Name: GUNNAR
Age:32
City you were born in: East Coast
City you were raised in: East Coast
Shop you're currently working at: tattoo revolution
Shop number: my contact # 858-213-9129

Razordolls: Can you tell us a little bit about you?
Gunnar: I draw pictures, tattoo and paint. I am pretty lame...the only cool thing about me is that I have 2 amazinglly beautiful daughters.
Razordolls: I've seen pictures of them, they're both adorable. :)

Razordolls: How long have you been tattooing?
Gunnar: 10 years come october.

Razordolls: What got you interested in the business?
Gunnar: Was into hardcore scene as kid...tattoos were rebellious and cool. I got some...I drew a little but I sucked. But somehow it landed me an apprentiship.

Razordolls: Where did you learn to tattoo/who did you apprentice under?
Gunnar: Started at Studio Zee...in Connecticut. Zee was this surly fine line guy...he took me in...but treated me like shit...Jerry Issel (stinky monkey in Massachussetts) showed me some stuff...but then i left cause I hated it...Zee told me I sucked and I wouldn't amount to shit...so I packed up. Was gonna quit tattooing but decided I'd rather make him eat his words. Went to Turnpike Tattoo in Meriden Ct. Got told the same shit..that I sucked and would never be a good tattoo artist...After that I got to hang out with and work with some great people...that I ended up learning from.

Razordolls: When did you get your first tattoo and who did it?
Gunnar: I was 18 so it was awhile ago...I have no idea who did it...it has long since been covered.

Razordolls: What is your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?
Gunnar: I like alot of things...Making my own schedule, traveling, wearing what I want, traveling, getting to meet alot of new people, doing my own art on a daily basis and getting paid to do it, plus it has also opened alot of doors for me... But there are downsides....I work all day, all night, practically everyday of the week. My work doesnt stop when I leave the shop...for all the time spent tattooing there is an equal amount of time spent home drawing. I draw every goddamn day! I dont go out...dont hang out with my friends...dont see my kids much..and can hardlly maintain a stable relationship. I am not a partying type of guy...I am a workaholic. And I love my work...

Razordolls: How do you like the shop you're currently at?
Gunnar: Its cool...got its fair share of drama, but the guys I work with are pretty cool.

Razordolls: How do you like the SoCal tattoo scene?
Gunnar: Its cool...I moved out here from Ohio...and the people there dont have as many immigrants or malls...so they arent as financially well off. They buy small tattoos...softball size... I moved out here and i am doing sleeves and rib panels..the pieces are much larger.

Razordolls: How many shops have you worked at altogether?
Gunnar: I think 8, one of which I owned

Razordolls: Do you do guest spots at other shops?
Gunnar: Yeah...Mom's in Dunedin FL., FATKATS in Ocala FL., Body Graphics in Connecticut, and a few others cross the country.

Razordolls: Who are some of your favorite tattoo artists?
Gunnar: Jime Litwalk, Nikko Furtado, Adam Hathorne and Bob Tyrrell are not just a few of my favorite artists but also my favorite people in the tattoo world. I like a shitload of people. Check out my site for the complete list.

Razordolls: Do you feel your work is influenced by any of those artists in particular?
Gunnar: Not so much...but I do ge? inspired by them

Razordolls: Are there any artists, non-tattooists, that have influenced your work?
Gunnar: Greg 'Craola' Simkins, he is one of my best friends and biggest influences. Also Joe Sorren, Bernie Wrightson, Todd Schorr, Mark Ryden, Carvaggio, Alf?nso Mucha, Peter Paul Rubens.

Razordolls: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about your career? Do you do anything to defy this?
Gunnar: That you will get rich. You have to be on a show to get rich...TALENT does not equal $$$$. I am not saying that the people on those shows are talented.

Razordolls: What is your goal as a tattoo artist?
Gunnar: To be famous. I dont care if my tattoos are good. Just kidding...I want both.

Razordolls: Are there any artists you REALLY want to get tattooed by? Or name a few of the artists you have work by.
Gunnar: Shige! I have work from Timothy Hoyer, Jime Litwalk, Eric Merrill, Joe Capobianco, Cory Kruger, Nikko Furtado, Durb, Jon Clue, Will Lollie, Tim Biedron...

Razordolls: What are your thoughts on flash?
Gunnar: Not everyone that tattoos is an artist and not everyone that gets tattooed wants custom work...It has its place and its place is needed.

Razordolls: Would you think about getting an entire arm or leg blacked out because you don't like the work on it anymore?
Gunnar: No that is fucking stupid...spend the money and get it lazered off.

Razordolls: What about getting tattoos removed by laser?
Gunnar: It works. I endorse.

Razordolls: What do you think of the "hackers and scratchers" that are out there?
Gunnar: Who gives a fuck...cheap bastards deserve to get fucked up. Problem is the ones in shops charging out the ass...If you want steak go to a steakhouse...you want shit eat out the dumpster.

Razordolls: Are you planning on attending any conventions soon?
Gunnar: I have a shitload going on. Check my site or myspace for list of events.... www.myspace.com/artofgunnar or www.nohappyending.com

Razordolls: Where do you see yourself in 10 years or more? Still tattooing?
Gunnar: I hope so...I ?havent come close to doing my best work.

Razordolls: How are things going for you in the love department?
Gunnar: Working on it...I am head over heels for this girl..but I fucked up like most guys do...now I am trying to win her back...if I do...I am never letting go.

Razordolls: You have two adorable daughters, do you ever want them involved in the tattoo scene?
Gunnar: No. this scene kinda sucks...I would go into it, but would offend alot of people. As long as they remain innocent I dont care what they do.

Razordolls: What's your view on heavily tattooed women?
Gunnar: I am whatever about it...I actually prefer non-tattooed girls. But if the pieces are large, done by good artists and flow with the body than it looks good.

Razordolls: What do are your feelings regarding porn?
Gunnar: It's got me through some lonely times. Thought that was my calling...turns out it was tattooing.

Razordolls: What are your thoughts on Razordolls.com?
Gunnar: I honestly avoid website porn...I like dvds.

Razordolls: Do you have a favorite Razordoll?
Gunnar: Well Mary of course.

Razordolls: Name a couple favorite movies:
Gunnar: The Shinning, Cabin Fever, Harold and Kummar go to white castle, Goonies, Kung Fu Hustle. Too Damn many to list...I am a movie fanatic.

Razordolls: Favorite bands?
Gunnar: Right now Bullet For My Valentine, Muse, Escape the Fate, Alkaline Trio.

Razordolls: Favorite books?
Gunnar: Pendergast series by Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston.

Razordolls: Name a few places you'd like to visit:
Gunnar: Japan, Europe, New Zealand, Hawaii. I have driven cross country enough...I am ready to leave the country.

Razordolls: Is there anything you would like to add?
Gunnar: Sure...why not...a little shameless self-promotion never hurt. I am always taking appts. I do custom work only, but am open to most ideas. You do not have to get a large piece...I do enjoy doing small tattoos...But I have a 2 hour minimum. I also barter...if you have something worthwhile to trade. I come off like an asshole, but I am a pretty nice guy.ask mary. if you want to know more hit me up on myspace.com/artofgunnar

- Mary