Meet Sam Cushion | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Sam, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been the artsy type, you know? I don’t think I would make it in a “normal” career. After being a dad and husband, being an artist in any sense of the word feels like who I am. Music was my first playground, and I spent over a decade composing orchestral scores for TV and my own side projects. It’s been a wild ride, especially getting a gold record – definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment. But it’s always been about the joy of creating something special, not just the accolades. Though it brings some legitimacy to what I was doing.

Funny thing is, tattooing was always in the back of my mind. Ever since I was a teenager, I had this fascination with the art and culture of tattoos. I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday and knew this was my world. It took me years to muster the courage to dive into it. I guess it’s one of those dreams that you keep in your back pocket, wondering if it’ll ever see the light of day.

But once I took the leap and got into tattooing, it was like opening a door I never knew I could to open. It became an obsession, in the best way possible. I had been passionate about it for years, long before I ever put a needle to skin. Working with tattoos is incredible. It’s not just about putting art on someone’s body; it’s about bringing their stories to life, making something personal and meaningful. Every tattoo is a collaboration, a dance between my client’s vision and my artistic touch. It’s a thrilling process, and honestly, I can’t get enough of it. Telling stories is what I have always loved to do. Either with music or visual arts, portraying the emotion of a story is such a satisfying thing for me.

So, why an artistic career? It’s all about following that inner voice, that passion that wont allow you to do anything else. Tattooing isn’t just a job for me; it’s a part of who I am, a dream turned reality. And I’m just loving the journey, one tattoo at a time. I hope to be doing it for a long time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my tattooing business, I’m deeply committed to creating a unique and personal experience for each client, but what truly sets me apart is the ethos behind my work. I’m most proud of fostering an environment that values collaboration, positivity, and growth. I firmly believe in the saying, “It’s ok to support another person doing something similar. Competition happens at the bottom, collaboration at the top.” This philosophy is central to my approach, especially in an industry often characterized by competition and toxicity. By supporting each other, we create a more inclusive and vibrant tattooing community.

A crucial aspect of my philosophy is the commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. I approach each day as an opportunity to learn something new and improve my craft. Staying humble and recognizing that there’s always more to learn is a principle I hold dear. This mindset keeps me grounded and open to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives.

I consciously avoid letting ego influence my decisions. In any creative world, where personal expression is paramount, it’s easy to become self-absorbed in one’s style or achievements. However, true excellence and meaningful contribution come from listening, learning, and adapting.

My brand is more than just a tattoo business; it’s a reflection of my belief in lifelong learning, humility, and positive industry growth. I want to show that my approach is about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone, regardless of their level, feels encouraged to learn, grow, and share their passion for tattooing. It’s about creating a space where there’s enough room at the table for everyone, and where lifting each other up leads to collective success and a healthier tattooing culture. When that happens, the industry benefits and most importantly, our clients benefit.

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?
We would have to visit Doc’s Records, it’s such an iconic landmark in Fort Worth. Mash’d is a place I could eat every week and never get tired of it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to my wife, Megan Cushion. She’s been my rock through all of this. When I was just toying with the idea of tattooing, doubting myself and wondering if I could really make it work, Megan was there with her unwavering support. She believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Megan’s confidence in my abilities has been a game changer. It’s one thing to chase your dreams, but it’s another to have someone by your side who stands by you, cheering you on, every step of the way. She’s been instrumental in allowing me to achieve the things I have, especially in making the leap to pursue tattooing as a career. Honestly, without Megan, I don’t know if I would have taken that plunge. Her support has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. She’s more than just my partner; she’s been a guiding light, helping me navigate through the uncertainties and celebrating every success with me.

I’m grateful every day for her presence in my life and in this journey of mine.

Oh, and how can I forget to mention my three amazing kids? They’re a huge part of why I do what I do. Their love and energy are like fuel for my desire to succeed. Every day, they remind me of the importance of resilience and optimism. Having them watch me chase my dreams, especially making the shift to tattooing, is something I hope they’ll remember. I want to show them that it’s okay to take risks, to follow your heart, and to work hard for what you’re passionate about. They’ve seen the ups and downs, the doubts, and the triumphs, and through it all, their love and excitement have been unwavering. It’s not just about building a career for myself; it’s about setting an example for them. Showing them that with determination and a positive attitude, you can turn your dreams into reality. I hope they grow up knowing that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, just as they’ve seen me do.

So, a big shoutout to my kids – they’re my little cheerleaders, my inspiration, and a big part of my journey. Their love and belief in me keep me going, even on the toughest days.

Website: www.SamCushion.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samcushtattoo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samcushiontattoo

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@samcushiontattoo