Durb Morrison is an award winning tattoo artist and organizer of Hell City Tattoo Fest.
Jean-Francois Laverdiere of Inked Nation. recently sat down with the artist at his private studio in Ohio.
Inked Nation: What are your thoughts of the influence of reality TV shows and the Internet on the tattoo industry?
Durb Morrison: I think that the Internet and TV shows have done great for tattooing! At first, when I was watching Miami Ink and they showed someone spell something wrong, I was like awesome, here we go, they are going to show the worst aspects! The shows have really allowed the general public behind the scenes to see that tattoo artists are very talented down to earth individuals. The Internet has allowed todays tattoo artists to share and gather vast amounts of info, once kept underground. The Internet is the best place for inspiration and techniques, definitely revolutionizing tattooing. The shows have killed yesterdays stigmas towards tattoos and have solidified the art movement known as tattooing.
IN: Surveys say that over 35% of adults between the ages of 19 and 35 have at least one tattoo. Do you think the bubble has burst already or are we going to see more and more people getting ink?
DM: Definitely more and more people will continue to get tattooed! Just the public awareness and appreciation for the art form has lead to a huge increase of tattooed people, studios and artists. It has been here for far to long to be stagnant, tattooing is taking over!
IN: At what age did you know youd be a tattoo artist?
DM: I was a little punk skateboard kid that was always into some shit that meant no good! When I was 14-years-old my stepbrother started coming home with professional tattoos from an early mentor of ours. I loved the look of them in the skin and was fascinated by them. I started showing a general interest in getting a tattoo early on. I thought that by getting a tattoo, I was throwing another log of the fire and therefore putting myself out there away from the norm even more. I had always done art since I was a kid and found tattoo art the most inspirational, so it kinda went hand in hand that I would become a tattoo artist. I started tattooing when I was 17 and havent stopped since. I have had an amazing life thanks to tattooing and those Ive met along the way.
IN: Which was more challenging: building a world renowned studio or creating Hell City?
DM: Each are equally challenging, with different aspects along the way. I started Stained Skin Studios over 15 years ago and really worked hard to make tattooing huge in Columbus. I had many incredibly talented crews work along side me over the years. I sold both studios a few years back to focus more on my tattooing and passed the torches to two very motivated artists. I dont miss the fact that not only do you have to try to tattoo as much as possible, pay the bills, balance the books, and keep the operation going full steam, you also have to keep others as motivated as you are and play an inspirational role as well. I have always tried to contribute back to tattooing with whatever I do. After selling the studios, I have put more focus in recent years to the Hell City Tattoo Festival. I find that organizing Hell City is a lot of fun and very rewarding when you see everyone having a blast and working away under one roof. I feel like Im starting a new chapter in the book, its refreshing and a lot of fun putting on Hell City!
IN: Youre also known for your paintings, between tattooing and painting, which one do you prefer to do now ?
DM: I still like to tattoo more than any other medium I work in. Tattooing has made me a thousand times a better artist due to the precision and lack of forgiveness. I like the constant challenge of the clients and that feeling of accomplishment when I finish a tattoo and see the client diggin it. I like the interaction between myself and the client with tattooing, although I do like to leave the skin and paint and sculpt a lot. I like the fact that I cant really fuck anything up, its not a living person and it doesnt need to take piss or smoke breaks.
IN: Who did your first tattoo?
DM: One of my best friends growing up, Bill Sparky Rector did my first tattoo with a sewing needle and thread, pretty white trash, it was great! I later got professionally tattooed by Tim Miller, who I went on to apprentice under in 1991. He had learned from old school legend, Marty Holcomb here in Columbus. I have been tattooed by tons of artists since then, but thats where it all started.
IN: Is there any artist out there youd like to be tattooed by?
DM: Not sure why Ive never got tattooed by him, But Ive always wanted tattooed by Guy Aitchison, he has always been a huge inspiration to me artistically as well as his writing in his books. I would love to travel to Japan to get tattooed by Horiyoshi III as well, both are beyond amazing and are living masters.
IN:Tell us about Durbster.com.
DM: Well my personal website is a collection of my tattooing and other forms of art I have done as well as my life thus far. My Inked Nation page is a way for the online community to check out news and new works by me, as well as a way to stay in touch and in tune with fellow artists and see everything new thats going on. I really like the constructive, friendly feel of the community of Inked Nation.
IN: Any tips for someone whos trying to get an apprenticeship?
DM: Things to expect in your apprenticeship will be vast, mostly forming from your mentor and the studio you will be learning at which should be your first consideration while looking for an apprenticeship. Next to the actual art, the mechanics of tattooing are important to learn. Thats the machines and equipment you will be working with. Dont be afraid to dive into your equipment and really get a solid understanding of how the machines, needles, pigments and other items work, a better understanding of these things will help you in the long run. One of the most important things nowadays is to also have a comprehensive understanding of blood-borne pathogens and disease transmission, not to scare anyone. As long as you take classes and apply sterile work habits, you and your clients will remain safe. There are a ton of aspects of tattooing to learn, just take it one day at a time, ask as many questions as you need to grasp everything, and as always, practice your art constantly!!
IN: What is a scratcher? Please explain the importance of proper apprenticeship?
DM: Hmmm, I believe a scratcher is one who does not excel or try to further their practice having abandoned the need to get better at their art form. One who is not confident in their application, therefore leaving a scratched looking tattoo in the skin, not a smooth, well refined tattoo. Those tattooing that know nothing of the aspect of sterilization or sterile practices also falls between those lines. If someone is generally interested in becoming a tattoo artist nowadays, I believe its best to serve a full apprenticeship, studying every aspect of tattooing, beginning with art, working with people on a professional level, sterilization and work habits concerning their clients safety in the studio they will be working at. A good apprenticeship should cover all that, then dig into the skin and the mechanics behind the application of a tattoo.
IN: I am about to get my first tattoo, I walk into a studio. What should I look for so I can be re assured the place I am is safe?
DM: Cleanliness and positive attitudes! Look around the studio and be sure to check out everything you need to make you 100% comfortable and confident in your artist. Make sure your artists is trained and capable to handle your request. Of course, look for new needles, an autoclave, and good personal hygiene. I always look at the entrance and exit door handles when I go into a studio, its a little thing I pay attention to because thats the first point of cross contamination in any tattoo studio. Clients like to touch their fresh tattoos in one way or another, then, they usually leave without washing that hand off and touch the same door knock all client touch on their way in and out, just something that I look at. Be safe, dont settle for less!
IN: Do you use your own tattoo machines? Do you build or buy?
DM: I have built numerous machines over the years, but I never got serious about that aspect. I currently work with a lot of Pulse, Kingpin and Next Generation machines!! I wanna try out Neuma Machines eventually, I hear good things about them!
IN: What is the best tattoo youve done?
DM: The last tattoo I did! I dont really have a favorite tattoo Ive done due to each piece having its own personality and feel. Each new tattoo brings a new enthusiasm to my portfolio. Whats that saying, youre only as good as your last tattoo!
IN: Being inked like you are, is your entire life pretty much based around people with tattoos?
DM: Fo Sho!! I like to be around tattooed people more than non. Tattoos are a thing we all have in common, thats what ties us together. I guess I have saturated myself with the tattoo community forever, so I find it odd when one doesnt have a tattoo.
IN: The SuicideGirls are pretty heavily tattooed. Do you have a favorite Suicide Girl?
DM: Well, since my wife, Alissa of PidgeonPose.com is the Midwest staff photographer for SuicideGirls, Im constantly around the hot ladies of SG. Its hard to say which is my favorite one, they are all damn hot!! The Suicide Girls are the official trophy girls of The Hell City Tattoo Festival each year, bringing tons of the girls together for the weekend of the fest. They really make those trophies worth fighting for!! So, if I had to say my favorite would be Bully and Sunshine, they are also good friends!
IN: Everyone has a mentor or someone who influenced them. Whos yours?
DM: Growing up, I looked up to my grandfather who was an incredible woodworker. He was one of the only family members to show genuine interest in my art and would take the time to look at what I was doing without considering what I was doing as bullshit. He was also a WWII veteran, which I found a strong point with him. He was strong, artistic and hard working.
IN: Im at a bar and I see you, what should I order for you?
DM: Lets start it off with a shot of Jager, then kick it with a Corona!! Next rounds on me!!
IN: What sort of music are you into?
DM: I grew up in the hardcore music scene, early 90s, when shit was new and the scene was way rough. Id say that Slapshot, Integrity, Sick Of It All, Sheer Terror as well as many other similar bands defined my attitude towards life. I have played in bands in the past, singing and playing bass. I was in a band Knumskull in the mid 90s, we were simply garage punk, but those were some damn good times! Nowadays, I listen to all kinds of stuff I thought Id never listen to. It all depends on how Im feeling that day. I still prefer to listen to fast heavy energetic music though!
IN: Whats next for you?
DM: Im now 34 and am just as motivated as Ive ever been when this journey started. Id like to say Im gonna do this and Im going to do that, but I realistically take it one day at a time. I am planning on moving out of Ohio to a nicer state. Im sick of winter every year, it makes people hibernate for 4-5 months a year and that really sucks. I was going to move to Phoenix at one time, but decided against it until my son is 18 and I can move without the guilt. I am going to stay put in Ohio where I have family, friends, and a great tattoo community. Hell City rocks in Columbus, its become a very anticipated event in Columbus, so Im staying put a bit longer. I plan on traveling more overseas, keep tattooing and have fun while Im pushing on.
You can also catch up with Durb at Inked Nation and Hell City.
Jean-Francois Laverdiere of Inked Nation. recently sat down with the artist at his private studio in Ohio.
Inked Nation: What are your thoughts of the influence of reality TV shows and the Internet on the tattoo industry?
Durb Morrison: I think that the Internet and TV shows have done great for tattooing! At first, when I was watching Miami Ink and they showed someone spell something wrong, I was like awesome, here we go, they are going to show the worst aspects! The shows have really allowed the general public behind the scenes to see that tattoo artists are very talented down to earth individuals. The Internet has allowed todays tattoo artists to share and gather vast amounts of info, once kept underground. The Internet is the best place for inspiration and techniques, definitely revolutionizing tattooing. The shows have killed yesterdays stigmas towards tattoos and have solidified the art movement known as tattooing.
IN: Surveys say that over 35% of adults between the ages of 19 and 35 have at least one tattoo. Do you think the bubble has burst already or are we going to see more and more people getting ink?
DM: Definitely more and more people will continue to get tattooed! Just the public awareness and appreciation for the art form has lead to a huge increase of tattooed people, studios and artists. It has been here for far to long to be stagnant, tattooing is taking over!
IN: At what age did you know youd be a tattoo artist?
DM: I was a little punk skateboard kid that was always into some shit that meant no good! When I was 14-years-old my stepbrother started coming home with professional tattoos from an early mentor of ours. I loved the look of them in the skin and was fascinated by them. I started showing a general interest in getting a tattoo early on. I thought that by getting a tattoo, I was throwing another log of the fire and therefore putting myself out there away from the norm even more. I had always done art since I was a kid and found tattoo art the most inspirational, so it kinda went hand in hand that I would become a tattoo artist. I started tattooing when I was 17 and havent stopped since. I have had an amazing life thanks to tattooing and those Ive met along the way.
IN: Which was more challenging: building a world renowned studio or creating Hell City?
DM: Each are equally challenging, with different aspects along the way. I started Stained Skin Studios over 15 years ago and really worked hard to make tattooing huge in Columbus. I had many incredibly talented crews work along side me over the years. I sold both studios a few years back to focus more on my tattooing and passed the torches to two very motivated artists. I dont miss the fact that not only do you have to try to tattoo as much as possible, pay the bills, balance the books, and keep the operation going full steam, you also have to keep others as motivated as you are and play an inspirational role as well. I have always tried to contribute back to tattooing with whatever I do. After selling the studios, I have put more focus in recent years to the Hell City Tattoo Festival. I find that organizing Hell City is a lot of fun and very rewarding when you see everyone having a blast and working away under one roof. I feel like Im starting a new chapter in the book, its refreshing and a lot of fun putting on Hell City!
IN: Youre also known for your paintings, between tattooing and painting, which one do you prefer to do now ?
DM: I still like to tattoo more than any other medium I work in. Tattooing has made me a thousand times a better artist due to the precision and lack of forgiveness. I like the constant challenge of the clients and that feeling of accomplishment when I finish a tattoo and see the client diggin it. I like the interaction between myself and the client with tattooing, although I do like to leave the skin and paint and sculpt a lot. I like the fact that I cant really fuck anything up, its not a living person and it doesnt need to take piss or smoke breaks.
IN: Who did your first tattoo?
DM: One of my best friends growing up, Bill Sparky Rector did my first tattoo with a sewing needle and thread, pretty white trash, it was great! I later got professionally tattooed by Tim Miller, who I went on to apprentice under in 1991. He had learned from old school legend, Marty Holcomb here in Columbus. I have been tattooed by tons of artists since then, but thats where it all started.
IN: Is there any artist out there youd like to be tattooed by?
DM: Not sure why Ive never got tattooed by him, But Ive always wanted tattooed by Guy Aitchison, he has always been a huge inspiration to me artistically as well as his writing in his books. I would love to travel to Japan to get tattooed by Horiyoshi III as well, both are beyond amazing and are living masters.
IN:Tell us about Durbster.com.
DM: Well my personal website is a collection of my tattooing and other forms of art I have done as well as my life thus far. My Inked Nation page is a way for the online community to check out news and new works by me, as well as a way to stay in touch and in tune with fellow artists and see everything new thats going on. I really like the constructive, friendly feel of the community of Inked Nation.
IN: Any tips for someone whos trying to get an apprenticeship?
DM: Things to expect in your apprenticeship will be vast, mostly forming from your mentor and the studio you will be learning at which should be your first consideration while looking for an apprenticeship. Next to the actual art, the mechanics of tattooing are important to learn. Thats the machines and equipment you will be working with. Dont be afraid to dive into your equipment and really get a solid understanding of how the machines, needles, pigments and other items work, a better understanding of these things will help you in the long run. One of the most important things nowadays is to also have a comprehensive understanding of blood-borne pathogens and disease transmission, not to scare anyone. As long as you take classes and apply sterile work habits, you and your clients will remain safe. There are a ton of aspects of tattooing to learn, just take it one day at a time, ask as many questions as you need to grasp everything, and as always, practice your art constantly!!
IN: What is a scratcher? Please explain the importance of proper apprenticeship?
DM: Hmmm, I believe a scratcher is one who does not excel or try to further their practice having abandoned the need to get better at their art form. One who is not confident in their application, therefore leaving a scratched looking tattoo in the skin, not a smooth, well refined tattoo. Those tattooing that know nothing of the aspect of sterilization or sterile practices also falls between those lines. If someone is generally interested in becoming a tattoo artist nowadays, I believe its best to serve a full apprenticeship, studying every aspect of tattooing, beginning with art, working with people on a professional level, sterilization and work habits concerning their clients safety in the studio they will be working at. A good apprenticeship should cover all that, then dig into the skin and the mechanics behind the application of a tattoo.
IN: I am about to get my first tattoo, I walk into a studio. What should I look for so I can be re assured the place I am is safe?
DM: Cleanliness and positive attitudes! Look around the studio and be sure to check out everything you need to make you 100% comfortable and confident in your artist. Make sure your artists is trained and capable to handle your request. Of course, look for new needles, an autoclave, and good personal hygiene. I always look at the entrance and exit door handles when I go into a studio, its a little thing I pay attention to because thats the first point of cross contamination in any tattoo studio. Clients like to touch their fresh tattoos in one way or another, then, they usually leave without washing that hand off and touch the same door knock all client touch on their way in and out, just something that I look at. Be safe, dont settle for less!
IN: Do you use your own tattoo machines? Do you build or buy?
DM: I have built numerous machines over the years, but I never got serious about that aspect. I currently work with a lot of Pulse, Kingpin and Next Generation machines!! I wanna try out Neuma Machines eventually, I hear good things about them!
IN: What is the best tattoo youve done?
DM: The last tattoo I did! I dont really have a favorite tattoo Ive done due to each piece having its own personality and feel. Each new tattoo brings a new enthusiasm to my portfolio. Whats that saying, youre only as good as your last tattoo!
IN: Being inked like you are, is your entire life pretty much based around people with tattoos?
DM: Fo Sho!! I like to be around tattooed people more than non. Tattoos are a thing we all have in common, thats what ties us together. I guess I have saturated myself with the tattoo community forever, so I find it odd when one doesnt have a tattoo.
IN: The SuicideGirls are pretty heavily tattooed. Do you have a favorite Suicide Girl?
DM: Well, since my wife, Alissa of PidgeonPose.com is the Midwest staff photographer for SuicideGirls, Im constantly around the hot ladies of SG. Its hard to say which is my favorite one, they are all damn hot!! The Suicide Girls are the official trophy girls of The Hell City Tattoo Festival each year, bringing tons of the girls together for the weekend of the fest. They really make those trophies worth fighting for!! So, if I had to say my favorite would be Bully and Sunshine, they are also good friends!
IN: Everyone has a mentor or someone who influenced them. Whos yours?
DM: Growing up, I looked up to my grandfather who was an incredible woodworker. He was one of the only family members to show genuine interest in my art and would take the time to look at what I was doing without considering what I was doing as bullshit. He was also a WWII veteran, which I found a strong point with him. He was strong, artistic and hard working.
IN: Im at a bar and I see you, what should I order for you?
DM: Lets start it off with a shot of Jager, then kick it with a Corona!! Next rounds on me!!
IN: What sort of music are you into?
DM: I grew up in the hardcore music scene, early 90s, when shit was new and the scene was way rough. Id say that Slapshot, Integrity, Sick Of It All, Sheer Terror as well as many other similar bands defined my attitude towards life. I have played in bands in the past, singing and playing bass. I was in a band Knumskull in the mid 90s, we were simply garage punk, but those were some damn good times! Nowadays, I listen to all kinds of stuff I thought Id never listen to. It all depends on how Im feeling that day. I still prefer to listen to fast heavy energetic music though!
IN: Whats next for you?
DM: Im now 34 and am just as motivated as Ive ever been when this journey started. Id like to say Im gonna do this and Im going to do that, but I realistically take it one day at a time. I am planning on moving out of Ohio to a nicer state. Im sick of winter every year, it makes people hibernate for 4-5 months a year and that really sucks. I was going to move to Phoenix at one time, but decided against it until my son is 18 and I can move without the guilt. I am going to stay put in Ohio where I have family, friends, and a great tattoo community. Hell City rocks in Columbus, its become a very anticipated event in Columbus, so Im staying put a bit longer. I plan on traveling more overseas, keep tattooing and have fun while Im pushing on.
You can also catch up with Durb at Inked Nation and Hell City.
VIEW 19 of 19 COMMENTS
see y'all in may!