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Twenty Questions with Durb Morrison
GetInkMidwest Featured Article - February 2008
GetInkMidwest.com caught up with Durb Morrison to get the scoop on his background in the Tattoo industry. Check it out!
Q1: You’ve been on the tattooing scene for quite awhile now… how long have you been tattooing and where did you get your start?
A: 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 on 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 haven’t stopped since. I have had an amazing life thanks to tattooing and those I’ve met along the way.
Q2: How did you come onto the scene and who gave you your first break in the industry?
A: Tim Miller gave me my first shot at tattooing in a shop, but I soon traveled to Sturgis where I met Sailor Moses. I ended up moving to Mississippi to work for him. He taught me more about tattoo shops and the industry than probably anyone.
Q3: Got any words of wisdom for those out there that are looking to get started in tattooing and don’t know quite where to start?
A: If someone is generally interested in becoming a tattoo artist nowadays, I believe it’s 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.
Q4: You’ve got some great artwork in the “Art” section of your website, do you have a background in fine art? Did you go to art school or take classes or are you self taught?
A: I am completely self-taught, although I continue to learn every day. I try and learn from everyone and every thing around me. (Check out Durb's Website: http://www.durbster.com)
Q5: As a businessman, you’ve really made an impressive impact on the tattoo industry – getting several tattoo studios off the ground. Where can we find Durb tattooing today?
A: Today I mainly work out of a private studio and am booked a few months in advance. I do work out of a private room at High Street Tattoo South a few days a week for certain clients. I like the private thing, but I miss the hustle and bustle of a studio every now and then. Actually, my plan is to open a new shop this summer, as well as keep hitting the good tattoo conventions! Who knows what the future holds?!
Q6: Hell City Tattoo Fest – that’s your baby, right? Seems like it’s growing in popularity and is the place to be in May, 2008! What artists and studios can we expect to see at Hell City? Got any plans to take Hell City on the road?
A: Hell City went on the road last year to Phoenix, AZ. We held Hell City at the incredible Biltmore Resort & Spa. This year we are back in our hometown with a great list of artists. http://www.hellcitytattoofest.com/attending-artists.cfm. We will also be doing the show twice next year, both here and Phoenix again!
Q7: You’re tattooing at Kat Von D’s Musink convention in Feb? That’s a pretty big deal… How’d you get hooked up with such a gig?
A: I began a relationship with Kat when she attended Hell City here in Columbus in 2006. I got a phone call actually from the promoter of the show offering me a booth. I jumped at the chance, because I have some friends out in that area and love Southern California. I will actually be tattooing some celebrity types as well. Stay tuned for pics from that show!
Q8: Speaking of Kat Von D, there seems to be a surge of tattoo-related shows floating around out there today. What kind of impact do you think it’s having on the tattoo industry?
A: 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 today’s 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 stigma’s towards tattoos and have solidified the art movement known as tattooing.
Q9: LA Ink, Miami Ink, London Ink… ever thought of tapping into some of your connections in the world of tattooing and introduce the world to Columbus Ink? (Hey – it’s a thought!)
A: I’ve thought about it, it would definitely be fun. I am so much more focused on Hell City these days I wouldn’t have the time. They can put a camera on me and film the making of the Hell City if they want!
Q10: Who do you enlist when you get the craving for some new ink? High Street Tattoo? Stained Skin maybe? If you could get some work done by anybody in the industry today, who would it be?
A: I have been tattooed by some great artists. I usually don’t have a lot of time to get tattooed myself. Gunnar has been working on a big piece on my thigh, and Guy Aitchison will be working on me very soon, I hope…
Q11: What’s your favorite tattoo? Where/when did you get it? Who did it? (Got a photo?)
A: n/a
Q12: What would you say is your specialty? (Black and gray, old school, etc?) What’s your favorite tattooing style?
A: Anything with a traditional foundation. I like black outlines and bright colors. I like doing Japanese work now, as I was recently studying the language. There is a very rich history in traditional Japanese tattooing that I really respect.
Q13: Where do you get your equipment and supplies… and what, in your opinion, are the best inks out there on the market today? What are the best machines out there today in your opinion?
A: I get the majority of my supplies from Kingpin Tattoo Supply. They are a big supporter of the industry, great guys and take care of everyone they come in contact with. As far as my machines, I use a few Aaron Cain machines and a few Pulse machines for almost every tattoo. They are tuned exactly right, and of course the Cain machines are sick to look at too! He makes one of the best out there!
Q14: Do you do the majority of the design work involved in your tattooing? Ever use flash from other artists?
A: I try and at least put my own twist on every tattoo design someone comes to me with. I draw everything, even if I use reference. I am not big into replication, and definitely prefer to do custom work.
Q15: Every artist has their inspiration. Where do you look for artistic inspiration out there?
A: I look to the masters of their craft. Tattoo artists like Guy Aitchison, Aaron Cain, Horiyoshi III, Boris, and Robert Hernandez. In the art world overall, I look to Dali, DaVinci, Todd Schorr, Alex Grey, I could go on and on…
Q16: You mention in your bio on durbster.com that tattooing has taken you around the country and around the world! What’s your most memorable destination on the road?
A: Definitely my trip to Iceland. It is the only place I have been outside the US, and it was amazing! I plan to travel more of the world in the next few years. Japan is the first place I want to go.
Q17: So you’ve been around – tattooing here and there, conventions, etc. Ever tattoo any celebrities? Can we see Durb’s work on the stage, football fields, basketball courts perhaps?
A: I have tattooed a lot of OSU football players who went on to careers in the NFL, a few bands like Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Coby Dick of Papa Roach, and Ricki Rockett of Poison. I am supposed to consult with Topher Grace out at Musink. I enjoy tattooing people like that, but realistically they are just another tattoo client. I give everyone the same amount of attention when it comes to his or her tattoos.
Q18: What’s your favorite tattoo you’ve done? Do any stand out in your memory?
A: My last tattoo I did! I don’t really have a favorite tattoo I’ve done due to each piece having it’s own personality and feel. Each new tattoo brings a new enthusiasm to my portfolio. What’s that saying I guess is, you’re only as good as your last tattoo!
Q19: What’s your wildest tattoo story?
A: There are way too many to tell, actually…
Q20: Aside from Hell City in Columbus and the Musink convention, where else can we expect
to see you in ’08?
A: I am doing the Detroit Motor City Expo in February after Musink, and then I am done until Hell City. I plan on doing some conventions later in the year, but the summer will be resting, tattooing and getting ready for the next Hell City Tattoo Fest!
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Durb Morrison Is A Featured Artist on GetInkMidwest.com. You can see more of his work on his Featured Artist page. Check it out!
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