Brett Deadly 
The following article was featured in Trap Metal Magazine issue #1 CHECK IT OUT HERE
What inspired you to become a tattoo artist, and how did you get started in the industry?
What inspired me to begin the journey was, admittedly, my dad. I was definitely into art, making sprites and charcoal pieces more than anything. Still, it wasn’t until I wanted to get my first tattoo that my dad got excited. After we knew who I was going to for my first one, I realized that this industry was also a career path I could take that still delves into art. I officially entered the industry through an apprenticeship at a shop near my house. When one of the artists at the shop was working on another one of my tattoos, I started asking many questions about how it works, and she asked if I wanted to get into it. I don’t apprentice there anymore, but they are still a fantastic place to go.
What styles of tattooing do you specialize in or feel most comfortable with?
Right now, I’m the most comfortable with almost anything that’s not colorized, minus black and grey and Lettering; I can do fine art, fine line, blackwork, black with some shading, cyber sigilism (thanks to you guys), some dot work, and I’m learning negative space right now.
How do you approach designing custom pieces for clients?
First, I now ensure that these are when I’m not a vendor at events; it takes longer to make customs when I have a crunched time. But for appointments, I would ask if they have any references regarding what they want and if there is a description of their vision they can give me. Then I ask many specific questions, like what kind of vibe they want it to look and if one rendition looks right or if another version of it looks better. I like keeping them updated as I’m making the design because I feel as though less mistakes will be made, and it won’t take as long fixing it up if I were to go along rather than creating it entirely and then redoing it.
Can you describe your process for ensuring hygiene and safety during a tattoo session?
Cleanliness and safety are a significant priority for me, especially considering the risks that might happen if I don’t set up correctly. Most of the materials I have on hand are disposable, like the ink caps, tape guards, the sleeves I put over my bottled liquids, and all the cords (so many sleeves haha). I don’t let anyone else touch my station, and I switch my gloves often when I touch something different that’s not already sleeved. I throw the needles in a biohazard bin as soon as I’m done with it and make sure there’s a sterilized area that clients can rest on. I’m so big on safety I don’t know if you can tell, haha.
How do you handle clients who are unsure about the design or placement of their tattoo?
Patience, my friend. I was also in their shoes when it came to what I wanted for my first tattoo, unsure of how it was supposed to look compared to what my brain had a vision of, and I definitely didn’t know where on my arm I wanted it. Sometimes, I ask clients their first thought regarding placement and throw a stencil there to see if they vibe with it. With design, I just ask a lot of questions and try to pry their brain of the vision that’s in there. It takes some trial and error, but what’s wrong with trying different ways to draw their vision?
What do you think sets your work apart from other tattoo artists in the scene?
I’m confident that my inclusivity sets me apart from most shops in AZ. It’s a bit hard for me to get a tattoo myself because I’m neurodivergent, so a lot of the noises from the machine and tattoo shops playing music, and sometimes even the vibe of the shops from here, makes me feel uncomfortable. Since starting my journey, I’ve discovered that many artists here are very stuck to the older ways, and that’s okay if they are. Still, not every client wants to go through that experience in older tattoo culture just to make their artistic vision a reality. I think using numbing cream isn’t the wrong way to go, and if they need a safer space because of the noises or the physical sensation, or even if they need fidgets for the pain or something sensory, I’d like to give them that. It doesn’t matter your background, culture, or session preferences as long as we can get along while I help you become part of your art.
Are there any particular artists or art forms that influence your tattoo style?
Spit_blossoms, joslynn.tattoos, and tattooastrid from Instagram are 3 artists that definitely influenced my art style. I can still do different art styles in black and white that the client likes more, but I aspire to have a set personal art style like theirs.
How do you stay up to date with new tattoo trends or techniques?
Social media is definitely my way of keeping up with what the public likes at the moment. I think it helps that I follow so many tattoo shops on Instagram, but I see a lot of reels that talk about what kind of art styles people are getting recently.
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo?
It is okay to be nervous. Almost everyone getting their first that I’ve witnessed or done has been. If you don’t like where it’s placed or if there’s anything about the design you want to alter, please don’t hesitate to tell us. And for the most part, getting your first tatt feels like a cat making biscuits on your skin.
What are your long-term goals as a tattoo artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal is to build my studio shop, especially one that caters to the needs of non-conventional clients on top of other clients a shop would naturally welcome. For now, I’m saving the money to buy a public space. However, in the meantime, I’m looking for another shop to continue my apprenticeship. I’m still making appointments from my home and other’s homes (if the client feels more comfortable tattooing in their own space) and finding events that will allow me to vendor.
