Meet MARK STRONG | Tattoo Studio Owner/Artist

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

Hi MARK, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the answer to that question is a little counter-intuitive. For a career in the visual arts, most people would probably assume that success is directly proportional to artistic skill. You might think, like I did, that a higher level of artistic talent is equal to a higher level of success. I have found that, while possessing a lot of talent is certainly helpful, the most important factor in my success has been due to customer service skills. Being kind, polite, and professional goes a long way! One of my mentors told me, “These young artists that think that tattooing isn’t a customer service job are fooling themselves.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a tattoo artist that specializes in photo-realism. While I do other styles of tattooing, my photo-realism is what gives me the most excitement. There’s just something about finishing a piece and making it look exactly like the reference that is so rewarding for me. I certainly took the scenic route to get to where I am today! Before becoming a full-time artist I got a degree in Materials Engineering and spent 5 years in the engineering field. My heart was always in art though and after losing my job in 2009 I rededicated myself to pursuing my artistic career. It was not an easy transition and there were times I felt like giving up. At one point I was struggling to find people to let me tattoo them and I literally couldn’t even give my art away for free. But I kept at it and studied and watched and learned from those around me and on the internet and got better. I’ve learned that persistence is worth it’s weight in gold; as an artist it’s good to develop a thick skin and be able to take criticism as that’s the only way an artist grows and gets better; and above all, be kind, polite, and professional. There are a million artists out there but more often than not people will gravitate towards someone who is easy to work with rather than just he most talented. I would like to encourage everyone to follow their dreams. You may never get there but it’s better to take a shot at doing something you love and fail than never trying at all.

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?
Austin is an amazing place for great food and drinks! I can spend a whole week just on the Eastside! For starters we’d have to do breakfast at Paperboy, a newer spot that makes the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever see. Via 313 for pizza is a must! Austin is probably known more for Home Slice (which is also fantastic) but the Detroit style pizza at Via is not to be missed! Food trucks are a staple here in ATX so go grab some thai-infused fried chicken at Spicy Boys trailer and while you’re there, grab a local pint at Zilker Brewery which always has amazing seasonal beers to go with there all-time classics. For some later night dining with a DJ turning out the jams, Gabriela’s does modern tex-mex to perfection. To cap-off the night hit up Liberty bar for cheap drinks and warm atmosphere. For activities during the day I would hit-up the local thrift stores. Austin is a gold-mine for thrifters! In the evening it’s all about karaoke at Ego’s, a karaoke-only bar that’s been belting out the hits since the 1970’s in the bottom of a parking garage. Seriously, from the outside it looks like a place you’ll definitely get stabbed, but it’s the friendliest, funnest little hole-in-the-wall around!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Art is such a collaborative effort. I don’t believe that great art is created in a vacuum. Every piece of art we see, every artist we admire, every new idea and technique combines to create the art in us. As such the list of influential people and artists in my life is endless but I would like to recognize Siego Mendez, who taught me about style and flow and how to properly tattoo. Alfonzo Cortez, whose artistic talent is inexhaustible and inspiring. Michael Norris, who instilled in me the “business” side of the art world. And of course all of the crazy-talented artists I am privileged to work with every day: Kimie Flores, Levi Ruiz, Lily Lundy, David Wofford. And my incredibly talented fiance and muse, Courtney Simons.

Website: www.indelible-mark.com, www.studioinkatx.com

Instagram: indeliblemarkart, studioinkatx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndelibleMarkArt, https://www.facebook.com/studioinkatx

Yelp: studio ink