My tattoo journey began over thirty years ago when my father came home with a skull and cross bones with eagle wings tattooed on his arm by Snake. When I was old enough to get tattooed I went right out and got my first tattoo with out much thought about what I wanted, I just knew I wanted to be tattooed. That was over twenty years ago. Shortly after my first tattoo, my father introduced me to Uncle Bud and that’s when everything changed. I spent the next 18 years working retail in both the automotive industry and in Harley dealerships, all the while drawing tattoos, working with Uncle Bud to design my tattoos and hanging around the shop becoming part of the Pike’s Peak Tattoo family. I quit the motorcycle business two years ago to try and make some changes in my life and spent some time working construction for a friend and spending more time with my children. I was struggling, searching for my new path and dealing with a family tragedy. Then my wonderful wife told me I had to follow my heart and if I was ever going to be a tattoo artist now was the time. I made a phone call to Aunt Brinda and she told me to come in and talk with her.  She asked me if I was hell bent on doing this and when I said yes, she said she would not let me do it anywhere else. She then introduced me to the new crew of Pikes Peak Tattoo and I started mopping floors that day. I have learned more in the last six months than I have in the last ten years. Gary taught me machine building and tuning and with his help I built my first machine, with which I am very pleased. Sean has taken the time to teach me the lost art of building needles and Mr. Scary is helping me everyday to become the best artist I can be. I believe this is the best crew around and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity and to be a part of carrying on Uncle Bud’s legacy and continuing on his traditions.
Thank you so much Aunt Brinda and all of the guys in the studio for turning this dream into reality and thanks to my beautiful wife and amazing children for their encouragement and support.  I am a 41 year old rookie and plan on living the rest of my life as a tattoo artist while pursuing the rest of life’s dreams.

email me at: dave@pikespeaktattoo.com