Steve Whittenberger

Posted on Monday, 11 January 2010 by Benny

I’ve gotta say, i fucking love it when i find an artist like Steve, and the simple reason for that is because the calibre of his art work and tattooing speak for themselves, i don’t feel like i need to say another thing past this point. Enjoy.

Thank you for your time dude, what’s been happening?

I’ve been staying busy wandering the US like a gypsy this past year. I got to tattoo with some amazing people and had some really good times. Now I’m getting ready to settle in a bit this year and really try to push myself artistically. I think it’s gonna be a big year.

For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Steve Whittenberger, I’m 26 and have been tattooing 8 years. I spend most of my time painting or riding my bicycle when I’m not tattooing. I feel the need to travel constantly. I’m a pretty simple guy.

How does a typical day in your life usually unfold?

Lately my days start off with waking up as late as I can before I have to be at the shop, riding my bike to the shop, tattooing all day then heading home to paint and watch the Discovery channel. Occasionally I’ll go grab some beers with friends

What initially got you involved in art, and how did that lead you in to becoming a tattooist?

Art has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I was definitely the kid who kept to himself while drawing all over my school papers. Then I had the pretty typical teenage rebellion and started listening to punk rock and playing in bands. Tattooing just seemed like the next best step so I jumped in with both feet and have been pushing on ever since.

Favourite medium to work with apart from tattooing and why?

I’m 100% a watercolor guy. I love everything about it and can usually get the results I want. I’m not patient enough for oils but I’d definitely like to try them more. I was always taught starting off that tattooing and watercolor go hand in hand so thats why I started them. I was painting flash and small traditional paintings. I think the two are pretty closely linked. I know they’ve both definitely helped with my progression in the other.

Who taught you to tattoo, and how have they had any effect on your style today?

I learned to tattoo under a guy named Buz Bailey. He was an old biker guy and it was an old biker style shop. I learned the basics and will always be greatful for that but I truly think I owe what I’m doing to the guys working at Rock-a-Billy Tattoo when I first got there. I was really shown what tattoos are supposed to look like and what can be done with them by guys like Dave Poole, PL Serrano, Nic Montgomery and Nate Diaz. I owe all of those guys so much.

I guess you could say Tattoo’s have become accepted in today’s society, possibly even expected, obviously there being more people for you to tattoo is a good thing, but do you think there is a downside to it?

Its being cheapened and overcrowded. Tattooing is a sacred thing. There’s a ton of tattooers now who don’t understand their roots or respect the people who laid the path for us now. Its our responsibility as tattooers to take care of those people as much as we can and show them we’re grateful. I also sometimes get frustrated when tattooing almost gets treated as a novelty now. Soccer Moms bring their kids to conventions not to get tattooed but because its a real life reality show. But all in all I guess at the end of the day as long as they’re getting tattooed and good tattooers are making livings that’s all that really matters.

How do you think certain “reality” tattoo shows on TV have effected tattooing on a broad scale?

I think its definitely made it more acceptable and opened our secret world up to everyone so in a way its kind of sad. But at the same time I understand people have families to support and money runs the world so I can’t say anything bad about those people. Some of them are even really great people and amazing artists. I just wish the tattoo customer would figure out that reality shows aren’t real. That would make my job a little easier. Then people wouldn’t expect back pieces in one sitting and to get it done as a walk in.

What’s been pumping through your speakers lately?

I’ve got a pretty regular rotation of the newest Killswitch Engage album, anything Circa Survive, anything from Cursive, and Secret and Whisper’s “Great White Whale”.

Greatest accomplishment as an artist/ tattooist?

It’s something new every day. I’ve had some pretty amazing opportunities thanks to this job and hopefully they keep coming.

No doubt you have seen some pretty fucked tattoo’s in your time, what is the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?

They come in everyday. People get the most jacked up tattoos just because they’re free or cheap. It’s absurd. Every single day I see tattoos with misspelled words or they’re backwards. Just the worst crap. Its job security though I guess, polishing turds.

Favourite place to kick it?

It depends on the mood I’m in. Sometimes I’m a homebody, other times I love going out. South Florida has a pretty lively night life so there’s a lot going on. As far as favourite cities to hang out in I’d say here in South Florida or New York. I love New York.

What are your thoughts on the resurgence of traditional tattooing?

It’s good and bad. It rules that people are looking back to the roots and respecting the tradition of things. At the same time though its bad that people are more or less regurgitating the same tattoo over and over again. I think people need to really research what they’re doing and find out the beginnings of what they’re trying to do instead of just hopping on the internet and doing whatever the latest cool guy tattooer is doing.

What was your first tattoo, and who did it?

My good friend Damon Burns tattooed Roy Lichtenstein’s “Pistol” on my arm. Still got it.

What inspires you to create?

I think I get inspired most by seeing others be creative, whether its painting or music or cooking or whatever. It gets me excited when I meet really creative people and makes me want to push myself harder. I usually am at my most creative while listening to music as well.

What’s in your pockets right now?

Chapstick, money, and a pack of gum

What are your views/opinions on the World and Society today?

I think everyone is doing a pretty good job of messing things up for the generations to come.

Name 5 things you couldn’t live without.

Tattooing, painting, music, friends, and Dr. Pepper.

Advice to aspiring artists/tattooists?

It’s a long hard road and it’s not like on TV so make sure you really truly are ready to put your whole self into it 100%

Anything in the mix or coming up that we should know about?

Not really. I’m back at Rock-A-Billy Tattoo and I’m gonna try and hit it hard this year and really push myself. I think it’s gonna be a great year.

Steve Says:

Life is too short to spend all your time worrying about what the next guy is doing