Meet Travis Chick: Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Chick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve done a number jobs ranging from a meter reader at an electric company to a mechanic for a transit company, but nothing ever felt fulfilling no matter how much I put into it or how good I was at it. The one thing that has always remained constant for me is my love of art and the expression of one’s self through art. I knew early on that I needed to find a way to support myself and my family doing art; so, I didn’t give up until I found a way that could be done. I believe the ability to express yourself through visual art, specifically tattooing, is an amazing way be able to wear your soul like a designer suit for everyone to see and admire. Oscar Wilde said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known,” and I find myself lucky everyday to be able to have a career that allows me to look inside myself and extract that individualism to create something tangible and valuable. Although I’ve been tattooing for over eight years, I feel as though I just began to scratch the surface of what is possible, and I look forward to each new day that I get to scratch a little more. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a tattoo artist by trade but love using all types of mediums including charcoal, pencil, and paints. I’m not sure I could say what sets me apart from others because I try my hardest not to compare myself to others for fear of loosing sight of my own voice to ego or doubt. Today, I am where I am because I had no other choice but to believe in myself. I firmly subscribe to the idea that you only get out of something what you put into it; therefore, if you are not where you want to be, it’s because you have not tried hard enough yet. Something I’ve learned is to accept an outlook that the future holds difficult times and hard work, but the past reveals great memories and achievements made. So, don’t dwell on what you don’t have right now; everything looks better in hindsight. As for my brand or story, I try to do what fills my life with joy and meaning. If the world, or only one persons, sees that and finds inspiration, then I’m perfectly happy. All we can do as individuals is to strive for our own personal greatness whether it’s chasing an internal creative voice, dedicating your life to the service of others, or just trying to be a good parent for your children to see them prosper.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A must see for the Dallas area is the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), simply the scale and breath of the dma is amazing not to mention the architectural artistry and design of the building makes it a maze so you can literally get lost in it but there is no corner of it the doesn’t display amazing works of art. Also if you are in Dallas TX no visit is complete without some good barbecue and my recommendation would be Pecan Lodge in downtown. Their only open long enough to sell out of the meat they have cooked for the day so everything is made fresh. You will typically find a long line that stretches out of the building and around the corner nearly any day of the week, but a tip would be to hit their express line where they sell no less than five pounds but it will save you a good 30 to 45 minutes of time standing in line. You can then move on down the street to Deep Ellum and visit the brewery’s and concert halls like Trees and The Bomb Factory for great music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family and close friends. Truth is there are a number of people that I owe thanks and credit to for allowing me the opportunities to further my creativity, picking me up when I thought less of my abilities, and giving me the fortitude to carry on making a life for myself doing art. My parents for helping take care of my oldest son while I worked at night, apprenticed during the day after a couple hours of sleep, and always encouraging me to chase my creativity. One of my best friends for telling me, “No one gets to tell you what you can and can’t do with your life.” This was in response to being cussed out of a tattoo shop for simply asking how I could become a tattoo artist when I didn’t have “enough tattoos”. My now wife that puts up with my workaholic tendencies, is willing to honestly critique my work to help me grow, and supports my traveling in search for inspiration. A brother who let me really chew up his arm with my first tattoo and never complained. In fact, he won’t let me fix it because he says it’s too sentimental now. I am lucky to have these people in my life and have no doubt they are owed a great credit for making me the person I am today.

Website: Travischicktattoos.com
Instagram: @travischick_art