Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Hamilton
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, I moved to Knoxville about 8 years ago. I battled an addiction to heroin for roughly 15 years and I just reached 3 years clean and sober. For me the biggest things in life are to spread joy and positivity the best I can. Having 3 small boys I want to teach the to be kind, passionate, caring, and devoted to what they love. I tattoo at. Born This Way Body Arts, as an apprentice, it’s a great group of people I work beside and learn from. Tattooing is wonderful not only for the art aspect of it but I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and making a connection with them. In my spare time I love to shoot photography. I’ve been reaching out to local businesses and taking photographs showcasing their spot and what they do. Raw street photography is something I really love as well, being able to tell a story of this city and its people in real time through photography is an amazing feeling. I plan to get more involved in outreach for homeless people and addicts as well. I feel a lot of time they get brushed to the side and labeled as outcast or dirty people when in reality they are someone’s son or daughter at the end of the day. The unfortunate thing is they don’t always have a voice and I would like to be a voice for those not heard. I’m a very fortunate human being and I just want to give back as much as I can, because at the end life this life I can’t take anything with me so might as well spread some love while I can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been a smooth one, but honestly I wouldn’t want a smooth path. I feel an easy life isn’t one worth living. Would I love to have all the riches and things of that nature sure, but I would take life experience and hardship no matter how daunting it may seem, it builds character. I’ve battled with addiction for a long time, which not only affected me, but my family also. Trying to build a career from nothing is a difficult task as well. This economy isn’t friendly or forgiving right now, so trying to take care of a family and pay the bills while you are trying to build a career can be difficult but rewarding. There are many times I’ve wanted to give up in life but I ask myself “is this the example I want to set for 3 boys I’m trying to mold into great men?” That keeps me pushing to become better everyday. So again an easy life, to me, isn’t worth living.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a tattoo apprentice at Born This Way Body Arts. Right now I haven’t found a specific style I want to specialize in, there are many styles that I really love and enjoy though. I would like to be a well versed in this craft and be able to tattoo any style someone would like to get. I do really love Neo Traditional tattoos especially Neo Traditional Japanese work. Honestly what I’m most proud of is just being able to share space with such talented artists at Born This Way, being alongside the crew at the shop pushing me to be the best version of myself and push out quality work is great. I’d like to think what sets me apart from others is being able to connect and relate from anyone from any type of walk of life. Being able to give someone a great experience while tattooing and form a bond with them is something I aim to do every time I can.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was an only child and always felt a bit reserved and quiet. I got big into music at an early age started out learning how to play the piano then from there guitar, drums, and bass. As I got older I got bigger into producing hiphop tracks, heavily influenced by Pete Rock, Madlib, MF DOOM, Dilla, a lot of those guys. My taste in music is extremely extensive, I love crate digging and finding new artist across every genre. Skateboarding was a huge part of my childhood as well, I still miss the nights the homies and me would be out till 3 or 4 am skating the city of Memphis with a gallon of jungle juice and no care in the world. I got hit by a car at 15 and destroyed my knee so after that I got more into riding bmx but the love for skateboarding will never die off.
Pricing:
- Pricing for my tattoos vary by size, placement, and style but as of now things have been varying around 100-200 for tattoos. Feel free to stop in the studio for a quote or reach out to me on instagram at “tyhamiltontattoos”
Contact Info:
- Website: Tyhamiltontatoos@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tyhamiltontattoos & @juxtamist
