Inked Talk

We are adding a new weekly feature to Inked Talk: Shop Talk. Each week we will be talking to a different tattoo shop.

This week, Shannon Walton, owner of Color Bomb Tattoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was kind enough to take some time to answer some questions for Inked Talk.

Inked Talk: What got you interested in tattooing?

Shannon Walton: I’ve always been into art since i was a little turd. When I was sixteen I went with my older brother and watched him get a tattoo done, and I was totally hooked on the idea from that point. It’s the ultimate flattery to have someone let you put a piece of permanent artwork on their body.

IT: Who are your biggest artistic influences?

SW: I’m influenced by everything around me. I take in everything as much as possible and try to use it in my art. I am inspired by the work of Tony Ciavarro, William Webb, Bob Tyrell and of course Paul Booth.

IT: Tattoos are more popular now than ever before. While that must be good for business, how do you feel about the popularity that tattoos are currently enjoying?

SW: With the insurgence of “reality” tattoo shows being shoved in everyones’ faces, it has both a good and bad effect. The good being people who you’d never think would get or have a tattoo are coming in to the studios and getting art done. It’s becoming more socialy acceptable. Whereas people who are heavily tattooed aren’t looked at like thugs or criminals.

But on the other hand there are more and more young kids buying home tattoo kits and scarring and frankly destroying their friends skin…and possibly spreading disease and infection. I wish there were more regulations on people buying equipment. At the very least they should show on the T.V. programs some sort of proper sterilization procedures. I’ve watched many times and couldn’t count the times I’ve seen cross-contamination occur. It really is disgusting and scary at the same time. Any qualified artist can fix a bad tattoo…but if you’re passed along some horrible disease…well good luck.

IT:Tattoos seem to go through trends. Lower back tribal pieces enjoyed a lot of popularity for awhile, and now that has seemed to wane a bit. What are some of the current trends, as you see it?

SW: We’re seeing a lot of foot tattoos and a lot of larger work, partially due to the fact that tattoos are everywhere.

IT:What is the most challenging part of your job? What do you find most enjoyable about tattooing?

SW: The most challenging part would probably be helping the person find the right idea. Often times they have in their head what they want, but they can’t seem to put it into words. So I have to pick their brains and try to get that idea that means so much to them onto paper. The most enjoyable part is making that idea come to life on their skin. I love the look on someones face when they leave happy. You get to meet a lot of interesting people in this business. I’ve made a lot of good friends because of it. Tattoo artists touch people’s lives in a small way. I still remember the guy who gave me my first tattoo.

IT: Tell us about Color Bomb Tattoo.

SW: Color Bomb was built around frustration of with the industry. We try to be different. We’re a big family and no one takes life too seriously around here. We have a fun job and I think it shows in our work. We have great artists (including): myself, Tattoo Q is an amazing artist, his color portraits are top-notch and his freehand skills are mind-boggling at times. My girlfriend Kala is apprenticing and coming along great, and will be on her own shortly and I’m sure she will be a name everyone will come to know very well.

Our chief body piercer John Vaughn is very talented and knowledgeable in his craft. There’s isn’t anything he can’t do. Our other apprentice Rachel is also coming along well and will be tattooing the world soon.

IT: Thanks, Shannon for taking the time to talk to Inked Talk and answer these questions.

If you want to visit Color Bomb Tattoo yourself:
On the web:
Color Bomb Tattoo Myspace Page

The shop:
8030 N. 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Telephone: 414-371-2525

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I always enjoy promoting other 451 Press writers’ work, and I found this gem today: “The Top Ten Artistic Things I’m Thankful For.” A very sweet read.