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Tattoo Artist Phillip Spearman is an award-winning, world-renown tattoo artist who quickly climbed his own ladder to the top, becoming one of the most widely sought-after professionals in the business today. Spearman started tattooing friends at the age of 21. He then devoted his ink practice to all of his time where he sharpened his skills before opening InkWorks Tattoo and Body Piercing in Artesia, Calif. 6 years later in 2002. The journey from novice to shop owner was anything but clear-cut. Though he began drawing as a child, and was unmistakably talented with pen and paper as well as ink and machine, gaining respect or more literally, an apprenticeship, in the tattoo industry’s “insiders only” atmosphere proved to be challenging. But Spearman wouldn’t be ignored. He persevered until veteran tattooists slowly gave him the time and guidance he needed to ascend from pupil to peer. Unattached to any particular style of tattoo, there is no such thing as a curve ball for this truly custom tattoo artist who merges his creative skill with each client’s personal vision. Having proved his skill many times over in all genres- from black and grey, to portraits, to Japanese- all of his Spearman’s work resembles the highest standard in each tattoo genre. Unsatisfied with plateaus, both personally and professionally, Spearman is compiling a portfolio and DVD of work inspired by traditional Korean art. This new project is a tangible display of his determination to spread knowledge of the innovative precision of Korean art here in the states, and the acceptance of tattoo as an art form in Korea. Crossing cultural boundaries is second nature to this half-black, half-Korean 32-year-old, who aims to widen the concept of Asian tattoo to include Korean art, not just the more commonly acknowledged Japanese and Chinese variety. Spearman perpetuates the cycle of tattoo wisdom by working closely with some of Korea’s standout tattooists, lending his expertise to spur boundless creativity in a country where tattooing is still illegal. Two years in the making, another endeavor of Spearman’s recently came to fruition with the creation of Envy Needles. He joined forces with tattoo furniture specialists Tatsoul to create medical-grade, premium needles. Known as the Tatsoul Spearman Advantage, these needles are the highest quality tattoo needles available in the market. Delivering seminars in Korea, guest-spotting at tattoo shops across the U.S., and attending conventions internationally in tattoo hubs like London and Milan may leave Spearman’s studio voiceless, but shelves of awards and trophies from across the U.S and the world speak for themselves, including twin versions of “Tattoo of the Day” trophies, representing taking first place two days in a row at the revered Kat Von D 200 convention. (Bio excerpt courtesy of Phillip Spearman/Inkworks Tattoo) Links: Updated: 4/26/2010 Back to Prominent People |
 (Picture courtesy of Phillip Spearman) |