandez, Bryan Childs, Joshua Carlton, Benjamin Moss, Bob Tyrell, Jeff Gogue, Petri, Mike Cole, Dave Attonito, Clay Welch, Kari Barba.

ghostofdeeks: If you hadn't ever pursued tattooing, what would you be doing today?

Rich White: Porn.

aivanne: Do you think you can be an accomplished tattoo artist [while] only focusing on one style ? (Let's say, Japanese.)

Rich White: Absolutely. Look at people like Tom Renshaw, Jose Lopez and Paul Booth. I don't see a whole lot of variety in their styles, yet they are all incredible and successful. Not to mention all the Traditional artists.

uncleb: Mr. Rich, the question that's on everyones mind but no one will ask is, boxers or briefs?

Rich White: I'm a free-baller, Uncle B.

vinniedonuts: What is the first tattoo you got?

Rich White: Got a dumb southwest cow skull design on shoulder. Done by Bernie at Ink Fever.

nochi: What do you believe the ultimate key to being a good, solid tattooer is? (Not a tech question, duh.)

Rich White: Put in the time to learn your craft. And don't ever stop trying to learn more.

1dharma: What style of tattooing, if any, do you consider challenging to you? Why?

Rich White: Traditional! It looks so easy. But it's not. I have a lot of respect for good traditional artists.