Artist In view: Evan Olin
How did you get involved with tattooing and how did you find your personal style of tattooing?
I began tattooing through a formal apprenticeship at the same time I was attending art school at the Rhode Island School of Design.
My personal style is something that I’ve really developed organically through the years. It comes naturally as an extension of my fine art background. Even before I began tattooing I was always drawn to realism, specifically color and portraits.
What is the thing you enjoy most in the tattoo industry?
The thing I love most about tattooing is the connection between artist and client. Tattooing is such a pure art form - so much of the BS from other industries is cut out. There is no middlemen or watering it down. A tattoo goes directly from the artist to the client. The client isn’t investing in a product to hold onto and possibly resell. A tattoo can’t be an financial investment. The client is commissioning this artwork simply because they love it and want to wear it on their skin for the rest of their life. As artists we have the ability to change their self image, and give confidence and enjoyment as we permanently modify their body with our art.
Do you have a ritual or specific thing you do every time before you start tattooing?
One ritual that’s a little outdated that not everyone does in realism anymore is that I always draw my stencils by hand. I don’t use any stencil apps. I take quite awhile on them too. For me this is mental prep time. I really think through the motions and visualize the process of doing the tattoo.
What’s something you haven’t done yet but would love to tackle? (Tattoo related)
I’ve never done a Rick and Morty tattoo and I really want to do one. (I love that show).
Who are your biggest inspirations, or artists you admire and why?
Way to many to mention but a few of the ones that stand out are Dmitry Samohin, Steve Butcher, Ben Kaye, Phil Garcia, Nikko Hurtado, and Paul Acker.
What’s the funniest tattoo related experience you have witnessed or heard of?
I watched someone getting their butthole tattooed by a friend of mine who specializes in that sort of thing at the Boston tattoo convention while several hundred convention goers stood around watching. That was pretty wild.
What is most important for avoiding bad tattoo healing?
The most important thing is to have your tattoo done properly by a competent artist and then follow their aftercare instructions. It’s also pretty important to just be in generally good health!
What’s your favourite tattoo convention(s) and why?
I loved the Ink and Iron and Musink conventions because of the way they were really whole cultural festivals centered around tattooing. I’ve seen some of my favorite bands performing while working at those shows.
Is there a specific body part you enjoy tattooing and one you really don’t enjoy tattooing, and why?
I love tattooing legs, the skin usually saturates really well as the skin is tight and has very little sun damage. They also offer large flat surfaces that look great when tattooed.
