With a solid foundation laid down by a few pioneers and an emerging custom culture being taken up by a new generation there are bound to be artists that rise above and lay down some influence of their own.
Hard work and dedication are hallmarks of the greatest artists and like most things, they attract the like minded. Determination to succeed, a drive to progress, and a willingness to share elevates the hungry artists. Out of this environment only the most inspiring work is produced.
Moving forward into the early 2000 we saw a huge boom in tattooing. A craft that was once practiced by the grizzled ex carnies, sailors, and outcasts is now the domain of young, vibrant artists of diverse backgrounds. No longer are the heavily tattooed feared or rejected. The rough subculture that birthed custom tattooing was no longer the dominant set. The word was out and no one was about to look back. The popularity and acceptance spread into every small town carried by tattoo tv shows, rock star promises, and an ever increasing artist base.
But we must remember the free living original thinkers that set a standard and raised the bar. We must thank those early trail blazers, the artistic minded and progressive thinkers, for establishing a blueprint that enriches the lives of so many. They carry us all on their shoulders.
